Horror isn’t for everyone, but for diehard fans, immersive and themed experiences can make for great stories and valuable memories. Whether you’re after deathly thrills at an immersive theater, haunted house or virtually through horror films and games — there’s an abundance of haunting experiences out there.

While they certainly aren’t camping trips, it’s always important to pack accordingly. You won’t be getting hurt or find yourself in any serious mortal danger, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ensure your comfort for a more enjoyable horror experience. In this post, we’ll look at some of the essentials to bring to a horror experience:

A reasonably sized backpack

Before starting with all the necessary items, settling on a decent backpack that isn’t too obnoxious is crucial. After all, you’ll need somewhere to carry all your stuff in. When looking for your haunting backpack, consider smaller-sized ones like Oakley’s Transit Everyday or Switchback Hydration Pack. These are small, lightweight, and breathable, with padded shoulder straps for added comfort while you navigate horror mazes and hallways.

As discussed, however, this isn’t a camping trip — so be wary about overpacking and carrying backpacks that may be too heavy. Remember: You’ll need your strength to run away from the actors. You should also note that some attractions may have restrictions or requirements for items like backpacks. For example, certain haunted houses may not allow bags that exceed specific sizes. When in doubt, it’s best to inquire beforehand so you aren’t robbed of a perfectly planned horror experience on the spot.

Comfortable shoes for walking — and escaping

You don’t want to leave a haunted house or ghost tour with nasty blisters on your ankles, so dress your feet accordingly. Hauntings aren’t the best occasion for wearing new shoes that you haven’t broken in, and you don’t want to find out the hard way. Before you leave the house, make sure you’re comfortable in your shoes and will be able to walk or run away painlessly. When in doubt — the pair of walking shoes in your closet is likely better than the newly bought stilettos you were considering showcasing.

Another reason you want to prioritize comfort for your feet is that you may be navigating varied terrain. Depending on where and what your horror experience is based on, you won’t always be walking or creeping along flat, tiled floors. Having thick but lightweight shoes on can ensure you’ll be able to make your way out of the horrors in the dark without accidentally tripping or falling on your face.

Scare-appropriate clothing

Like your backpack, this may depend on the kind of scare attraction you plan on visiting. Some attractions may not allow costumes or props to prevent confusion among guests and paid actors, but you can consider dressing up for the occasion if they do. If costumes aren’t allowed, you may want to avoid bright clothing — like a white tee, for example. After all, bright clothing can make you stand out in the creepy darkness and make you a target for the actors paid to scare the heck out of you.

You’ll also want to take note of weather conditions and the expected temperature of where you’re heading. If you are navigating outdoor horror attractions, for example, you may want to consider some layers or even waterproof clothing. On the other hand, if you’re heading somewhere warm, you may want to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing so you aren’t drenched in fear and sweat.

Other haunting essentials

Finally, everything else should be small enough to fit in your trusty backpack without weighing you down. A power bank like the Anker 521 PowerCore Fusion can come in handy if you’re headed somewhere with multiple attractions. Haunted houses and tours that allow phones or cameras, for example, may wear out your battery before you know it, so it’s good to have extra power.

You’ll want to bring water and some snacks too. Even if you dig haunted attractions, running or creeping around in the darkness — and occasionally screaming — can get tiring, so you want to ensure you have enough energy.

Remember that different attractions have different rules and policies. To be extra sure, it’s always best to call and inquire ahead so you won’t have to leave anything outside or get stopped from entering in the first place. Haunting attractions, while a thrilling experience, should also be fun, comfortable, and safe for you, so pack and dress accordingly.

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