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What should you bring to PAX?
Iroquois
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
There are several threads that touch on this subject, but I think several people would appreciate a straight up what-to-pack thread. I know I did my first year. So let's talk about what to put in a suitcase, and what to bring to the show itself.
:arrow:What to pack in your suitcase?
1. Clothes. 3-4 days worth. CLEAN clothes please. You're going to be in a large convention center with tens of thousands of people. You will want clean clothes. Not that everything is messy. It's clean. You'll just find that people will be more open to you when you are clean-looking. Also, you will be much more comfortable in cleaner clothes, allowing you to enjoy the show more. Also, make them comfortable since if you're anything like me you will do a lot of sitting, standing, walking, fast-walking, and running-but-trying-to-look-like-you're-walking. That and uncomfortable clothes will make you sore and if you are prone to chaffing, you will chafe. be comfortable. The convention center isn't necessarily too warm. It's pretty well air conditioned. But Seattle can be cold. So be able to make adjustments. Like a hoodie or something. Just remember you'll have to carry it around inside if you take it off. It's likely it might be anywhere between 70-80 in Seattle. 50 at the worst. Good chances of rain. But you'll likely be inside much of the day. And rain is awesome.
I'm making this a slightly separate part from the clothes because this part deserves equal attention. SHOES. Wear. Comfortable. Shoes. As people have suggested, gel inserts are very good. Arch support is good. Full footed shoes are good. No flip flops or big clunky steel-toes. Shoes. Chuck Taylors are nice but they aren't ideal for everyone, especially people with wide feet. Running shoes. Sneakers. Slip-ons. What have you.
2. Toiletries.
The usual. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. Shampoo. Any of your creams or what-have-yous. pack like you will live for 3 days. You will want to be refreshed. Deodorant too. PLEASE bring deodorant. 70,000 people can be a bit smelly if they don't use deodorant. Let's keep that down. Shower every morning too. Maybe at nights as well but chances are you'll be off having fun at night. So mornings suffice. Also, DISINFECTANT! There was a bit of a swine flu breakout last year but even though much of that has blown over, you will be in contact with thousands of people. Stay clean. Also, perhaps think about bringing powder if you chafe easily. Because if you chafe easily, you will chafe. Several people have mentioned that deodorant works equally as well.
3. Money
3 days of PAX can cost you any amount. Keep in mind games/cards/collectibles can be expensive hobbies so plan appropriately. But food comes first. Hopefully you have your hotel planned already so that shouldn't be a huge problem. But food is always the most important. Feed yourself at the appropriate times. plan on spending around $12 a meal on average if you plan on enjoying some of the nicer places. It's always better to have too much than not enough. You can eat cheaper if you hit fast food places. With 3 days, 3 meals a day at average $12 a meal, that come to $108. Like I said, you can end up eating for less. I just recommend about $100 if you plan on having slightly nicer meals. Or a Starbucks coffee now and then. As far as souvenirs go, there is so much cool stuff. There was this awesome booth that had butt-tons of old awesome gaming stuff across from the Harmonix stage last year. Man, I could have spent all 3 days there.
Now for the show itself.
:arrow:What to bring to the show?
1. Backpack/messenger bag/satchel/tote bag
You will NEED a bag. a big-ish one. Girls, a purse is too small to hold your swag. Guys, you are not too manly for a messenger bag. You will get swag. A LOT of cool swag. There are several opportunities to get swag bags from booths but bring your own. A place to hold fliers, t-shirts, posters, and on rare occasion a game, not to mention any souvenirs you buy. A backpack is preferrable in the long run since it will equally distribute weight as opposed to a messenger bag over one shoulder. It also has more room. A messenger bag is more accessible though but it's not like you need to grab anything immediately. Your shoulders will also get very tired. So, again, backpack is recommended. Empty it at your room every night because chances are you will grab/buy more stuff the next day.
