Covington
04-22-2004, 12:57 AM
**Admins & Mods, do with this what you please...
What To Buy?
The list of recommended items below has been compiled after consulting several experienced players who have gone through the process of trial and error concerning the purchase of airsoft necessities and my own personal experience in the hobby. Although there is always a better product for more money, the list below reflects items that are as inexpensive as possible while being always adequate and, more than not, exceptional. To be sure, if you purchase the items recommended for each category, you will not have to lose money upgrading to a better version as so many others before you have done.
Weapon
Type
Unless you are absolutely sure you have researched the issue thoroughly and have made a wholehearted decision to play the game of airsoft as a sniper, I recommend against purchasing an expensive sniper rifle. Gas guns require constant refills, have limited range, and are not that prolifically produced.
Recommend: Automatic Electric Gun [AEG]
Brand
It is almost a universally accepted proposition that the most reliable models of Airsoft AEGs are produced by one manufacturer.
Recommend: Tokyo Marui.
Model
When choosing an AEG, one must take into consideration certain factors that are dictated by the realities and logistics of airsoft. The barrel must be of sufficient length to provide for the range and accuracy desired. It should be a popular enough model so that upgrade paths, info on maintenance, and places to find spare parts are well known. Gear that fits model's magazines should be easily found.
Recommend: AR15 series, AK series
Retailers
Because of well-known Customs and shipping woes, one should purchase AEGs stateside. Further, communication and language barriers also come into play when ordering AEGs from overseas.
Recommend: Stateside Dealer
Upgrade Parts
There are many things you can do to your mechbox and AEG to increase the performance and longevity. If you did them all, you would bust your pocketbook. To achieve compatible performance with other players, there are only a few upgrades that are necessary.
Recommend:
Spring: PDI 170, Guarder 120, or Systema 120
Bushings: Guarder Double Oil Channel/Ditch Steel [no CA, no bearings]
Shims: Systema Metal
Lube: Lithium Grease, Silicone Grease
Silicone Spray
Silicone Spray is necessary to lube your AEG. It can be applied to the hopup unit, inside the mags, and used to clean the inside of the barrel. Make sure the silicone spray does not contain any petroleum distillates; these can degrade plastics and rubbers in your AEG.
Recommend: STTI Silicone Spray (http://www.airsplat.com/P_266.htm)
Magazines
Capacity
I agree that low-cap magazines are much more milsim. They force a user to undergo more frequent mag changes, and one must be cognizant of his ammo reserves. On the other hand, these take much longer to reload than hi caps, and are a pain to reload in the field. Moreover, to get enough ammo for a large skirmish, one would be forced to spend a great amount of money on mags. Mid-caps provide more capacity, but still suffer from the reload problems mentioned above.
Recommend: Hi-Caps, 300-450 rounds
Brand
There are many brands out there that have been tried and tested. The only brand that I advise against are Classic Army [CA] mags.
Recommend: Tokyo Marui, G&G
Radio
Having a radio elevates your enjoyment of airsoft tremendously. In fact, it is an entirely other game with a 2-way radio. There are many high end radios that outperform the standard FRS radios which can be found at any general store, e.g. Wal-Mart, but they are much more expensive and sometimes require programming. Your radio should be reliable, durable, have a 2.5mm jack for headset, lock capability, 14 channels, and PTT capable. There are several companies that make these radios, but most make junk equipment. This should cost you between $15 and $20.
Recommend: Motorola FRS Two Way Radio (http://www.csonline.net/crawford/images/Radios/T5420BLK.jpg)
Headset
Unless you want to give your FTs position away during a skirmish, you'll want to acquire a headset. Although one can use the Push To Talk [PTT] button on the radio itself, you may want to purchas a headset that has an inline PTT button itself. This way, you can have PTT wherever you affix that button to your gear. Make sure the jack of your headset matches the connector on the radio. Make sure the headset fits very securely. This is a piece of gear for which there isn't a specific recommendation. There are throat mics, ear buds, wrap around ear pieces, etc. You can spend as little as $12 at Walmart or several hundred for high end headsets.
