Confessions of a Game-Mistress

All right, we’ve packed our toiletries in the Bag that Doesn’t Unpack, so we won’t be stinky at the con. What’s next?

Clothing. Yes, call me old-fashioned if you like, but I require at least a change of clothes a day. So figure out how many days of con and travel you have, and plan accordingly.

Day One: Day one is usually travel if you’re packing. I tend to dress light and comfortable in layers for plane flights, no jewelry, no metal, and slip-on shoes. Car rides are basically the same, except you don’t have to worry about simplifying the security stop. Make sure in either case you’re wearing something that will be comfortable for hours of sitting still. I have to say I dress grungier for car rides - people in airports treat you better if you look like a business professional instead of a reject from last night’s pizza-fest.

Convention Days: You should give a thought to each day of the convention, what you’re going to be doing and carrying, and how best to make that a pleasant proposition. If I’m running games and nothing else, jeans and t-shirt are fine. If I’m going to dinner someplace nice, I prefer something a bit dressier to change into. The dance on Saturday night would require a different attire. This is also a moment to think about where your hotel is located. If you’re near the con and can dash back, you can plan on changing if necessary. If not, plan on one outfit that will last you until you stagger home.

Last Day: You’re probably back to travel things.

Ways to stretch your wardrobe, and how to pack lighter:

Wear things you’re getting rid of or can stand to ditch. I usually wear a con shirt or something similar on the way up, and discard it so I don’t have to carry it home. Good place to lose the socks you don’t like, you get the idea.

Make sure each item you pack is multipurpose. My best friend is the comfortable black sportscoat/suit jacket. It immediately dresses up anything I’m wearing, and it makes me stand out in the milling t-shirt crowd. Another great choice, which I’ll have again as soon as I can afford it is the Scott eVest. Best piece of clothing I ever had, and I’ve worn it out. Carries everything. And I do mean everything, as I usually had stowed in it two or three granola bars, water, dice, pencils, pens, character sheets, notes, cellphone, HPC, MP3 player, headphones, sunglasses, nail file, medicine, wallet, change, tarot cards, minis, chapstick, batteries, USB drives, you name it! And it swallows all that and leaves you looking sleek. It’s the next best thing to a bag of holding, and you’re ALWAYS prepared.

Plan your shoes carefully. Your feet are going to take a beating. If you wear comfortable shoes, you’ll enjoy your trip more. I have bought more comfortable shoes because of wearing bad ones to conventions than for any other reason. The New Balance store in Columbus, OH has gotten me twice at Origins. The TJ Maxx near the Indianapolis Convention center got me last year at GenCon when my old shoes literally fell apart under the strain of bad weather and too much walking. I recommend either a pair of leather walking shoes that can be worn with anything, or if you’re not concerned with having to dress up, the best pair of athletic shoes you have. And don’t be me - you’re better off buying them before the con and breaking them in when you’re not walking for hours.

Plan for your purchases. If part of your convention experience is acquiring con shirts or the coolest t-shirts ever, plan to wear them! Pack one less shirt, or don’t pack an extra shirt for the ride home. Save space.

Next time we’ll talk about the rest of packing - how not to overburden, and how to prepare for your swag!