2. DS/PSP/Decks/Miniatures/Dice/Books/anything else
It's a gaming convention. You will use these things. DS is quite a bit more popular than PSP but they're all good. Mario Kart, Pokemon, Mario Bros, anything really. People will play it. From the looks of another thread, Dragon Quest IX is looking to be a popular one too. Might have to jump on that myself. They have Sumo Bags sitting in the hallways for people to sit on and play. Or play anywhere really. Just not the main show floor. That's a bad place. Also if you play Magic the Gathering or pretty much any other card game, bring a deck or two. Even if you suck. I suck and I'm still bringing mine. People will help you learn to play and you will have fun regardless. There are several vendors that sell the cards as well like Wizards of the Coast themselves and other smaller but still awesome retailers. There are also rooms dedicated to miniatures and tabletop games. These are huge parts of PAX. If you've never played, I recommend begging someone to teach you the basics to Dungeons & Dragons. It's fun.
3. Camera
Seriously? Why not. Keep it in a easy to access pocket for quick photo ops. There might be cool things set up there, but unless you're press, you won't want your camera out all the time. Small cameras are the best. This isn't the BEST place to be doing extremely high-quality shots, but it is possible and I respect people that intend to. The cameras are more for people like famous people and cosplayers. Jerry Haulkins and Mike Krahulik will be there of course but they will likely be quite busy. Adam and Morgan from Xplay will likely be there. Wil Wheaton. Maybe Felicia Day. I saw Tim Schafer last year. But keep in mind that corowding them and harrassing them for face time is annoying. Be respectful. Be polite. Understand that they're here for the show too. Not just to be fan service. And they have things they need to do. Cosplayers are everywhere with extremely awesome costumes. They had a full Red Team from TF2 last year. They looked EXACTLY like the characters. If any of them read this, I love you guys and I hope you're there again this year.
4. Wallet
For money. Duh. Keep it safe though. Losing it in a place like PAX will make it impossible to find again.
5. Snacks.
They are something to consider if you're someone who needs a little something to keep you going. There are a few restaurants and shops in the lower part of the convention center like a Taco Del Mar, but since when was planning ahead a bad thing? It would be cheaper to bring your own snacks too. Just make sure it's eaten in the appropriate places at appropriate times.
WATER
Have a bottle. There are fountains there, but having a bottle is more convenient. Keeping yourself hydrated will make you more comfortable, healthier, and happier. Your body will thank you.
5. Friends
Because PAX is more fun with friends! Unless you have no friends.... Then I weep for you. But not too much. Because you'll make friends at PAX if you like to talk about gaming.
If you guys think there is anything I forgot, or want to add any comments. Please do so. Questions are good too. You can only benefit from them.
:arrow:What to pack in your suitcase?
1. Clothes. 3-4 days worth. CLEAN clothes please. You're going to be in a large convention center with tens of thousands of people. You will want clean clothes. Not that everything is messy. It's clean. You'll just find that people will be more open to you when you are clean-looking. Also, you will be much more comfortable in cleaner clothes, allowing you to enjoy the show more. Also, make them comfortable since if you're anything like me you will do a lot of sitting, standing, walking, fast-walking, and running-but-trying-to-look-like-you're-walking. That and uncomfortable clothes will make you sore and if you are prone to chaffing, you will chafe. be comfortable. The convention center isn't necessarily too warm. It's pretty well air conditioned. But Seattle can be cold. So be able to make adjustments. Like a hoodie or something. Just remember you'll have to carry it around inside if you take it off. It's likely it might be anywhere between 70-80 in Seattle. 50 at the worst. Good chances of rain. But you'll likely be inside much of the day. And rain is awesome.
I'm making this a slightly separate part from the clothes because this part deserves equal attention. SHOES. Wear. Comfortable. Shoes. As people have suggested, gel inserts are very good. Arch support is good. Full footed shoes are good. No flip flops or big clunky steel-toes. Shoes. Chuck Taylors are nice but they aren't ideal for everyone, especially people with wide feet. Running shoes. Sneakers. Slip-ons. What have you.
