(thread)
Protest Prep: an instructional
Protest Prep: an instructional
Philly police have been shooting at, gassing, mass arresting, and torturing us for over a week now.
Here's how we now pack to go out (2 people).
The result is a heavy backpack that can be broken down into 2 medium weight bags, plus some very light personal carry.
Here's how we now pack to go out (2 people).
The result is a heavy backpack that can be broken down into 2 medium weight bags, plus some very light personal carry.
Here's the whole spread.
It looks like a lot, but it compresses really well.
It looks like a lot, but it compresses really well.
First, first aid.
The first aid stuff goes into a small multi-pocket army surplus-style satchel.
Pockets are really useful because you need to 1) find stuff fast, and 2) keep icepacks from sweating and soaking everything.
The first aid stuff goes into a small multi-pocket army surplus-style satchel.
Pockets are really useful because you need to 1) find stuff fast, and 2) keep icepacks from sweating and soaking everything.
Ice packs get wrapped in a towel and placed in the main pocket of the satchel with elastic bands to wrap them in place.
The towel keeps the bags insulated and also minimizes condensation leaking through your bag, & can be used to wrap the before application.
The towel keeps the bags insulated and also minimizes condensation leaking through your bag, & can be used to wrap the before application.
This stuff goes in a ziplok baggie together:
- baggie of bandaids & blister pads
-Narcan
-plastic gloves
-antiseptic
-ace bandages
- bandage tape
- gauze pads
- hand sanitizer
- blunt-tipped scissors (missing)
- kerchiefs
- spare mask
Wishlist: epipen, inhaler
- baggie of bandaids & blister pads
-Narcan
-plastic gloves
-antiseptic
-ace bandages
- bandage tape
- gauze pads
- hand sanitizer
- blunt-tipped scissors (missing)
- kerchiefs
- spare mask
Wishlist: epipen, inhaler
Also in first aid kit: tear gas treatment, in separate ziplok bag
- eye irrigation
- wet wipes (not pictured)
- nitrile gloves (not pictured)
Ideally I'd have specialized eye irrigators with water, but I'm using contact saline right now for tear gas eye rinse.
- eye irrigation
- wet wipes (not pictured)
- nitrile gloves (not pictured)
Ideally I'd have specialized eye irrigators with water, but I'm using contact saline right now for tear gas eye rinse.
Icepacks go in a separate pocket as an extra guard against condensation leaks.
A word about first aid: I'm not a medic, this is not a medic kit, and I'm not carrying shit I don't know how to use.
For narcan, epipens, tear gas irrigation, & really any kind of first aid, don't run around half-baked trying to be a faux medic if you aren't trained/experienced.
For narcan, epipens, tear gas irrigation, & really any kind of first aid, don't run around half-baked trying to be a faux medic if you aren't trained/experienced.
A word about first aid: I'm not a medic, this is not a medic kit, and I'm not carrying shit I don't know how to use.
For narcan, epipens, tear gas irrigation, & really any kind of first aid, don't run around half-baked trying to be a faux medic if you aren't trained/experienced.
For narcan, epipens, tear gas irrigation, & really any kind of first aid, don't run around half-baked trying to be a faux medic if you aren't trained/experienced.
Next up: my default protest kit.
- poncho (protect people but also equipment from rain, misc Macgyvering)
-colored tape (mark an area/designate safety teams or marshalls if needed)
- change for one call if arrested (if they actually let you)
- paracord (fix stuff, hang signs)
- poncho (protect people but also equipment from rain, misc Macgyvering)
-colored tape (mark an area/designate safety teams or marshalls if needed)
- change for one call if arrested (if they actually let you)
- paracord (fix stuff, hang signs)
-sharpies (make signs on fly, write legal hotline # on arm for one call if arrested)
- scissors for paracord/tape (should be blunt tipped so they can't try and push a BS weapons charge, but cops stole mine last arrest so I'm having to make due)
- scissors for paracord/tape (should be blunt tipped so they can't try and push a BS weapons charge, but cops stole mine last arrest so I'm having to make due)
-a few bucks in cash
- superlight/reflective mesh marshal vest
- red bandana (not pictured) in case. A medic needs to be designated on the fly
- playing cards (for morale/friend-making when you're stuck in one place for a while holding space, occupying, or trapped by cops)
- superlight/reflective mesh marshal vest
- red bandana (not pictured) in case. A medic needs to be designated on the fly
- playing cards (for morale/friend-making when you're stuck in one place for a while holding space, occupying, or trapped by cops)
Honestly, most of this isn't going to be super-useful today, I just like to keep the kit together, it's light.
