What to Wear and Bring to Your First Airsoft Game

Your first airsoft game is a long, active day outdoors or in a building, often in mud, rain or cold. Wearing the right clothing and bringing a few essentials makes a big difference to how much you enjoy it. Here is a practical checklist, starting with the things you cannot play without.

Every site has its own rules. Always check your site’s requirements for eye protection, face protection, replicas and BBs before the day.

1. Eye protection (essential)

Eye protection must be worn at all times in the game area, and it is the one item you should never cut corners on.

Choose fully sealed goggles or glasses rated for airsoft use. Sites often specify the impact standard they accept, so check before you buy.
Mesh eyewear is banned at many sites, so check before relying on it.
Anti-fog matters. Look for vented or anti-fog lenses, and consider a fan or anti-fog spray for cold, damp days.
If you wear glasses, look for goggles designed to fit over them.

Browse eye protection.

2. Face protection

BBs hitting teeth and lips hurt. Many players wear a lower-face mesh mask or a full-face mask, and some sites make face protection compulsory, particularly in close-quarters games.

Browse face protection.

3. Footwear

Sturdy boots with good ankle support and grip are the most comfortable choice for woodland and uneven ground. Waterproof boots are worth it for British weather. Avoid trainers on muddy woodland sites.

Browse boots.

4. Clothing

Long sleeves and long trousers protect you from BB hits, brambles and nettles.
Layers let you adapt as you warm up and cool down between games. Bring a waterproof jacket.
Gloves protect your knuckles, which are a common place to get hit.
A hat or cap helps keep sun and rain off, and some players add a snood or balaclava.
A change of clothes for the drive home, especially in winter.

Camouflage is not compulsory, but many sites split teams by colour, so check whether you need a particular pattern or an armband. Browse tactical clothing, gloves and headwear.

5. Carrying your kit

A simple chest rig or plate carrier with magazine pouches keeps spare magazines and a water bottle within reach. If you are renting on your first visit, ask the site what is included.

6. If you are bringing your own replica

Charged batteries (for AEGs), and a spare if you have one. See our battery guide.
Gas for gas pistols or rifles. Keep it warm in a pocket on cold days.
Magazines, loaded or ready to load, and a speed loader.
BBs of the right weight. Many outdoor sites require biodegradable BBs, and some ask you to buy BBs on site. See our BB guide.
A gun bag or case. Replicas should be carried covered when travelling.
Proof of age, and your site membership or UKARA details if the site asks for them.

Sites test power with a chronograph before play, so arrive early.

7. Food, water and comfort

Plenty of water. Games are more tiring than they look.
Lunch and snacks, unless the site has catering.
Cash or card for game fees, BBs or rentals.
Sun cream or a warm hat, depending on the season.
A small first-aid kit, plasters and painkillers.

8. On the day

Listen to the safety briefing and follow marshals’ instructions.
Keep your eye protection on in the game area at all times, even between rounds.
Call your hits honestly. Airsoft relies on players being honest about being hit.
Put your replica in safe mode and point it in a safe direction when you leave the game area.

Printable checklist

Sealed eye protection
Face protection
Boots with ankle support
Long sleeves, long trousers and a waterproof layer
Gloves and a hat
Replica, magazines, charged battery or gas
BBs (check whether bio BBs are required)
Gun bag, ID and site or UKARA details
Water, food and a change of clothes

Gear up in Thetford

Visit us at 20–22 Castle Street, Thetford to try on eye protection, boots and rigs before your first game, or ask the team for advice. Thinking about your first replica? Read our first AEG buying guide and our guide to AEG, gas, spring and HPA.