For keeping in his hotel room, the items you list are fine. You might want to Fed Ex that kit directly to the hotel so your son doesn't have to fly with them.

I'd suggest three additional items: cash, maps and Cliff MoJo bars.

On Inaugural day, he should plan for a long gap between between breakfast and lunch. The restaurants that are around the Capitol and downtown are going to be overwhelemed.

I have been trying to remember how/what I equipped my nephew with when he went to DC on a school sponsored field trip. What they were allowed to carry was severely restricted due to their ages: 12-14 years of age.

I had him take the following in a PSK:

55 gal trashbag
a blanket/small pillow
a roll of quarters
a signal whistle
a signal mirror
2 MRE's
a pre-paid VISA card ($50.00, I think)
a map of Washington, DC
cell phone w/chargers (ac&dc)
empty water bottle w/water purification tablets inside

In his wallet:

Insurance card
Military I.D.
Name, address, & phone number of his 3rd cousin who lives in Md

That's to the best of my memory.

Having spent time on DC's mall for various events, +1 on Dagny's posts.

Regarding the restaurants being overwhelmed, so will the "facilities," e.g. the porta-potties. When you actually do get to one, it is unlikely to be stocked with "paper products," so pack and carry a roll of his own.

Let me +1 Bws48 on the TP. I do usually carry a dozen baby wipes in my travel kit when I am out and about.

I know on race days when EVERYONE is trying to get into a porta-potty and its freezing out, that if there is TP in a stall its usually very low quality. Usually its gone. Some wipes in a ziplock are a huge bonus.

In Mexico for example, there are multi-stall restrooms throughout each town that have locals stationed outside them. They are generally very clean but have no toilet paper. You have to buy it from the locals at the door. Thank God I was prepared the first time I encountered that scenario.

notebook and writing implements
several small plastic feezer bags
a budget and agreement re souvenirs
a warm hat / head covering that he is willing to wear
a roll or tin of mouth / cough mints
couple bottles of water purchased on site
coat or vest that he is willing to wear to hold everything

a great attitude

Important information on the Inaugural, including prohibited items (such as umbrellas and thermoses and anything else a guard deems a threat):

http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009/planyourtrip.cfm?utm

Prohibited Items

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

* Firearms and ammunition (either real or simulated)
* Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
* Knives, blades, or sharp objects (of any length)
* Mace and/or pepper spray
* Sticks or poles
* Pockets or hand tools, such as “Leatherman”
* Packages
* Backpacks
* Large bags
* Duffel bags
* Suitcases
* Thermoses
* Coolers
* Strollers
* Umbrellas
* Laser pointers
* Signs
* Posters
* Animals (other than service animals)
* Alcoholic beverages
* Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners

Markduk,

My son, 12 is also attending the inauguration. Perhaps it is thru the same organization? (CYLC)

He went to DC last year as well and he was woefully prepared considering what is discussed on this forum. He did fine but nothing unexpected happened.

I need to ensure he is prepared for possibilities this time.

Thanks everyone for the response. Sorry to be so slow responding, I've been been doing double overtime at the salt mine (we've been recession-proof so far).

EDC/PSK (modified):
Meds: Motrin, Benadryl, Immodium
Band aids
“small absorbent dressing”
Betadine unit dose
Benzalkonium Chloride Wipes
Neosporin unit dose
Nitrile gloves
Heat Sheet
Spark-Lite - delete
Tinder-Quik - delete
Button compass
Credit card with: electrical tape, dental floss, 80# fishing line
Duct tape flat pack
Doug Ritter Survival Instructions

This will be in a DIPLOMAT POCKET ORGANIZER http://countycomm.com/POCKETORGANIZER.htm

Added:
Maps: one in pocket, one in POCKET ORGANIZER
Pocket pack of Wet Ones
decored partial role of TP
garbage bag
poncho
flat N-95 mask
hand, body, & toe warmers
Bushnell Backtracker


Already carries:
Credit Card for emergencies
hideout cash
calling card
phone number list
cell phone with texting (AT&T)with charger

Clothing:
Underarmour base layer
heavy wool socks
“Hood hat” like this http://frostyfleece.com/Hood_Hat_Fleece_Balaclava.htm
heavy wool greatcoat (nearly ankle length)
hiking boots
fleece glomitts
waterproof, insulated gloves

He will be traveling in a group by bus, with preferred access to the Inauguration. If separated from the group or diverted en-route contingency plans have been discussed. He is a veteran traveler (we have had several “adventurous” trips, he performs well when tested). He is the "mature one" of his group of friends, looking out for the crew. He shouldn't be out and about separate from the larger group( will still put cab co. numbers in his cell - any to recommend?). We have discussed that texting is likely to get through when voice won't. texting is his preferred means of communication.


Questions:

Do handwarmers or Heat Sheets trigger magnetometers?

Any suggestions for b/u cell phone (currently have AT&T), ie other carriers, preferably pay-as-you-go, with good cell coverage in the D.C. Area.

Yes, he is participating in the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (PYIC) which is part of The Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC) . PM me if you wish, maybe the boys can hook up if their groups intersect. DS will be staying in Reston, Va.

Verizon is a prime carrier in the NE.

Don't know about magnetometers and the items listed.

Tell him the story on the N95 is that he has asthma and it helps in cold air.