For most people you're fine just sticking with a sharpie, phone change, emergency cash, a poncho if there's a chance of rain, & playing cards if you want 'em.
For most people you're fine just sticking with a sharpie, phone change, emergency cash, a poncho if there's a chance of rain, & playing cards if you want 'em.
Then there are take-care-of-yourself supplies: sunblock, as much water as you can reasonably pack, wet wipes (normally would go with the tear gas stuff but I wanted a big pack in because tear gas is likelier than usual and I want to be ready to share)
Please please please stay hydrated and use sunblock!
I know I sound like a mom, but it's importany ESPECIALLY with tear gas and inhumane detention conditions going around.
I was *parched* by the time I was out of custody, and they refused to give me water at any point.
I know I sound like a mom, but it's importany ESPECIALLY with tear gas and inhumane detention conditions going around.
I was *parched* by the time I was out of custody, and they refused to give me water at any point.
Also, if you need to replace a mask with a backup bandana bc you got teargassed, it is gonna be miserable having that knot rubbing up against your sunburn.
Oh, & imagine rubbing ghost peppers on a bad sunburn.
That's what tear gas is gonna feel like if you let yrself get red.
Oh, & imagine rubbing ghost peppers on a bad sunburn.
That's what tear gas is gonna feel like if you let yrself get red.
Also, I prefer to have just one big refillable steel water bottle plus a few throwaway poland springs or whatever.
If there' teargassing you'll want to share so people can help eye rinse without having to worry about getting your $20 bottle returned to you.
If there' teargassing you'll want to share so people can help eye rinse without having to worry about getting your $20 bottle returned to you.
Lastly, stuff you may want easy access to goes in the external pocket(s):
-lighter (I usually like to have cigarettes, too, for me sometimes but also for folks who need them to calm down after something traumatic. Be aware that it's policy for cops steal these from arrestees.)
-lighter (I usually like to have cigarettes, too, for me sometimes but also for folks who need them to calm down after something traumatic. Be aware that it's policy for cops steal these from arrestees.)
- bandanas (sweat wipes, rags, tying back hair, replacement mask, makeshift signal flag to a friend in a crowd, a million uses really)
- collapsible grocery bag (useful esp if cops leave people's stuff behind after an arrest and you want to hold it as a lost and found)
- collapsible grocery bag (useful esp if cops leave people's stuff behind after an arrest and you want to hold it as a lost and found)
- tampons, because contrary to Stephen Molyneux's beliefs, women's uteruses don't magicall vanish at age 30, it's kind to have these or pads in your first aid bag even if you don't need them yourself)
- a whole bunch of backup batteries, plus a few types of charger cords to help others who may get stuck stranded w a dead phone when police catch/release in a far away neighborhood in the middle of the night
- usb outlet plug to charge phones/batteries if the opportunity arises
- usb outlet plug to charge phones/batteries if the opportunity arises
- spare contacts/ glasses (missing, I forgot 'em)
- some spare earplugs if there's a change sonic weapons/lrad will be deployes (forgot those here, too)
- a snack or two (also forgot it here, I definitely fail this section of the prepared protester test)
- some spare earplugs if there's a change sonic weapons/lrad will be deployes (forgot those here, too)
- a snack or two (also forgot it here, I definitely fail this section of the prepared protester test)
Time to pack your main backpack compartment!
The protest kit and collapsible grocery bag are for contingency stuff unlikely to be immediately needed in an emergency, so they go on the bottom.
Next is the first aid satchel, since it's bulky.
