Bike helmets Motorcycle helmets Hard hats/construction helmets Sports helmets/headwear Police/military surplus helmets
Heavy but well-fitting jeans that you can run in. Tee-shirt or undershirt. Long-sleeved overshirt of heavy cloth or flannel. Tough jacket (sturdy leather or cloth works well. Scarf (optional)
It can allow you to slip out of someone’s grasp. It can allow you to escape noxious chemicals (like tear gas and pepper spray) that have seeped in to your clothes. It can allow you to easily “cool down” during breaks in the action when you get a chance to rest.
Shin guards (soccer/football, hockey) Knee guards (skating) Thigh/hip guards (American football) Elbow/wrist pads (skating)
Footwear with metal tops can protect against bricks, being stomped on, rocks, and other hard objects. Heavier boots (like police or military surplus options) can offer additional protection but may make it hard to run if you’re not used to them.
Sheet metal Thick, hard plastic (PVC, etc. ) Tough leather Kevlar or other tough fibers
Don’t forget to bring at least one replacement filter canister with you. If the current canister starts to fail in the middle of a tear gas attack, you’ll be glad you brought additional protection. Note that it is difficult and uncomfortable to perform actions such as running while wearing a gas mask. Note also that gas masks are subject to export restrictions in some states and countries, so check your local laws before traveling with one.
Another reasonable alternative to a gas mask is a device called an “escape hood”, which is essentially a plastic bag with a breathing filter used to protect from smoke inhalation when escaping a fire. These are cheaper than gas masks and aren’t usually subject to the same regulations.
Airtight safety goggles are a good bet in terms of eye protection. These are often used in chemistry labs and are sometimes sold in college bookstores. If you can’t find safety goggles, even ordinary swimming goggles can work well so long as they can keep an airtight seal.
Airtight safety goggles are a good bet in terms of eye protection. These are often used in chemistry labs and are sometimes sold in college bookstores. If you can’t find safety goggles, even ordinary swimming goggles can work well so long as they can keep an airtight seal.
Don’t forget that a high-end gas mask won’t make you invincible against RCAs, as it will do nothing to protect your clothes. Consider using hydrophobic sprays such as NeverWet to deflect liquids and gasses, as well as keep from seeping into your clothes.
Get creative with the “canvas” that a broad, flat shield offers you. Some protestors involved in the 2014 unrest in Ferguson, Missouri were able to use their plywood shields as protest signs by painting the fronts of the shields with messages and slogans. [6] X Research source Be resourceful and look for things around you that can be effective shields. Protesters involved in the 2014 anti-government riots in the Ukraine improvised heavy-duty shields made from materials like sheet metal and old iron doors. [7] X Research source Note that lexan is expensive and you may want to opt for less expensive materials.
Carbon fiber is available commercially in a broad selection of textiles, weaves, and tapes. [9] X Research source There are even iron-on carbon fiber sheets available, which are ideal for adding to existing clothing.
Some sources state that mixing Campden tablets (which contain the active ingredient sodium metabisulphate and are used in home brewing) with water produces a solution that neutralizes tear gas. [10] X Research source Protesters have been known to use lemon juice, milk, and other kitchen ingredients to help rinse away tear gas. However, there haven’t been scientific studies to prove whether these are as effective as other solutions. [11] X Research source When all else fails, use clean, clear water. It’s been proven to be fairly effective at treating eye inflammation (especially when used generously). [12] X Research source
Soaking a bandana in vinegar Soaking a bandana in water Soaking a bandana in citrus juice Rubbing a wet bandana with crushed charcoal
Soaking a bandana in vinegar Soaking a bandana in water Soaking a bandana in citrus juice Rubbing a wet bandana with crushed charcoal