Recommend: Any headset that meets above criteria
Radio Pouch
You can save alot of money on a radio pouch, but the savings don't really add up when you have to buy the radio again because it fell out of your pouch and is lost on the field. You need a way to secure the radio in a pouch and secure the pouch on your vest. Also, you'd like to still have access to the PTT button and the volume control.
Recommend: Motorola TalkAbout Radio Pouch (http://www.tacticaltaylor.com/catalog/pockets.htm)
Eye Protection
Goggles
You should have a set of full sealing goggles. These are goggles that form a complete seal with no gaps around your eyes. Goggles should meet the ANSI Z87.1 rating. They should also be adjustable enough to fit your size head, and they should be very comfortable. You do not want to take off your goggles to adjust them in the field. Having some anti-fog capabilities is nice.
Recommend: ESS Thermals (http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/esstacscther.html)
Shooting Glasses
Some fields allow players to wear shooting glasses that meet the same ANSI Z87.1 rating. These shooting glasses should wrap all the way around your eyes leaving very little gap between the lenses and your skin. You should secure them with a $2 backstrap. These are very inexpensive. Remember, safety is your own responsibility.
Recommend: Safety Glasses USA (http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/safetyglasses1.html)
Anti Fog
Many anti-fog substances have been used on the airsoft field with minimal results. There is a container of wipes sold at your general store which does a fine job for less than $3 per container, and they are safe for plastics.
Recommend: Clorox Bathroom Wipes with Teflon (http://www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/127842.gif)
Batteries
Composition
Batteries come in two flavors, NiMH and NiCad. NiCads give you more bang and longer life. NiMH develop less memory. Therefore, if you just top off your batts and don't cycle them completely, NiMH will be better. Caution: NiMH batts are more susceptible to overheating while charging. Therefore, you may want to get a peak charger. I do not think that you'll be asking so much of your batts that the lifespan is of significance. Note: You will need batts that give you the most life per skirmish.
Recommend: NiMH 3000mah
Voltage
Most upgraded mech boxes are run on 9.6v or 8.4v batts. 9.6v does give you a boost in rate of fire [ROF]. With the increase in ROF, there is also increased stress to the mechbox.
Recommend: 8.4v, [9.6v for higher ROF]
Retailer
My team has found a very good deal that is omnipresent on ebay. You get two 3000mah 8.4v NiMH batts for $31. These batts have proven themselves time and again.
Recommend: Battery Space on eBay (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&ht=1&from=R10&query=8.4v+airsoft+3000mah+nimh&sacategory=-1%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&sapricelo=&sapricehi=&soloctog=9&sosortproperty=1%26sosortorder%3D1&gotopage=)
Charger
You will need a quality charger to recharge your batts. Now, you can get away with using the stock quick-charger that comes free with many AEG purchases. If you do not get this free charger or otherwise want to purchase an upgraded charger, this is where I'm going to recommend you spend a little more. You will spend hours charging batts as a serious player, and you'll want the quality product. The charger should charge both NiCad and NiMH. It should have a quick and slow charge mode as well as a built in decharger. You should be able to control the amperage and discharge rate. It should be able to charge up to, at least, 9.6v batts. Also, you're going to want it to have the capability to feed off a car's battery. If you're going to to spend the money to get a charger like described above, you might want to spend a little more to get one with a digital readout which helps you gauge the discharge and recharge of your batt.
Recommend: Intellipeak Digital Pulse Charger (http://www.duratrax.com/caraccys/dtxp4100.html)
Batt Bag
On some AEGs, there is no internal space to place a large battery; one must go with a batt bag. Many people use mag pouches which can range up to $35+. This seems extravagant. Also, you want a pouch that fits large batts snug and secures them with a large, adjustable velcro flap.
