Basic gear

[Rako]

So, I want to know what you all think is the basic gear I would need for airsoft.  Keeping in mind I dont have a job (stupid child labor laws :? ) just the money from selling a pig once a year.  I already have a MOLLE vest and camelback, and an AEG with a high cap mag (I know, Im going to get some midcaps sometime).  So what should I get without spending too much money?

[BoneDust]

a camo uniform, doesnt matter which kind, and a good pair of boots. Also maybe a boonie hat as well since we do live in a desert.

[axisofoil]

EYE PROTECTION

Other than that, it depends on what you're looking to get OUT of the rest of your gear.

Definitely boots and clothes. lol.

Do you want something that's cool and comfortable?
How long do you want it to last?
Any preferences on the look (desert, woodland, contractor, jihad)?


A good, cheap, easy way to go about it. Get some boots if you don't have them. Don't skimp and get something that's comfortable and protective. Then hit up Millers Surplus or some other surplus store, or even ebay and get a set of BDUs. The older woodland stuff is suuuper cheap. ACU is pretty cheap as well.

While some people will tell you to get a contractor setup if you want to go cheap... this route will cost you more than BDUs or ACU if you do it right. It's hard to get one that is both effective and actually looks the part without trial and error, as well as a decent amount of money for gear that won't wear down after a couple games. i.e. regular cargo pants will drop the knees out after a couple games without kneepads, and will chafe like crazy with them... and regular t-shirts wear through under a molle rig, especially if you use a sling for your gun on top of it. And we all know that airsoft equipment is usually a fashion show... so to get it all to match up with stuff that won't wear out in a hurry is always a pain. lol. And on top of that, you have to have a matching hat! lol.

[[NT]Saint]

The main items I would obtain if I were you:
One Desert Tri uniform, one Woodland uniform(Either can be bought at Freedom Military Surplus or Gearbox for $10-$25 each uniform).
Boots. Combat or hiking boots will do.
Something to protect your face. The most common item, is a shemagh (One that matches your best). They look great with almost any camo pattern.

I take it you already have eye protection?

Optional:
Gloves.
Mini med-kit.
A Dump pouch to match your vest(Gearbox: $10-15).
Walkie-talkie.
Sling.

[Rako]

I dont have face protection yet, but Im getting goggles and a shemagh.  Any suggestions for what type of camo?  My MOLLE vest is OD with a mix of OD and woodland pouches.  I have a pair of black combat boots, but I think Ill wear my hiking boots.  I have to keep my boots shiny for CAP, and I really hate trying to polish scuffs off   .  Also, to save weight, do you think it would be good to use a camelback and a pistol belt, or should I just stick with my vest and camelback?

[BoneDust]

Well I presonally like the British DPM camo just because its unique, it can be found at hassayampasurplus.com, but the regular woodland or desert bdu will work pretty well with OD.

[axisofoil]

I dont have face protection yet, but Im getting goggles and a shemagh.  Any suggestions for what type of camo?  My MOLLE vest is OD with a mix of OD and woodland pouches.  I have a pair of black combat boots, but I think Ill wear my hiking boots.  I have to keep my boots shiny for CAP, and I really hate trying to polish scuffs off   .  Also, to save weight, do you think it would be good to use a camelback and a pistol belt, or should I just stick with my vest and camelback?

OD vest looks good over despat (desert marpat / desert digital), woodland, and woodland marpat matches well.

[Rako]

Ill see if I can find one of those at Freedom.  And are slings really necessary, or can I get by without them?

[axisofoil]

Ill see if I can find one of those at Freedom.  And are slings really necessary, or can I get by without them?

You don't need them. They're nice to have though.

Similarly, you don't need a plate carrier/chest rig. lol.

There are a few things that really change the way you play and how comfortable and effective you are:
Proper clothing (decent boots, ripstop stuff that's tough enough to keep out most thorns and bugs and whatnot)
Plate carrier/chest rig with pouches to hold your gear.
Dump Pouch
Sling to hold your primary when you need your hands free(climbing, radio use, etc) or switch to a secondary(failure, rules on gun hits, etc...).
Camelbak or other hydration carrying system (keeps you hydrated, moving, and comfortable)
Experience (makes everything better and lets you know how to use it. lol)

Once again, you don't NEED one. They're nice to have.

[Ghillieman]

A dump pouch is a must. Like people have been saying. I personally had a dump pouch before I had any mag pouches when I started playing. Camo is totally up to you. Take a look at what will work best for your area tan or green. Sometimes tan is too tan and green is too green. Your camo won't make you disapear, so look at it this way... how long will it hold up? When I first started bying my loadout I only had a few things, then I kept adding to it until I finally got it to where I wanted it. It doesn't happen over night and can be frusteraing with a lack of finances. But stick to it and do your research on the gear you want to buy. Put everything together in your head over and over before you pay for something, that way you aren't getting something you don't want.

[Rako]

Okay, thanks.  Do you think its important to have a real dump pouch, or would some cheaper large pouch work too?

[Vince]

A 'real' dump pouch is a big bag basically. There's nothing special about it. Some have lids, some have shock cord drawstrings.

But they're just bags.