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What should you bring to PAX?

24

Posts

  • GalFridayGalFriday Community and Social Media Manager NovatoRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    About Painkillers and Air Travel
    Does anyone know the rules about Rx painkillers on flights? I will be bringing some with me for a medical condition but am not sure if I have to put them in a checked bag or bring the original bottle with me? (usually I keep them in one of those dorky daily pill thingers)

    Also how much sitting/standing around is there at PAX? Not a complaint! Just wondering. People say "a lot" but what is that? A few hours? Most of the day? Need to know for medical reasons not picky reasons. :D

    GalFriday on
    @Ga1Friday is the twitter account I use to talk about everyday things. Sometimes work things. Lots of work things.
  • CrendelCrendel Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    GalFriday wrote: »
    About Painkillers and Air Travel
    Does anyone know the rules about Rx painkillers on flights? I will be bringing some with me for a medical condition but am not sure if I have to put them in a checked bag or bring the original bottle with me? (usually I keep them in one of those dorky daily pill thingers)

    Also how much sitting/standing around is there at PAX? Not a complaint! Just wondering. People say "a lot" but what is that? A few hours? Most of the day? Need to know for medical reasons not picky reasons. :D

    To be honest, there's a LOT of standing/walking, but also, there's a lot of places you can sit and rest if you so choose. Last year, there was a lot of seating in a few of the lobbies around the escalators, as well as the food court had a few tables. All the panel rooms have seating as well, but the lines and the "queue areas" were standing unless you want to sit on the floor.

    Crendel on
    Geek Hybrid - I like video games and being outside!
  • Moe FwackyMoe Fwacky Right Here, Right Now Drives a BuickModerator Mod Emeritus
    edited July 2010
    You will probably need to bring them in the bottle you get from the pharmacy (the one with the script label on it). I don't know for sure.

    As for standing, and walking. Well, especially with main theater offsite, expect to a considerable amount of walking. You'll probably be on your feet or on the move from one place to the other at least 2/3rds of the day if not more.

    Moe Fwacky on
    E6LkoFK.png

  • AvidAvid Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Here is the best tip for anyone who is a little heavier.

    BABY POWDER

    Ya I know im getting personal but a little on your inner thighs and you can walk way further without pain.
    I took the tip from a friend and since then quite a few of my friends use it.

    Honestly, might seem embarassing, but it's a tip that will give you +20 endurance.

    Avid on
  • contrefaitcontrefait Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    GalFriday wrote: »
    About Painkillers and Air Travel
    Does anyone know the rules about Rx painkillers on flights? I will be bringing some with me for a medical condition but am not sure if I have to put them in a checked bag or bring the original bottle with me? (usually I keep them in one of those dorky daily pill thingers)

    Also how much sitting/standing around is there at PAX? Not a complaint! Just wondering. People say "a lot" but what is that? A few hours? Most of the day? Need to know for medical reasons not picky reasons. :D

    Keep your prescription pills in your carry on luggage and in their original containers. Less likely to be "lost" that way. If you can, get your doctor to write you another prescription for you so you can prove to the TSA (acronyms vary from country to country) that you are entitled to the meds.

    It also is good to have the extra prescription if you run out/lose the pills so you can refill while you're there. There is a Walgreens down the street from the convention center which can fill prescriptions.

    Good tip in general, always bring more than you think you'll need. This applies to money, clothes, pills, and toiletries. If you're there for 4 days, plan for 5-6.

    contrefait on
    PAX East 2016 Checklist
    Passes: ▬ Hotel: ▬ Flight: [color=red]☑[/color]
  • strebaliciousstrebalicious Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    akjak wrote: »
    #PAXonebag
    ...Now just need to go find the right bag.

    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)

    That is a mighty fine bag. Though it may be hard to justify to the wife spending that much, considering we fly maybe once every other year. But I suppose this would be good to have on road trips or tours.

    strebalicious on
    camo_sig2.png
  • akTheraakThera akjak Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    That is a mighty fine bag. Though it may be hard to justify to the wife spending that much, considering we fly maybe once every other year. But I suppose this would be good to have on road trips or tours.

    Get her one too in the color of her choice... ;)

    akThera on
    Switch: SW-4133-1546-2720 (Thera)
    Twitch: akThera
    Steam: Thera
  • strebaliciousstrebalicious Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    akjak wrote: »
    That is a mighty fine bag. Though it may be hard to justify to the wife spending that much, considering we fly maybe once every other year. But I suppose this would be good to have on road trips or tours.

