Protest Safety 101: What to Bring and How to Prepare

By Joe | About the Author | Published: October 28, 2025 | Last Updated: October 28, 2025

You're Going to Your First Protest. Now What?

You've seen the Facebook event. You know where to meet. You've got your sign half-designed in your head. But standing in front of your closet at 8am, you realize: what do I actually bring?

Wrong shoes leave you limping after mile two. Forgetting water means dehydration by hour three. Bringing your phone means your location data gets subpoenaed three months later when the feds decide to investigate "organizers."

This guide covers the practical logistics most people don't think about until it's too late. From what to wear to why you should leave your phone at home, here's what decades of collective protest experience looks like in checklist form.

What to Wear: Dress for a Marathon, Not a Photo Op

You're going to be on your feet for hours. Possibly walking miles. In whatever weather shows up. Dress accordingly.

Footwear (Most Important Decision You'll Make)

Wear:

• Comfortable, broken-in shoes - Not new shoes. Not shoes you've worn twice. Shoes you've walked 5+ miles in without blisters.
• Closed-toe with good arch support - Running shoes, hiking boots, or sturdy sneakers
• Tied securely - You might need to move quickly

Do NOT wear:

• Sandals or flip-flops (exposed toes = injuries)
• Heels of any kind (you will regret this by block two)
• Brand new boots (blisters guaranteed)
• Shoes that slip off easily (lost shoe in a crowd = bad day)

Why this matters: Foot pain ends your day early. Blisters turn a 4-hour protest into a nightmare. Your footwear choice determines how long you can stay and how effective you can be.

Clothing Layers

Base layer:

• Weather-appropriate (check forecast, plan for temperature changes)
• Breathable fabrics (you'll be moving, you'll sweat)
• Long pants - Protection from sun, scrapes, and potential chemical irritants
• Avoid cotton in rain/snow (stays wet, makes you cold)

Mid/outer layer:

• Light jacket or hoodie (temperature changes, wind, can cover face if needed)
• Hat (sun protection, face coverage, warmth in cold)
• Sunglasses (sun protection, some anonymity)
• Bandana or cloth face covering (dust, sun, crowd-sourced anonymity if needed)

Practical considerations:

• Nothing you can't afford to lose, damage, or get dirty/stained
• No expensive jewelry or accessories
• Dark colors hide dirt; bright colors help friends find you in crowds (choose your strategy)
• Avoid loose clothing that can be grabbed
• Consider: layers you can remove and tie around waist (temperature regulation)

Important: Wear glasses, not contact lenses. If you're exposed to chemical irritants (tear gas, pepper spray), contacts can trap irritants against your eyes and cause severe damage. Glasses also provide some eye protection from debris.

What to Bring: Your Protest Day Pack

Pack light, pack smart. Everything you bring, you'll carry for hours.

The Essentials (In Order of Importance)

1. Water (Most Critical)

• Bring 2-3 bottles minimum (protests last longer than you expect)
• Plastic bottles only (glass can break, be confiscated, or used as "weapon")
• Extra for sharing or rinsing eyes if someone gets exposed to irritants
• Avoid sugary drinks (dehydrating) and energy drinks (you'll crash)

Why this matters: Dehydration causes dizziness, poor judgment, and forces you to leave early. Water is non-negotiable.

2. Emergency Contact Information

• Written on your arm in permanent marker (not on paper, not in your phone)
• Include: Name, emergency contact phone number, medical conditions, allergies
• National Lawyers Guild legal hotline for your city (search "NLG [your city]" before you go)
• Local bail fund number if available

Why this matters: If you're arrested, injured, or separated from your group, this information gets you help. Phones die, get lost, or get confiscated. Sharpie on your arm doesn't.

3. ID and Cash

• Government-issued ID - Required in most states if stopped by police
• $50-100 cash - Bail funds, transportation if separated, food/water if you run out
• Leave credit cards at home (less to lose, harder to track your movements later)
• Consider: photocopy of ID instead of original (if you're doing higher-risk actions)

4. Basic First Aid

• Band-aids and blister pads (foot care = staying power)
• Pain reliever (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Any personal prescription medications in original labeled containers
• Antacids (stress + dehydration + walking = upset stomach)
• Sanitary products
• Small packet of tissues

5. Food

• Protein bars, trail mix, dried fruit, crackers
• Things that won't melt, spoil, or make you thirstier
• Enough to share (mutual aid builds solidarity)
• Avoid: chocolate (melts), chips (makes you thirsty), anything requiring refrigeration

6. Sun Protection (Even in Winter - Reflected UV from pavement/snow)

• Sunscreen SPF 30+ (reapply every 2 hours)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Hat (already mentioned in clothing, but seriously: bring a hat)

7. Printed Directions and Maps

• Directions to protest meeting point (starting point, destination, 2-3 alternate routes home)
• Mark important locations: Public transit stops, ride-share pickup zones, major landmarks
• If organizers shared logistics: Bathrooms, water fountains, first aid stations, legal observer locations
• Fold and keep in waterproof bag or plastic baggie

Why this matters: You're leaving your phone at home (see next section), so printed directions are your lifeline. Mark everything you might need - if something goes wrong, you can't just pull up Google Maps.

