Cold/wet weather gear

[drifter104]

I'm fairly new to airsoft having only started back in April.

At the moment I've got a viper special ops top and viper elite tactical trousers (all multicam) for playing, which has been fine as its only ever been silly hot when I've played. I'm not planning on hibernating so I was looking at something a bit more suitable for cold weather and waterproofs.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I've seen everything from £20 poncho to £150 jackets and up really don't know what are good brands etc. Any advice welcome

[MattDodds]

Re: Cold/wet weather gear

I got my son some issue MTP waterproofs, breathable Gore-Tex type fabric so they are quite comfy.

[mrflib8le]

Re: Cold/wet weather gear

I use a black karrimor waterproof jacket, only cost 20 quid from a JD sports (not an airsoft retailer so it should be ok to name them). I also normally use karrimor cargo trousers which dry pretty quick and are also cheap. They're not camo pattern but come in black and olive green

[emergencychimp]

Re: Cold/wet weather gear

My advice would be to look at under armour base layers, cold and heat gear, just wear these under your current gear and if it rains, accept you'll get wet.

You don't want to rustle like a crisp packet, and as much as they say they are breathable, for day skirmishes they suck, when you run you will sweat and you'll be a sticky mess. I would suggest looking at getting a field shirt(not a smock) and a change of clothes for the end of the day.

As you'll be running around, that'll keep you warm, getting wet is then only a problem when you stop, so getting something windproof, like a field shirt, is probably more usable.

Having a big warm jacket for lunch would be sensible too, something like an issue softie jacket

[colinjallen]

Re: Cold/wet weather gear

I have never found the need for special wet or cold weather clothing for airsoft. Goretex gear will keep the rain off but, despite all the claims, you will get wet from sweating. If you really feel the need for something a bit warmer, a Norgie will do the job brilliantly and is available from surplus shops for about £10.

However, you should treat my comments with caution; I regularly walk in cold weather (snow on the ground, temperature around freezing) in a t shirt and shorts.

[drifter104]

Re: Cold/wet weather gear

Cheers for the advice guys...

I've got under armour I use for football in the winter but I hadn't even considered that for Airsoft for some reason. Definitely don't want to be doing a crisp packet impression so think I'll go down the under armour route with a warm Jacket for Lunch/seriously cold days.

[TheDuckOfDeath]

Re: Cold/wet weather gear

Sealskinz socks. Worth every penny to keep your feet dry and warm. Being wet and cold is tolerable, especially at just a day skirmish but, wet, cold feet can make you downright miserable!

[Fizzy]

Re: Cold/wet weather gear

My advice would be to look at under armour base layers, cold and heat gear, just wear these under your current gear and if it rains, accept you'll get wet.

You don't want to rustle like a crisp packet, and as much as they say they are breathable, for day skirmishes they suck, when you run you will sweat and you'll be a sticky mess. I would suggest looking at getting a field shirt(not a smock) and a change of clothes for the end of the day.

As you'll be running around, that'll keep you warm, getting wet is then only a problem when you stop, so getting something windproof, like a field shirt, is probably more usable.

Having a big warm jacket for lunch would be sensible too, something like an issue softie jacket

This, with added this and a bit more this!

Layers are the way to go. First game or so you're going to be cold but once you run around a bit you'll soon warm up. Easy to take a t-shirt or lightweight fleece off, not so easy to take off some bulky all weather parka if you've only got a t-shirt on underneath

Again, never bothered with waterproofs for day skirmishes for the reasons above. Even high end Gortex will still leave you hot & sweaty in most cases. Have some for use for MilSim games, as sometimes you're stationary for some time in an OP, or perhaps on guard duty or similar

I normally wear my windproof softshell which keeps most of the wind out, and is reasonably waterproof, so will take a light shower. Underneath, it depends how cold it is. Have a HH baselayer for the really cold days, and then it's a mix of t-shirt & lightweight fleece

[emergencychimp]

Re: Cold/wet weather gear

Sealskinz socks. Worth every penny to keep your feet dry and warm. Being wet and cold is tolerable, especially at just a day skirmish but, wet, cold feet can make you downright miserable!

This is also very true- sealskin socks are a godsend- when your boots get wet.

[Boo-Sabum Ben]

Re: Cold/wet weather gear

If you do need something for below freezing weather, have a look at snugpak

[angry pirate]

Re: Cold/wet weather gear

I'd agree with the comments above re layering. As recommended at the top, surplus mpv waterproof kit is cheap and really decent. That said, it is sweaty if you're running about in it all day. I tend to only wear mine in torrential rain (and then sit out games as if the rain is that heavy I won't feel hits anyway)
I'd steer clear of soft shell as wet weather gear. It looks Gucci but does slowly soak up water and leaves you cold and damp. Wicking base layers are great (I'd avoid norgies too as they are horrible once soggy!) and I'd top it off with a windproof top (shirt, smock etc. Paramo do a good one,, as do helikon)
If it's cold go for thin micro fleece tops. They are warm and cheap and layer nicely. If it's really cold I chuck on a buffalo jacket but that's more safe zone wear tbh.

[drifter104]

Re: Cold/wet weather gear

Cheers for the all the advice, plenty to think about. Best get shopping