    Get her one too in the color of her choice... ;)

    They don't even have my color choice (Dayglo Yellow). Coincidentally, would this thing hold a 17" laptop with any ease?

    strebalicious on
    camo_sig2.png
  • akTheraakThera akjak Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    The yellow they have is pretty dang bright... It'd be very hard to miss. And yes, it will comfortably fit a 17" laptop.

    akThera on
    Switch: SW-4133-1546-2720 (Thera)
    Twitch: akThera
    Steam: Thera
  • Qs23Qs23 Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Moe Fwacky wrote: »
    Qs23 has been known to wear old ratty shirts on the CCST and throw them away each day, expecting to use PAX swag shirts for the trip home (and saving room for them).

    Moe, not only do I wear old t-shirts on the CCST... I wear old pants and underwear as well. Since I know I'm going to be coming back home with more stuff then I came with... (Last year had 2 full size tower cases added to my load) I don't have to worry about how the extra stuff is going to get packed. Plus, It's a nice way of making sure my wardrobe stays current.

    Qs23 on
    PASig.gif
  • cabsycabsy the fattest rainbow unicorn Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Avid wrote: »
    Here is the best tip for anyone who is a little heavier.

    BABY POWDER

    Ya I know im getting personal but a little on your inner thighs and you can walk way further without pain.
    I took the tip from a friend and since then quite a few of my friends use it.

    Honestly, might seem embarassing, but it's a tip that will give you +20 endurance.

    If you're talking about reducing chafe, a thin coat of deodorant will do the same thing and you don't have to pack more stuff, since you're presumably bringing deodorant anyway.

    If you wear contact lenses, bring an extra pair. It's only a tiny amount of extra stuff to carry and believe me, they're a lifesaver when you're hundreds or thousands of miles from home and your case decides it needs to gnaw the edge off a contact lens, or it gets torn, or it gets dropped down the sink.

    cabsy on
  • macbittmacbitt Atlanta, GARegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Flying with prescription drugs TSA recommends you bring them with proper labeling (i.e. original container) "to assist with the screening process." They don't require it but you should do it. Non-liquids aren't an issue, just put them in your bag and don't worry about them unless TSA asks. Liquids over 3 ounces or that won't fit in your 1 quart bag are also okay, but you must declare them to a TSA agent at the security point.

    http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm

    For a secondary bag for bringing swag home (not so good inside PAX I imagine) consider a duffle bag. Get one that can be folded down to take little packing space. But as mentioned consider the checked bag fee vs shipping costs. If you must check you may want to check your main bag vs the duffle depending on the durability of the duffle. Here's a link that shows you bag limits and checked bag costs for most U.S. airlines.

    http://www.farecompare.com/how-to-shop/domestic-baggage-fee-chart.html

    The Red Oxx bags are great. I use the Air Boss myself, a shoulder carry style (the linked backpack was based on the Air Boss, but as a backpack). I can fit a whole laptop bag (large enough for a 17") in the middle of my Air Boss. However you might want to go with a separate laptop bag. One, the straps on the backpack aren't the most comfortable in the world according to reviews. Two, a 17" laptop plus the usual accessories can add up to 10 lbs. With your other stuff that's a lot of weight in one point. Three, if you're going to carry it to PAX you probably want something smaller than a carry-on bag. A laptop bag counts as a "personal item" on most U.S. flights (so long as it can fit under the seat).

    macbitt on
  • GalFridayGalFriday Community and Social Media Manager NovatoRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Could someone help me with this initialism?
    "CCST"
    What does it mean?

    Thanks for the pills info, I will keep them in the bottle. :)

    GalFriday on
    @Ga1Friday is the twitter account I use to talk about everyday things. Sometimes work things. Lots of work things.
  • strebaliciousstrebalicious Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    GalFriday wrote: »
    Could someone help me with this initialism?
    "CCST"
    What does it mean?

    Thanks for the pills info, I will keep them in the bottle. :)

    Cross Country Super Trip

    strebalicious on
    camo_sig2.png
  • akTheraakThera akjak Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    cabsy wrote: »
    Avid wrote: »
    Here is the best tip for anyone who is a little heavier.

    BABY POWDER

    Ya I know im getting personal but a little on your inner thighs and you can walk way further without pain.
    I took the tip from a friend and since then quite a few of my friends use it.

    Honestly, might seem embarassing, but it's a tip that will give you +20 endurance.

    If you're talking about reducing chafe, a thin coat of deodorant will do the same thing and you don't have to pack more stuff, since you're presumably bringing deodorant anyway.

