WHAT’S IN MY BAG FOR A TOURNEY!!!
I like to bring both my briefcase and a backpack/duffel bag to tournaments. I usually only actually bring my briefcase to my congress rounds, so only on debate days. To impromptu rounds, I’ll only take a legal pad, a pen, and a timer. I only bring a timer to interps. Always bring a water bottle to rounds!
Keep in mind that I do congress, so the briefcase list is pretty congress specific.
BRIEFCASE
Laptop: I don’t use it much in round since I usually have my speeches, legislation, and any other papers printed out and put into a binder, but sometimes it’s good to have the laptop backup.
G2s: Yes, I use G2s. They are really nice! I usually flow speeches and questions. I only bring red, blue, and black. For congress, I generally do red for flowing the speech, blue for any questions I want to ask, and black for extra.
Pencil: If I ever want to submit an amendment, pass a note, or whatever else, I use pencil.
Dry erase markers: sometimes there aren’t any good markers to do priority with, so I like to always have one on hand.
Paper: I’m currently using a legal pad, it’s easier for congress.
Mints: duh. I like icebreakers.
Cough drops: If you are blessed enough to be speaking a lot in congress, you’ll probably need these.
Phone charger + computer charger: these just live in my briefcase during tourneys because I’ve had so many stolen chargers.
Timer: this year I’m gonna make a resolution to stop bringing my phone to rounds/ leave it in the briefcase. How sweet would it be if I got the NSDA timer (not very that would be lame)
OTHER BAG
Deodorant: people will ask you for it a ton, and you really don’t want to smell bad!
Snacks: sometimes tourney food is gross, so bring ya own snacks
First aid kit: it’s easy to get hurt, so just be prepared
Portable charger: a must!
Kindle: I like to read sometimes!
Camera: I’m my team’s unofficial photographer, so I usually try to snap a few photos in between rounds
Sewing kit: you can usually get these at walgreens or CVS! They are very important in case you or a friend have a wardrobe malfunction
Hand sanitizer: people have germs, so make sure to use some often, especially before eating.
Pads/Tampons: It’s nice to be prepared, and if you are a person who doesn’t get periods, it’s nice to help out a friend!
A copy of your script(s): It’s nice to go over before rounds, just to be sure!
Hoodie/Jacket: I don’t like to change right after rounds because of pictures, but I like to put on my hoodie on the bus usually. Especially if it is cold.
Blanket/Pillow: If I have extra room I like to bring a thin blanket just so I can be cozy and a pillow in case I need some naps
Headphones: don’t listen to music during rounds but do listen in between rounds!
Pre-prepared food: listen, tourney food can be very bad sometimes. If you meal prep, you know that you will have food that will for sure keep you energized. I think I’ll make a post about this later.