TOPIC: Bag policy

Since the bag check went away however many years ago, I was wondering if the bag policy has changed at all. Last year I had a small backpack and didn't even think to take it off (cause I carry it with me the entire Con) and nobody said anything to me. I ran 2 adventures with it strapped to my back. I don't mind dropping the bag off at the hotel if I have time but my events are pretty close together so wondering if just having a small backpack is still against the rules or if it's just a sparsely enforced rule.

The rule last year was you could bring in a small bag or backpack, so you weren't getting away with anything. But nothing with wheels.

I would add that if you are wearing a pack, please be aware of the space you take up. I can't not recall the number of times I have had a pack slam into me when someone turns around, lol.

Agreed! I have to confess I have an instant negative reaction to people who wear backpacks, because of the few who are Oblivions that slam others around without thinking and often without apology.

It makes me want to jump on their back and scream "CARRY ME!!!" In their ear.

So please, just don't be one of those. So far I've resisted my impulse

Awesome. Thanks guys!

balthasar wrote: I would add that if you are wearing a pack, please be aware of the space you take up. I can't not recall the number of times I have had a pack slam into me when someone turns around, lol.

^this^

I limit myself to a messenger bag inside the dungeon. You are much more aware of space requirements when something is on your side and under your arm.

In the past I have used a backpack without incident.

I am trying a binder with a shoulder strap this year.

In part because my collection is now too big to fit in a backpack. In part to reduce weight.

My only concern is that the backpack was very secure. The binder, well, we will see. If I have to bend over, I don't want to deal with something swinging around.

Harlax wrote: In the past I have used a backpack without incident.

I am trying a binder with a shoulder strap this year.

In part because my collection is now too big to fit in a backpack. In part to reduce weight.

My only concern is that the backpack was very secure. The binder, well, we will see. If I have to bend over, I don't want to deal with something swinging around.

Get a messenger bag. They have a really nice one for gencon this year

quoting from the Coach's Guide:

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Backpacks are allowed in the dungeon, but any kind of wheeled luggage is prohibited for safety reasons. Canes, wheelchairs, and other mobility-assisting devices are just fine.

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To shed some light on the reasoning behind this rule:

I have seen multiple occasions where players came through the dungeon with a wheeled backpack or a very heavy bag, and set it down (usually in the corner, out of the way) and later someone tripped over it. Because it was in the corner, in the dark, and no one saw it.

Once I saw someone leave their wheeled bag in the middle of the room, and when a monster jumped out, one guy ran backwards, tripped over the bag, fell, and took down part of a dungeon wall in the process. Luckily, he didn't break any bones, but I know he was limping for the rest of the Con.

The dungeon is DARK. It's crowded. There's a lot going on. Wheeled bags or large backpacks which are too heavy to carry turn into life-threatening obstacles, quickly.

So the policy is "Backpacks are allowed" because those shouldn't be set down - they should be on your back. If it's too big for you to carry comfortably on your back for the whole 2-hour adventure, then it's too big to bring into the dungeon.

Note: True Grind usually provides a space where backpacks *can* be stored during the event (usually a table, or a designated area along one wall.)