How to

Airsoft in the summer

Airsoft is a sport that is popular in many different parts of the world. Just like sport shooting, events from our sphere of interest are held in various climatic conditions. However, it is the difference in the weather on a given day from what we observe that is usually a problem and a potential threat to us. After all, people who live in sunny Nevada on a daily basis do not need to be educated on how to behave in hot weather.

The very concept of hot temperature is also relative and largely depends on our individual preferences. Same with the definition of cold. And although I prefer warmth to cold, I admit that I also prefer to prevent the effects of excessive heat. In this article, we will consider how to choose equipment for hot temperatures. We will see if we can somehow counteract the effects of overheating and consider some alternatives in case, we decide to skip the game on hot days. However, it is important to emphasize one point. This text is not medical advice. If you want some information on how to deal with the heat, consult your GP. Such a person, knowing the history of our diseases and possible therapies we are undergoing, will be able to advise us in a safe and reliable way.

The choice of airsoft gear and summer heat

Let's start with the equipment. How to dress for a skirmish in the summer? People fascinated by history or those who are still impressed by the new Helikon-Tex collection can think about wearing shorts. After all, the formations participating in the Rhodesian War are perhaps the most famous example of military clothing consisting of short trousers and shirts. Personally, however, I do not recommend such a solution. You see people in shorts at skirmishes, but to put it bluntly, it's pretty dangerous. The material of the pants is the first layer of our protection against mechanical damage, abrasions and bruises from falling, kneeling, and other changes in position. The same is true with sweatshirts or uniform shirts. From experience, I recommend choosing light, airy, loose tops, but still with long sleeves. They will help protect us from severe shots from airsoft guns of opponents and, by the way, they will not expose naked parts of the body to contact with harmful solar radiation, which will be discussed in a moment.

Above: ARRA SA-E14 EDGE 2.0™ Carbine Replica

Just like the clothing itself, the choice of equipment is equally important. Summer and heat are the times when it is especially important to think about whether we really need an extensive plate carrier vest. Many airsoft players have found out how hot it can be in this type of equipment. A better choice in the summer may be a lightweight chest rig or even a gear belt. This type of gear facilitates the flow of air. In addition, if we decide to wear weighted inserts, abandoning the plate carrier also reduces the weight of our equipment, helping to cope with the heat.

How to deal with the effects of heat in airsoft skirmish?

We may wonder how to choose optimally your airsoft equipment in the summer. The truth, however, is that even the best-chosen gadgets will be useless if we forget to follow a few simple rules to reduce the effects of heat. Here are a few of them:

Let's remember about hydration. If you experience dry mouth, it's really too late. We should drink as often as not to lead to this. Additional symptoms of dehydration include headaches, dizziness, and general weakness. It is worth remembering to consume fluids even slightly mechanically every few minutes. This is especially helpful for people who do not feel thirsty in the heat of battle. I often use the return to respawn as an excuse to take a sip of water.

What we drink is important. Water is the easiest to recommend. It is true that its excess can also be harmful because we also need the right dose of electrolytes. However, it is a better choice than sweetened beverages or other inventions. Not to mention alcohol, which is forbidden during airsoft games anyway.

Drinking isn't everything. In addition to a sip of water, we can also supplement fluids with appropriate foods. Fruits and vegetables rich in this raw material also turn out to be useful. Watermelons and cucumbers come to mind first. Maybe it's worth taking them to a skirmish in the summer instead of a traditional sandwich?

Let's avoid the open sun. This is rather an easy to explain point. In the shade, the temperature is often much lower. In addition, we limit exposure to UV radiation. Avoiding an open field where the sun hits us from all sides is often a good idea due to less visibility. Especially in the summer, whene we also have a chance to minimize the effects of heat.

Let's use creams with a filter. Finally, it is worth remembering that in hot weather, solar radiation itself can be a threat. Sunburn is a real threat also during several hours of shooting. In the summer, it is worth taking and using a cream with a filter. By running and sweating, we can overlook the moment when we get burned, which will expose us to painful effects when we return home.

Are there any alternatives to summer skirmishes?

Holidays are often the only time when we can fully devote ourselves to the hobby of airsoft. Some even justify their shooting activity with the fact that it is a time of good weather. Although I believe that there are always appropriate weather conditions for an airsoft game and the season never ends, I understand these arguments. However, what to do when, due to school, work, or other commitments, we can only play airsoft in the summer? I see two main ways out.

Let's pick skirmishes in terms of time. Often in the morning or evening, the heat is easier to bear. Maybe someone in our area takes advantage of this phenomenon and organizes games during the hours when it's cooler? Another thing is the length of the game itself. Maybe it's worth betting on shorter skirmishes in the summer? Thanks to this, we will have less time when, in addition to opponents, we also have to fight the potential effects of the heat.

The place of the game is also important. Often open arenas, clearings, old quarries are places where it is very warm in the summer. On the other hand, closed buildings, especially old ones, will be cooler. Much depends on where the skirmishes are played in our area. But maybe it's worth taking the opportunity and even going a bit further to test yourself in a CQB game in some abandoned manor house, where there is a pleasant coolness and the rooms are constantly shaded.

No matter what methods we use to protect ourselves from the heat, much depends on our momentary disposition. Therefore, let's watch our body and do not underestimate even minor symptoms. If we feel that our strength is leaving us, we are absent or we just want to drink, it's best to let go. At this point, we can take a break, and if it doesn't help, consider giving up the game. It's better to let go than hurt yourself.

Author: Boreq

Check out similar entries:

• How to prepare for an airsoft skirmish in winter?
• Survival kit for skirmishes and hikes
• Vest, chest rig or maybe a belt? - Types of tactical gear