8. Supplies (Optional but Helpful)

• Small backpack or crossbody bag (keeps hands free, distributes weight)
• Pen and small notebook (document badge numbers, times, events you witness)
• Hand sanitizer
• Plastic bag (trash, keeping papers dry, emergency poncho)
• Small hand towel or extra bandana (sweat, spills, first aid)
• Chalk (for writing messages, marking routes, solidarity art)

Why You Should Leave Your Phone at Home

This is the advice nobody wants to hear. But it's the most important digital security decision you'll make.

The Problem With Phones at Protests

Location data can be subpoenaed. Months after a protest, federal agencies can request phone company records showing everyone who was in a specific area at a specific time. This data has been used to identify "organizers" and participants in protests, leading to investigations, charges, and harassment.

Stingrays (IMSI catchers) capture cell data. These devices - used by federal agencies and many police departments - mimic cell towers and force nearby phones to connect to them. They capture:

• Your phone's unique identifier (IMEI number)
• Your SIM card information
• Your location in real-time
• Potentially: call records, texts, data traffic

Turning off location services doesn't stop this. As long as your phone is on and has a SIM card, it's pinging towers and can be tracked. "Airplane mode" can be bypassed with malware. The only truly secure option is leaving the phone at home.

But What About Emergencies?

Valid concern. Here are safer alternatives:

Option 1: Burner Phone (Best Compromise)

• Cheap prepaid phone ($20-40) purchased with cash
• Prepaid SIM card, also purchased with cash
• No personal information tied to it
• Use only for emergencies (calling emergency contact, legal hotline)
• Keep it off until you need it
• Dispose of it after high-risk actions

Option 2: No Phone (Most Secure)

• Rely on printed directions and maps
• Establish meet-up times/locations in advance with your group
• If you get separated, go to pre-designated meeting spot
• Borrow someone else's phone for emergencies (give them cash for the call)
• Have emergency contact check in with you at predetermined time (you call them from borrowed phone or payphone)

Option 3: Bring Phone But Accept Risks (Least Secure)

If you MUST bring your personal phone:

• Use a passcode, NOT biometrics - Police can force your fingerprint or face to unlock phone (5th Amendment protects passcodes)
• Turn off location services (settings, not just in apps)
• Turn off Bluetooth and WiFi (can be used for tracking)
• Enable full-disk encryption (iPhone: automatic if you have passcode; Android: Settings > Security > Encrypt phone)
• Use Signal for organizing (end-to-end encrypted, disappearing messages)
• Don't take photos/videos that show people's faces (protect other protesters)
• Be prepared to lose it (confiscation, damage, loss in crowd)

But understand: this is not secure. Location data, Stingray capture, and subpoenas still apply. You're accepting surveillance risk for convenience.

How to Navigate Without Your Phone

Print directions before you go:

• Google Maps or similar → Enter destination → Print directions
• Include: Starting point, protest location, 2-3 alternate routes home
• Mark: Public transit stops, major landmarks, known safe spaces
• Fold and keep in waterproof bag or pocket

Old-school navigation works:

• Ask people for directions (builds community, safer than looking lost)
• Follow the crowd (protests are usually well-marked by foot traffic)
• Buddy system (one person in your group may know the city better)

Why this matters: Your privacy and safety are more important than Instagram stories. Document with your memory, not your metadata.

What NOT to Bring

Anything you bring can be confiscated, lost, or used against you. Leave these at home.

Never Bring:

1. Weapons of Any Kind

• Even legal ones (knives, pepper spray, firearms, tasers)
• Will be grounds for immediate arrest
• Escalates situations and endangers everyone
• Undermines "peaceful protest" defense
• Includes: anything that could be construed as a weapon (baseball bats, heavy chains, etc.)

