In recent years, the popularity of airsofting has increased exponentially, seeing an influx of high-tech, high quality pieces of equipment that aspiring airsofters can purchase and incorporate into their arsenal.
Whether it is airsofting weapons, accessories, or body armor, the caliber of equipment available to the consumer has never been more advanced and affordable.
What’s more, with the growing sophistication and sheer variety in the kinds of wargames airsofters can play, it is ever important to ensure you have the right tools for the job.
One of the most important pieces of equipment is under armor – or more specifically, a quick-drying hood to protect your face and neck.
Quick-Drying Hoods: Common Uses
One of the downsides of any outdoor sporting activity, is that the weather is seldom on your side – or, more specifically, the weather is never entirely predictable.
This is why it is incredibly important for your hood or cowl to be somewhat waterproof and quick to dry.
Keeping Warm
An important thing to remember when doing any kind of outdoor activity is to dress appropriately.
In this case, wearing a quick-drying hood will work better for winter or Fall, adding extra comfort and heat retention, and helping to make sure that airsofting remains the fun pastime that it is.
Avoidance Of Illness
Spending hours in the rain in wooded areas can not only be miserable, you can also catch colds, or even suffer from cold-related ailments and illnesses, depending on how severe the weather might be.
While exposure to the elements is not always avoidable, having the right gear for the job can make all the difference.
Sweat & Moisture
Of course, with most forms of physical exertion, some sweating is to be expected.
A quick-drying hood will help to absorb some of the sweat within the helmet, and make sure that you can remain as comfortable as possible, even in the most extreme weather conditions.
Similarly, an absorbent, quick-drying hood will help to soak up the moisture created by your breath. This will help prevent rashes and chafing within your hood and helmet.
Practical Uses
Even when thinking purely practically, you would want equipment and clothing that will dry quickly after a specific game or event, so that you can transport it easier, or prepare for further activities in a limited time frame.
Other Benefits Of Airsofting Hoods
When it comes to airsofting hoods, there are several other benefits that they can have, both to the user, and their efficacy within the game.
Protection
Of course, when it comes to airsofting, bare skin is the true enemy.
Airsoft projectiles can be very painful, depending on the power and accuracy of the weapons in question, which is why it pays to have as little flesh on display as possible.
Wearing a hood or cowl will help to protect the sensitive (and important) areas, such as your face, neck, and head, and can help to avoid serious injury or pain by providing that little, extra layer of defense.
Camouflage
Another important benefit of wearing a hood or cowl during airsofting is camouflage.
Whether you are in wooded areas, sandy terrain, urban industrial areas, or even in the snow, a hood can help to add extra camouflage and keep you hidden and in the game.
Airsofting Hoods: Buyer’s Guide
With all this in mind, there are several things that should be considered when purchasing your own quick-drying airsofting hood.
Comfort
Airsofting games can go on for prolonged periods of time, which is why it is important for anything you are wearing to be as comfortable as it can be.
Sensitive areas like your face are even more important, and can make all the difference to the way you play, and how much fun you have while doing so.
Ease Of Communication
As airsofting is a team sport, and one can be high intensity and even overwhelming at times, it is important to be able to communicate with friends and ‘foes’ alike.
If you want to stop, or there is a problem you are facing, then communicating with other people can be important for stopping major injury.
Good hoods will have some form of ventilation around the mouth and nose – like meshing or vent strips – to allow for proper communication throughout play.
Range Of Motion
Movement, and the effectiveness therein, is incredibly important during high intensity, quick games such as airsofting.
Ideally, the material your hood is made from should ensure a full range of motion, with enough material around the neck to keep it secure, stop it from riding up and exposing skin, and to allow you to turn and tilt your head as much as possible.
Visual Aesthetics
Aesthetics are a big part of airsofting, with many members reflecting their specific teams, their countries of origin, or indeed any allegiances they may have.
Camouflage plays a role, and it is important to ascertain the color and type of camouflage you will need for the specific environment you are playing in.
Similarly, any distinctive graphics – such as skulls – can be effective and striking intimidatory tools when engaging in high level airsofting games.
Price
Ideally, you don’t want to break the bank, especially if you are a fairweather airsofter, or if you engage in a multitude of different terrains and game styles where one color scheme (or camo print) might not be suitable.
However, you also want something that is going to give longevity, protection, breathability, waterproofing, and warmth, so it is best not to necessarily choose the cheapest.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about quick-drying airsofting hoods, and the benefits they have to the game.
To get the best product for you, always check the reviews, and base your purchases on the specific needs you have – be them temperature based, weather dependent, or purely aesthetically focused.
Hi, my name is Freddy Mcknight and I have been playing airsoft since high school. My friends and I would always head down to our local woodland and play all weekend. I got pretty good at it!
Over the past two decades, I have gotten pretty smart with all things airsoft. I know the best equipment, how to enhance your game, and where to hide when I want to outlast everyone and win.
I hope to spread this knowledge to my kids one day, but for now, I created this website in the hopes of helping any budding airsoft players. If you want to be the best, you have to know the best - and that’s me. Enjoy!
