No matter whether you’re a complete beginner or paintballing pro, heading into battle with the right protective gear is crucial. There’s several key pieces of protective gear to consider when dressing yourself for a game, with visors and vests often the first things players focus on.
To learn more about other important areas to protect when paintballing, check out these articles covering the best knee pads and elbow pads on the market today!
However, the more and more you play, the more you’ll realise the importance of finding the best paintball pants. Many newcomers to the world of paintball tend to reach for a rugged pair of jeans when it comes to dressing the legs.
Denim does provide moderate levels of protection, but if you’re looking to push your levels of performance, paintball pants are the way to go.
When looking for a pair of paintball pants, there’s a few main things you’ll want to keep in mind. Comfort is key, with a good fit that provides plenty of flexibility a must. Above all else, the pants you pick out need to provide you with ample protection.
Everyone has their own specific requirements when it comes to paintballing gear, so we’ve put together an in-depth guide to help you find the perfect pair for you.
What to Look For When Buying Paintball Pants
There’s numerous factors to consider when purchasing new paintball pants. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of some of the most crucial to a quality pair.
Finding Pants with Plenty of Thickness
There’s a reason why denim is the go-to for beginners to the game of paintball. The rugged fabric provides ample protection against the elements and the environment, keeping the skin protected from all manner of scrapes and scratches.
Paintball pants need to be similarly thick, keeping the legs safe from harm as you dive, duck and crawl through the undergrowth. There’s no point swapping out a good pair of denim for paintball pants if the thickness doesn’t offer an upgrade in this regard.
Protective Padding
Similar to how a thicker material will keep your skin protected from unwanted injuries and scrapes, padding adds another layer of protection for the player against paintball ammo. Any quality pair of paintball pants should offer levels of protection at the most vulnerable points of leg and lower body.
Look for paintball pants with protective padding in all the right places to stave off injuries to the knee as you kneel, the upper thigh as you crawl and so on. For upper body protection, it’s crucial to find the best paintballing armor before heading out onto the field.
Make the Right Material Choice
It’s no surprise that material is a major component of a quality pair of paintball pants. The main thing you’re looking for here is to find a material that won’t easily rip as you get stuck into a paintball game.
Material should be rugged and durable enough to avoid tearing if you snag a branch or crawl over stony ground. Having said that, you won’t the material of your paintball pants to still provide a bit of give to aid flexibility. This freedom of movement is particularly important to have in certain areas, such as at the hips or crotch.
Comfort is key, however. You’ll want to pick a pair of paintball pants that you can comfortably wear for long sessions. In summer months and in warmer conditions, a pair of paintball paints cut from a breathable fabric is definitely worth considering.
Even if the material itself isn’t inherently breathable, the pants can still provide crucial air circulation if they feature breathable sections, such as mesh panels or laser-cut detail.
Comfort can also be enhanced by picking paintball pants made from a material with some level of elasticity. This will also boost overall flexibility and enhance your performance in the field.
Prints and Patterns
This is a particularly important factor for the more experienced player or those enjoying paintball outdoors. It doesn’t make sense to delve into woodsball games without having the kit for it.
If your field of play is the great outdoors, avoid the temptation to pick out vibrant colours and prints and instead opt for paintball pants with camouflage motifs and colours more neutral to your surroundings.
Functional Fits
Fastenings will have a major implication when it comes to the overall fit of your paintball pants. You’ll want a pair of pants that fit well on the waist, so reach or paintball trousers that can be readily adjusted to sit securely and comfortably on the hip for long stretches of time.
If time is of the essence, picking pants that are easy to pull on, fasten and ultimately remove, will also prove a better investment in the long term.
The Best Paintball Pants of 2023
Now we’ve looked at some of the essential things to consider when buying paintball pants, it’s time to consider some of the best designs currently available on the market. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of some of the best pairs of paintball pants you can buy right now.
IDOGEAR G3 Combat Pants Multicam Men Pants
These paintball paints score well with their camouflage pattern and natural colour scheme. What’s more, they’re a comfortable and functional choice with their high-quality cotton/polyester blend material and 4-way stretch sections.
This stretch is particularly forgiving around the knee, at the hip and at the crotch. There’s also removable combat knee pads to enhance the support of these pants, while the low-profile waist adjustment means they can be tailored to the wearer with ease.
SINAIRSOFT Tactical Combat Pants Shirt
This combat trousers are a great choice for paintball. The material is a premium Teflon variety, scoring highly in overall durability, lightweight design and breathability. The material is particularly good at circulating air and keeping the skin free of moisture, while also being quick-drying in general.
These are a practical choice of paintball pant as well, with spacious pockets at the front, at the front thigh, side, hips and rear.
Survival Tactical Gear Pants with Knee Pads
These paintball trousers are designed with durability in mind, with particularly rugged material used at the seat, knee and lower legs. These are an ideal choice if you’re playing paintball outdoors on a regular basis, with further durability provided by the YKK zipper.
There’s also a huge amount of carrying capability offered by these pants, with no less than 14 cargo pockets of various sizes provided.
Exalt Paintball T4 Pants
Practical performance is assured with these Exalt Paintball T4 Pants. The reinforced Kevlar knees are of particular note, while there’s further padding at the hips and groins to keep you protected against rigorous play.
Vented mesh at the rear of the legs and groin enhance levels of breathability, keeping you cool and comfortable when playing in summer or warmer conditions.
Paintball Equipment Tactical Emerson Combat Gen2 Pants
These paintball pants are a more casual choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option. The polyester/cotton blend of the material makes them a durable choice, while Teflon coating adds a layer of added protection. Incredibly wearable and comfortable, these stylish paintball pants are an easy complement to your existing paintball gear.
Bunker Kings Featherlite Fly Paintball Pants
Although they’re a little more expensive than other offerings, these Bunker Kings paintball pants are well worth the investment. One of the biggest draws here is that their feather-light in nature, meaning you won’t be bogged down by extra weight when out in the field.
You don’t need to worry about compromised protection, however, with these rugged pants providing all the protection you need as you head into battle. Mobility is also assured thanks to a four-way stretch in all the right places.
Military Army Tactical Airsoft Paintball Shooting Pants
These paintball pants are the way to go if you’re after something affordable that performs well in the field. You’ve got a classic camouflage motif to keep you hidden against the environment for when you’re playing outdoors, while there’s plenty of padding at the knee to keep you protected from scrapes and grazes.
The material, a durable polyester/cotton blend, holds up well against the elements, with added Teflon coating for extra protection. There’s also a generous selection of pockets to house your essentials out in the field.
GI Sportz Competition Glide Paintball Pants
If sliding around is something your paintball strategy requires, these paintball pants are for you. These pants have enhanced levels of padding at the knees and shins to keep your legs protected when sliding, while the material is ultra-durable to withstand rips and tears.
All that protection and padding doesn’t make for a bulky pair of pants however, with a lightweight construction ensuring they remain comfortable and wearable. The waist and cuffs are both adjustable, allowing you to perfect a fit tailored to you.
IDOGEAR Gen2 Combat Pants Multicam Men Pants
You’ll be set for all weathers with these incredibly durable paintball pants from IDOGEAR. Made from a robust cotton and polyester blend with Teflon coating, these pants are not only water-resistant and durable, they’re enhanced with military grade elastic and thread to ensure they hold up well for longer.
The material here is incredibly lightweight, soft and comfortable, while also being a top performer when it comes to breathability.