Recommend: Milforce Batt Bag $6 (http://www.airsoftclan.com/product_info.php/cPath/6_23/products_id/330?PHPSESSID=5cbf0a70f62a20d6de886bcfd30bd1ac)
Camo
Green
The summer is hot; so, you want to wear a breathable fabric. In the winter, you can and should layer clothing to keep warm. You need a ripstop fabric to stop rips. You'll want camo that has the same pattern as most gear and accessories, and make sure that the pattern is effective in the terrain where you skirmish. You'll want to buy new stuff in your perfect size. This will cost you about $20 per piece. You do not want to buy used, shotty camo that will have to be replaced just to save a few bucks.
Recommend: Woodland BDUs in Cotton Ripstop (http://www.american-armynavy.com/BDUUniformWoodlandRS.htm)
Brown
From time to time, you may be forced to wear a desert or brown BDU blouse to distinguish you as a member of a certain army at an OP. You will only be using this camo on the rare occassion.
Recommend: $5-7 desert bdu blouse at Goodwill
Boots
I strongly recommend you get a good pair of boots for airsoft; do NOT try to play in sneakers. Obviously, comfort is of prime concern; buy boots that are comfortable to you. Having written that, there are pre-reqs which boots must pass before they should be considered:
Lace tightly over the ankles
Waterproof above the ankle
A wide-thick sole
Thick lining and padding
Seams are sewn and not just glued
I've used the same pair for 1.5 years, and they have performed remarkably. This model is used by several members of my airsoft community. They are the $39.99 Herman Survivors™ Commando model at Wal-Mart. Others have found good jump boots at Savers for $10. Do your research, try them on yourself, and only purchase once.
Recommend: Comfy Boots that fit pre-reqs
Load Bearing Gear
You think you can keep your equipment in your cargo pockets. You're just wrong. You need to carry mags, batts, extra BBs, a radio, and many more little accessories. You NEED some type of load bearing gear. There are as many pieces of equipment out there as there are types of weapons. They can be placed into 2 categories: those which are all-integral and those which are modular. I'll advise you on the bare minimum of each, but you may want to spend a bit more money here to get exactly what you want. Do your research, and only purchase once. Whichever you decide upon, make sure it has the following features: MilIssue or from Reputable Company
Multiple Attachment Points
Strong Seams
Fastex Buckles
Nylon Straps
Size Adjustability
Recommend:
Integral: USGI LBV Gen1 (http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/images/gilbv.jpg), as low as $20. For AR15 series. Requires Pistol Belt
Modular: USGI Molle LBV (http://imagehost.vendio.com/preview/da/danscamo/mollevestwithutility.jpg), requires pouches secured by clips
Belt
Pant Belt
If you believe that pulling on your pantwaist is a minor inconvenience, think again. A good belt is key. A belt not only helps with uncomfortable pants, but you might eventually hang gear and other accessories off it. Without hyperbole, my belt is my favorite piece of equipment, and I only advise you choose one.
Recommend: BDU Belt (http://www.special-warfare.net/data_base/305_load_bearing/eagle_02/eagle_bdu_belt_01.jpg)
Pistol Belt
If you're thinking about securing some serious gear, then you're going to want to get a Pistol Belt. You do not want the original belt with the unreliable metal buckle. You want the next gen one with the fastex buckle.
Recommend: LC2 Pistol Belt (http://www.tennesseeoutfitters.com/LBV/img7.gif)
Pads
I recommend you buy kneepads. This will allow you to fall, crawl, and brawl without fear of hurting your knees. Kneepads should fit securely and have a hard plastic shell. You might want to consider elbow pads as well.
Recommend: Alta Superflex or Blackhawk Hellstorm pads
Gloves
I DO advise that you use gloves. Many players wear fire resistent Nomex gloves. To be sure, they are sturdy. For the average player, though, I think they are a bit much and overpriced. Also, I think it is very important to have gloves that are snug on your hand, and you want to keep the tactility of your fingertips. You won't be doing any heavy work with these gloves; you'll be moving branches out of your way and crawling through the brush. You can go to Wal-Mart and find a great variety of cheap work gloves; one will be perfect.
