One of the best things about paintball is that it can be played all year round, even in Winter!
But when the temperatures drop, it’s important to ensure you’re dressed properly to stay warm and comfortable while on the field.
We will guide you about Paintballing in Winter and give proper guidance about what to wear and be careful of.
“What to wear to paintball?” It is a question with no one fixed answer. It all depends on where you are going to play. Indoor or outdoor? In what weather are you going to paintball? Summer or Winter? All these things matter in the dress code for paintballing.
So, in this article, we will give a tour of the whole head-to-toe clothing informational guide for you on what to wear during Winter for paintballing.
The short answer to What to Wear for Paintballing in Winter is to wear layers, a headband or paintball helmet, warm leggings, thermal underwear, paintball gloves, warm shoes, paintball goggles or masks, paintball jerseys, and vests.
Paintball Winter Clothing Tips
Here are a few tips on what to wear paintballing in Winter and What you wear to go paintballing in the cold:
Wear layers
This is one of the most important things to remember when dressing for any outdoor activity in Winter.
You want to be able to add or remove layers depending on how cold it is or how much you’re exerting yourself.
A good base layer is a long sleeve shirt made of moisture-wicking material.
Wear a hat or headband.
It’s important to keep your head warm when Paintballing in Winter, so wear a hat, bandana, scarf, or headband. A wool hat is a good option, as it will help keep your head warm even when wet.
Tournament players commonly use a bandana available in online paintball shops.
For those who don’t know what bandana is? It’s a form of headband with some netting. This provides some padding to the head, and extra protection from the paintball hit.
Wear paintball gloves
Your hands are one of the first places you’ll start to feel the cold, so wear some gloves.
Again, wool is a good material to choose from as it will help keep your hands warm even when wet.
Your hands and head are also vulnerable body parts in paintball. A hit to the hand’s knuckles is a real stinger.
So if you don’t have paintball gloves, golf, gardening, or even weight-lifting gloves can save you from the paintballs for the time being. You must dress well to protect yourself from cold and perform exceptionally well on the paintball field.
Now let’s talk about the lower half:
Choose the right shoes
It’s important to wear shoes that protect your feet from the cold and from getting wet and common injuries like ankle twists. Waterproof boots are a good option, or you could also consider wearing two pairs of socks for extra warmth.
Hiking, trail runners, cleats (best suited for speedball), and high boots are good paintball options.
They offer good ankle support and a good grip in the mud. Old trainers are also a good option to consider.
Any footwear that covers your foot completely is comfortable to wear and protects the foot is okay to wear as long as you don’t mind getting it dirty or wet.
Consider thermal underwear
If it’s really cold out, you may want to consider wearing thermal underwear underneath your clothes. This will help to keep your body heat in and prevent you from getting too cold.
Wear Warm Leggings
Wearing warm leggings underneath your trousers, tracksuit, or cargo pants is a wise option to protect yourself from cold and the sting of paintballs.
This will give you extra warmth and protection.
Wear Camo Coveralls (Optional)
Camo coveralls are body suits that cover you from neck to wrist to toes. You can wear it on top of your inner clothing to protect you from cold and paintballs.
You can find these easily on online markets, with insulation and waterproof attributes and in cool camouflage designs.
You can buy your coverall, but a few paintball fields offer rented coveralls.
Wear Paintball Jerseys and Vests
Paintball jerseys and vests are designed to protect you from getting hit by paintballs, but they can also help to keep you warm. Look for ones that are made of insulated or waterproof material.
We do recommend going for jerseys instead of vests because these are short-sleeved. To protect yourself from the sting of paintballs, leave as little skin exposed as possible.
Wear Paintball Masks or Goggles
Paintball masks are another important gear for protecting you from getting hit by paintballs, but they can also help keep your face warm.
Again, look for ones made of insulated or waterproof material and approved by ASTM standards for eye protection.
Carry an Extra Set of Clothes
Do bring along an extra pair of winter clothes with you. That you can change into after your paintball match.
Nobody would want to roam around the city in wet and paint-stained clothes.
