ingWhat to Wear Paintballing

Welcome! It may seem intimidating to participate in events such as Paintball without fully understanding the dress code, but here we will try to provide a comprehensive introduction to what to wear - and what not to wear - in a game of paintball.

What is Paintball?

Paintball is a sport in which players mark each other by shooting biodegradable, non-toxic paint-filled gelatin capsules (paintballs) at each other. The aim of the game is to shoot and eliminate opponents by hitting them with the paintballs. The boundaries, whether outdoor or indoor, and the rules of the game depend on the variation and the level of the event.

Safety Gear

For safety reasons, there are mandatory items that players must wear, which can be modified according to the game rules. The basic ones are usually eye protection, a face mask, and paintball-specific clothing such as coveralls, overalls, pants, or a padded chest protector.

Appropriate Clothing

You don't have to wear specialised Paintball garments to play but it is recommended. Secondly, the clothes should be comfortable, fitted, and must have some parts of them with thick enough fabric to protect the body without feeling restricted. Make sure to choose dark or solid and preferably neutral-coloured clothing to allow you to blend in better to your surroundings.

Headwear

To start with, a good choice is a wind-resistant hood, usually made with thick material. It should be attached with Velcro, fasteners, or a zipper to fit your mask or helmet. Don't forget to adjust the hood to fit, so that it doesn't obscure your vision when you put on the mask.

Footwear

Ideally, you should provide yourself with shin guards, as low-top shoes, such as trainers, may leave your shins vulnerable to being hit, as well as not provide you with enough ankle support. Paintball boots or tactical footwear should provide excellent coverage. Additionally, both low and high-top shoes should provide enough protection and support to ensure that you can run, jump, or position yourself correctly.

Recommended Accessories

In addition, you need an equipment bag and a couple of items to keep you comfortable during and after the game. For instance, knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves - and these should match the colour of your clothing. The gloves should be thicker than normal ones to provide a bit more protection, whereas the elbow and knee pads should provide a good amount of cushioning and help keep your joints safe when you fall.

What Not To Wear

Firstly, avoid wearing bright colours, including clothing, bags, and chest rigs. This makes it easier for your opponents to spot you. Secondly, anything with pockets should be avoided. The paintball markers can cause serious damage if left loose in one of your pockets. Lastly, dress in layers, so you can keep warm if it gets cold during the game.

In Summary

In conclusion, the best way to dress for a game of paintball is to wear clothes that provide flexibility and comfort without restricting movement. Safety is the most important factor, so it is essential to choose equipment that adequately protects the player from any paintballs. Lastly, it is important to avoid bright colours and items such as pockets that can cause harm.

Now that you have gone through our comprehensive introduction to what to wear paintball, you should have the basics of what to bring and wear when joining in on the fun. Good luck and have a great paintball session!