2. Drugs or Alcohol

• Even in legal states, avoid cannabis (gives police probable cause)
• Alcohol impairs judgment when you need to stay sharp
• Possession charges complicate any other charges if you're arrested
• Sets bad example for movement

3. Valuables

• Expensive jewelry, watches, designer bags
• Laptops, tablets, gaming devices
• Anything you can't afford to lose, damage, or have stolen
• Family heirlooms, sentimental items

4. Items That Can Be Weaponized

• Glass bottles (bring plastic water bottles only)
• Large metal objects
• Aerosol cans beyond small personal items (can be considered weapons/accelerants)
• Laser pointers (felony in many states when aimed at police/aircraft)
• Fireworks or explosives (federal charges, do not)

5. Unnecessary Identification

• Social Security card (never carry this anywhere, but especially not to protests)
• Passport (unless it's your only ID)
• Work ID badges (can identify your employer, lead to workplace retaliation)
• Membership cards for organizations you don't want connected to protests
• Multiple credit cards (one is enough, or zero and use cash)

6. Your Regular Phone

See full section above on why you should leave your phone at home (Stingrays, location data subpoenas, etc.). If you must bring it, see that section for how to minimize risk.

Communication and Coordination

The buddy system isn't just for field trips. It saves lives.

Before You Go

1. Tell Someone Where You're Going

• A trusted friend or family member who is NOT attending
• Give them: What protest, where, what time, expected return time
• Establish check-in plan (you'll call them at specific time from borrowed phone)
• If you don't check in by agreed time, they know something's wrong

2. Establish a Buddy System

• Go with at least one other person (ideally 3-4 in a small group)
• Never separate unless absolutely necessary
• If you must separate: predetermined meeting spot and time
• Agree on hand signals (in case it gets too loud to hear)
• Agree on "we need to leave" signal

3. Have an Exit Plan

• Identify multiple exits before things start
• Printed alternate routes home (in case streets get blocked)
• Public transit stations, ride-share pickup zones
• Backup meeting location if primary site is inaccessible
• Cash for taxi/ride if needed

4. Know Who to Contact

• National Lawyers Guild legal hotline for your city (written on your arm)
• Local bail fund number
• Protest organizers' emergency contact (if provided)
• Location of legal observers (usually identifiable by bright green hats/vests)

At the Protest

Stay With Your Group

• Visual contact at all times (crowds get dense, people get separated)
• Link arms if crowd is pushing
• If someone needs bathroom, whole group goes (or at least one buddy)
• Don't split up "just for a minute" (minutes turn into hours in chaos)

Stay Aware

• Listen to marshals and organizers (people with organizational vests/armbands)
• Watch for police movements (are they gearing up? moving in formation? bringing in reinforcements?)
• Know where the exits are at ALL times (not just when you arrive - as you move, reorient)
• If your gut says leave, leave (don't wait for group consensus if you feel unsafe)

Check In With Your Emergency Contact

• Borrow someone's phone (offer them cash/thank them)
• Call your emergency contact at pre-agreed time
• "I'm safe, still at the protest, expect to be here another 2 hours"
• If you can't check in, they start calling NLG/bail funds

Weather and Environmental Considerations

Mother Nature doesn't care about your cause. Plan accordingly.

Hot Weather Protests

The danger: Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real and fast.

Prevention:

• Drink water constantly (before you feel thirsty - thirst means you're already dehydrated)
• Seek shade during breaks
• Light-colored, loose, breathable clothing
• Hat and sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours)
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine (dehydrating)

Warning signs (in yourself or others):

• Dizziness, nausea, confusion
• Excessive sweating OR stopped sweating (very bad sign)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache

If someone shows signs: Get them to shade, give them water, pour water on their head/neck, have them sit/lie down, find a street medic. Heat stroke kills.

Cold Weather Protests

The danger: Hypothermia and frostbite sneak up on you.

Prevention:

• Layer up (easier to remove layers than add them)
• Keep moving (standing still = getting cold fast)
• Protect extremities (gloves, warm socks, hat covering ears)
• Hot beverages in thermos (not just for warmth - for morale)
• Hand warmers in pockets (cheap, effective)

Warning signs:

• Shivering (body's attempt to warm up)
• Stopped shivering (very bad sign - means body is giving up)
• Confusion, slurred speech
• Numbness in fingers/toes

Rain

Waterproof jacket (not poncho - limits movement and visibility)

Plastic bag for printed directions, cash, anything that shouldn't get wet

Extra socks in waterproof bag (wet feet = blisters = misery)

Avoid cotton (stays wet and cold - synthetic or wool better)

Extreme Conditions

Know your limits. Heat stroke, frostbite, and hypothermia are real. It's okay to leave early if conditions are dangerous. Showing up safely another day is better than heat exhaustion today.

Special Considerations

Your body, your needs. Plan accordingly.

