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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallPack your ID, laptop and charger, phone charger, project-specific hardware, comfortable layers, a water bottle and basic toiletries. Add bedding, snacks or extra power equipment only after checking the event’s rules and provisions: an overnight hackathon may not allow venue sleeping, and food, outlets and sleep facilities vary by organizer.
Start with the essentials you will need to participate
These items form a sensible baseline, but follow your organizer’s latest instructions if they require something different.
- Identification: bring the student or government ID the event requires for check-in.
- Laptop and charger: make sure your development tools and project files are ready before you arrive.
- Phone and phone charger: useful for event updates, authentication and contacting teammates.
- Project hardware and adapters: pack only the components, cables, hubs or adapters your project needs.
- Comfortable clothing and a warm layer: indoor temperatures and overnight conditions may be less comfortable than expected.
- Reusable water bottle and basic toiletries.
- Personal medication and individual essentials.
A mouse, notebook, pen, headphones or USB hub can be worthwhile if they are part of your normal work setup. GovHack’s handbook, for example, lists laptop accessories such as a USB hub, storage, mouse and headphones, along with a phone, charger, ID, jumper, bottle, snacks, medication, wallet and keys: GovHack handbook.
Check whether sleeping at the venue is allowed
Do not assume that “overnight” means you can sleep on site or that a bed is provided. Policies differ even among events that run through the night.
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| Event | Sleep policy or provision | What it means for packing |
|---|---|---|
| Hack Arizona | Participants may rest or sleep inside the venue; no formal sleeping accommodations are provided. | Bring suitable bedding only if you plan to sleep there and the current event guidance permits it. |
| HackKings | Overnight facilities are provided; the organizer advises bringing a sleeping bag. | Check what the facilities include before deciding whether to pack additional bedding. |
| GovHack | Sleeping at venues is not permitted. | Make arrangements to sleep elsewhere; do not bring bedding expecting to use it at the venue. |
| Southwest MN Hacks | Sleeping is permitted only in designated rest areas. | Use the designated area and follow the event’s quiet-hour rules. |
Policies can change by event, venue or year. Confirm sleep access, designated areas, quiet hours and any rules about leaving and re-entering with your own organizer.
Pack bedding and comfort items conditionally
If venue sleeping is allowed and bedding is not supplied, consider a compact sleeping bag, pillow, blanket or warm sleepwear. SharkByte warns that its provided sleeping area can be chilly and recommends a pillow, warm attire and blankets. HackKings says a sleeping bag is advisable for attendees staying overnight. These are event-specific recommendations, not a universal requirement.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If you are not permitted to sleep at the venue, leave bedding at home. If you are unsure what is supplied, ask before packing bulky items.
Find out what food, power and other facilities are covered
Food and snacks
Meal plans vary. Hack Arizona lists lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast on day two and snacks, including at midnight. HackKings says it provides meals and refreshments, and Build Over Nights says food and refreshments will be provided. GovHack says catering differs between official and local events. Check your own schedule rather than relying on another event’s arrangements.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Bring a snack if you have dietary needs, expect a long gap between meals or cannot confirm that suitable food will be available. SharkByte says vegetarian and vegan food accommodation is available at its event; check directly about your own dietary requirements.
Outlets and power equipment
Ask whether outlets, power strips or extension boxes are provided and whether personal power equipment is allowed. Parallax 2026 says it provides one extension box per team and recommends that teams needing more sockets bring a mini extension box. Build Over Nights directs participants to its guidelines for Wi-Fi and power-outlet details. Neither arrangement should be assumed at another venue.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Pack an extension cord or power strip only if it is permitted and useful under your event’s outlet plan. Bring the laptop and phone chargers you need regardless.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Protect your belongings and follow venue rules
Keep valuables with you and label belongings where the organizer recommends it. GovHack advises participants not to leave equipment unattended. Southwest MN Hacks says personal items remain each participant’s responsibility and limits sleeping to designated rest areas; its Fall 2026 rules give approximate quiet hours of midnight to 6:00 a.m. and require headphones for audio during those hours.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Check the event’s instructions for check-in ID, bag restrictions, venue access, quiet hours, rest areas and safety procedures. If you bring headphones for late-night work, use them where required and keep awareness of announcements and your surroundings.
Use this final packing checklist
Pack as your baseline
- Required ID
- Laptop and laptop charger
- Phone and phone charger
- Project-specific hardware and essential adapters
- Comfortable clothes and a warm layer
- Reusable water bottle
- Basic toiletries and personal medication
Add only if the event and your needs call for them
- Sleeping bag, pillow, blanket or warm sleepwear, if venue sleeping is permitted and suitable bedding is not supplied
- Snacks for dietary needs or gaps in the meal plan
- Permitted extension cord or power strip, if the outlet plan makes one useful
- Headphones, mouse, notebook, pen or other familiar work accessories
Before leaving, check the organizer’s current guidance for sleep access, bedding, meals, power, bags, entry and safety. The examples above show why another hackathon’s provisions should not be treated as a promise for yours.
Quick Recap
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