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[kittenmeru]

One of my cosplays is Lady Loki, so I've got a massive fur cape that already takes up a lot of room in my suitcase. Any tips on how to downsize everything else I have to bring? Or any tips on how to condense my cape without ruining it?

[Ithlia]

You could always just get a small duffle bag to put just the cape in so it isn't consuming your entire suitcase. Or you could have a suitcase dedicated entirely to cosplays with a smaller suitcase or bag or something dedicated to your normal clothes. I usually have a separate bag for my bathroom stuff (make-up, hair brush, etc...) as well to keep everything organized.

[Asezuna]

Hm, maybe you should roll up a few things. (Not the cape. I don't know how it would react to that.) That way they use up less space.

[chibierwin]

I say you should look into getting a garment bag for the cape if it is small enough

[Fish-and-Chips-Yum]

How are you traveling? Considering you absolutely have to fit it into one suitcase, I'm going to assume you're going by plane (if not, sorry for the incorrect assumption XD). I'd suggest putting it in your carry-on bag. If you're traveling on land, just fold it up and put it into a duffel bag. Most hotels have irons, so if anything gets wrinkled, just iron it when you get there. A general space saving tip is to layer a bunch of things and then roll them, but that can damage cosplays sometimes.

[kittenmeru]

Well I'm travelling via plane so my space is limited to my suitcase and my carry on bag. I want to leave a bit of room for whatever I buy at the con, but my cape seems to react fairly well to rolling, and that takes up about half of my suitcase. I wonder if putting it in a vacuum space bag is a good or bad idea.

[Marbleyes]

Have you ever tried getting a space bag? Those are life savors for those big cosplays especially the travel bags where you can roll the air out and stuff.

I would invest in one for something huge like that.

[kittenmeru]

That's what I was thinking. I know I probably can't find a vacuum to suck air out for the trip back, but rolling the air out is a good idea.

[Ineedaname9]

Does your suitcase have the mesh part? Can your cape fit there?

Other suggestions, don't roll up your cape... put everything you need down first then sit on it, put your cape over that and zip the suitcase up. Sometimes rolling up items doesn't save you space. There is also carrying a duffle bag or a backpack as your carry on or wear your cape thru airport security and drap it over your bag. (Say your using it to keep you warm like a blanket?)

I once fit 5 cosplays, 4 trench coats, 4 pairs of shoes, and a dozen other things in one suitcase before so anything is possible xD.
(Sidenote: Almost didn't make it turn the airport with it though because it was 48.5lbs and weight limit was 50...)

[ShinobiXikyu]

Downsize what you DON'T need to bring (extra books, your laptop if your phone or an ipad will do, a full-size bottle of shampoo if you only need a travel portion or are going to use hotel stuff, etc.), and use every available space- for boots and shoes as an example, since they take up tons of room, I'll stuff socks and small items into the feet where otherwise I'd have wasted space. Also, check and see if your suitcase has an expanding zipper- they are a LIFESAVER for cramming a couple more inches in. I travel by train to my cons, so I'm limited to one under 50-pound suitcase and an overnight, myself.

[kittenmeru]

Oh good ideas! there is a weight limit and a size limit, I don't want to pack the thing too bulging. I think I'm going to have to do some experimenting.

[Nostrum]

You can try lining your suitcase with the cape, pack everything else in, and then wrap the overhang of the cape like a parcel before you close the suitcase.

[Gummibar]

Zip lock bags for props...lots of zip lock bags and carry what you can on hangers (that is easy to transport from A to B).

[Neelh]

Wear the cape on the plane. Use as a travel blanket.

[Rose of Battle]

I'm going to second putting things in boots and shoes. That frees up more space than you'd think!