Created by: Mingham Wu (morpheus@uclink.berkeley.edu)
Edited by: Martin Guerrero (gmartin@alumni.eecs.berkeley.edu)
Clothes:
Wear clothes that you wouldn't mind having muddied or heavily soiled.
Long sleeves and pants are a good idea since:
you probably wouldn't want paintballs to hit bare skin
they offer protection in case you take a tumble
and mostly,
MIPG has beaucoup mosquitoes which are attracted to the CO2
Some places (like Mare Island) rent jump suits.
Wear sturdy shoes with good traction: lightweight shoes with good
traction: lightweight hiking boots are ideal, so are mid to high-top
cleats. Anything that would survive a light hike is fine.
Gloves, hats, and knee-pads might come in handy.
Contrary to popular belief, IMO, camouflage is of limited use;
however avoid wearing excessively bright colors.
Other items:
SPARE CLOTHING. This includes extra shoes, socks, shirt, shorts or pants,
etc. At the end of the day, you will be dirtier than you'd ever
imagine. PLEASE ALSO BE CONSIDERATE TO THE PEOPLE DRIVING CARS.
Bringing spare clothes is a must.
Towels. To help clean you up, your car, etc. after or during the day.
Lots of liquids. Paintball can be a very strenous activity. Although
there will be water on site, I'd still recommend that you bring
your own drinks like water or Gatorade.
Garbage Bags. To put your dirty clothes in.
A small washcloth or some absorbent rags will be of immense use.
Despite their water soluble qualities, the fill in paintballs is
oily and slippery to the touch.
If you wear glasses, bring anti-fog for them. The goggles
themselves will fog too so you might want to get a hold of some
anti-fog even if you don't wear any.
Insect repellent. Some places, like Mare Island have mosquitos.
MONEY. Most paintball places accept CASH only. If you are renting
a semi. be prepared to spend about $35-$40 for mask rental,
entrance fee, gun rental, and 100 rounds (which will NOT
last you the day). The only other additional cost would be
additional paintballs which will probably cost around $4
to $7 per hundred depending on where you buy it (hint, buying outside
is probably cheaper. People may be buying extra ammo and you
can buy some from them or from the Paintball establishment)
So if you use around 600 rounds the entire day, be prepared
to spend approximately $80 or so if you are not self-equipped.
But of course, I recommend that you BRING MORE CASH THAN YOU
NEED.
NOTE: Paintball stains do wash out, but some of the brighter colors may
require several washings before they're completely out. So wear clothes
that you can easily part with.
Food:
Ask the field operator what kind of food they might serve, and where
the closest restaurants and fast food places are.
At Mare Island, for example, the institution will sell sodas for one dollar
and bottled water is free, but you are welcome to bring your own refreshments.
There are fast food places within a five minute drive.
Candy bars and other sugar laden goodies might come in handy between
games and after the adrenaline wears off.
Bringing your own food is recommended too.
Bring ICE if possible.
Other assorted items you might want to bring (optional):
Squeegie to clean your gun on the playing field. (most fields have
some you can borrow but I recommend getting your own).
Wrench to modify velocity. Extra O-rings. (if self-equipped)
Squirt bottle (perhaps a big one you can leave in your car, and one
you carry on the field).
Rags/Paper Towels/Napkins (highly recommended). Perhaps a rag for cleaning
off general paint, and some napkins to clean your glasses/goggles.
Other things to do:
Go to the Bathroom before you get to the place. There are a limited
amount of porta-bathrooms on site.
Come early! The semi rentals may run out and you'd be left with
the pump guns.
to go to the Intro to Paintball Page