Conventions are the perfect place to express your love for Dungeons & Dragons. Between panels, pickup games, and browsing vendor halls, having the right D&D merchandise with you can make the experience better. This guide covers what to pack so you can focus on the fun.
Essential Apparel for Long Days at the Convention
Long convention days mean hours of walking, standing, and sometimes sitting on unforgiving floors. Comfort is key, but that does not mean sacrificing style. Start with a soft, well-fitting D&D t-shirt from a brand you trust. Look for 100% cotton or a cotton-poly blend that breathes. If you plan to play in a chilly hall (and many are), layer with a light hoodie or zip-up. Pro tip: choose apparel with subtle D&D references rather than loud graphics to keep it versatile for evening meetups.
Do not forget good walking shoes. Breaking in new shoes before the con is essential. For cosplayers, consider packing a comfortable change of clothes for after photoshoots. And if you are attending multiple days, bring extra socks and a portable stain remover pen - convention food has a way of finding your best shirt.
Must-Have Accessories: Dice, Pouches, and Pins
Dice are the heartbeat of any D&D player. At a convention, you will want to bring extra sets for trading, impromptu games, or just showing off. Invest in a dice pouch or two that closes securely. Velvet bags with drawstrings keep dice quiet and protected. If you collect metal dice, use a padded case to prevent dings. Consider a dice tray - many are foldable and fit easily in a backpack. They give you a contained rolling surface and make you look like a pro.
Pins have become a major part of D&D convention culture. Trade them, display them on a lanyard or hat, and collect them. Bring a small pin display book or a corkboard insert for your bag to keep pins organized and prevent scratches. A pin badge sheet is also handy. And pins are great conversation starters - attach a few to your bag before you arrive.
Other accessories: a compact notebook and pen for notes, a phone grip with a d20, and a small bag for holding character sheets. Use a portfolio or a clear plastic sleeve to protect paper from spills.
How to Carry Your Merch: Backpacks and Bags
You will likely buy more than you pack. Choose a backpack with multiple compartments so you can separate new purchases from your essentials. A padded laptop sleeve doubles as a dice case holder. Look for a bag with a water bottle pocket - hydration is easy to forget during a packed schedule. Consider a crossbody bag or a messenger as a secondary bag for quick access to your phone, wallet, and dice.
Practice packing before you go. Place heavy items like dice and rulebooks at the bottom, near your back. Keep fragile items wrapped in clothing. If you plan to bring a poster tube, attach it to the side of your pack. Some backpacks have built-in loops for such things. And label your bag with a distinctive D&D keychain so you can spot it in a crowd.
Keeping Your Gear Safe and Organized
Convention halls can be chaotic. Protect your valuable dice, pins, and limited-edition items by using small zip pouches inside your bag. For pins, use locking pin backs to prevent loss. Dice can be kept in a hard plastic container like an old mint tin or a dedicated dice vault. If you are carrying signed books or prints, pack them with stiff cardboard and plastic sleeves.
Digital options help reduce physical load. Use D&D Beyond on a tablet for character sheets, and store rules PDFs on your phone. That means less weight and less worry. Have a portable power bank to keep devices charged. And always keep your room key or transit pass easily accessible, not buried in your main bag.
A simple organizer pouch for cables and chargers will save you from tangled mess. Lastly, keep a small first-aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and blister pads. Your future self will thank you. - -
Packing with intention lets you enjoy the convention without stress. Whether you are rolling dice in a side game or trading pins in the hall, having your D&D merch organized means more time for adventure. Check out our collection of D&D apparel and accessories designed for convention life.
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