In films, spies use high-tech equipment to accomplish covert missions, but all spies are grounded in the basics: good, plain, low-tech observation that can be performed without the aid of any fancy technology. In World War II, women spies used something called an ‘escape and evasion' scarf with maps printed on one side. Thanks to those scarves, the agent that needed to find an escape route had a map that was easy to get to but not so easily detectable by someone else. You can make your own with an old scarf or other fabric and a permanent marker providing you get the permission to mark up the scarf first. A few other tools that would be good for a spy to have handy are things like binoculars; a small notebook and pen; magnifying glass; Swiss Army knife; hat or wig for quick disguising sneakers or other quiet shoes for stealth walking; clothes in dark colors. The best tools of all, though, are your eyes, your ears, and your brilliant brains! Pay attention to everything that's going on around you, blend into your surroundings, look for subtle clues to tell you more about what's happening and write everything down. With any luck, you'll not only become a great spy, but you'll be on your way to becoming a great writer. You know, just in case a spy career doesn't work out.