How To Dress for the Revolution By: Puck Arks

Written By: Puck Arks

How To Dress for the Revolution

As a protester a number of simple steps can help greatly in combating the efficiency of a chemical weapon's & projectiles' ability to harm you. 

The following are a list of general guidelines, followed by a complete list of clothing items to bring.

-Rain gear, water resistant, chemical resistant (Tyvek suit) and synthetic clothes as outer layers tend to be police chemical resistant too. 

However, you can sweat a lot in non breathable clothes.

-Cover up as much as possible to protect skin from tear gas or pepper spray exposure. 

-Wear clinched wrist and ankle clothing.

-Avoid cotton, polar-fleece and wool as outer layers, which are fuzzy and absorb chemicals.

-Rinse clothes after washing well. Used mild or non-detergent soaps. 

This is because detergents enhance the effects of the chemicals on one's skin. 

The following is a list of clothing a protester could wear at a demo risking police violence

• Rain or water resistant clothes and hat 
• Comfortable & dry shoes, running shoes or sturdy boots
• Sealed Goggles, (swim or ski) for chemical weapons.
• Helmet: bicycle. Consider hockey helmet with clear face shield (good against pucks and rubber bullets).
• Gas Mask, Face Filter, Respirator or Bandana soaked in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for tear gas or pepper spray.
• Spare Clothes & sealed bag
• Heavy Work Gloves for removing hot tear gas canisters.
• Bicycle, sports, motorcycle or military helmets with shatter resistant face shields if chance of plastic & rubber bullets.
• Padded Pants, or Goalie Pads for sit-downs. On the other hand, maybe you should NOT LOOK LIKE A PROTESTER to avoid police attention. Bring or wear straight clothes, makeup, brand name shopping bag, a business or secretary suit, construction clothes, etc. to blend in with non-protesters.

Do Not Wear

-Piercings, jewellery, ties, or anything else that can be grabbed by the police. Some piercings may be taped over.

-Contact Lenses if risking pepper spray. Chemicals can get trapped between them & eyes. May cause corneal damage. 

What you might not want to bring to a demonstration

The police may dump your 'suspicious' fluids in a bottle, seize your gas mask or wooden stick for your sign. 

If arrested, you're stuff will be taken from you, and some things like your gas mask might be stolen from you. You pockets will be emptied, wallet, purse and backpack could be searched and all contents photocopied or digitally copied. In jail, they will take your belt and shoelaces. 

They might copy your address book, cell phone SIM card for your contacts, and your camera's memory card. They might use your photos of people for their surveillance of groups and individuals, or to even to identify someone for committing a crime. (which is why you should be discrete who and what you photograph)

Illegal drugs or stuff like a pocket knife may get you another legal charge.

General Supplies common to all members of an action

Emergency Telephone Numbers
Snacks, food
Lots of Water (2l a day)
Money for phones, food, taxi, etc.
Pad, pen, markers
Map
Spare Clothes in sealed bag
Optional Items:
Two-Way Radio, cell phone
Compass
Flashlight
Blanket/Sleeping bag
Fanny Pack
Knife or Scissors (careful--cops may consider these weapons)
First Aid Kit

Supplies specific to medical treatments and trained medics. Only bring items you are competent in using

A good First Aid Kit

 Nitryle or vinyl gloves

Stethoscope

Blood Pressure Cuff

 Tongue Depressor
 4X4 Dry Gauze Sponges
 Tampons & menstrual pads
 Tape: Duct & medical
 Map of hospitals
 Triangular bandages

Scissors