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VidCon 2026 is nearly here, and it's time for me to pack my bags.

Though I'll be spending June 24 to 27 asking creators all about what's in their bags, naturally, I have to come prepared with some gear of my own.

So what does a reporter bring in preparation for the biggest content creation meetup of the year? Obviously, my work-issued laptop is an essential, but I have a few other tech and lifestyle favorites to round out my packing list as I head to the convention for the second time.

Noise-cancelling headphones

As a headphones reviewer, I get my pick of the lot when deciding which pair to bring with me to VidCon. The Sony WH-1000XM6s stand out because they have excellent noise cancellation, are comfortable enough to wear during hours of listening back to interviews and locking in for writing, and the ear cups fold up, making them a great portable option.

A portable charger

I could fight for an open outlet in the Anaheim Convention Center. Or I could have a way to charge my laptop, charger, headphones, and a colleague's device all at the same time within arm's reach at any moment. The latter is by far the more appealing option, which is why I'm bringing along the Anker laptop power bank.

My trusty Owala

Where I go, my Owala FreeSip goes, and VidCon is no exception. Trust me when I say this is not a water bottle that's pure internet hype — in fact, it's a Mashable shopping team favorite. The FreeSip lid that allows you to use it as both a straw and an open-mouth bottle is the exact versatility I look for in a bottle. Though the 32-ounce bottle is a little on the large side for taking on the go, it does mean that I won't have to go looking for a new source of water all that often.

A notebook

I have one of those brains that requires me to write with pen and paper in order to organize my thoughts. (I literally wrote out this very list in a notebook before I got to typing.) As a lifelong stationery lover, I am picky about which notebooks I use. For VidCon, I'll be bringing along my B6 Stalogy, which lies flat, has ultra-smooth paper, and is compact enough to take on the go, without being too small as to make the writing experience cramped. The light blue version I have is currently sold out at JetPens, but it is available in black and red.

Kobo Libra Colour

Though not necessarily an essential for covering VidCon, an e-reader is a travel must-have for me. After owning it for nearly two years, I can definitely say the Kobo Libra Colour has bewitched me, body and soul. Don't believe me? I bought this e-reader for myself after reviewing it back in 2024, and my colleague, Samantha Mangino, calls it the best color e-reader on the market. I'm personally a fan of having buttons to change the pages (which none of the Kindle models do), and the shape is the perfect ergonomic fit. And when I'm winding down from a long day and am simply too tired to hold my e-reader, the Kobo remote works perfectly.