Packing For An Event

[CantoXII]

Packing For An Event

So, you're off to the big event! It's going to be exciting to meet people you probably only know from a website and have fun out in the field of simulated, plastic battle. However, before you jump into the car, here's a pre-event checklist for making sure everything runs smoothly.

There are some things that you need at every event. You can't leave home without these things so pack them, preferably in the car you'll be taking, the night before. Double check that they're there in the morning if you have time.

• Replica
• Charged batteries
• BB's
• ANSI rated Goggles

With those four items, you can play at 98% of all airsoft events. Of course, you may want some other items that aren't necassarily required, but ultimately helpful. I would strongly recommend all of these.

• BDU's/Camouflage
• Gloves
• Headwear
• Combat/hiking boots
• Load-bearing gear

This sort of equipment makes the game more realistic and safer. A hat or helmet will protect your head from the sun as well as BB's and gloves will accomplish the same protection for your hands. Proper boots for the outdoors will lessen instances of twisted or sprained ankles. Obviously, load-bearing gear helps you carry spare magazines, water, BB's and any other equipment you may need while out in the field.

Packing for an event should never be a last minute affair if you can help it. After all, you know when Saturday or Sunday is rolling around, right? Here's a checklist of what to pack, and when to pack it.

The Day Before:

• Charge your batteries as soon as you can
• Throw any dirty BDUs/camouflage in the laundry if needed
• Clean goggle lenses and let air dry
• Wash any hydration equipment like canteens or CamelBaks©

The Night Before:

• Set out your boots, socks and BDU's, including undergarments and belt
• Pack your BB's, magazines, batteries and goggles, as well as any headwear and gloves into a 'gear bag'
• Pack your replicas and loading equipment into a carrying case
• Pack your gear bag and gun case in the trunk of the car with your load bearing equipment.

The Morning Of:

• Fill hydration equipment
• Get dressed
• Double check that your gear bag, gun case and load bearing gear are in your trunk
• Print out directions to the field

This is a pretty common sense approach to packing. It's the little things everyone forgets but may want to have an hand to save themselves the headache of clean-up, which is something no one wants to do after a hard day of airsofting, which may include a long car ride.

• A half dozen garbage bags, the bigger/thicker the better w/ twist ties
• Extra clothing and socks/shoes to wear in the car
• Rainproof poncho in case of rain to cover up gear

These items can make getting back home as easy as stripping off any dirty gear, throwing it in a garbage bag and packing that in the trunk alongside your gear bag and gun case. Easy!

Some extra items you may want to pack:

• FRS Radio
• Red shop rag (Common method of indicating you're out)
• Baby wipes and lint free cloth
• Sealed food, like granola bars or beef jerky
• Knee pads
• 550 or 'Para' cord
• Duct tape
• Multi-tool, aka Leatherman
• Multi-head screwdriver (Should include common size phillips, flat and torx bits)
• First aid kit
• Whistle for emergencies
• AAA, AA, and 9v batteries
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Cash money - $20.00