Playing in hot weather is an acquired taste and not everyone can hack it. If you’ve been a heat casualty in the past (namely heat stroke), you’re already asking for trouble. The majority of my airsoft career has been spent playing in the desert and general dry heat of Southern California. I have played a few games in humid climates, but in my personal opinion… heat is heat. I use the same methods of surviving both dry-heat and humid games, so for this article, the tactics/prep used will be identical. Here are a few quick tips that have helped me out and hopefully they will serve you well:

DISCLAIMER: I am no doctor, med student, nurse, EMT or medical assistant. I speak from experience only and before applying any of my experience/rituals, consult your doctor for the methods right for you to combat heat exhaustion/stroke.

All set? Let’s go:

• Hydrate extensively at least 1 week leading up to events/ops. 8 x 8oz glasses of water a day should be sufficient.
• DO NOT mix/add sports drinks in your Camelbak. You will instantly regret it. Trust me.
• Skip soft drinks all together. Stick to water and the occasional sports drink.
• Carry at least 2 liters of water onto the field.
• Sip water throughout the day. If you start to feel thirsty then you’re already dehydrated.
• Your urine should be very light in color (think watered-down lemonade) and you should need to relive yourself frequently . The lighter and more frequent the better! If it’s dark or you just aren’t going often, you need to be drinking more.
• Look for ‘Hot Weather’ BDUs as they have additional features to assist in keeping you cool.
• Ditch the plate carrier for a chest rig. Your body will vent the heat much more efficiently.
• Carry a radio and know what channels the field and/or event staff are on in case of emergencies.
• Sunblock is your friend. Your best friend.
• Consider saving your eyes and get tinted/smoked lenses.
• Break frequently for shade and hydration rests.
• Signs of a heat casualty: dizziness, vomiting, cramps, headache,  nausea, rapid pulse, lack of sweat. If you start to show signs, take yourself out of the game ASAP and seek medical assistance.
• Post-game: drink plenty of water and sports drink to replace what you just sweat out.
• Alcohol dehydrates the body, so remember to drink responsibly if you are hitting the field the next day.

 
Pretty self explanatory, yea? If you have any tips of your own, comment below and share with the rest of us. Keep cool and play safe!