Free tool
GenCon 2026 Packing Checklist
115 items across 11 categories. Built by cosplayers who learned the hard way. Check items off as you pack for GenCon 2026 (July 30 – August 2, 2026, Indianapolis, IN).
Why this checklist is different for GenCon 2026
Gaming, LARP plans need more than a generic suitcase list. Pack around the builds you are actually wearing, not just the event badge.
Indianapolis, IN during July 30 – August 2, 2026 means heat outside and cold air inside the venue. Add hydration, sunscreen, cooling help, and a layer for panels.
If you are driving, split your kit between a floor bag and a hotel-room repair kit so you are not carrying glue, paint, and tools all day.
Packing tips for GenCon 2026
Tournament prep starts the night before. Verify your controller firmware, charge everything, and test your setup on the actual game build you will be playing. Convention WiFi drops at peak hours, so bring an ethernet cable if the tournament setup allows it. Download bracket apps on your phone before you arrive. Pack a cushion. Tournament seating is folding chairs, and a 6-hour bracket on a metal chair will end your focus before the finals.
LARP packing is split between your character kit and your survival kit. Weapons need to pass a safety check before you can use them, so bring repair supplies in case the inspection officer flags a loose tip or a split seam. If the event is overnight, pack your camp gear separate from your costume pieces. Knee and elbow pads that fit under your layers save you from twisted ankles on uneven terrain. A red-filtered headlamp keeps your night vision intact during evening encounters.
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