Wear Old Clothes
Playing paintball includes a lot of running, crawling, kneeling, and not forgetting all the paint you get on your clothes from being hit by paintballs.
So your clothes are bound to get dirty and torn due to branches.
Prefer Camouflage Clothing
Camouflage clothing helps you blend in the environment, so it’s hard for your opponents to spot you. This enhances your chance of winning.
Carry a Squeegee
Paintballs in summer may not break easily, but it’s another story when Paintballing in Winter. Due to the cold weather, paintballs and outer shells get more brittle and easily break.
To avoid any unforeseen scenario, always carry a Squeegee to be well prepared for any paintball accident breaking out in your paintball marker.
Carry Pod Packs Inside your Clothes
The reason is to keep your paintballs from getting more brittle and prone to breaking in the paintball marker.
If you like carrying extra paintball rounds in pod packs, we suggest you carry them inside your clothes to avoid the cold.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to stay warm and comfortable while enjoying a game of paintball this Winter!
Play in Smaller Paintball Field in Winter
If you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate paintball experience, then playing on a smaller field is the way to go.
Winter is the perfect time to do this, as the cooler temperatures make wearing all the necessary gear more comfortable.
Plus, with the leaves off the trees, you’ll have a better view of your opponents. Just be sure to dress warmly!
Thermal Lens for Your goggle in Winter
When the weather gets colder and the snow begins to fall, it is important to have a good pair of goggles to protect your eyes from the elements.
The thermal lens is one of the most important features of any good pair of winter goggles.
A thermal lens is a specially designed lens that helps to keep your eyes warm and protected from the cold air. Thermal lenses are usually made from materials designed to reflect heat towards your eyes, helping keep them warm.
Many people think thermal lenses are only necessary for skiing or snowboarding people, but they can be a great addition to any pair of winter goggles.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the Winter or want to be prepared for any cold weather conditions, a pair of goggles with a thermal lens can be a great investment.
Thermal lenses are available in various styles and designs, so you can find a pair that fits your style.
Anti-Fog Lens
If you don’t have a thermal or anti-fog lens for your goggles, you can always fog proof it with anti-fog spray and other anti-fog DIY methods to prevent condensation from seeing better, even on the coldest days.
Use High Powered Fresh Batteries for Electronic Paintball Guns
If you are using an electronic paintball gun, it is important to use high-powered fresh batteries to ensure your gun functions properly.
Paintball guns that use compressed air or CO2 can be affected by changes in temperature, so it is important to keep your batteries fresh and powerful to maintain optimal performance.
Many players prefer rechargeable batteries in their guns, but ensuring they are fully charged before each game is important.
If you are using a battery that is not powerful enough, your gun may not fire properly, and you could be eliminated from the game.
What to wear for paintball for girls?
We do have a few more clothing tips for girls.
The following are a few tips especially for girls so they can too avoid unnecessary hurdles that could sabotage their paintball fun:
- Avoid wearing skinny jeans.
- If you can, then go for special paintball padded pants, or you can wear thick cargo pants.
- Wear a padded sports bra for extra protection.
- Do cover your head to avoid getting any paint in your hair. It’s a big hassle to get paint out of the hair.
- To protect yourself from cuts and scratches, wear knee and arm pads.
Paintball Outfit Ideas for Paintballing in Winter
Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, you must dress appropriately for the weather.
Here are some paintball outfit ideas for Winter that will keep you comfortable and dry while you’re playing:
Indoors
For indoor paintball, you’ll want to wear light, breathable layers. A long-sleeved shirt and pants made of a moisture-wicking fabric will help you stay dry and comfortable.
You might also consider wearing compression gear underneath your clothes to help keep your muscles warm.
Outdoors
You must dress warmly if you’re playing paintball outdoors in the Winter. A heavy coat or snowsuit will help you stay warm between games.
You’ll also want to wear layers of clothing you can shed if you overheat. Wool socks and waterproof boots will help your feet stay dry and warm.
Always wear a paintball mask to protect your face and eyes wherever you play.
And don’t forget your gloves! Winter weather can be tough on your hands, so you’ll want to ensure they’re protected from the elements.
