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[EAST] First Time to PAX East? Stuff you may want to know lies within
Posts
[x] wyndham hotel (Chelsea MA)
[x] cigars for cult of the leaf
[ ] extra money for nerd swagger
Technically? Yes. But because the Toronto train only runs once a day, and doesn't line up with the Albany-Boston train that only runs once a day, you'd have to spend almost 24 hours in Albany. You're much better off driving to Buffalo and catching the Metal Gear line on the PAX East Train Alliance.
If your backpack is making you hot, then you've got the wrong backpack. Go to your local REI or equivalent, those are meant to allow your body to breathe while still being quite load-bearing. The one I have works perfectly for PAX purposes and holds everything you describe with no problem at all.
Messenger bags are okay but they can be unwieldy as you weigh them down, and they put unbalanced amounts of stress along your shoulders, which (IME) wears you out faster.
I've been struggling with that with the two first PAX Easts
The short answer is that there is no one good answer. Some favor courier bags, others swear by their backpacks, plus the above post is just one example of many that shows just how much thinking can go into the design of a good backpack.
Here's the lesson I learned from my two previous Easts and other various conventions : The trick is to not over burden yourself. There are things that can be considered absolutes - like that bottle of water - but for the rest I suggest you take a closer look at what you really, really absolutely need and will definitely be using. Mind you, every time I go to a convention with that in mind, I still fail
I always end up adjusting the contents of my courier bag and usually it's the "smaller stuff" that goes. I always seem to bring too many line games when I should only bring one, I bring a few MTG decks but I never use them (that could change at PAX but I want to stay away from MTG this time), etc.
Then there's the space saving things you can do. If you want to bring handheld games, I suggest you don't go over board with all the accessories. Bring only what is necessary and try to find stuff like this that lets you save space all the while carrying most of your carts safely.
Personally speaking I did three things to help this year. For one, I bought this but I will STILL try to fill it as little as possible. Second, I will buy the stuff I really don't want to miss out as early as possible and make a trip back to where I'm staying to dump it and not worry about carrying all of it for any amount of time. Third, I'm staying at the Westin, but that last one is just icing on the cake.
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I messenger bag would work for that, but if that's not what you're looking for I'm kinda out of ideas. I <3 my Bag of Holding!
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I definitely do NOT recommend a messenger bag, especially if you plan on carrying around your tablet and other electronics. Those things add up in weight and it will RUIN your shoulder and neck. I used a messenger bag all throughout high school and just the 10 second walks down the hallway were agonizing for me lol. Backpack is the way to go. I think I'm going to try my new camera backpack this year. I have a huge pet peeve about carrying things. Sweatshirts, water bottles, etc - it's why I don't own a purse lol. I like my hands to be free, especially at an event like PAX, so a backpack helps this.
Like someone else mentioned - only carry the essentials. First year we brought stupid crap like a laptop (never used it), his Nintendo DS (which never got touched), way too much winter gear (which made it hard to stuff anything else in the bag), etc. So last year we broke it down to what we really needed - like water and food, and kept everything else to a minimum. We decided to suck up the cold weather and only wear light hoodies because it wasn't too far a walk from the T and it meant less stuff to carry. Worked like a charm. This year, with the winter weather we're having in MA so far, don't even bother with hats and gloves and winter coats.
If you don't mind spending the money to eat, that will help relieve some space in your bag as well. My boyfriend and I are pretty cheap, so I packed us lunches and snacks to get us through the day. Took up some room, but we saved money lol!
You're going to want to try to avoid school-type backpacks. They'll defiantly work, but are intended hauling around books from class to class and are not very breathable. I took one to Prime 2011 and had to deal with a sweaty back the entire time. D:
If you're shopping around, take a look at hiking daypacks. They should be light weight, and are designed with breath-ability in mind.
Look for options like this: Mesh covered ridged foam backpanel with central air chimney
Cords on the front of the back/daypack are also wonderful for keeping a light sweater jacket/hoodie handy:
Twitter: @MrArcys
You should definitely check the basic PAX East 2012 FAQ as well.
Optional:
If you still crave more information, the first "Stuff you should know" thread is here, but the above covers everything you need. Last but not least, this thread by Sary is also very interesting to know.
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I make the trek from Kitchener-Waterloo by car. It's about 10-11 hours one way and last year it cost about $250 total (for gas and tolls). Divided by many people makes it pretty cheap.
http://www.amazon.com/Kangatek-GO-Go-Bandolier-Sling/dp/B003MQN8BC
http://www.amazon.com/baby-bandolier-Baby-Bandolier-black/dp/B0046ISWXE
http://www.amazon.com/Fantasybag-Urban-sport-pack-Grey-SB-6826/dp/B004USR79U/
http://www.amazon.com/UTG-Multi-functional-Tactical-Messenger-Bag/dp/B003TWZGRI
All of these items seem nice for carrying your own items (DS could fit, carts, line games, snacks, etc), but you should also be mindful of swag. They come in all shapes and sizes, particularly code cards and specific brochures that you may want to keep. I'd say you would have a hard time keeping those things on you with the first two items you posted.
On the other hand, there's a fair chance you will be handed various swag bags too so you can always combine things and you should be fine just as much.