The protest kit and collapsible grocery bag are for contingency stuff unlikely to be immediately needed in an emergency, so they go on the bottom.
Next is the first aid satchel, since it's bulky.
Today, I opened up the third and empty compartment of the satchel and left it that way with the wipes, tear gas rinse kit, and sunscreen sticking out so they stay in place and are easy to access.
I also leave the satchel strap pulled out so it's easy to grab in an emergency.
I also leave the satchel strap pulled out so it's easy to grab in an emergency.
(If I weren't expecting tear gas as a serious possibility, I'd only pack a small baggie of wipes, would put them in the eye rinse kit, and would zip up the satchel completely)
Whatever room is left on the main pocket, fill with waterbottles, unless the weight will be too much for the carrier to move/run quickly during gassing/rubber bullet assault or other police attack.
Outer pocket holds the lighter, spf chapstick, electronics (I put cords, the plug, and the backup batteries in a water-resistant make upbag to keep them together, I was rooting around too much the last few times in moments I needed to be filming)
Last up are gloves, since we're on high alert for tear gas. Ideally you want to cover and douse canisters with water, but in a pinch (or if you need to save water for eye rinse) you can use gloves to toss them to an area away from people.
They get carabined to the top loop.
They get carabined to the top loop.
You *don't* want to give a cop trying to grab and beat you a convenient handle to grip, so the gloves get tucked into the top and zippered in.
You can quickly flip them back to get to the stuff under them inside w/o dropping/losing the gloves bc of the carabiner.
You can quickly flip them back to get to the stuff under them inside w/o dropping/losing the gloves bc of the carabiner.
Btw, if you're worried about wet weather, rubbing down canvas bags with paraffin makes pretty much everything but the zippers/latches nearly water-tight.
You can pull a plastic bag down over the stuff in the main pocket; also ziplok freezer bags are your best friends in rain.
You can pull a plastic bag down over the stuff in the main pocket; also ziplok freezer bags are your best friends in rain.
Notice that stuff that might be needed to address tear gas (backup masks, disposable gloves, irrigator bottles, wipes) are all in sealed plastic freezer bags or sealed plastic containers.
Tear gas clings to everything; the idea is to keep this stuff free of that particulate.
Tear gas clings to everything; the idea is to keep this stuff free of that particulate.
Also notice that it's modular.
That's mainly for quick access to needed items in emergency, and also because it's extremely annoying to scatter forty things on the ground looking for a lighter.
That's mainly for quick access to needed items in emergency, and also because it's extremely annoying to scatter forty things on the ground looking for a lighter.
It is ALSO because arresting cops will dump your stuff out on the ground while searching the bag and deliberately "forget" to repack smaller and especially expensive items, leaving them on the sidewalk to be taken.
It's also worth mentioning what is NOT in the backpack
- id
-health insurance cards
- controlled rx medicine like adderall removed from its pharmacy bottle-- it's technically illegal to carry it outside that bottle even if it's your prescription
Also, (cont)
- id
-health insurance cards
- controlled rx medicine like adderall removed from its pharmacy bottle-- it's technically illegal to carry it outside that bottle even if it's your prescription
Also, (cont)
(Cont)
- anything that could be remotely imagined to be a weapon (scissors should be safety tipped, mine aren't today only bc cops stole my only pair last arrest)
- any notebooks/paper where you've written names/contact info for comrades
- anything that could be remotely imagined to be a weapon (scissors should be safety tipped, mine aren't today only bc cops stole my only pair last arrest)
- any notebooks/paper where you've written names/contact info for comrades
And also anything expensive and/or having sentimental value.
Go in with the assumption that there's a good chance stuff will get stolen by cops in the case of arrests or dropped in the chaos of police attack, and also that you may have to drop the pack entirely while fleeing.
Go in with the assumption that there's a good chance stuff will get stolen by cops in the case of arrests or dropped in the chaos of police attack, and also that you may have to drop the pack entirely while fleeing.