Recommend: $6 work gloves, tight, fingertips cut off
Hydration
More water is better than less. 100oz is better than 70oz. Some vests have pouches for bladders, but many don't. Two producers stand out with regards to quality.
Recommend: Hydrastorm (http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/store/hydrastorm-tempest.html) or Camelbak (http://www.lightfighter.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=272)
Headwear
Helmets are excellent protection from branches and BBs, but they provide no shade from the sun. Baseball caps provide shade and one is used to the feel, but it gets knocked off easily when that hard brim hits branches, your back, your AEG, etc. Features to look for:
Soft Brim
Camo Coloration
Sturdy Band of Synthetic Material
Water Resistent
Chin Strap
Not Too Tight
Recommend: Boonie with Nylon Band (http://www.thebattlezone.com/boonies/booniepix/boonwood.jpg)
Accessories
Zip Ties (http://www.poweroncycling.com/images/SEAT_ZIP_TIES.jpg). For affixing things or holding stuff together.
Carabiner (http://incipiodirect.safeshopper.com/images/90osj0k.jpg). Attachment points. $1 each. Choose camo colors.
Paracord (http://www.highlander1.com/images/105/index.93.gif). One can never have enough rope.
Electrical Tape (http://www.allelectronics.com/images/gold/full/PET-1.jpg). For small jobs. Remember the E in AEG.
100mph Tape (http://www.gijoesurplus.com/gijoeproducts/100mphtape.jpg). For larger jobs. This stuff is sturdy.
Red Kill Flag (http://www.sparkleauto.com/images/sma85-767.jpg). Use a red bandana or shop rag to indicate you're hit.
Multi-Tool (http://www.fireoutuniform.com/webart/leatherman-flair.jpg). This will come in handy on a daily basis
What To Buy?
The list of recommended items below has been compiled after consulting several experienced players who have gone through the process of trial and error concerning the purchase of airsoft necessities and my own personal experience in the hobby. Although there is always a better product for more money, the list below reflects items that are as inexpensive as possible while being always adequate and, more than not, exceptional. To be sure, if you purchase the items recommended for each category, you will not have to lose money upgrading to a better version as so many others before you have done.
Weapon
Type
Unless you are absolutely sure you have researched the issue thoroughly and have made a wholehearted decision to play the game of airsoft as a sniper, I recommend against purchasing an expensive sniper rifle. Gas guns require constant refills, have limited range, and are not that prolifically produced.
Recommend: Automatic Electric Gun [AEG]
Brand
It is almost a universally accepted proposition that the most reliable models of Airsoft AEGs are produced by one manufacturer.
Recommend: Tokyo Marui.
Model
When choosing an AEG, one must take into consideration certain factors that are dictated by the realities and logistics of airsoft. The barrel must be of sufficient length to provide for the range and accuracy desired. It should be a popular enough model so that upgrade paths, info on maintenance, and places to find spare parts are well known. Gear that fits model's magazines should be easily found.
Recommend: AR15 series, AK series
Retailers
Because of well-known Customs and shipping woes, one should purchase AEGs stateside. Further, communication and language barriers also come into play when ordering AEGs from overseas.
Recommend: Stateside Dealer
Upgrade Parts
There are many things you can do to your mechbox and AEG to increase the performance and longevity. If you did them all, you would bust your pocketbook. To achieve compatible performance with other players, there are only a few upgrades that are necessary.
Recommend:
Spring: PDI 170, Guarder 120, or Systema 120
Bushings: Guarder Double Oil Channel/Ditch Steel [no CA, no bearings]
Shims: Systema Metal
Lube: Lithium Grease, Silicone Grease
Silicone Spray
Silicone Spray is necessary to lube your AEG. It can be applied to the hopup unit, inside the mags, and used to clean the inside of the barrel. Make sure the silicone spray does not contain any petroleum distillates; these can degrade plastics and rubbers in your AEG.
