Event Prep

Bulldog · Event Prep

The original got kinda IAO-specific, so I'm reposting...

Since we're getting a lot of new guys for IAO and TWC, and I spent the weekend prepping gear, I thought I'd toss out some tips and ask others to do the same.

-Test your marker(s). Air them up, turn on your hopper, and fire off a couple rounds, with a chrono if possible. Fix loading/leaking/cycling issues berfore you pack it.

-Test your radio and headset. Be sure you have plenty of batteries, the radio works, and that you can hear and be heard with your headset. Make sure your headset fits with your mask. Turn off all the beeps and call tones that will make everyone want to kill you. Learn how to opperate your radio's key lock.

-Dress-Rehersal. Get all your paintball clothes and gear out and put it on. Load up your vest for battle. Now go find the stuff you're missing. Remember to bring extras if you're playing for 2+days. Prancing around in front of a mirror is optional. Prancing around in front of a window may bring SWAT to your door.

-Inspect and resupply your tool & parts kit. Every allen wrench, screwdriver, and special tool your marker uses should be in there, along with a couple small adjustable wrenches for air fittings, a dental pick for o-rings, spare o-rings (don't forget your remote Q-D rings!) teflon tape, lube, duct tape, zip-ties, spare air fittings, spare nuts bolts, and whatever else your marker tends to break or lose.

-Pack it up. Lay out everything you plan to take- paintball gear, camping gear, provisions, street clothes, inflatible sheep, lawn chairs, etc. Visualize each activity to come, what gear will be required, and then go get the stuff you'd forgot. Try to pack paintball gear, camp gear, travel gear, food, etc. in sepperate bags so that they can be stowed and accessed accordingly. Be sure to pack lots of plastic garbage and grocery bags for your trash, dirty clothes, dead hookers and whatever else comes up in need of bagging.

What'd I forget?

BigMac

inflatible sheep? I dont have one!

Also guys, this is huge! If you know you will be running around when it is hot out - Bring a cooler with some water in it. Yes water at 96 degrees does get into the body fast but it doesnt cool it down.

Dirdy

I'll bring this topic back from the dead.
This is of course equipment for scenarios lasting at least 24 hours or so.

Food / Beverages
Gatorade, Poweraid, Water, and any other sport drink you can think of its a good idea you bring alot.

My favorite Game meal, Granola Bars, Protien Bars, any kind of Granola or protien bar. Stick away from the Candy Bars. Easy to eat during the game, puts some calories in your body, refuel the body that simple. They are great and fit in the vest or pocket also.

Cleates, OldShoes or Boots. If your a runner Cleats are the way to go, i cant tell you how many times i slipped with boots.
Boots are the 2nd option if your not so much of a runner and like comfort plus durability in any weather.
Old shoes are what i would go for before boots because i run, but its a inbetween lol. Don't be afriad to get muddy, be afriad to get shot.

Money
It's always nice to have extra cash on you. Alot of times the team will go out for a meal to refuel after paintball. Not that you are required but just so your prepared for the hunger that will come at the end of the day lol.

olddog

I disagree BigMac.

One thing I tried at PBC is not cooling down my drinks.

Let me explain and you will understand if your drinks are cold your body has to warn it up before it can use it so your body is using more of it's resources that if you leave it warn.

I tried this just on a whim and I was surprised that it worked so well I was able to drink more, more often that when it was cold so I would suggest you try this for yourself and see what you think.

For those of you who use electronic markers, batteries batteries batteries.

Get a back up marker preferably a manual, some times we end playing in bad weather and there's nothing like having an Occasionally Functional Spacegun. (in the words of the great Dirdy)

Rain gear

Radios, these thing make a huge difference in the outcome of a event, we have won more event because we have the advantage of good comms than most people realize so this is a must. You are better of not going to one event and buying a radio, we will talk about this more.
Olddog