    Better than baby powder is something called Anti-MonkeyButt. It's sold at motorcycle clothing/accessory shops and is loads better than just straight baby powder, as it has some calamine and other stuff in it. (But cabsy is right, it is something else you have to pack)

    Plus... Monkeys make everything better.

    akThera on
    Switch: SW-4133-1546-2720 (Thera)
    Twitch: akThera
    Steam: Thera
  • strebaliciousstrebalicious Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Looks like I'll be two bagging this. One bag for my clothes/laptop to go in the overhead, and a small little tote looking bag for my goodies (DS, PSP, Camera/s, Kindle, buttons, some other stuff).

    And on the note of cameras, should I bother with my camcorder? It's a small little thing not unlike this one, but I just don't know how much use it will get over a point-and-shoot.

    strebalicious on
    camo_sig2.png
  • chupamiubrechupamiubre Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Looks like I'll be two bagging this. One bag for my clothes/laptop to go in the overhead, and a small little tote looking bag for my goodies (DS, PSP, Camera/s, Kindle, buttons, some other stuff).

    And on the note of cameras, should I bother with my camcorder? It's a small little thing not unlike this one, but I just don't know how much use it will get over a point-and-shoot.

    meh i would bring it if i had one.

    chupamiubre on
    <ZeroHourHero> I have a tiny penis
    <Qs23> I just need to get my dicks in a row
    <prox> i work for dicks
    #paforums_pax, all about the dicks.
  • IroquoisIroquois Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    You know personally, I would even skip the contacts if you have glasses. Contacts are nice but they will be a bitch if you have a problem with them in the middle of PAX. We're all nerds and glasses are good-looking on anyone. They'll be less of a hassle too. It's not like you'll be doing any wrestling or anything. Unless Blizzard decides that's how you'll earn your chance to try Diablo III since you almost had to do that last year...>_>

    Iroquois on
    3DS Friend code: 2449-5995-8538
  • cabsycabsy the fattest rainbow unicorn Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Iroquois wrote: »
    You know personally, I would even skip the contacts if you have glasses. Contacts are nice but they will be a bitch if you have a problem with them in the middle of PAX. We're all nerds and glasses are good-looking on anyone. They'll be less of a hassle too. It's not like you'll be doing any wrestling or anything. Unless Blizzard decides that's how you'll earn your chance to try Diablo III since you almost had to do that last year...>_>

    Trust me, glasses don't look good on everyone! I wear a -11 in glasses, they make my eyes look like tiny dots in my face and if I go out in the sun I am blinded by the light. An extra pair of contacts is small and easy to pack and it can save your ass if you're like me and the choice between glasses or contacts is no choice at all.

    cabsy on
  • SurlyDuffSurlyDuff Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    The one thing I remember wishing I had brought during my last trip to PAX was a poster tube. Because everybody was handing out posters, and artists were busy signing copies of game artwork, and I had nowhere to put them all without folding or crunching them for the trip home. Some of the goodies survived unscathed, but a lot of them did not. So this year I'm bringing a poster tube, at least one I keep in the hotel for the trip home. Dunno if I'm going to carry one at PAX all day.

    SurlyDuff on
  • IroquoisIroquois Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    cabsy wrote: »
    Iroquois wrote: »
    You know personally, I would even skip the contacts if you have glasses. Contacts are nice but they will be a bitch if you have a problem with them in the middle of PAX. We're all nerds and glasses are good-looking on anyone. They'll be less of a hassle too. It's not like you'll be doing any wrestling or anything. Unless Blizzard decides that's how you'll earn your chance to try Diablo III since you almost had to do that last year...>_>

    Trust me, glasses don't look good on everyone! I wear a -11 in glasses, they make my eyes look like tiny dots in my face and if I go out in the sun I am blinded by the light. An extra pair of contacts is small and easy to pack and it can save your ass if you're like me and the choice between glasses or contacts is no choice at all.


    Alright. Well then, in the case of people such as yourself, perhaps contacts are ideal. But if it's not an issue, go with glasses.

    Iroquois on
    3DS Friend code: 2449-5995-8538
  • tyleroityleroi Registered User new member
    edited July 2010
    No one has mentioned food so I think I'll chime in on it. Even if you pick it up before heading into the convention, some snack food is a great choice. Whether for dealing with hangovers (half my travel group was in !Slytherin last year and VERY hung over day one) or if you just don't want to leave the convention; snacks can help! Plus, they're snacks! nom nom nom....

    tyleroi on
  • RandomfoolRandomfool loofmodnar Rochester, NYRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    As little as possible in my opinion.

