At some point this summer, the sun will come out and when it does and you're out skirmishing, it's important to stay cool. Overheating can lead to exhaustion, heatstroke and a generally unpleasant and sweaty weekend. Here's how to keep your cool while airsofting.
Hydrate
Water is vital regardless of what you're doing outdoors in the sunshine. When airsofting, it's important to stay hydrated. On hot days, little and often is the golden rule. Whether you're using a state of the art
hydration pack or a good old fashioned water canteen, take lots of water out with you.
Top Tip! Fill your hydration pack half way with water and chuck it in your freezer the night before. In the morning, pull it out and fill it the rest of the way with water. When you are out running around in the heat, you'll have a big chunk of ice on your back to keep you cool. And when it melts, you'll still have lots of nice cool water.
Staying hydrated helps with your vision, reaction times and physical fitness.
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Dress light
Airsoft apparel is designed to be rugged and hardwearing because you're crashing through the terrain getting scuffed and shot at. First thing's first: lose the balaclava. Airsoft gear is pretty thick and doesn't breathe very well at the best of times, so lose the tea cosy.
Choose shirts that are made from
mesh, rather than whole piece of fabric. This will improve your ventilation. When airsofting in summer, try and dress light. Sure, you might feel it more when you get shot, but that only lasts a moment, while sweating in the heat can last all day! If you have a
snood, keep it soaked and around your neck to stay cool and wipe the sweat out of your eyes.
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Rehydrate
When you're out and about, sweating all day, you don't need to worry about bathroom breaks. Any water you drink will be sweated out of you. So don't stop hydrating!
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Take regular breaks
When airsofting in summer, it's important to pace yourself. You could be out in the sun all weekend, so don't push yourself too hard too soon. Otherwise all you'll peak too early and be exhausted by midday.
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Fight in the shade
If you're playing in woods, keep your team in the shade and push your opponents out to force them to fight in the sun. Can't find shade? Make your own! Wear a
hat or a pair of
sunglasses and fight in the shade to protect your eyes and skin from those nasty UV rays...
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At Socom Tactical, we have everything you need to stay cool this summer. Check out our
store for the latest apparel and field equipment that will make your airsoft experience cooler than ever.
