What To Wear For Paintball: The Ultimate Guide
It’s almost springtime, which means it’s time to plan for some outdoor activities. One of the most popular leisure sports people enjoy playing is paintball.
There’s nothing like getting out on the paintball field with family and friends. However, if this is your first time playing, you probably have no clue what paintball players typically wear.
No sweat! Today we’re sharing an in-depth list of both comfortable clothing items and all the protective gear that you’ll need for your upcoming activity.
What To Wear Paintballing
It’s a personal preference on when you should play paintball outside. Some people prefer to play the game when it’s cooler out, and some enjoy playing in the warmer weather.
However, regardless of what the weather is like, there are some items you must have when playing the sport. Here are the following equipment and clothing items you’ll need for paintball.
Paintball Gloves
It’s a good idea to wear fingerless gloves to keep a good grip on the paintball gun. If you wear traditional winter gloves, you may accidentally drop the gun as your grip won’t be firm.
To take it a step further, armored fingerless gloves will protect you from pellets when reloading.
Protective Gear
When playing paintball, the right gear for protection is essential. You want to cover as much bare skin as possible to avoid getting hurt. Doing so will lessen the blow from the impact of the paintball if you happen to get hit, and it will also prevent serious injuries.
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Knee Pads
Because you’ll be crawling on the ground, you’ll need knee pads to protect your knees. Also, consider wearing elbow pads for additional protection when sliding across the field.
Head protection, such as a paintball mask, is essential to cover your face. It’ll hurt like crazy to get hit in the face with a paintball, so be sure to keep your face protected.
Lastly, consider wearing chest protectors when playing paintball. It’ll provide extra padding if you get hit in the chest.
Baseball Cap
If you choose not to wear a mask for paintball, you’ll still need some headgear for the sport. In this case, consider wearing a baseball cap to keep your hair from getting in your face.
Headwear will also keep sweat from dripping into your face.
Paintball Clothing
Most people choose to wear old clothes and bring additional clothing to change into when the fun is over. However, the most important clothing item you may want to wear, regardless of season, is pants. Wearing pants will protect your legs from the paint and environment.
A great option is to choose comfortable pants made from cotton or polyester. Of course, you can never go wrong with a blend of the two materials. You can wear blue jeans, but they might not be comfortable if it’s hot out.
For a more loose, comfortable fit, consider wearing sweatpants. Sweatpants will allow you to move more freely while running across the field.
Additionally, consider wearing additional layers of clothing. You want to show as little skin as possible for protection.
Some people wear overalls for full coverage and long sleeves underneath for layering. The idea is to wear clothing that protects you from the paint and outside elements.
Regardless of what you plan to wear for the actual activity, you’ll still want to bring a change of clothes as you’ll likely get dirty during the session.
Proper Shoes
Tactical Boots, military boots, and cleats are ideal for paintball. Shoes that will keep you from slipping while also being water resistant with a tight lace-up detail are ideal.
Paintball Outfit Ideas
To further help you decide what to wear paintballing, here are two outfits for inspiration. These outfits are simple and practical so you can worry less about your clothes and focus more on your game.
Paintball Outfit Idea #1
Pullover Hoodie | Long Sleeve Shirt | Quick Dry Cargo Pants | BodyShield Crop Top
This outfit is a good choice when playing paintball on very cold days. The hooded sweatshirt keeps you warm and the body shield protects you. Finish up with the protective gear from above and you’re set from head to toe.
Paintball Outfit Idea #2
Sport Vest | Rip Stop Coverall Jumpsuit | Long Sleeve Top | Hat
For those who want to wear camouflage overalls, you can’t go wrong with this outfit idea. Full camouflage combat suits will keep you well covered from various elements. You can opt for either combat boots or cleats if it’s muddy outside.
FAQs
What Should You Wear When Playing Paintball During the Summer?
Remember that the type of clothing you wear for paintball will depend on the time of year or season. What you wear during cold weather won’t be the same as in the summer.
You want to wear clothing that keeps you cool and protected during the summer heat. To help you to decide on what to wear, the first thing you want to do is start with a base layer.
Yes, you’ll still want to layer for a paintball game during the summer. This can be a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt that offers breathability and sweat protection.
You should also still choose to wear long pants for the game. Consider wearing cargo pants or tracksuit bottoms. They will provide breathability and won’t make you too hot.
Next, choose the protective gear you want to wear to reduce the risk of injuries. If you are too worried about the heat, you can opt to wear just knee and elbow pads, though it’s not recommended.
Lastly, wear moisture-wicking socks so your feet will soak up all the sweat.
Should You Wear a Ghillie Suit for Paintball?
Ghillie suits offer more than enough protection when playing paintball. However, it’s not the best option during the summer months.
Due to their excellent insulation properties, ghillie suits retain heat. Save the suit for the winter months and opt for lighter clothing when it’s hot outside.
What Type of Shoes Should You Wear?
The type of shoes you wear for paintball is vital as you want a pair with grip. Consider wearing shoes that offer adequate traction on dirt and grass.
It’s best to find a pair of softball or soccer cleats for paintballing, as these shoes provide good traction. However, some people prefer combat boots as they help keep feet dry.
Will the Paint Ruin Your Clothes?
There is a chance that paint will ruin your clothing. This is why wearing old clothing you don’t care about when paint bailing is essential.
Do Paintballs Hurt?
This will depend on where the paintball hits you. Some areas will hurt more, especially if you’re not wearing protective gear.
For example, getting shot in the arms might not hurt much. However, paintball guns can cause you to hunch over in pain when hit in the chest or face.
Conclusion
Paintball is a fun activity for people of all ages. Ultimately, protection comes first and comfort comes second when it comes to being prepared for a paintball experience. When deciding what to wear paintballing just be sure to include a few layers of protection and only wear clothes you won’t lose sleep over if they get ruined.
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