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What Do I Bring to Scenario Paintball Games?

I was surfing the paintball forums the other day and came across a huge thread on what to bring to scenario paintball games. I decided to compile all the great suggestions into one comprehensive list. But first let me tell you what to expect when you get to your first weekend scenario game.

What to Expect When You Arrive

When you drive up, things will look pretty familiar: there will be a parking lot, a field (or several fields), and the usual staging area. There will also be a camping area where you can pitch a tent and cook your meals. For those of you who decide to book into one of the local hotels, you can still use the camping area to cook during the day. The big difference to a regular recball game is that during the weekend, there will almost always be a game in progress (day or night). Although there may be scheduled breaks during the day and an evening supper break is often provided.

But, of course, you don't have to play all the time even when there are games in progress. There will be "insertion points" so you can get back in the game if you had to take an unscheduled break.

The rules of the game, the field boundaries, and the missions or quests will be explained at the start of the first day. There will be points or prizes for accomplishing certain missions or for reaching certain destinations. Think of a scenario game as a movie or role-playing game come to life. There may be special effects, like smoke screens, spotlights and pyrotechnics, as well as equipment and structures brought in especially for the game. This is not plain old "capture the flag" paintball!

What to Bring to a Scenario Paintball Game

To make the most of your weekend, come well-rested and properly equipped! Here are the things you'll need, grouped by importance.

Must Take

Approved paintball mask
Approved barrel plug/sock
Approved paintball marker
Approved power source (CO2 or N2)
Approved and safe clothing (not too baggy, not too tight)
Insect repellent
Sun screen (you can get burned even on hazy days)
Lots of water...bring more than you think you'll need! Bring several bottles frozen to keep air tanks and paintballs cool and to drink as the water thaws. Running water is not available at some fields and it may taste unpleasant...or not what you're used to.)
Prescription medication (if required)
Easy-to-prepare food (stores may not be convenient)
Cash (credit cards may not be accepted)
Parental release forms for minors (usually available prior to the event from field personnel)
Good attitude: sportmanship, a sense of humour, a sense of pride, a desire to win, good judgment, tolerance
Medical insurance card

Should Take

Lots and lots of spare socks (NOT cotton; take synthetic sports
socks only) - highly recommended!
Spare shoes - if your shoes get wet, you'll regret not having a second pair!
Spare underwear - recommended
First aid kit, including moleskin/Elastoplast strips for blisters, Bandaids, isopropyl rubbing alcohol or other antiseptic, analgesic cream, painkillers (like Tylenol, Motrin,
Aspirin, etc.)
Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth wash - please!
Deodorant - highly recommended!
For the ladies: personal hygeine items
Toilet paper - recommended!
Tarp, tent and camping equipment (or make hotel reservations in advance)
Warm sleeping bag and pillow, if camping
Lanterns/torches for campsite, if camping
Grill or stove to cook on, if camping (fuel, too)
Dry firewood, if camping
Ghillie/camo suit and/or costume/uniform appropriate to the
scenario game you're playing
Rain gear
Spare gun parts (O-rings, springs, etc.)
Flashlight (so you can find your way to the Porta-Potty)
Towels, paper towels, clean rags
Allen wrenches for velocity adjustment
Tools necessary to repair your gun
A good digital watch with stop watch feature
Squeegee or barrel swab

Nice to Have

Spare clothes (you'll get sweaty, dirty, and possibly wet)
FRS radio 14 channel-38 subcode, with a headset instead of an earpiece (which falls out too eaily)
Spare marker and/or spare barrel
At least one additional air tank (keep cold in chest of ice) - doesn't appply if you're flying or busing in!
Paint balls for chrono/target practice (check to see if game is "Field Paint Only" or not)
Table for laying out tools and small pieces of equipment like springs, O-rings, etc. (sturdy TV table or bed tray with solid top and high lip to stop parts from rolling off)
OR Plain white terry towel to lay on your tent floor, picnic table or tailgate (you can see gun parts easily and the terry toweling stops small items from rolling off)
Paintball Hereos ebook - printed out
Field journal to record your experiences
Camera (point-and-shoot or digital camera)
Tarp to cover camp area in the event of rain
Duct tape, black electrical tape, Teflon tape
Extra car key
Handi-wipes, baby wipes - to clean filthy equipment and grubby hands (for smelly underarms and feet,too!)
Poweraid, Gatoraid; NOT soda pop (water is all your body really needs; the sugar in soda pop will give you a quick boost, then a serious drop in energy that can cost you the game)
Batteries
Solar Shower, if camping
Condiments for hot dogs and hamburgers, like ketchup, relish, mustard, cheese, etc. Skip the sauerkraut and onions...please!
Granola bars or high protein meal replacement bars
Beef jerky - easier on the stomach than high carb, sugary snacks (also, sugar gives a quick boost, then drops your energy way down!)
MRE ("Meals Ready to Eat" - easy to prepare, minimal pots and pans to wash)
Cleats
Ear plugs
Spare glasses (especially if you wear contacts)
Extra money for medical emergencies, as well as for gas, tolls and food on the way home
Spray bottle for water to clean lenses, etc. (or bring your eyeglass cleaning kit)

May Want to Take

Paintball grenade
Smoke bombs
Small binoculars
Tactical vest
Fishing line (for tripwires)
Fire crackers (for diversionary tactics) - check with field personnel first
Laser perimeter warning device
Paintball pistol
Megaphone/loudspeaker - very useful
Cell phone for emergencies, but leave it in your car
If you are under 18 years of age, assign Power of Attorney to someone in your group (get it notarized before you leave home)

Don't Take

Extra paintballs unless for practice only (most events require field paint to be purchased at the event; check with field personnel)
Alcoholic beverages
Illegal and mood-altering drugs
Firearms (including BB guns)
Unauthorized equipment and pyrotechnics
Negative attitude (if you have a bad temper or you're intolerant, a poor sport, a sore loser, a whiner or a complainer, please stay home!)

A Few Final Recommendations

Clearly label everything you bring!
Organize your gear or you'll spend half your time looking for stuff. Divide items into separate bags: one with clothes, one with special gear/equipment, one with extras of everything!
Don't bring your best, most expensive marker to a scenario game...it will get beaten up for sure.
When you first arrive get oriented and look for landmarks. You don't want to get lost during the game!
Do as much before the game starts as possible: get your gear organized, chronograph your marker, fill your tanks, buy paint balls, etc.

Have fun, but make sure you get some paintball tips and tactics before you go to your first scenario game! And check out Scenario Calendar for upcoming games and their locations (USA & Canada only).

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