Recommend: STTI Silicone Spray (http://www.airsplat.com/P_266.htm)
Magazines
Capacity
I agree that low-cap magazines are much more milsim. They force a user to undergo more frequent mag changes, and one must be cognizant of his ammo reserves. On the other hand, these take much longer to reload than hi caps, and are a pain to reload in the field. Moreover, to get enough ammo for a large skirmish, one would be forced to spend a great amount of money on mags. Mid-caps provide more capacity, but still suffer from the reload problems mentioned above.
Recommend: Hi-Caps, 300-450 rounds
Brand
There are many brands out there that have been tried and tested. The only brand that I advise against are Classic Army [CA] mags.
Recommend: Tokyo Marui, G&G
Radio
Having a radio elevates your enjoyment of airsoft tremendously. In fact, it is an entirely other game with a 2-way radio. There are many high end radios that outperform the standard FRS radios which can be found at any general store, e.g. Wal-Mart, but they are much more expensive and sometimes require programming. Your radio should be reliable, durable, have a 2.5mm jack for headset, lock capability, 14 channels, and PTT capable. There are several companies that make these radios, but most make junk equipment. This should cost you between $15 and $20.
Recommend: Motorola FRS Two Way Radio (http://www.csonline.net/crawford/images/Radios/T5420BLK.jpg)
Headset
Unless you want to give your FTs position away during a skirmish, you'll want to acquire a headset. Although one can use the Push To Talk [PTT] button on the radio itself, you may want to purchas a headset that has an inline PTT button itself. This way, you can have PTT wherever you affix that button to your gear. Make sure the jack of your headset matches the connector on the radio. Make sure the headset fits very securely. This is a piece of gear for which there isn't a specific recommendation. There are throat mics, ear buds, wrap around ear pieces, etc. You can spend as little as $12 at Walmart or several hundred for high end headsets.
Recommend: Any headset that meets above criteria
Radio Pouch
You can save alot of money on a radio pouch, but the savings don't really add up when you have to buy the radio again because it fell out of your pouch and is lost on the field. You need a way to secure the radio in a pouch and secure the pouch on your vest. Also, you'd like to still have access to the PTT button and the volume control.
Recommend: Motorola TalkAbout Radio Pouch (http://www.tacticaltaylor.com/catalog/pockets.htm)
Eye Protection
Goggles
You should have a set of full sealing goggles. These are goggles that form a complete seal with no gaps around your eyes. Goggles should meet the ANSI Z87.1 rating. They should also be adjustable enough to fit your size head, and they should be very comfortable. You do not want to take off your goggles to adjust them in the field. Having some anti-fog capabilities is nice.
Recommend: ESS Thermals (http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/esstacscther.html)
Shooting Glasses
Some fields allow players to wear shooting glasses that meet the same ANSI Z87.1 rating. These shooting glasses should wrap all the way around your eyes leaving very little gap between the lenses and your skin. You should secure them with a $2 backstrap. These are very inexpensive. Remember, safety is your own responsibility.
Recommend: Safety Glasses USA (http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/safetyglasses1.html)
Anti Fog
Many anti-fog substances have been used on the airsoft field with minimal results. There is a container of wipes sold at your general store which does a fine job for less than $3 per container, and they are safe for plastics.
Recommend: Clorox Bathroom Wipes with Teflon (http://www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/127842.gif)
Batteries
Composition
Batteries come in two flavors, NiMH and NiCad. NiCads give you more bang and longer life. NiMH develop less memory. Therefore, if you just top off your batts and don't cycle them completely, NiMH will be better. Caution: NiMH batts are more susceptible to overheating while charging. Therefore, you may want to get a peak charger. I do not think that you'll be asking so much of your batts that the lifespan is of significance. Note: You will need batts that give you the most life per skirmish.