Does paintball hurt more when it’s cold?
This question has no definitive answer, as everyone experiences pain differently.
However, some may find that paintballs hurt more when cold because the colder temperature numbs the skin slightly, making it less sensitive to pain.
This answer also varies on the calibre size of the paintballs. .50 calibre paintballs have a lower impact than the standard .68 calibre size paintballs.
Additionally, the hard shell of a paintball can become more brittle in cold weather, meaning that it is more likely to break upon impact.
What Happens to Paintball Gun CO2 Tanks in Winter?
If you live in a cold climate, you may wonder what happens to your paintball gun CO2 tanks in Winter.
The good news is that they will not explode or anything like that. However, there are a few things that you should know about storing them in cold temperatures.
First, it is important to keep them away from direct sunlight. If the tank is exposed to sunlight, the cold air inside can cause the tank to crack.
Secondly, you should store them in a cool, dry place. If you store them in a humid environment, the tanks can rust.
CO2 tanks don’t perform well for Paintballing in Winter compared to summer. Why? Because due to changes in the climate, the pressure from expansion decreases, thus affecting the velocity of your marker.
However, the best solution is to use compressed air (HPA). This given extreme climate does not affect this gasps you perform well.
But if you cant switch CO2 gas, then you can take the following measures to make it work:
- Shoot less and at a slower rate.
- Give it some time since CO2 gas expands slowly in the cold.
- When not shooting, keep your marker upward with the barrel pointing towards the sky so the CO2 liquid stays in the tank.
- Don’t place any hand warmers or hot packs around your tank. It won’t help you. Instead, you won’t be able to control the pressure.
Finally, if you will not use your paintball gun for a while, it is best to empty the CO2 tanks. This will prevent them from freezing and cracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of clothing should I wear as a base layer?
Opt for thermal or moisture-wicking base layers, such as long-sleeved thermal shirts and leggings. These will help regulate your body temperature and keep you dry.
What should I wear on top of my base layer?
Layering is key. Wear a long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt over your base layer, followed by a thick hoodie or fleece for added insulation.
What kind of pants are suitable for winter paintball?
Choose thick, durable pants such as jeans or cargo pants. Consider wearing an additional layer of thermal leggings underneath for extra warmth.
Are there any specific recommendations for footwear?
Opt for sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support. Ensure they are comfortable and provide adequate insulation to warm your feet.
Should I bring any additional accessories?
It’s advisable to wear a beanie or a thermal hat to keep your head warm. Don’t forget gloves or mittens to protect your hands from the cold.
Neck gaiters or scarves can also be useful to cover your neck and lower face.
How should I protect my eyes and face during winter paintball?
Wear a full-face mask or goggles that protect against paintballs adequately. Consider using a thermal lens for your mask to prevent fogging in cold weather conditions.
Are there any specific clothing items I should avoid wearing?
Avoid wearing loose or baggy clothing that can snag on branches or equipment.
Also, please refrain from wearing cotton as it absorbs moisture and can leave you feeling cold and damp.
Is there anything else I should consider for winter paintball?
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin, as the winter sun can still cause sunburn.
Stay hydrated by drinking water or warm beverages, and take breaks in heated areas to warm up if necessary.
Conclusion
To summarize, always learn about the paintball field surroundings where you will play. The playing field atmosphere drastically affects the outwear of the players.
For instance, if you are playing indoors, some paintball field facilities have heaters turned on during Winter and air conditioners in summer. This alone changed the circumstances.
So we have been guided a lot about what to wear for Paintballing in Winter. Wear whatever comfortable attire does not hinder your body movements and provides good protection.
Try to avoid that type of clothing that leaves a lot of skin exposed, like shorts, tank tops, etc. These guidelines will help you in the right direction to avoid any discomfort or accident that could ruin your paintball experience.
Whether it’s related to clothing, ideal paintball fields to play in Winter, how to take care of paintball gas tanks in Winter, and so on.
We tried to cover as many queries as possible related to winter paintballing. So enjoy paintball to the fullest, even if it’s cold outside.
