Essential Paintball Gear Checklist: What You Need to Get Started in Canada

Essential Paintball Gear for Beginners: What You Really Need to Get Started

Getting into paintball for the first time is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. With so many products and gear options available, it’s easy to wonder what you truly need. At Badlands Paintball, we want to make your first step into the game as smooth as possible. Here’s a guide to the essential paintball equipment every beginner should have, along with direct links to the gear we recommend.

1. Paintball Marker (Paintball Gun)

Your paintball marker is the heart of your setup. Whether you're just starting out or stepping up from rental gear, choosing the best paintball marker for beginners can make a huge difference in your game.

At Badlands Paintball, we offer a wide range of beginner paintball guns in Canada to fit every play style and budget:

• Tippmann Cronus Tactical – One of the best entry-level paintball markers, the Cronus is durable, reliable, and easy to maintain. It’s a great choice for woodsball and casual weekend games, and one of the top picks for those seeking an affordable paintball gun under $250. Also available in Tan for players wanting a lighter tactical style.
• Tippmann Stormer Elite – This versatile magfed paintball gun starter kit offers dual-feed capability (magazine or hopper) and tactical aesthetics without a premium price tag. It’s perfect for players looking to experiment with different setups.
• Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 – For players ready to invest in a mechanical paintball gun with exceptional performance, the EMEK 100 delivers smooth shots, quiet operation, and low maintenance. It’s used by both beginners and competitive players who value performance and reliability.

No matter your budget, Badlands has the best beginner paintball gun options in Canada.

Still unsure? Visit our Paintball Guns page for the full lineup and expert guidance.

2. Paintball Mask (Goggles)

Eye protection is non-negotiable. A good paintball mask not only protects your eyes and face but also helps you stay comfortable and fog-free during gameplay. Two top choices trusted by players across Canada are:

• JT Proflex Paintball Mask – Widely respected in the paintball community, the Proflex is known for its unmatched comfort, flexibility, and breathability. Its soft lower portion offers increased bounce potential and voice clarity, while the thermal lens reduces fogging and ensures a clear field of view. It’s ideal for players who prioritize customization and proven tournament-level performance.
• Empire e-Vent Paintball Goggle – A more affordable alternative that still delivers excellent protection and reliability. The Empire e-Vent features a thermal dual-pane lens to combat fog and a rapid lens change system — a major convenience when you replace your lens or change it to better handle light conditions. While it doesn’t have the soft lower of the Proflex, it offers solid construction and dependable field performance at a lower price point.

Both options offer thermal lenses, strong protection, and long-term value — giving you great choices depending on your needs and budget. Shop both online or at our Badlands Paintball stores in Toronto and Calgary.

Want to learn more about masks? Read our guide on choosing the right paintball mask.

3. Hopper (Loader)

A paintball hopper — also known as a loader — is essential for feeding paintballs into your marker. For new players looking for a reliable and affordable option, the Empire Splitter Gravity Loader is a smart choice. It offers improved ball-feeding performance over basic gravity-fed hoppers, helping reduce jams and keep you in the game.

If you're planning to upgrade to a faster paintball marker or play more competitively, investing in an electronic hopper is a great idea. Our top recommendation is the DYE LT-R Electronic Loader — a best-seller known for its speed, durability, and tool-less maintenance.

Whether you go with a gravity-fed loader or an electronic hopper, choosing the right paintball loader will enhance your performance on the field. Explore our full selection of paintball loaders and hoppers to find the one that fits your style of play.

4. Air Tank

Paintball markers require a tank to power each shot — typically using either CO₂ or High Pressure Air (HPA). While CO₂ tanks were common in the past, HPA tanks are now the preferred choice for most players because they deliver consistent pressure, perform better in cold weather, and are gentler on modern paintball markers. Some paintball guns can only work using HPA, so make sure to check before you choose CO₂.