Recommend: NiMH 3000mah
Voltage
Most upgraded mech boxes are run on 9.6v or 8.4v batts. 9.6v does give you a boost in rate of fire [ROF]. With the increase in ROF, there is also increased stress to the mechbox.
Recommend: 8.4v, [9.6v for higher ROF]
Retailer
My team has found a very good deal that is omnipresent on ebay. You get two 3000mah 8.4v NiMH batts for $31. These batts have proven themselves time and again.
Recommend: Battery Space on eBay (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&ht=1&from=R10&query=8.4v+airsoft+3000mah+nimh&sacategory=-1%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&sapricelo=&sapricehi=&soloctog=9&sosortproperty=1%26sosortorder%3D1&gotopage=)
Charger
You will need a quality charger to recharge your batts. Now, you can get away with using the stock quick-charger that comes free with many AEG purchases. If you do not get this free charger or otherwise want to purchase an upgraded charger, this is where I'm going to recommend you spend a little more. You will spend hours charging batts as a serious player, and you'll want the quality product. The charger should charge both NiCad and NiMH. It should have a quick and slow charge mode as well as a built in decharger. You should be able to control the amperage and discharge rate. It should be able to charge up to, at least, 9.6v batts. Also, you're going to want it to have the capability to feed off a car's battery. If you're going to to spend the money to get a charger like described above, you might want to spend a little more to get one with a digital readout which helps you gauge the discharge and recharge of your batt.
Recommend: Intellipeak Digital Pulse Charger (http://www.duratrax.com/caraccys/dtxp4100.html)
Batt Bag
On some AEGs, there is no internal space to place a large battery; one must go with a batt bag. Many people use mag pouches which can range up to $35+. This seems extravagant. Also, you want a pouch that fits large batts snug and secures them with a large, adjustable velcro flap.
Recommend: Milforce Batt Bag $6 (http://www.airsoftclan.com/product_info.php/cPath/6_23/products_id/330?PHPSESSID=5cbf0a70f62a20d6de886bcfd30bd1ac)
Camo
Green
The summer is hot; so, you want to wear a breathable fabric. In the winter, you can and should layer clothing to keep warm. You need a ripstop fabric to stop rips. You'll want camo that has the same pattern as most gear and accessories, and make sure that the pattern is effective in the terrain where you skirmish. You'll want to buy new stuff in your perfect size. This will cost you about $20 per piece. You do not want to buy used, shotty camo that will have to be replaced just to save a few bucks.
Recommend: Woodland BDUs in Cotton Ripstop (http://www.american-armynavy.com/BDUUniformWoodlandRS.htm)
Brown
From time to time, you may be forced to wear a desert or brown BDU blouse to distinguish you as a member of a certain army at an OP. You will only be using this camo on the rare occassion.
Recommend: $5-7 desert bdu blouse at Goodwill
Boots
I strongly recommend you get a good pair of boots for airsoft; do NOT try to play in sneakers. Obviously, comfort is of prime concern; buy boots that are comfortable to you. Having written that, there are pre-reqs which boots must pass before they should be considered:
Lace tightly over the ankles
Waterproof above the ankle
A wide-thick sole
Thick lining and padding
Seams are sewn and not just glued
I've used the same pair for 1.5 years, and they have performed remarkably. This model is used by several members of my airsoft community. They are the $39.99 Herman Survivors™ Commando model at Wal-Mart. Others have found good jump boots at Savers for $10. Do your research, try them on yourself, and only purchase once.
