5 Things to pack for Comic Con

Comic Con Africa is back this weekend, and for many, it’s the highlight of the year. You’ve probably been stressing over wigs, armour pieces, body paint, or how to explain to your Uber driver why you’re dressed like a half-orc pirate before breakfast.

The costume may be sorted, but there’s another part of your plan that can make or break the weekend: what you carry in your backpack. The truth is, Comic Con isn’t just a casual stroll around a few stands. It’s hours of panels, queues, shopping, photo opportunities and chance encounters.

You’ll need to stay powered, cooled and hydrated while navigating a crowd that moves like molasses yet somehow manages to generate the body heat of a small furnace. The right kit will save you from becoming the person who sits slumped against a wall in a costume that looked fantastic an hour ago but is now a sweaty regret.

5 Comic Con Essentials

Here’s my list of five essentials that every Comic Con veteran (and clever first-timer) should pack. They’re practical, portable and a little bit fun – because what’s the point of going to the biggest pop culture event in Africa if you’re not enjoying it?

1. Instax camera

Your phone is fine for selfies and quick snaps, but there’s something unbeatable about an instant print. The Instax camera has become a bit of a cult item at conventions, and with good reason. Take a picture, hand someone a print, and you’ve created an instant connection. It’s like the cosplay version of swapping tazos (yup, we remember).

The best part is that the photos live outside your phone. A year from now, when your camera roll is buried under screenshots and memes, you’ll still have those small glossy prints tucked into a drawer, pinned to a wall or stuck on the fridge. It’s tangible proof of the weekend that can’t be lost to a dodgy cloud backup. And let’s be honest – it just feels cooler to hand over a picture like a magician pulling a trick out of thin air.

2. Small fan

Gauteng in August is still dry, warm and unforgiving indoors. Now add thousands of people packed into one hall, many of them in full-body costumes or heavy make-up. You’ll quickly understand why a small handheld fan is worth its weight in gold.

It’s the simplest gadget on this list, but one of the most effective. A compact fan slips into your bag, runs off a USB charge, and keeps you from turning into a melted puddle of body paint. You’ll thank yourself when you’re standing in a queue for an autograph and everyone else looks like they’re about to pass out. Extra points if your fan adds some flair to your cosplay—there’s nothing wrong with turning your cool-down into part of the performance.

3. Power bank (Romoss 10,000 mAh Two-Way Fast Charge)

The quickest way to ruin Comic Con is with a dead phone. Between snapping selfies, filming panels, checking the schedule and messaging your friends across the hall, your battery won’t last. A power bank isn’t just useful, it’s survival gear.

The Romoss 10,000 mAh fast-charge model is a solid pick. It’s slim, charges quickly in both directions and won’t weigh you down. That capacity is enough to charge your phone more than once and keep other small gadgets (like your fan) topped up. Think of it as the unsung hero of your weekend, quietly keeping you in the game while everyone else is desperately begging strangers for a cable.

4. POV camera (Transcend DrivePro 20B)

If you want more than just selfies, a POV camera is the way to go. Strapped to your bag or costume, it captures the con from your perspective: panels, walkabouts and those accidental moments when someone mistakes you for the character you’re cosplaying.

The Transcend DrivePro 20B is a strong choice. It shoots in full HD at 60 frames per second, handles bumps and scrapes without complaint and is small enough not to get in the way. It’s technically a dash cam for motorbikes, which means it’s rugged enough for a convention floor. By the end of the weekend, you’ll have footage that makes your highlights look like a cinematic trailer.

5. Water bottle (collapsible or filtered)

It might sound boring compared to cameras and gadgets, but this one is vital. Hours of walking, standing and queueing in a crowded hall will drain you faster than you expect. Dehydration is the silent killer of Comic Con enthusiasm.

A collapsible water bottle saves space in your bag and clips easily onto a strap. If you’re picky about taste or worried about tap water, go for one with a built-in filter. Either way you’ll be glad you brought it when you realise the drinks queue snakes halfway around the hall. Think of it as your mana potion for the real world.

Comic Con is a marathon, not a sprint. Costumes are for show, but comfort and preparation are what get you through the day. Pack these five things and you’ll be ready for whatever the weekend throws at you—whether that’s a sudden group photo, a surprise celebrity sighting or just the heat of a thousand stormtroopers under one roof.

Stay smart, stay hydrated and may your gadgets never fail you. And remember: the best souvenir isn’t always a Funko Pop, it’s the moments you capture and the stories you bring home.