SUPPLIES

Here's a list of things you should take with you to the revolution. You should prepare for the worst and hope for the best when your planning for the demonstrations.

1. Clothing: You should base your clothing choices on climate, length of time at the demo and your plans for actions. Remember, you may face tear gas and pepper spray, so wear stuff you don't mind sacrificing to the chemicals. Fleece sweaters are out. Tear gas particles can be easily trapped in the fabric and are hard to get out. Rain coats or ponchos, plastic garbage bags and plastic track suits are ideal because the particles don't get trapped and decontamination is much easier. Underneath, you can layer clothes depending on the climate. Comfort and ease of movement are essential.

2. Shoes: It might be a good idea to buy a pair of boots with steel toe protection. You may be facing police on horses. It only takes one misstep by that horse and you can kiss your tender tootsies goodbye. Even if there are no horses, you'll be doing a ton of walking. Get shoes or boots that'll protect your feet and offer as much comfort as possible. Sandals and thin sneakers are a lousy idea. You also want to be able to move quickly if trouble (i.e. the cops) approaches. Several good pairs of socks should be in your kit, too.

3. Sleeping Bag/sleeping pad: You're NOT staying at the local five star, $500 a night chateau when you get there, okay, so just lose that idea right now. That's where the corporate pimps and their government lackeys will be snoozing in comfort (but I'm not bitter). Chances are, you'll be sleeping in a church basement, gymnasium or tent if the weather's cooperating (or not). If your lucky, you could be in a cheap hotel, hostel or on someone's couch. You may not know until you get there. Therefore, get a sleeping bag that's portable and, if possible, waterproof. The sleeping pad is for your back if you get the gym floor.

4. Helmets, body armour and other forms of protection: If you're serious about going nose to nose with the riot cops, you may want to consider some protection. Motorcycle, football or hockey helmets, hockey or football pads, athletic supporters for the fellas, chest protectors, face shields, goggles, protective gloves (for picking up tear gas canisters that are extremely hot) and various makeshift shields are some of the things protesters have shown up with at past events. This gear is to protect you from rubber bullet and, unfortunately, baton blows. It all depends on what you're going to do. Even if you do plan to stay back from the wall of riot cops, wear bandanas or masks soaked in vinegar. The cops used teargas in Quebec City indiscrimenently. There were no safe places to escape it. The vinegar is an acid liquid and breaks up the teargas so it's not as painful when you're sucking it in. A pair of swim goggles that stick to your face will help protect your eyes. If you wear glasses like me, go to a hardware store and buy a pair of goggles with a strap that fit over your specs. Pull the strap tight and cover the holes in these goggles with clear tape to keep out the teargas. If you can get a gas mask, more power to you. Ultimately, you want to be able to move quickly when all hell breaks lose. There are no guarantees this gear will fully protect you from the police arsenal, but it'll help. The greatest protection you have is your brain. Treated well and used properly, it's the thing that'll keep you from doing really stupid stuff that'll get you hurt or arrested or both. Don't leave it at home!

5. Luggage: Bring your gear in a good camping backpack that's not so hard on your body when your hauling it to and from the demo. Try to travel light. It's not necessary to bring all of your worldly possessions. Pack some plastic garbage bags for garbage collection (let's keep our world neat and tidy). The bags should also be used to store your teargas contaminated clothing, which needs to be kept separate from your other things.

6. The really obvious stuff: Toothbrush, toothpaste, a towel, clean undies. I don't need to continue.

7. Food: In Quebec City, "Food Not Bombs" and "The Winnipeg Free Kitchen" were on hand to keep protesters well fed. Many major cities also have inexpensive restaurants where can get a meal for a few bucks. Of course, there's plenty of grocery stores around, too. But try to avoid the junk food as best you can. You'll need some real energy for what your about to face.

8. Money: Let's face facts. Most of us in the Left aren't swimming in cash. Whatever your plans are, try to do it cheaply. Beg, steal and borrow should be your mantra.

9. Water bottle/canteen: There are two things you can use water for during the protest: quenching your thirst and washing teargas or pepper spray out of your eyes (but only do this if you know how. Otherwise, get a trained street medic to do this.)