2. Toiletries.
The usual. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. Shampoo. Any of your creams or what-have-yous. pack like you will live for 3 days. You will want to be refreshed. Deodorant too. PLEASE bring deodorant. 70,000 people can be a bit smelly if they don't use deodorant. Let's keep that down. Shower every morning too. Maybe at nights as well but chances are you'll be off having fun at night. So mornings suffice. Also, DISINFECTANT! There was a bit of a swine flu breakout last year but even though much of that has blown over, you will be in contact with thousands of people. Stay clean. Also, perhaps think about bringing powder if you chafe easily. Because if you chafe easily, you will chafe. Several people have mentioned that deodorant works equally as well.
3. Money
3 days of PAX can cost you any amount. Keep in mind games/cards/collectibles can be expensive hobbies so plan appropriately. But food comes first. Hopefully you have your hotel planned already so that shouldn't be a huge problem. But food is always the most important. Feed yourself at the appropriate times. plan on spending around $12 a meal on average if you plan on enjoying some of the nicer places. It's always better to have too much than not enough. You can eat cheaper if you hit fast food places. With 3 days, 3 meals a day at average $12 a meal, that come to $108. Like I said, you can end up eating for less. I just recommend about $100 if you plan on having slightly nicer meals. Or a Starbucks coffee now and then. As far as souvenirs go, there is so much cool stuff. There was this awesome booth that had butt-tons of old awesome gaming stuff across from the Harmonix stage last year. Man, I could have spent all 3 days there.
Now for the show itself.
:arrow:What to bring to the show?
1. Backpack/messenger bag/satchel/tote bag
You will NEED a bag. a big-ish one. Girls, a purse is too small to hold your swag. Guys, you are not too manly for a messenger bag. You will get swag. A LOT of cool swag. There are several opportunities to get swag bags from booths but bring your own. A place to hold fliers, t-shirts, posters, and on rare occasion a game, not to mention any souvenirs you buy. A backpack is preferrable in the long run since it will equally distribute weight as opposed to a messenger bag over one shoulder. It also has more room. A messenger bag is more accessible though but it's not like you need to grab anything immediately. Your shoulders will also get very tired. So, again, backpack is recommended. Empty it at your room every night because chances are you will grab/buy more stuff the next day.
2. DS/PSP/Decks/Miniatures/Dice/Books/anything else
It's a gaming convention. You will use these things. DS is quite a bit more popular than PSP but they're all good. Mario Kart, Pokemon, Mario Bros, anything really. People will play it. From the looks of another thread, Dragon Quest IX is looking to be a popular one too. Might have to jump on that myself. They have Sumo Bags sitting in the hallways for people to sit on and play. Or play anywhere really. Just not the main show floor. That's a bad place. Also if you play Magic the Gathering or pretty much any other card game, bring a deck or two. Even if you suck. I suck and I'm still bringing mine. People will help you learn to play and you will have fun regardless. There are several vendors that sell the cards as well like Wizards of the Coast themselves and other smaller but still awesome retailers. There are also rooms dedicated to miniatures and tabletop games. These are huge parts of PAX. If you've never played, I recommend begging someone to teach you the basics to Dungeons & Dragons. It's fun.
3. Camera
Seriously? Why not. Keep it in a easy to access pocket for quick photo ops. There might be cool things set up there, but unless you're press, you won't want your camera out all the time. Small cameras are the best. This isn't the BEST place to be doing extremely high-quality shots, but it is possible and I respect people that intend to. The cameras are more for people like famous people and cosplayers. Jerry Haulkins and Mike Krahulik will be there of course but they will likely be quite busy. Adam and Morgan from Xplay will likely be there. Wil Wheaton. Maybe Felicia Day. I saw Tim Schafer last year. But keep in mind that corowding them and harrassing them for face time is annoying. Be respectful. Be polite. Understand that they're here for the show too. Not just to be fan service. And they have things they need to do. Cosplayers are everywhere with extremely awesome costumes. They had a full Red Team from TF2 last year. They looked EXACTLY like the characters. If any of them read this, I love you guys and I hope you're there again this year.
