Essential Items for Your San Diego Comic-Con Bag (And 3 Things I Regret Not Taking!)

I just got back from San Diego Comic-Con (2024) and I’m missing it already! To be clear, I’m not a superhero super-nerd, I don’t love the heat or tightly packed crowds, and I mainly go to SDCC because my husband is on a stunt panel called Selling the Hit and I get a Pro pass. This is not to say I don’t love going for the other stuff – I have come to appreciate the Con and I do find a lot to love (hello AEW panel and wrestler-spotting)! The Con is filled with an array of amazing panels, exclusive merchandise, artwork, and acceptance. However, navigating through the crowds and long lines can be challenging if you’re not properly prepared. And then there’s being on your feet all day, for potentially four days. When I’m walking around the convention center, I like to keep it light and have my hands free, whilst having all my essentials within easy reach. I’ve put together a list of essential items you should pack in your convention day bag to ensure a smooth and enjoyable day at Comic-Con, along with three things I wish I had brought with me.

The Essentials

1. Comfortable Shoes – You’ll be on your feet a lot, so comfortable shoes are a must. Opt for sneakers or well-cushioned walking shoes to keep your feet happy throughout the day.

2. Reusable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when you’re spending long hours in a busy convention center. A reusable water bottle is eco-friendly and convenient, allowing you to refill at water stations. My favorite is the Brita filtering bottle!

3. Snacks – Lines for food can be incredibly long, and you don’t want to miss out on exciting panels because you’re waiting for a meal. Pack some easy-to-carry snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit to keep your energy levels up.

4. Portable Charger – With so many photo opportunities and social media updates, your phone battery can drain quickly. A portable charger ensures your devices stay powered up all day.

5. Backpack or Tote Bag – A bag is essential for carrying your items comfortably. Choose one with multiple compartments to keep everything organized and easily accessible. I love smaller cross-body style bags (check out the Beis bag with the hidden water bottle holder further down!), but if you need more bag space for a camera, merch or extra supplies, consider a decent-sized backpack so that you can remain hands-free.

6. Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes – Conventions are notorious for germs. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes help you stay clean and avoid getting sick.

7. Autograph Book and Pens – You never know when you’ll run into your favorite celebrities or artists. Having an autograph book and pens on hand means you’re always ready for a signature or a quick sketch.

AEW stars at the “Rise Inside the Ring and Beyond” panel

8. Light Jacket or Sweater – The weather in San Diego can be unpredictable, although it’s usually scorching hot. The convention center can get chilly with the air conditioning. I always take a plaid shirt, or light shacket and have it tied around my waist for a cute and comfy look, but if you tend to run cold, consider bringing something warmer like a light sweater.

9. A Hat & Sunglasses – It’s usually hot. Take care of yourself in the heat!

10. Electrolyte sachets/magnesium supplement – I am not a medical professional, so please consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements. Even though I’m a Peloton-er (?) and consider myself to be very fit, walking around the convention center kills me. My legs ache like crazy if I don’t nourish myself properly – I love electrolyte sachets with magnesium to assist in recovery.

Three Things I Wish I Had Taken

1. Foldable Stool – After hours of walking and standing in lines, having a small, foldable stool would have been a game-changer. It’s compact and lightweight, perfect for taking a quick break without losing your spot in line.

2. This Beis bag with a hidden water bottle holder – As soon as I saw this come across my Instagram feed (it knows me SO well), I knew I needed it – unfortunately I found it too late, but this would have allowed me to carry my favorite Brita reusable water bottle without the need for extra hands!

3. Small bottle of sunblock (cream) – I always cover myself in sunblock before leaving the hotel to walk to the convention center, however, my spray bottle was too big for my cross-body and in hindsight, a small, squeezable tube of cream sunblock would have been ideal for those spot touch-ups (I’m thinking backs of hands, shoulders and neck).

Final Tips

Plan Ahead: Review the schedule and plan which panels, signings, and events you want to attend.
Arrive Early: Lines form quickly, so arriving early can help you secure a spot for popular events.
Stay Flexible: While it’s good to have a plan, be prepared to adapt. Sometimes the best experiences are the unexpected ones. I once took a detour to the bathroom and came out face to face with Nicole Kidman and Jason Momoa (the year they were promoting Aquaman).

My husband on the stunt panel, “Selling the Hit”

San Diego Comic-Con is an amazing event that can be even more enjoyable with the right preparation. By packing these essentials and learning from my past experiences, you’ll be ready to make the most of your day at SDCC. Happy con-going!