Recommend: Comfy Boots that fit pre-reqs
Load Bearing Gear
You think you can keep your equipment in your cargo pockets. You're just wrong. You need to carry mags, batts, extra BBs, a radio, and many more little accessories. You NEED some type of load bearing gear. There are as many pieces of equipment out there as there are types of weapons. They can be placed into 2 categories: those which are all-integral and those which are modular. I'll advise you on the bare minimum of each, but you may want to spend a bit more money here to get exactly what you want. Do your research, and only purchase once. Whichever you decide upon, make sure it has the following features: MilIssue or from Reputable Company
Multiple Attachment Points
Strong Seams
Fastex Buckles
Nylon Straps
Size Adjustability
Recommend:
Integral: USGI LBV Gen1 (http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/images/gilbv.jpg), as low as $20. For AR15 series. Requires Pistol Belt
Modular: USGI Molle LBV (http://imagehost.vendio.com/preview/da/danscamo/mollevestwithutility.jpg), requires pouches secured by clips
Belt
Pant Belt
If you believe that pulling on your pantwaist is a minor inconvenience, think again. A good belt is key. A belt not only helps with uncomfortable pants, but you might eventually hang gear and other accessories off it. Without hyperbole, my belt is my favorite piece of equipment, and I only advise you choose one.
Recommend: BDU Belt (http://www.special-warfare.net/data_base/305_load_bearing/eagle_02/eagle_bdu_belt_01.jpg)
Pistol Belt
If you're thinking about securing some serious gear, then you're going to want to get a Pistol Belt. You do not want the original belt with the unreliable metal buckle. You want the next gen one with the fastex buckle.
Recommend: LC2 Pistol Belt (http://www.tennesseeoutfitters.com/LBV/img7.gif)
Pads
I recommend you buy kneepads. This will allow you to fall, crawl, and brawl without fear of hurting your knees. Kneepads should fit securely and have a hard plastic shell. You might want to consider elbow pads as well.
Recommend: Alta Superflex or Blackhawk Hellstorm pads
Gloves
I DO advise that you use gloves. Many players wear fire resistent Nomex gloves. To be sure, they are sturdy. For the average player, though, I think they are a bit much and overpriced. Also, I think it is very important to have gloves that are snug on your hand, and you want to keep the tactility of your fingertips. You won't be doing any heavy work with these gloves; you'll be moving branches out of your way and crawling through the brush. You can go to Wal-Mart and find a great variety of cheap work gloves; one will be perfect.
Recommend: $6 work gloves, tight, fingertips cut off
Hydration
More water is better than less. 100oz is better than 70oz. Some vests have pouches for bladders, but many don't. Two producers stand out with regards to quality.
Recommend: Hydrastorm (http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/store/hydrastorm-tempest.html) or Camelbak (http://www.lightfighter.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=272)
Headwear
Helmets are excellent protection from branches and BBs, but they provide no shade from the sun. Baseball caps provide shade and one is used to the feel, but it gets knocked off easily when that hard brim hits branches, your back, your AEG, etc. Features to look for:
Soft Brim
Camo Coloration
Sturdy Band of Synthetic Material
Water Resistent
Chin Strap
Not Too Tight
Recommend: Boonie with Nylon Band (http://www.thebattlezone.com/boonies/booniepix/boonwood.jpg)
Accessories
Zip Ties (http://www.poweroncycling.com/images/SEAT_ZIP_TIES.jpg). For affixing things or holding stuff together.
Carabiner (http://incipiodirect.safeshopper.com/images/90osj0k.jpg). Attachment points. $1 each. Choose camo colors.
Paracord (http://www.highlander1.com/images/105/index.93.gif). One can never have enough rope.
Electrical Tape (http://www.allelectronics.com/images/gold/full/PET-1.jpg). For small jobs. Remember the E in AEG.
100mph Tape (http://www.gijoesurplus.com/gijoeproducts/100mphtape.jpg). For larger jobs. This stuff is sturdy.
Red Kill Flag (http://www.sparkleauto.com/images/sma85-767.jpg). Use a red bandana or shop rag to indicate you're hit.
Multi-Tool (http://www.fireoutuniform.com/webart/leatherman-flair.jpg). This will come in handy on a daily basis