For beginners or recreational players, the Tippmann Aluminium 48/3000 Paintball Tank is an affordable and reliable entry point. If you're looking for a lighter, higher-capacity option, consider upgrading to the HK Army HSTL 68CI / 4500psi Standard Reg Air System, a reliable and affordable choice for serious players.

Explore our full range of paintball air tanks to find the best fit for your setup.

5. Barrel Cover and Squeegee

These might seem like minor accessories, but they’re absolutely essential.

A barrel cover is the most important safety item after your paintball mask. It’s 100% required at every paintball field and ensures your marker is safe when off the field. Without one, you won’t be allowed to play — period.

A barrel squeegee or swab is just as important for performance. If you break a ball in your barrel, accuracy drops immediately and frustration follows. A quick-clean swab lets you restore performance mid-game and avoid a miserable shooting experience.

We recommend the HK Army Blade 2 Barrel Swab. Its spring-activated design cleans efficiently with a single pull, and the foldable construction makes it easy to store in your gear or pocket during a game. It’s reliable, reusable, and one of the best tools for keeping your marker shooting clean and straight.

Both items are small, inexpensive, and absolutely necessary for every paintball player. Don’t gear up without them.

6. Paintball Packs and Harnesses

Running out of paint mid-game is a quick way to lose your edge. A reliable paintball harness or pod pack keeps extra paintball pods within reach, allowing you to reload quickly and stay in the action.

For beginners, lightweight and affordable options like the Tippmann 2 Pod Harness SS or Tippmann 3 Pod Harness SS are perfect for recreational games and rental-level gear.

If you’re a woodsball player running a remote line, the Tippmann 4+1 Paintball Harness is an excellent choice. It holds four pods and one tank on the back, giving you the freedom to carry your HPA or CO₂ tank off your marker for better mobility and balance.

For players looking to step up their gear, the JT Swift Harness delivers a comfortable fit and faster access to pods. And if you're going all-in on speed and performance, HK Army harnesses offer features like strapless pod retention, ventilated padding, and bounce-reducing support systems — perfect for competitive or high-volume players.

Whether you’re playing casual rec ball or prepping for your next event, Badlands has the paintball packs and harnesses to match your setup and style of play.

7. Paintballs

Choosing the right paintballs can make or break your first day on the field — literally. Lower-quality paint tends to break in your barrel or fly off target, which can frustrate new players fast.

For beginners using entry-level paintball markers, we recommend starting with GI Sportz 1-Star or 2-Star Paintballs. Both options are designed for reliable feeding and consistent flight, but there is a performance difference:

• 1-Star paintballs are built tougher for rental and recreational use — ideal for woodsball and high-volume play where cost is a consideration.
• 2-Star paintballs offer better accuracy and a cleaner break on impact, making them a great step up for beginner players who want improved performance without jumping to tournament-grade paint.

An added bonus? GI Sportz paintballs are proudly made in Canada. Shop Canadian.

Browse our full selection of paintballs to find the best match for your marker and your game.

8. Protective Clothing and Pads

You don’t need to gear up like a tournament pro on day one, but having the right protective gear can make your first games a lot more comfortable — and a lot less painful.

Gloves should be your top priority. They protect your hands from painful close-range hits and scrapes while diving, crawling, or sliding into cover.

If you’re concerned about the sting of getting hit, a padded chest protector adds a layer of impact protection and can boost your confidence — especially during your first few games.

Knee pads are useful for every style of play, whether you're sliding into a bunker or dropping to a knee behind a tree (roots don’t forgive). They help prevent bruises and fatigue during long games.

Elbow pads are more commonly used by tournament players who dive frequently or make fast aggressive movements. If you're planning to play speedball or attend walk-on tournaments, elbow pads are a great addition to your setup.

Final Thoughts

Getting started with the right paintball gear can dramatically improve your first experience on the field. At Badlands, we’re here to help guide you through your journey, whether you’re just starting or gearing up for competition.

Ready to gear up? Explore our Paintball Gun Packages for bundled savings and expert-selected gear combinations.

Still have questions? Visit our Paintball Blog for tips, how-tos, and gear reviews from the experts.