Medical Conditions

• Bring necessary medications in original labeled containers
• Medical alert bracelet if applicable
• Write medical conditions on your arm with emergency contacts
• Tell your buddy about any conditions that might need attention (diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, etc.)
• Bring extras of critical medications (inhalers, insulin, EpiPens) if possible

Accessibility Needs

• Contact organizers in advance about wheelchair accessibility
• Bring mobility aids you need (don't "tough it out" - you'll pay for it later)
• Stay toward back/edges for easier exit if needed
• Identify accessible bathrooms along the route before you go
• Buddy up with someone who understands your needs

Children and Families

• Consider: Is this protest appropriate for kids? (Some are, some aren't - know before you go)
• Extra water, snacks, and patience
• Stroller or carrier depending on child's age
• Kid-appropriate sign (gives them something to hold/do)
• Exit plan if child gets overwhelmed (no shame in leaving early)
• Explain what to expect beforehand (crowds, chanting, staying together)

First-Time Protesters

• It's okay to feel nervous (everyone does their first time)
• Stay toward middle/back of crowd (not front lines your first time)
• Follow experienced activists' lead
• Ask questions (most protesters are happy to help newbies)
• Leave if you feel overwhelmed (absolutely no shame in that)
• You showed up. That's what matters.

Before You Walk Out the Door: Quick Checklist

Print this, check it off:

☐ Comfortable, broken-in shoes (5+ mile test passed)
☐ Weather-appropriate layers (check forecast one more time)
☐ Long pants, not shorts
☐ Glasses, not contacts
☐ Hat and sunglasses
☐ 2-3 plastic water bottles
☐ Emergency contacts written on arm in permanent marker
☐ Printed directions and alternate routes
☐ Phone left at home (or burner phone, off, in pocket)
☐ ID and $50-100 cash
☐ Basic first aid kit (band-aids, pain reliever, personal meds)
☐ Snacks and sun protection
☐ Small backpack or crossbody bag
☐ Pen and small notebook
☐ Bandana or face covering
☐ Someone knows where you're going (and when you'll check in)
☐ Buddy identified and plan established
☐ Exit plan and alternate routes reviewed
☐ Medications in labeled containers (if needed)
☐ Left valuables at home
☐ Left weapons/drugs at home
☐ NLG legal hotline number on arm

☐ One last thing: Use the bathroom before you leave. Protest port-a-potties are exactly what you'd expect. Plan accordingly.

After the Protest: Getting Home Safely

Immediate

• Check in with your emergency contact (borrow a phone, let them know you're safe)
• Regroup with your crew (make sure everyone's accounted for)
• Hydrate and eat something (your body just worked hard)
• Tend to blisters or minor injuries (before they get worse)
• Get home safely (use your printed alternate routes if needed)

If Something Went Wrong

• Document everything while it's fresh (write it down with pen and paper)
• If you witnessed police misconduct: Note badge numbers, times, locations, what happened
• If someone was arrested: Contact legal support hotline immediately with their info
• Save photos/videos (if you took any) but don't post on social media yet (can be used against people)
• Seek medical attention if needed (don't tough out injuries)

Self-Care

Protests are physically and emotionally exhausting. This is normal.

• Rest (your body needs recovery)
• Hydrate (keep drinking water for hours after)
• Process (talk to your crew, write in a journal, whatever helps)
• Debrief (what worked? what didn't? what would you do differently?)
• Plan next actions (if this is part of ongoing campaign)
• Give yourself credit (you showed up. that matters.)

Preparation Is Resistance

Showing up is brave. Showing up prepared is smart.

The goal isn't just to attend protests - it's to attend them sustainably, safely, and effectively. Blisters and dehydration don't build movements. People who know how to take care of themselves and each other do.

This checklist isn't paranoia. It's decades of collective experience distilled into: wear good shoes, bring water, leave your phone at home, tell someone where you're going, and don't bring anything you can't afford to lose.

The surveillance state is real. Stingrays are real. Subpoenas are real. But so is your right to assemble, to protest, to demand better. Prepare accordingly.

The rest is showing up. And you've got this.

Further Reading and Resources

Legal Rights and Support:

• ACLU Know Your Rights: aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights
• National Lawyers Guild: nlg.org/chapters (Find your local chapter's legal hotline)
• Our Guide: Community Defense 101: Know Your Rights at Protests

Digital Security:

• Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): Surveillance Self-Defense: Attending a Protest
• Coming Soon: Our full guide on Digital Security for Activists

Medical and First Aid:

• Street Medic Training: Search for "[your city] street medic training" for local resources
• Basic First Aid: Red Cross First Aid Training

Organizing Resources:

• Our Guide: How to Use Merch in Your Organizing Work
• Coming Soon: Organizing Your First Protest (full guide)

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- Joe
Founder & Designer, Rogue Resistance
Preparation is resistance. Show up ready.