Oh, and cops delight in punishing you by creating scenarios where they "have" to cut the strap off your bag to get it off when you're handcuffed, I lost an extremely beloved $200 custom Ricochet satchel that way once (RIP, I would have used you forever, Comrade Messenger Bag)
Okay so next, light carry on your person!
As a reminder, this is a 2 person kit and it can be broken down by removing the 1st aid satchel, the ice packs are the heaviest things in there, so add a water bottle & the weight between the two bags will be relatively even distributed
As a reminder, this is a 2 person kit and it can be broken down by removing the 1st aid satchel, the ice packs are the heaviest things in there, so add a water bottle & the weight between the two bags will be relatively even distributed
Either way, you want to be dressed relatively plainly, with clothes loose enough to run in but not so loose (or accessorized) that it's easy for a cop to get a grip on you.
Don't wear anything that you won't be sad seeing ripped or stained or lost, and keep in mind any drawstrings and shoelaces will be confiscated by police if they stick you in a cell for don't-hang-yourself reasons.
(Layer, and also consider packing a scarf if there's room in your bag, since police sometimes like to fuck with people by cranking up the AC or heat in a detention area)
Keep your id, health insurance cards, and a little cash securely on your person.
Bras are fantastic for this, btw, but only if you can tolerate a cop fishing around in there if you're arrested.
In many places official policy is same-gender search only, but cops do break rules.
Bras are fantastic for this, btw, but only if you can tolerate a cop fishing around in there if you're arrested.
In many places official policy is same-gender search only, but cops do break rules.
Pockets are very nice, but do remember you may be running so things to fall out sometimes.
I keep a bandana spare earplugs (for sonic weapon attacks), and two quarters for my "one call" if it's offered after arrest. That's it.
I keep a bandana spare earplugs (for sonic weapon attacks), and two quarters for my "one call" if it's offered after arrest. That's it.
If you can carry them securely/comfortably, it's wise to keep life-sustaining emergency medicine you may not be able to live without (inhaler, epipen, etc) directly on your person.
Cops may separate you from your bag or "accidentally" lose it.
Cops may separate you from your bag or "accidentally" lose it.
Idk if this will work but I'm also planning to try and get a letter from the doctor who did my spine MRI to weite a note on letterhead explaining that I have a slipped disc and extended time in zipties can cause lasting injury.
I've never tried it, but we'll see.
I've never tried it, but we'll see.
If you try this, check w a lawyer or legal specialist to make sure the wording can't be used that you "planned" to get arrested or "planned" to do something illegal.
You don't want to give them even a flimsy pretext for adding criminal conspiracy to your charges.
You don't want to give them even a flimsy pretext for adding criminal conspiracy to your charges.
Last up, headwear.
Do seriously consider using bobby pins to keep hair out of your eyes, but if you are arrested please do not use the technique Ava Duvernay recently shared on here showing how to loosen zipties on bread packaging to free yourself, that might be illegal.
Do seriously consider using bobby pins to keep hair out of your eyes, but if you are arrested please do not use the technique Ava Duvernay recently shared on here showing how to loosen zipties on bread packaging to free yourself, that might be illegal.
Oops, I messed up, thread continues here:
Okay, goggles!
You want NONVENTED.
Swimgoggles work, shaving cream and spit are both decent defoggers, but wear them around your neck when they aren't needed.
Ballistics grade are really what you want if there's rubber bullet danger, but they can be expensive.
You want NONVENTED.
Swimgoggles work, shaving cream and spit are both decent defoggers, but wear them around your neck when they aren't needed.
Ballistics grade are really what you want if there's rubber bullet danger, but they can be expensive.
If you wear glasses and your vision is seriously impaired w/o them, find goggles that fit over them and test at least for water-tightness in the shower to make sure they work.
The ones on the left personal carry pile do fit over glasses, they do exist.
The ones on the left personal carry pile do fit over glasses, they do exist.
OH GOD DON'T USE SWIM GOGGLES IF YOU MIGHT GET HIT, SOMEONE JUST TOLD ME HORRIBLE THINGS ABOUT WHAT THAT DOES TO YOUR EYES AND I WILL NEVER SLEEP AGAIN
