Summer is prime time for letting loose with friends, and what better way to enjoy the nicer weather than rounding up your buddies, grabbing your airsoft guns and heading to your local skirmish site?
But just because you aren’t facing up against rain, cold wind and icy feet doesn’t mean you can forget about weather-appropriate attire. Summers are only getting hotter, so you’ll need to consider an airsoft summer loadout that’ll keep you safe from BB impact while also preventing you from overheating.
What to Wear for Airsoft in Hot Weather
Wearing the right airsoft gear is essential, whatever the weather. When the sun is shining, it can be tempting to reach for shorts and short sleeves, but we recommend staying covered up. Not only will keeping your arms and legs covered ensure your skin stays protected from the sun while you’re outside all day, but it’ll also stop the sting of BBs from being as impactful.
Your summer airsoft gear will include the same kind of things as when the weather is cooler, just with more of a focus on breathable, lightweight clothing. Remember, the top priority when creating your summer loadout is still safety.
Airsoft Summer Loadout Ideas
Here are some of our top tips for building the best airsoft summer loadout so you can choose the right clothing from head to toe. For more general loadout ideas, check out our guide below.
Airsoft Face & Head Protection
Face protection is perhaps the most crucial when playing airsoft. This part of your body is particularly vulnerable to injury if not properly protected, with your eyes, mouth, ears and nose being at risk.
With the sun beating down in the height of summer, you likely won’t want to wear heavy-duty helmets or face masks, but some form of protection is vital. No matter what, eye protection is a must – you really don’t want to risk a BB to the unprotected eye. And sunglasses don’t count! You’ll want some sturdy airsoft goggles or certified safety glasses that allow for good visibility while ensuring your eyes are safe.
We recommend the Wiley X range of goggles and glasses – these have been certified to meet the US military standard for ballistic protection.
For the lower half of the face, a mesh face guard is a great way to keep your mouth and teeth safe while still being incredibly breathable, which is great for summer. You probably don’t want to be sweating under a helmet, so a baseball cap is a good option for keeping the top of your head covered and protected against rogue BBs.
Airsoft T-Shirts & Tops
For your top half, you want to cover up as much as possible while still keeping things light. An airsoft combat shirt is a great option as this will have long sleeves to keep your forearms covered while also offering moisture wicking to ensure you keep cool and dry while running about.
Long-sleeved sports t-shirts like those made for running or hiking can also be a good shout as they’re made to be breathable, so you won’t end up getting too hot on those really sunny days.
Airsoft Gloves
Gloves are ideal on really warm days, but if you're particularly conscious of protecting your hands, airsoft gloves might make it into your summer loadout. Mechanix airsoft gloves are among our top choices – you can get fingerless versions if you’re going for that slightly more lightweight summer feel.
Airsoft Trousers
Despite it being summer, airsoft trousers will still be the order of the day for many. Combat trousers are your best bet as these are loose-fitting and will allow your legs to breathe. They also have loads of pockets so you can carry extra mags, kit and snacks without having to worry about loading up your top half with tactical vests or backpacks.
Although combat shorts may seem like a viable option, bare legs make great targets and will end up catching plenty of shots.
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time close to the ground, crawling or kneeling, then shorts are even less ideal, and knee pads may also be necessary. These can restrict air flow a little but will stop you from getting annoying cuts and bruises.
Airsoft Footwear
During winter, warm woollen socks that keep heat close to your feet are vital, but these should definitely not be worn in summer! Instead, opt for something lighter that emphasises getting the heat away from your feet.
Sports brands such as Nike and Under Armour have sock ranges that offer moisture-wicking to keep your feet cool and dry. As an added bonus, many have reinforced heel support to avoid twists and sprains.
In summer, it can be tempting to start wearing trainers on the field, but this can be a shortcut to injury. Boots provide vital ankle support that makes navigating woodland terrain much easier, helping limit injuries.
If you’re dead set on wearing something a little lighter, then we’d suggest a mid-height boot rather than a full combat boot. These will still offer support on the ankle but allow more airflow to your feet. We’d also suggest checking that they are breathable so as to let sweat and moisture away from your feet rather than keeping it trapped within the boot.
Hopefully, you can use these clothing tips to keep cool this summer when heading to the skirmish site. Ultimately, if you’re comfortable and are sufficiently protected, you’re good to go!
To stay on top of your game, check out our full range of airsoft clothing and outdoor apparel. And when you’re all set, read up on our top tips for playing in the summer to ensure you can make the most out of the season.