Packing A Protest Bag: Five Things You Need To Include
Written By: Sav Dudek
Date: January 23, 2026
Photo by Duncan Shaffer on UnsplashWhether you’re protesting against government immigration policies, the building of a nearby AI data center, or for queer rights, safety when protesting is key. One way to do so is to bring a backpack or purse stocked with essentials. Here is a list of five important items to pack in your “protest bag” in order to keep yourself and those around you safe.
1. Water Bottle
This is one of the most important items you can bring to a protest. Many protests last for several hours, and dehydration can very easily happen. Not all protests have designated water stations, nor are they all conveniently located next to a convenience store or restaurant where water can be purchased. Making sure to pack one or two water bottles will allow you to continue protesting without risk of dehydration and can limit your risk of heat stroke.
Water is also helpful should the protest you are planning to attend turn violent. If you are hit with an irritant like pepper spray or end up in an area with a lot of smoke, you are able to use your water bottle to rinse your eyes. If you end up with any scrapes, you can also use water to rinse wounds of any dirt or potential contaminants, limiting infection.
If possible, consider bringing at least one bottle with a squirt top. It is far easier to rinse eyes and wounds with a squirt top, and it makes potentially sharing water with other protestors more hygienic.
Photo by Julian Gentile on Unsplash2. First Aid Kit
Photo by Mathurin NAPOLY / matnapo on UnsplashProtests are very unstable and have the potential to go south very quickly. It is not uncommon for a protest to turn violent, whether it be due to conflict with counter protestors or with law enforcement. Should this happen, having a fully packed first aid kit with you is vital, both for you and for those around you.
A good, fully stocked first aid kit will need more than just bandages and antibiotic cream. Make sure to also stock up on burn gel, gloves, scissors, butterfly bandages, and cling wrap. Each of these items allows for more intensive first aid should you or a friend end up injured and unable to make it to a hospital or urgent care. Many pharmacies and big box stores sell first aid kits that have many of the items you will need, and you can always add more stuff to the kits!
Also, if you are attending protests frequently and using the same protest bag, make sure that your first aid kit is fully stocked in between protests so you do not accidentally run out of something like bandages or burn gel at an inopportune time.
3. Power Bank
When attending a protest, it is always good to have at least one person not at the protest keep track of your location. Protests can get very large and chaotic, so having someone who knows your location and your status means there is someone who can alert others and help you should you get injured, arrested, or anything else. However, updating your contact requires the usage of a phone, which makes having a power bank extremely necessary.
A phone bank will make sure your phone does not run out of charge during a protest, and it also means that you will be able to help others around you should their phones also begin to run out of charge. You are able to get power banks online, at big box stores, or even at a nearby office supplies store. It does not have to be a high quality power bank. Inexpensive ones will work perfectly fine!
Photo by gomi on Unsplash4. Ear Protection
In the event that the protest you are planning to attend grows violent, having ear protection is an absolute must. A common form of crowd control by law enforcement is through flash bangs and other extremely loud devices meant to deter protestors. Having ear plugs will protect your hearing and allow you to remain relatively non-disoriented.
Ear protection does not have to be expensive. You can get relatively inexpensive silicone or foam ear plugs at a big box store or at a nearby home improvement store. Many ear plugs come in packs, so consider bringing extra ear plugs to pass out to those around you at the protest.
Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash5. Eye Protection
One of the major risks for protestors when a protest grows more dangerous is tear gas and other irritants used by law enforcement. Having a pair of goggles, work glasses, or even just a pair of sunglasses will help prevent your eyes from the chemicals. They can also protect your eyes from any potential debris from flash bangs and other objects.
If possible, try to avoid swimming goggles. Instead, look into getting a pair of snowboarding goggles or something similar, as these types of goggles will provide far more protection from debris and potential projectiles. You are able to find this type of goggles at big box stores, online, or at a nearby athletic store.
Photo by Michael Thaxton on UnsplashProtesting is vital and necessary for our democracy. However, it can also be extremely risky. Having a well-stocked protest bag is extremely important for anyone planning to attend a protest. Make sure to stay safe, speak out, and continue to fight to make a difference!
Written by: Sav Dudek
Sav Dudek is an editorial intern and a college senior who is currently studying International Relations and Comparative Cultures and Politics, with a strong passion for advocacy and community outreach.
Protests, Safety, Political Action
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