4. Wallet
For money. Duh. Keep it safe though. Losing it in a place like PAX will make it impossible to find again.
5. Snacks.
They are something to consider if you're someone who needs a little something to keep you going. There are a few restaurants and shops in the lower part of the convention center like a Taco Del Mar, but since when was planning ahead a bad thing? It would be cheaper to bring your own snacks too. Just make sure it's eaten in the appropriate places at appropriate times.
WATER
Have a bottle. There are fountains there, but having a bottle is more convenient. Keeping yourself hydrated will make you more comfortable, healthier, and happier. Your body will thank you.
5. Friends
Because PAX is more fun with friends! Unless you have no friends.... Then I weep for you. But not too much. Because you'll make friends at PAX if you like to talk about gaming.
If you guys think there is anything I forgot, or want to add any comments. Please do so. Questions are good too. You can only benefit from them.
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Iroquois on
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This isn't really a complaint but an observation: if this is your first PAX, keep in mind you may not want to take that many pictures. All that unreleased game stuff in the expo hall is great to share if you're media, but for the rest of us those pictures are not going to age well.
In the same sense that a game of D&D isn't about the hit points and saving throws so much as it's about the stories you collaboratively weave with your friends . . . PAX isn't about the expo hall and panels and free play rooms so much as it's about the experience of connecting with your fellow gamers in this environment rich with the stuff of our culture.
So, you may find you don't actually want to use your camera that much. If this is your first PAX and you're not media, definitely leave the DSLR at home. Be sure your camera can be easily stowed and forgotten about, without getting lost.
Nothing you said was wrong, and you didn't really lead anyone to think a camera was a must-have. I'm just softening your advice a bit.
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QRZ || My last known GPS coordinates: FindU or APRS.fi (Car antenna feed line busted -- no ham radio for me X__X )
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My suggestions:
1) Spare socks. If you're busy walking around all day and you find that your feet are starting to get tender, or like you're about to start getting blisters, or just that your feet are tired, changing socks can do wonders. Socks tend to get sweaty and gross throughout a full day of walking. Taking a seat, taking off your shoes, letting your feet dry a bit, and changing into a fresh pair of socks makes you feel like you haven't walked very much at all. I stuff a change of socks into my messenger bag when I leave my hotel in the morning, and I always change into them. Don't wipe your gross sweaty feet on a sumo or anything, obviously.
On that note, fuck cotton socks. Seriously. Get yourself some better socks. I recommend runners/walkers socks, or wool socks. Both types are moisture wicking and will keep your feet much more fresh, dry, and healthy than cotton.
2) Related to #1: comfortable shoes. Don't make the mistake of buying a brand new pair of shoes the day before PAX. Shoes need to be broken in to really be comfortable and safe on your feet. Ask anyone who's gone hiking in a new pair of shoes: it's a bad idea. Wear tennis shoes, walking shoes, cross-trainers, or whatever, but make sure they're comfortable. Sandals, flip-flops, heels, etc. are not advised. You're going to be standing for 12+ hours all 3 days.
3) Refillable water bottle. Being hydrated does a lot of things for your body: it prevents headaches, keeps your appetite at a normal level, helps your immune system, boosts the effects of caffeine and energy drinks, fights hangovers, etc. Water is awesome. There are drinking fountains scattered throughout the convention center. Refill and drink throughout the day and you'll be much happier.
4) Ear plugs. I've got some horror stories about roomates in PAX hotels who snore like freight trains. Do yourself a favor and bring some ear plugs for sleeping in, and also maybe for the concerts. This will also allow you to sleep peacefully if your roomies want to stay up and game while you want to catch some Zzzs. Wearing ear plugs at concerts is what all the hip kids do. It means you'll still be able to hear when you walk out of the concert hall, and also when you're 70.
5) Chargers. Chargers for your phone, chargers for your iPod, chargers for your DS, chargers for your laptop. Chargers, chargers, chargers. Might even want to bring a power strip for your hotel room.
