Comfort
LAN parties can last several days, so giving some thought to how to keep comfortable is worthwhile.
Sleeping
While some attendees choose to stay up all the way through the event, getting some sleep is a good idea to avoid feeling terrible by the end of the event.
Beds
| Type | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roll mat | Low | Packs up small, light | Minimal comfort |
| Airbed | Low | Packs up small | Heavy, prone to punctures, air inside bed gets cold in winter, noisy to blow up |
| Camp bed | Medium | Packs up small | Heavy, assembly required |
| Foam bed | Medium | Comfort | Large |
| Fishing bed | High | Comfort | Heavy, large, complex to set up |
Earplugs
Disposable foam earplugs are great at blocking out the noise of other attendees snoring, or yelling as they pull an all-nighter.
Eye Masks
Typically attendees go to bed at 2am or beyond, and as a result the sun usually rises before you really want to wake up. Venues often don't have blinds or curtains, so unless you want to be awoken by the sun in your eyes 4 hours after you went to bed, buy a cheap elasticated fabric eye-mask to block out the light.
Hygiene
This is basic stuff but some attendees do ignore it - change your clothes and wash! Not just for yourself but for others around you. Ignoring this will make you unpopular with people around you.
Showers
Most venues have showers, so bring a towel and soap and have a shower at least once every two days.
No Showers
If the venue doesn't have showers, bring deodorant and apply liberally. Ask your event organisers if they can hire in showers or move to a venue which has them.
Change Clothes
Whether there's a shower or not, a change of clothes can make you feel a whole lot better, and mean that you don't smell so bad to everyone around you.
Brush Teeth
You're likely going to be eating a lot of sugary food, so brushing teeth is a must. It also means your breath won't smell terrible to everyone you talk to.
Seating
Most organisers provide basic seating, typically folding chairs which aren't very comfortable and often aren't the right height for the tables provided. For this reason attendees often bring their own chairs from home. Check with the organisers if this is possible, and if not, consider bringing cushions or pillows to bolster up your chair to make it as comfortable as possible, as you're going to be sat on it for a long time!