What Do You Wear For Paintball in 2024?

Introduction

Preparing for your first paintball game? Deciding on the right attire is crucial to stay comfortable, safe, and have fun. Paintball is an outdoor sport, meaning you’ll contend with varying weather conditions and terrain, so dressing appropriately is key. Here’s a guide on what to wear for paintball to ensure a great experience.

What Do You Wear For Paintball?

Headwear

While not mandatory, many players choose to wear head protection since the head can be a sensitive area. Options include a backward baseball cap, headwrap, beanie, or headband. A headband can protect your forehead and absorb sweat, helping prevent your mask from fogging up and making it more comfortable to wear.

Clothing

For clothing, go for something comfortable and loose-fitting. Hoodies, sweatshirts, and thicker garments help reduce the impact of paintball hits. Options like joggers, jeans, or thick sweatpants provide good protection and are easy to move in.

Most paintball fields provide overalls, but it’s wise to wear older clothes underneath as they’ll likely get dirty. Avoid wearing shorts, t-shirts, or tank tops that expose too much skin. You’ll likely be crawling, kneeling, and dodging during the game, so full coverage helps.

Footwear

Ankle support is crucial in paintball, as ankle injuries are common. Opt for hiking boots or sturdy sneakers—something with closed toes and good traction. Since fields are often muddy, avoid wearing brand-new shoes; instead, go with comfortable, well-worn shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Cleats work well for speedball on grass, but they may not be suitable for rougher, wooded areas. A change of clean footwear for the return trip is also a good idea.

Gloves

Hands are frequent targets in paintball, making gloves an important accessory. The best options are paintball-specific gloves or Mechanix work gloves, both designed to protect your hands without interfering with trigger operation. Avoid gloves that are too bulky or too large, as they can affect your performance and make shooting more difficult.

Dressing for the Weather

Always consider the weather when dressing for paintball. In hot weather, wearing a sweater or thick jacket might seem like good protection, but it will quickly become uncomfortable. Instead, wear a few layers of light, breathable clothing that you can adjust as needed. On colder days, layering with long-sleeved shirts and thin jackets or sweaters works well.

Opt for Dark Colors

Dark or camouflaged clothing is ideal, particularly for woodsball, as it helps you blend into natural surroundings. Light-colored clothing is easier to stain and makes you an easy target. For speedball, clothing color is less critical, but for woodsball, sticking to darker colors can improve your chances of staying hidden.

Bring Anti-Inflammatory Cream

Paintball hits can leave bruises, and anti-inflammatory creams can help reduce soreness and swelling after the game. Consider bringing some ibuprofen and an anti-inflammatory cream to help manage any post-game discomfort, especially if you’re playing multiple rounds.

Leave Jewelry at Home

Paintball is an active sport, so it’s best to avoid wearing jewelry or other valuables. Jewelry can get lost, damaged, or cause injury during the game, so store these items in a safe place before playing.

Are Paintballs Washable?

Yes, paintballs are generally washable. Most paint used in paintball is water-soluble and designed to wash out easily, so you won’t have to worry about permanent stains. Paint on your skin or hair will also wash off easily in the shower.

Conclusion

Paintball is a thrilling, high-energy game that combines strategy and teamwork. Dressing right for paintball not only enhances your safety but also maximizes your ability to move, dodge, and outsmart your opponents. Follow these clothing tips, and you’ll be ready to enjoy an exciting day on the paintball field. The more prepared you are, the better you’ll perform!

Additional Reading

Consider checking out our blog and/or finding your next paintball gear online.