6) If you've got airplane/train/bus whatever tickets that can be printed at home, print them out and keep them on your person. Even if they're just folded up in your pocket, they can save you a lot of time and get you out of jams. If you don't have actual printable tickets, print your confirmation e-mails. Same for hotel reservations. Have that stuff with you.
7) ID. You need that for hotel/airplane and just about everything else. You'd be surprised how many people forget their ID.
Organizer of the Post-PAX Party. You should come!
Satellite Theater for life!
Incorrect. Clean clothes, deodorant, and supplies to take a shower on a daily basis are mandatory.
Pre-PAX Dinner | Tri-Wizard Drinking Tournament | Post-PAX Party
2012 Prime Buttoneer (Main | Bonus)
Ravenclaw Death Eaters, Head Boy - Ravenclaw DE is on Twitter and Facebook!
You may get a headache.
You may get sore from sitting.
You may get sore from standing.
You may get sore from walking.
etc.
These things can mess up your PAX enjoyment. Don't let this happen to you!
This is true. however, PAX is not held in the middle of the Sahara Desert, nor Antarctica. There are a variety of local drugstores that are more than happy to take a few paltry dollars in exchange for an over-the-counter pain remedy. Unless you have specific medical needs, and particularly if you are flying, you should consider just buying a bottle of anti-inflammatory tablets in Seattle and tossing the leftovers in the bin when you depart.
I am staying at the tortoise hostel place. Does anyone know how the rooms are laid out or what kind of security there is? Being a hostel i expect it to be a little lax.
If this is too off topic please PM me a response and delete this post. Thanks!
here here!
On the subject of charging stuff, I got one of these for PAX this year: http://www.callpod.com/products/chargepod
Between my husband and myself we have two iPhones, two DSs, a digital camera, a Kindle and an iPad. I want to be able to charge ALL that stuff overnight. It's not here yet, but it looks like it might even be small enough to carry in my con bag for "emergency" charging.
Other stuff to bring:
Sharpie/something to get signed -- There will be a lot of famous people there. Last year I got my badge signed by a pile of people, and I should have been carrying my own sharpie. I missed an autograph or two because we couldn't find a pen!
Line games. Small, portable, simple games that can be busted out and played quickly with your neighbors in line. It looks like this year Zombie Dice might be an excellent contender.
Comfortable shoes -- Can NOT stress this enough. If you think your shoes are comfortable, take them for a "test con." Walk around your neighborhood mall for at least two hours in them. Still comfortable?
Laid-back attitude -- PAX attendees are some of the most civilized "crowds" you'll ever see. I think this stems from a lack of "ME ME ME," and a genuine interest that everyone around you is having fun. The sooner you realize you just CAN'T see it all, the more relaxed you'll be.
Twitch: akThera
Steam: Thera
At pax meh backpacks can be helpful just expect to carry every ones crap if you have friends. Swag can be dropped off at hotel rooms easy enough and its nice to get out of the expo once in a while.
<Qs23> I just need to get my dicks in a row
<prox> i work for dicks
#paforums_pax, all about the dicks.
Haha...you are, of course, correct. I would like to think most people bring that by default but some do opt for a more "natural" approach.
Traveling with one bag is amazing. I typically take just a backpack with me on flights and just jauntily ignore the baggage claim - the one time I had claimed items recently felt like so much wasted time!
True. I guess I just rather have what I need on me. Don't wanna leave PAX if I don't have to!
One of these days I will figure out how to do this. I try to pack light and just.... fail.
Since we now encompass 4 buildings, I think you can have a point for calling all of downtown part of PAX.
Details details! :P
I find that I can fit everything I need for an extended PAX stay (Wednesday to Wednesday), including electronics and accessories, an abundance of clothes, and usually a few games, into a carry-on-sized rectangular duffel and my messenger bag.
Getting home with swag and souvenirs is always a bit of a challenge, though.
Organizer of the Post-PAX Party. You should come!
Satellite Theater for life!
