Hey team! Welcome back to the blog.
Summer skirmishes hit different and the heat in the UK right now is NO joke 🥵 The sun's out, the site's buzzing, and you're layered up in kit designed to absorb punishment - not exactly optimal conditions for keeping cool. But with a bit of prep and some smart habits on the day, you can play comfortably and safely even when the temperature climbs.
1. Hydrate before you're thirsty
This is the one most players get wrong. By the time thirst kicks in, you're already a little dehydrated - and dehydration affects your reaction time, focus, and endurance before you even notice it. Start drinking water well before you arrive at the site, and keep sipping steadily throughout the day rather than downing a bottle between skirmishes. Consider adding an electrolyte tablet or drink to the mix. Sweating doesn't just lose water - it strips salts too, and that imbalance is what leads to cramps and fatigue.
2. Wear moisture-wicking base layers
It's tempting to strip back your kit in the heat, but fighting the urge pays off. A lightweight, technical base layer actually keeps you cooler than bare skin under a plate carrier or chest rig, because it pulls sweat away from your body and allows airflow rather than trapping heat against you. It'll also save you from the kind of rubbing and chafing that makes the drive home miserable. Look for fabrics specifically designed for athletic or outdoor use - they're worth the investment.
3. Time your rests strategically
The downtime between skirmishes is your recovery window, so use it deliberately. Get into shade as quickly as you can and let your core temperature drop before the next game. One of the most effective tricks for rapid cooling is pouring cold water over your wrists and the back of your neck - major blood vessels run close to the surface in both spots. It sounds almost too simple, but it works fast. Don't push through if you need a longer break. The game will still be there once you've recovered properly.
4. Protect your head and face
Your head is one of the largest surfaces through which your body loses - and gains - heat. Keeping the sun off it makes a real difference to how you feel over a full day of play. A lightweight boonie hat or cap paired with a mesh lower face pro is a solid combination: you get sun protection without adding significant heat or restricting airflow. Mesh protection in particular is a summer essential - it breathes far better than solid foam or rubber alternatives. Also make sure you wear sunscreen on any exposed skin.
5. Know the signs of heat exhaustion
This one matters for everyone on the field, not just yourself. Heat exhaustion shows up as dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, and pale or clammy skin. If you notice any of these in yourself or a teammate, stop playing, get into shade, and start cooling down. The more serious warning sign is when someone stops sweating while still feeling hot - that's heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Get them into shade immediately, apply cooling wherever possible, and call for medical assistance. No game day is worth ignoring those signs.
This isn't medical advice, just the experience of someone who's played in heatwaves and in hot climates! Stay hydrated, slap on some sunscreen, and enjoy the summer airsoft days!
Photos by @theairsoftcorrespondent