    Even a laptop is a bit excessive. Last year, I used my iPhone exclusively for internet access and never had any issues outside of the convention halls. I was too busy with PAX to spend a lot of time on my laptop anyway.

    Randomfool on
    I do Pokecrawl things. Professor Team Instinct, Hufflepuff supporter.@loofmodnar

    B4o6XD4.png
  • swissyswissy Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    If flying, dont over pack your carry on. You get soooo much swag your sitting on your bag to zip it.

    And good walking shoes, I got blisters last year from 3 days of PAX and site seeing

    swissy on
  • chupamiubrechupamiubre Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Randomfool wrote: »
    As little as possible in my opinion.

    Even a laptop is a bit excessive. Last year, I used my iPhone exclusively for internet access and never had any issues outside of the convention halls. I was too busy with PAX to spend a lot of time on my laptop anyway.

    I think laptops are most definitely needed. From checking out whats happening on the forums to finding places to go, having a proper screen is invaluable. Don't take it into pax though its not needed there.

    chupamiubre on
    <ZeroHourHero> I have a tiny penis
    <Qs23> I just need to get my dicks in a row
    <prox> i work for dicks
    #paforums_pax, all about the dicks.
  • StupidStupid Newcastle, NSWRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    swissy wrote: »
    And good walking shoes, I got blisters last year from 3 days of PAX and site seeing

    ProTip: Bring TWO pairs of shoes and alternate days wearing them.

    Seriously. I run (a lot) and it's common training practice to own two pairs of shoes and swap them for every run. Just like your body, the shoes need some time to "rest". For shoes, this allows the cushion in the soles to expand back to full and the uppers to un-stretch.

    If you're going to be on your feet for 18+ hours a day, then your shoes are going to be taking punishment for that same amount of time. Unlike your feet, shoes can't heal, so any damage you do to them won't get better. And when the shoes fail, your feet take up the slack, and you suffer for it.

    Stupid on

    26904.png
  • Moe FwackyMoe Fwacky Right Here, Right Now Drives a BuickModerator Mod Emeritus
    edited July 2010
    On the topic of shoes: INSOLES! Your feet will thank you.

    Also your knees and your hips if you're anything like me.

    Moe Fwacky on
    E6LkoFK.png

  • savagehartsavagehart Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    I always think about lugging one of these along for the Queue Room...
    walkstool_lg.ashx?bc=ffffff&mw=250

    ...but then I end up on the floor. *sigh*

    I got the 26" version of the stool yesterday! It's great. I'm definitely bringing it to Pax.

    savagehart on
    Doofenshmirtz: Wow, if I had a nickel for every time I was doomed by a puppet, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice, right?
  • AlazullAlazull Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    tyleroi wrote: »
    No one has mentioned food so I think I'll chime in on it. Even if you pick it up before heading into the convention, some snack food is a great choice. Whether for dealing with hangovers (half my travel group was in !Slytherin last year and VERY hung over day one) or if you just don't want to leave the convention; snacks can help! Plus, they're snacks! nom nom nom....

    +1 for this.

    Seriously, people, eating and drinking (water) will keep you happy. Chances are on Sunday you'll run into quite a few dehydrated people, who look absolutely frazzled from not sleeping enough, and also slightly gaunt because they haven't been eating well.

    I recommend bringing a snack with you in your bag every single day, as if you don't eat it chances are you'll run into someone who will.

    Alazull on
    User name Alazull on Steam, PSN, Nintenders, Epic, etc.
  • ElmoFuntzElmoFuntz Portland, ORRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Wondering, how cold/hot does it get in the building? Are shorts a good idea or will one freeze their bum off?

    ElmoFuntz on
    Go for the eyes Boo, GO FOR THE EYES!
    vn6ID15.png

  • Spokane_SnowManSpokane_SnowMan Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    ElmoFuntz wrote: »
    Wondering, how cold/hot does it get in the building? Are shorts a good idea or will one freeze their bum off?

    Average temps in Seattle for that week will probably be in the low 70's. Shorts will be fine indoor and out.

    Spokane_SnowMan on
  • AlazullAlazull Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    In fact, I'd recommend them, as it'll help you keep cool. While the external temperatures may be in the 70's, when you're in the expo hall all those bodies packed together make it seem a lot warmer.

