Planning to go to Minneapolis? Bring these: 5 Things every journalist should have at the RNC

Going by the startling amount and violence of police action at the conventions so far, there are certain items which anyone going into the Twin Cities should have. Good luck, and happy filiming!

#1: Gas mask
Watching footage from the conventions, there seems to be an awful lot of pepper spray going around. Whenever riot cops put on their masks, it's a good idea for you to do the same.
In terms of value and comfort, the Russian GP-5 is one of your best bets. Just have a short haircut, I hear it pulls like hell when you take it off. Keep it in it's bag until you use it, a gas mask is like a bullseye to these guys.

http://www.google.com/products?q=GP-5%20Gasmask&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wf

#2: Hydration Pack
Dehydration will incapacitate you just as surely as a smack from a stun baton for "unlawful filming" will. You can easily make a DIY hydration pack with a large plastic bag, hose, and backpack, but you might want to drop 20 bucks for quality's sake.

http://www.google.com/products?q=Hydration+pack&btnG=Search+Products&show=dd

#3: "Press" patches and clothing
Even if you're just a citizen journalist for Current, a big patch across your back that says "PRESS" will make an over-aggressive officer think twice about messing with you.

#4: Good boots
If you're going to be walking around a lot, you'll need some decent hiking/combat boots. Try army surplus for the good stuff.

#5: Secure data storage
You never know when some enforcer creep is going to want to paw through your personal data and "accidentally" delete it. Encrypt your data!
If you feel like spending a hefty $80-300 for 1-8 GB of total data security, the Ironkey is the way to go. Military grade encryption, stainless steel case, epoxy potting, and a self destruct mechanism make this a perfect choice.