Every Comic-Con attendee eventually learns the same lesson: what you carry matters. A lot.

When you’re spending the day bouncing between panel rooms, exhibit hall booths, offsites, signings, and whatever surprise adventure Comic-Con throws at you next, the contents of your bag can make or break your experience. The right supplies can save you from dead phones, aching feet, missed opportunities, and overpriced convention center snacks. So before you zip up your backpack and head for San Diego Comic-Con, it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure you’re prepared.

Luckily, the team at Parks & Cons is back with an updated guide to the items they consider must-haves for surviving and thriving at San Diego Comic-Con (and you can find even more suggestions in our Packing Essentials).