    Alazull on
    User name Alazull on Steam, PSN, Nintenders, Epic, etc.
  • trickycooljtrickycoolj Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Alazull wrote: »
    tyleroi wrote: »
    No one has mentioned food so I think I'll chime in on it. Even if you pick it up before heading into the convention, some snack food is a great choice. Whether for dealing with hangovers (half my travel group was in !Slytherin last year and VERY hung over day one) or if you just don't want to leave the convention; snacks can help! Plus, they're snacks! nom nom nom....

    +1 for this.

    Seriously, people, eating and drinking (water) will keep you happy. Chances are on Sunday you'll run into quite a few dehydrated people, who look absolutely frazzled from not sleeping enough, and also slightly gaunt because they haven't been eating well.

    I recommend bringing a snack with you in your bag every single day, as if you don't eat it chances are you'll run into someone who will.

    Absolutely. Protein Bars are easy to carry and can really settle an angry stomach if you just have to get through one more panel before taking a full meal break. Consider throwing an electrolyte mix in your water if you've really been partying hard. The last two years I always got really shaky/dehydrated/not enough quality food/too much candy and caffeine around 11pm-midnight and just crashed. This year I plan on combating that with appropriate snacks in my bag of holding.

    Remember to take your vitamins too! If you're not eating healthy for the 3 days, you'll have a little supplement to help combat whatever kind of ConSARS comes your way.

    trickycoolj on
  • MarySueMarySue Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    cabsy wrote: »
    Iroquois wrote: »
    You know personally, I would even skip the contacts if you have glasses. Contacts are nice but they will be a bitch if you have a problem with them in the middle of PAX. We're all nerds and glasses are good-looking on anyone. They'll be less of a hassle too. It's not like you'll be doing any wrestling or anything. Unless Blizzard decides that's how you'll earn your chance to try Diablo III since you almost had to do that last year...>_>

    Trust me, glasses don't look good on everyone! I wear a -11 in glasses, they make my eyes look like tiny dots in my face and if I go out in the sun I am blinded by the light. An extra pair of contacts is small and easy to pack and it can save your ass if you're like me and the choice between glasses or contacts is no choice at all.

    Sun... Hm. I think I remember vaugely what that is. I don't think I've seen it since I moved to the Pacific Northwest 5 years ago.

    Just kidding.

    Only, kind of not really.

    With regards to the chafing issue, I highly recommend the Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief gel.

    MarySue on
    Portland, Oregon, and sloe gin fizz. If that ain't love, then tell me what is.
    +++BRONYS BEFORE BROS!+++
  • GalFridayGalFriday Community and Social Media Manager NovatoRegistered User regular
    edited July 2010
    Carry Ins?
    If this is posted elsewhere I missed it, sorry.

    Can we bring snacks or bottled beverages with us into the theaters/halls?

    GalFriday on
    @Ga1Friday is the twitter account I use to talk about everyday things. Sometimes work things. Lots of work things.
  • AvidAvid Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    I'm pretty sure you can. If anything have it in a bag.

    Avid on
  • FaceballMcDougalFaceballMcDougal Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    My little travel tip is that I buy new tube socks for the trip so that every time I need to change my socks - I have a pair that has never been worn.

    FaceballMcDougal on
    xbl/psn/steam: jabbertrack
  • VirlomiVirlomi Registered User new member
    edited August 2010
    I found the perfect backpack online that I am taking on the plane. It will hold my laptop, handhelds, and all of my cords and leave plenty of room for swag. I'm pretty excited about it.

    http://isisgear.com/product/trespass-pack-skate-backpack?cid=fp0810

    Virlomi on
  • SeatownstrikerSeatownstriker Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Hand Sanitizer. Everything else is optional.

    What this guy said. Can't stress it enough. If you don't want to get sick, or at least limit your chances. Carry a small bottle of this with you. Especially if your going to play any of the games. You don't know what people have been handling. And some vitamin C before and during the event.

    Seatownstriker on
  • CrendelCrendel Registered User regular
    edited August 2010
    Hand Sanitizer. Everything else is optional.

    What this guy said. Can't stress it enough. If you don't want to get sick, or at least limit your chances. Carry a small bottle of this with you. Especially if your going to play any of the games. You don't know what people have been handling. And some vitamin C before and during the event.

    Can't agree more! After contracting CONSars last year at PAX, I will not be forgetting the hand sanitizer! Blizzard was giving them away last year and I thought "What? How lame!" Now I know that Blizz are all knowing and powerful deities! *Bows down to the Blizz gods*

    Crendel on
    Geek Hybrid - I like video games and being outside!
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