Speaking of which, and unless I did not see it I'm sorry, but I did not see anyone post anything about bringing a cardboard tube for bringing back posters. Maybe the free stuff won't interest you, but there are vendors that might have something to your liking. I would not necessarily want to carry a tube with me the entire day but I would definitely want one back at my hotel room for proper storage.
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I think i'll be heeding this advice. Quite a few people have said the same thing to me in the last few weeks, haha.
(doing my level best to contain my excitement)
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Great idea! Of all the things I've thought about bringing, a cardboard tube was no where in my mind.
But, but, the tube is civilization!
A thousand times this.
(Chorazin we should hang, or something).
I don't have that many plans for PAX East, but when I do... (insert joke).
- Buy all the stuff I know I want and do not want to miss out on. This includes PA merch as the scarves and large size T-shirts have a very short shelf life.
- Go back to my hotel room and dump that stuff as soon as I have an open window of opportunity (no panels that fit the above "can't miss" category). I would be ready to make some sacrifices
- Come back to the expo
- Profit.
Bonus points if I can acquire swag along the way before going back (don't over do it)
Bonus points if that helps you adjust your carry bag to unload items you already see as unnecessary and cause burden.
This "stuff" may also include large items that could have easily been found on Sunday but the possible hagle or savings would not be worth the annoyance. Plus, if I really don't want to miss it, I won't risk it.
Personally speaking it would not matter if my hotel was at the ass end of Boston. If it were the case I would bring my car to the expo if it would help. YMMV.
[RSS Feed] Episode # 10 is up ~ Eastward Bound to Boston ~ Community Podcast on PAX East
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Driving is a nightmare. Boston is very old and was never laid out to be a major metropolitan city with cars. Many of the streets were simply com paths that were paved over. Drivers are rude, inconsiderate, and idiotic. We also seem to have a phobia concerning street signage. Parking can be worse and expensive (although I'm told the convention center has reasonable rates). Avoid driving if possible. I do.
Boston is very walkable, and what isn't close enough to walk to can easily be reached by the "T." (We call the public transportation system, such as city buses, subways, trolleys, the T. T locations are usually marked by a white circle that has a black T in the middle.
The T is very efficient within the city and does no really suck as much as Bostonians like to say it does. That said, some stations are dark and deserted at night. Boston, like any big city has some crime. Use common sense and take proper precautions when alone.
The T shuts down around 1am. The last subway car departs the first station at 12:45. Plan accordingly.
T service may not be easily available outside the city, but most hotels will have a shuttle to the airport. The airport has a subway stop.
Bars are required to close at 2am. Nearly the whole city is shut down. There will be no T service. Keep this in mind and pay attention to the time. Plan accordingly.
Boston has many excellent restaurants for whatever your taste. Some are pricey, some are cheap. Quality can vary. Sites like Urban spoon (which has a cool app) and yelp, and others, can help you find food or drink that suits your desires.
Cabbies are rude. T personnel are often brisk, which may seem or even be rude. T people are there to help, so don't be afraid of the rudeness, they will still give you the best info.
Most people are friendlier than they seem.
Some bars may not let people under the age of 21 in. I think it's a city ordinance.
having lived in the area my whole life, i have to agree that this is all excellent advice and is totally consistent with my experience. very well done.
Wow nice! That stuff should be mandatory reading for all new attendees
[RSS Feed] Episode # 10 is up ~ Eastward Bound to Boston ~ Community Podcast on PAX East
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If a bar's primary function is drinking, with maybe some bar snacks, it's no one under 21 normally. If they do have a full restaurant menu, it's normally no one under 21 after around 7 pm.
I think it has something to do with whether they have a restaurant license or just a bar license.
Relevant info: #PAX East: 3 Coin Lunch organizer. 2012 Trading card available. Pokecrawl Assistant 2012. Pokecrawl attendee 2011. Cult of the Leaf attendee 2012.
No problem as long as you're not "that guy."
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Thanks. I can't give much advice about conventions or PAX, but Boston I know. Which reminds me. Yankees gear is always a bad idea and after last week, Giants gear might be avoided too.
Love that dirty water!
I'll be honest, I like to skank. Would that make me that guy? Or would I be that guy if I was the only one? I REALLY don't wanna ruin someone else's experience.
skanking?
...and i thought ska was dead. regardless, you will probably be that guy.
Yeah, you'd be that guy. You'd prolly want to go behind the crowd to do that, dancing like that takes up more space than you realize.
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That's how I enjoy every concert, along with some respectful toe tapping. I will also happily put my hands in the air when called upon by the band to do so.
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Worked well and kept my DS, Wallet, and phone all closeby. Especially good for me for the concerts, where I didn't want a big backpack in the crowd.
I bought one of these with xmas money for this PAX. Looking forward to seeing how it works out.
Of note...
[RSS Feed] Episode # 10 is up ~ Eastward Bound to Boston ~ Community Podcast on PAX East
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Barmace
Well, you'll see and experience a LOT of fantastic things. However, you can't go into PAX expecting you will see and experience everything. There is SO MUCH to do and see at PAX that invariably you will miss something cool. Not to worry though, that's why PAX is twice a year!
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