The green tortoise has little to no "security" but there are little lockers under the beds you can store things in. I would recommend bringing your own padlock and not having anything too valuable in there unless you are in a room entirely of friends.
But for basic clothes and stuff I'd feel fine leaving them locked in there.
I'm glad hand sanitizer was mentioned; I would've forgotten it.
I also wanted to give a big second to death to cotton sock. If you can't find a good alternative at your usual stores try a sports store that offers hiking boots. Ask them about socks and they'll get you something far superior. They cost quite a bit more per pair than the big bag at Wal-Mart, but you don't need to swap out your entire sock drawer, just enough to get you through an active weekend. REI gives a discount if you buy 3 pair or more.
I'm new to PAX myself (the above is from years of other travel and cons) so I would love to see this thread evolve into a good, fairly comprehensive guide of what to pack for PAX. An appendix of what not to pack would probably be useful, too.
...but then I end up on the floor. *sigh*
What I did for Boston was fill up one large backpack with all my things and then stuff an empty, normal-sized backpack into it so that I can use the small one during the day or for things I may buy on the trip. I'm doing the same when I go to Florida this weekend.
Oh are you? I will see you there then! Will you be at the Sunday dinner?
Back on topic; I am also worried about the buttons issue. I am already checking a bag though for my costume... I do wonder if they would trip security.
Legitimate question
Can I bring something to be signed? I wanted to have the BioShock lithograph signed by Mr. Holkins and Mr. Krahulik if I could but am not sure of the protocol since I am a newbie...
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QRZ || My last known GPS coordinates: FindU or APRS.fi (Car antenna feed line busted -- no ham radio for me X__X )
Yeah I was thinking of doing just that. The trick is to get everything into that one bag and still have room for the empty bag. This is a trick because I usually have overflow which goes into a bag under my seat. And I need room for my !Gryffindor robe, assuming I decide I'm not too damn old to go drinking with the youngsters.
@GalFriday I decided to end the weekend with the post-PAX party at the Taphouse. Probably a silly idea because of the free dinner at the Green Tortoise and it was a little pricey, but there are only 3 tickets left so others had the same idea. I will be going back to freshen up so maybe I'll eat as well, since it's free. I hate turning down free stuff lol. Either way I'll definitely see you there!
Last year I wised up and picked up some painkillers for muscle pain that fixed more or less the entire problem, so if you can find a small bottle beforehand or in Seattle it may be worth getting.
I learned that lesson after carrying a messenger bag last year all 3 days. Never again.
They are nice, and rated to support up to 440 US lbs. The legs are extendable/collapsable so you can make it into a nice stable and comfortable tripod stool, or collapse it down to a monopod swivel stool (great for photography). The whole thing is very sturdy and not "cheap" feeling at all. I believe the 440 lb rating!
The catch is, of course, the price. The lowest price I've seen is $75, plus shipping.
http://www.adorama.com/LTWS18.html
http://www.walkstool.com/uk/product/indexframe.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/478360-REG/Walkstool_WA18_Comfort_45_Large_Folding.html
I've used this on my last few trips, and it's just about perfect:
http://www.redoxx.com/Airline-Carry-On-Luggage/Sky-Train/91019/100/Product
This is a "lifetime" bag, hence the price. It's is extremely sturdy, well made, and able to take a beating. I love all the colors it comes in... So if you ever do have to check it, it stands out!
As for all the swag, last year I mailed stuff home. There's a FedEx station inside the convention center, and the line wasn't ridiculous (although the dude manning the station was sloooow)
Twitch: akThera
Steam: Thera
Hmm, yes, that can always be done. Paying to mail might be cheaper if you have to pay to check your bag.
Thanks for the links
I like the stool, but for instance in the sitting lines it takes you off the same "level" as everyone else. Would be great for standing lines though.
I'm not getting heavier but things are getting older, I rather like lines at PAX but the concrete is not my friend.
There is another available that your second link references. It's the Walkstool Basic. It's $34.95 at BareGreen.
*edit, found it cheaper at baregreen...