What to Bring to a Game
Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 10:34 am
I've been to quite a few games, and it seems like there's always someone talking about how they forgot something that they meant to bring with them. Plus I’ve seen new airsofters asking on the forums what they should bring to a game, so... I decided to share the checklist that I use before every game. There are some essential items, and some that are just handy to have along.
Essentials:
- A gun. If possible, a backup AEG and/or sidearm is advisable. Having to sit out the game because your gun crapped out is no fun.
- Ammo for that gun. I nearly left my BB's at home before Redfox last weekend... not cool.
- Batteries. Extra batteries are a good idea, junk happens. A car charger is good to have, but not necessary.
- Matching headwear and undershirts. The headwear is a no-brainer, but lots of players wear undershirts that don't match their camo faction. If it gets hot and you want to take off your blouse, you need your undershirt to match your camo.
- Eye/face protection. Most fields require full-seal, so bear that in mind. I usually bring my goggles and shemagh, plus a mesh mask just in case.
- Boots. I know lots of people show up in tennis shoes, but boots really are needed for this game. At the very least wear basic hiking boots, you need the ankle support.
- Dead rag. Lots of newer players and even some who have been around for a while do not carry these. Carry one. There are very few better ways to tick off the other team than to be dead but not show it. Carry what you want… red rags, orange shirts, pink panties… they all work.
- Water. This one is especially important during the summer. It’s a great idea to have a canteen or hydration pack, but at the very least have water at your car so you can re-hydrate during breaks.
- Food. Food isn't available at most fields, so it's a good idea to bring a lunch.
Non-essentials:
- Speed-loaders. If you use high caps you don't really need these, but mids and lows are a pain to load without them.
- Gas. Of course this only applies if you use a gas-powered gun.
- Camo is a good idea, though technically not required at games. If possible, both Alpha and Bravo colors… BDU’s and DCU’s are cheap.
- Extra socks and underwear. The first time you fall in the river at Saluda, you'll want them.
- Gloves. Not really essential, but they'll save you a lot of blisters and scratches.
- Gear. This isn't necessary if you just carry a few highcaps, but if you want to carry much of anything on your person in-game, you need it. There are countless different options available, ranging from basic LBV's to plate-carriers. If you can afford it, stay away from generic cross-draw vests and get something MOLLE based.
- Elbow and knee pads. These may seem a little uncomfortable at first, but after you get used to them, they'll save you a lot of grief.
- A mouthguard. Most fields allow minors to wear these with a shemagh, as opposed to wearing conventional FFP. It's really up to preference, but for $1.50, it's handy to have one along.
- Radios. You don't really need these at smaller games, but if you want to have any idea what's going on at an Op, you need them.
- Tape. I keep a roll of electrical tape in my tool box. You never know what you’ll need it for, but believe me, you will need it eventually. This brings us to the next item on the list…
- Tools. You don’t need anything fancy, just some basic hand tools. I bring a few screwdrivers and some allan wrenches.
I hope some of you find this useful, and if anyone wants to chime in with some more advice, go ahead! :)
Essentials:
- A gun. If possible, a backup AEG and/or sidearm is advisable. Having to sit out the game because your gun crapped out is no fun.
- Ammo for that gun. I nearly left my BB's at home before Redfox last weekend... not cool.
- Batteries. Extra batteries are a good idea, junk happens. A car charger is good to have, but not necessary.
- Matching headwear and undershirts. The headwear is a no-brainer, but lots of players wear undershirts that don't match their camo faction. If it gets hot and you want to take off your blouse, you need your undershirt to match your camo.
- Eye/face protection. Most fields require full-seal, so bear that in mind. I usually bring my goggles and shemagh, plus a mesh mask just in case.
- Boots. I know lots of people show up in tennis shoes, but boots really are needed for this game. At the very least wear basic hiking boots, you need the ankle support.
- Dead rag. Lots of newer players and even some who have been around for a while do not carry these. Carry one. There are very few better ways to tick off the other team than to be dead but not show it. Carry what you want… red rags, orange shirts, pink panties… they all work.
- Water. This one is especially important during the summer. It’s a great idea to have a canteen or hydration pack, but at the very least have water at your car so you can re-hydrate during breaks.
- Food. Food isn't available at most fields, so it's a good idea to bring a lunch.
Non-essentials:
- Speed-loaders. If you use high caps you don't really need these, but mids and lows are a pain to load without them.
- Gas. Of course this only applies if you use a gas-powered gun.
- Camo is a good idea, though technically not required at games. If possible, both Alpha and Bravo colors… BDU’s and DCU’s are cheap.
- Extra socks and underwear. The first time you fall in the river at Saluda, you'll want them.
- Gloves. Not really essential, but they'll save you a lot of blisters and scratches.
- Gear. This isn't necessary if you just carry a few highcaps, but if you want to carry much of anything on your person in-game, you need it. There are countless different options available, ranging from basic LBV's to plate-carriers. If you can afford it, stay away from generic cross-draw vests and get something MOLLE based.
- Elbow and knee pads. These may seem a little uncomfortable at first, but after you get used to them, they'll save you a lot of grief.
- A mouthguard. Most fields allow minors to wear these with a shemagh, as opposed to wearing conventional FFP. It's really up to preference, but for $1.50, it's handy to have one along.
- Radios. You don't really need these at smaller games, but if you want to have any idea what's going on at an Op, you need them.
- Tape. I keep a roll of electrical tape in my tool box. You never know what you’ll need it for, but believe me, you will need it eventually. This brings us to the next item on the list…
- Tools. You don’t need anything fancy, just some basic hand tools. I bring a few screwdrivers and some allan wrenches.
I hope some of you find this useful, and if anyone wants to chime in with some more advice, go ahead! :)
