Civil unrest is not hyperbole. We have watched it unfold in real time in cities like Minneapolis and Portland, and it will happen again. The smartest move is always avoidance. If you can stay away from unrest, do it. Social media platforms like X make it easy to see where riots are forming so you can route around them.
That said, many Christians do not have the luxury of avoidance. Some live in affected neighborhoods. Some minister there. Some attend church there. When avoidance is not possible, preparation becomes necessary. This article outlines what I personally keep in a go bag when moving through areas experiencing civil unrest, and why each item earns its place.
Food and Basic Sustainment
I keep a single MRE in my bag. Not for comfort, and not for long-term sustainment. It is there in case I get separated from my vehicle or delayed longer than expected. It is compact, durable, and easy to eat while moving.
This is not a camping bag. One meal is enough to bridge a short disruption without adding unnecessary bulk.
Respiratory Protection and Crowd Control Agents
If unrest escalates, chemical agents are almost guaranteed. Law enforcement primarily uses CS gas, CN gas, and OC pepper agents. All three will incapacitate you quickly if you are unprotected, and panic is what gets people hurt.
A gas mask is non negotiable in this environment.
Improvised setups like goggles and cloth masks do not work. Covering your mouth while leaving your eyes exposed guarantees failure. Cheap full face masks may offer limited protection, but quality varies widely.
I use an Avon gas mask. This is the same standard used by military and most SWAT teams for a reason. It seals properly, protects against common riot agents, and allows you to keep moving without panic. Training filters are sufficient for this role. You do not need expensive WMD filters for civil unrest.
If budget is a constraint, a basic Mirrored full face mask can work, but expect limitations. Avoid small dual eye port designs. They restrict vision, increase claustrophobia, and perform poorly under stress.
The moment you see crowds becoming aggressive or chemical agents deployed, don the mask immediately. Seal check it, then move.
My Masks:
AVON Mask (It’s the gold standard, but it’s $700, save money and go MIRA if you have a normal sized head, see below)
MIRA Mask The C21 is the mask I have been suing lately. It is about $300 cheaper than the Avon and is a little better for shooting while wearing it.
Clothing, Decontamination, and Hygiene
Once you pass through CS, CN, or OC, you are contaminated. Expect a second exposure later when you shower if you do not plan ahead.
I keep a plastic bag in my pack for contaminated clothing. Before entering my vehicle, I strip outer layers and bag them. Underwear is not necessary to remove. Hair will still carry residue, so plan for discomfort later.
When you get home, take a cold shower. Let the water run over your face and body before using soap. It will burn. Stay calm and wash thoroughly.
The key is understanding that discomfort is temporary. Panic makes everything worse.
Concealment and Blending In
Standing out in a riot is dangerous. I carry a shemagh for concealment and versatility. It allows me to cover my face, protect my neck, and blend into crowds without drawing attention.
I also carry neutral attire. Plain pants, plain shoes, a normal jacket. Nothing political. Nothing tactical. Nothing that signals affiliation. The goal is to look like someone trying to get home, not someone making a statement.
I keep various patches and identifiers that allow flexibility if needed. Press markings, neutral symbols, and flags can help shift perception depending on the environment. Use discretion and judgment.
Less Lethal Options
I carry pepper spray in two forms.
Bear spray offers distance and wide area coverage. It is inexpensive and effective, especially for creating space.
I prefer POM pepper spray for controlled use. Their home defense model provides reliable deployment without excessive bulk. It is affordable and effective.
Once deployed, remember that you are contaminating yourself as well. Plan accordingly.
Firearms and Defensive Posture
I do not openly display firearms during civil unrest. That draws attention from both crowds and law enforcement.
I carry concealed, on body. No slings, no rifles, no visible weapons. The objective is avoidance and movement, not engagement.
If defense becomes unavoidable, you already understand the gravity of that moment. Until then, stay low profile.
What I carry (Click the link to see and purchase):
Mobility and Safe Havens
Your priority is movement. Listen to police commands when dispersal orders are given. They will funnel crowds away from danger areas.
Churches can be effective temporary shelters. Most will help someone seeking refuge until unrest passes. If necessary, you can assist in securing the building, but that is rarely required.
Keep moving toward safety without drawing attention.
Pro Tip:
I use a program called ATAK if I have like minded people in the area to communicate securely.
Supplemental Tools
My bag also includes distraction and signaling tools.
I carry flashbang simulators and smoke. Flash devices can create space if a crowd becomes aggressive. Smoke can be used for signaling or screening. White smoke is preferable, as it resembles tear gas and often causes people to disengage.
These tools are not cheap, so use them sparingly and intentionally.
FLASHBANGS can be ordered here
Armor and Bag Selection
I use a Vertx bag with a Premier Body Armor insert. It looks like a normal backpack while providing ballistic protection. This protects against stray rounds without advertising armor.
I recommend a bag that does not scream tactical and allows rapid access to your mask and essentials.
Here is My Setup:
Armored Vertx Gamut 22L Sling Bundle
Final Thoughts
Preparation does not mean seeking conflict. It means acknowledging reality and refusing to be caught unready.
Keep your kit simple. Keep it legal. Keep it discreet.
Above all, pray for your country. Pray for those trying to live ordinary lives in unstable places. Stay alert, stay humble, and get home safely.
Thanks for this info. The key for me is to not get overwhelmed by the number of things I've not done; and, not discouraged by not getting everything done immediately. I've started calendaring one "new" prep task weekly. The financial, mental, emotional and domestic strains are lessened that way. The last is lessened by mentioning to my wife that "Keith said so." End of conversation...LOL!
At the risk of being an annoying scold (OK, I've crossed that threshold!), there was a "minor" accident at my range today while I was on duty as one of the RSO's. An overweight man about 60 tripped over one of the legs on a spotting scope and face-planted on the concrete pad. Thankfully, he wasn't seriously hurt and one of the other RSO's had been a medic. POINT: Get fitter. As we age, we lose dexterity, etc. I have no doubt that if this man had tripped when in his 40's (he's an experienced gun guy), he'd have never hit the ground or it would have been a soft landing. Be well, my friends, "stay safe out there", as the Roll Call Sgt. used to say at the end of the shift briefing on Hill St. Blues. Have a blessed Sunday.