What to bring to a march
Billy Cadden
at 10:26 AM Feb 6 2017
What to bring to a march
Monistat Complete Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel
National Library of Ireland
Science // 

The Resistance hasn't really spread that far into Australia yet but don't be surprised if the streets start filling up with people protesting the new in statu quo res erant post bellum. And if you're even vaguely politically engaged, odds are you've made plans to march. No matter your rallying cry, you're going to need some gear to make sure you're in it for the long haul. Here, the best items to keep you in step and upbeat.

 
 
 
 
Gootium Backpack

Amazon

Gootium 21101 Specially High Density Thick Canvas Backpack Rucksack

First of all, you'll need a reliable bag. This high-density, thick-canvas backpack by Gootium is comfortable and sturdy, with enough pockets to fit your gear—water bottle, snacks, energy drinks that taste like poison, etc. The main compartment of this one is large enough to fit a 17-inch laptop, too, so it does double-duty for students and professionals. Amazon; $42.
 
Ororo heated jacket

Amazon

ORORO Heated Jacket Kit with Detachable Hood

You don't want to abandon your post due to cold. In the pricy but effective file, find the heated jacket kit by Ororo, which is water resistant, wind resistant, and lined with a lightweight, breathable polar fleece. It's got four different heat settings, and the portable rechargeable battery will keep you toasty for up to 8 hours. Amazon; $129-$139.

(Some other things to help you stay warm: gloves for texting, thermal long underwear, and a Bluetooth-enabled beanie)

 
 
Better Than Coffee Health Energy Bars

Amazon

Better Than Coffee Health Energy Bars

Everyone's gotta eat, and Better Than Coffee bars have the added benefit of a mild stimulant. They're also good for intense workouts, tedious lectures, and what feel like never-ending car rides. Amazon; $23 for pack of 12.

 
 
Sof Sole Airr Orthotic

Amazon

Sof Sole Airr Orthotic Insole

No shame in trying to stay comfortable while taking a stand. Sof Sole Orthotic Insoles have a nylon plate in the arch for support and a jelly-like layer to absorb impact. If you're planning to move on your feet for more than a few hours, you'll be very happy you got these. Amazon; $22.

 
 
Rain Poncho

Amazon

Charles River Apparel Pacific Poncho

Weather is unpredictable, but no one wants to be stuck carrying around a rain jacket or umbrella on a sunny day. Take a note from moms riding Splash Mountain and bring a good old-fashioned poncho. These are cheap and will fit in any bag. You won't be winning any personal style awards, but, hey, anybody caught in a downpour without one will think you're a genius. Amazon; $20.

 
 
North Face Jacket

REI

The North Face HyperAir GTX Rain Jacket

If you wouldn't be caught dead in a rain poncho, go for the North Face Hyperair GTX Jacket. It's made of an ultra light waterproof material, which keeps out the rain, regulates body temperature, and is easily storable. It even made our annual Best of What's New list. REI; $249.

 
 
Sharpie Marker

Amazon

Sharpie Pro King Size Permanent Markers

Ever stood in a crowd of people and, like a bolt from Zeus, a zinger about the opposition comes to mind? Consider bringing some cardboard and markers to the next march. Large-tipped Sharpies are a classic for a reason: the felt chisel tip precise, and the ink flow is steady. If you're protesting in very cold weather, though, you should opt for something with a plastic body. Sharpie's aluminum gets cold on frigid days. Amazon; $6.

 
 
Protest Stencil Toolkit

Amazon

Protest Stencil Toolkit

If you have handwriting as bad as mine, consider this Protest Stencil Toolkit. You get a full typeface plus 46 stencils of recognizable protest imagery, like a recycling icon, a closed fist and currency symbols. Amazon; $17.

 
 
TECHO Phone Camera Lens

Amazon

TECHO Universal Professional HD Camera Lens Kit for iPhone

Remember to document the march. You'll want photos for your Instagram and to spread awareness for your cause. To up your game, opt for the TECHO Universal Camera Lens Kit for your iPhone, which includes a super wide-angle lens to capture larger scenes (like crowds of thousands of people) and a super macro lens to zoom in on the details. Amazon; $19.

 
 
Simple Modern Water Bottle

Amazon

Simple Modern Vacuum Insulated Wave Bottle

No matter the weather, if you're outside all day, you'll need to stay hydrated. The double-walled, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel bottle from Simple Modern keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. Amazon; $15.

 
 
AAA First Aid Kit

Amazon

AAA 85 Piece Commuter First Aid Kit

And, not to sound too much like your parents, but you gotta stay safe. Just in case there is an accident along the route, it's best to be prepared. People don't always see eye to eye. Marches and protests are prime locations for disagreements, and injuries are possible. A well-stocked first aid kit can come in handy for you or a fellow marcher. Plus: nothing kills enthusiasm like a gnarly blister. Band-Aids can seriously save your day. Amazon; $15.

 
 
Marbles Compass

Amazon

Marbles Pin-On-Compass

Sometimes you find yourself stuck in a crowd of people with no cell service. If you don't feel like asking any of thousands of people around you which way is North, this brass-bodied Marbles Pin-On-Compass will do the trick. Amazon; $14.

Monistat Complete Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel

Amazon

Monistat Complete Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel

There are lot glamorous competitors, but this stuff by Monistat is hands-down the cheapest and most effective way to keep chafing to a minimum. We couldn't write a story about marching all day without mentioning it. Amazon; $21 for a pack of three

With all our product stories, the goal is simple: more information about the stuff you're thinking about buying. We may sometimes get a cut from a purchase, but if something shows up on one of our pages, it's because we like it. Period.

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