In airsoft, just like in the real world, what you carry matters. But even more important is where you carry it. 
The First Line is not just another loadout accessory: it is your survival line when everything else fails. 
If you run GBB, play milsim games or move a lot, understanding and optimizing your First Line makes the difference between staying in the game… or being left exposed. 

WHAT IS THE FIRST LINE? 

The First Line is the first level of equipment, the one you always wear, even if you remove your plate carrier, chest rig or backpack. 
It usually takes the form of: 
• Tactical belt / battle belt 
• With critical and immediately accessible pouches and items 
Golden rule: 
If everything else is taken away, with your First Line you should still be able to keep playing. 
In doctrine: 
• First Line → Immediate survival 
• Second Line → Sustained combat (chest rig / plate carrier) 
• Third Line → Logistics (backpack) 

WHAT CAN (AND SHOULD) YOU CARRY ON THE FIRST LINE? 

The First Line is not meant to carry half an armoury. It is meant to carry just what is necessary, properly placed and accessible with both hands. 

Essentials (recommended) 
• Primary magazines 
o GBBR: 1–2 magazines 
o GBB pistol: 1–2 spare magazines 
• Secondary pistol (if you use a long primary) 
• Dump pouch 
o Vital for GBB: fast reloads without losing expensive magazines 
• Medical pouch / IFAK 
o Even though this is airsoft, more and more fields require it, and you should carry one for yourself and for the people around you (you never know when an accident might happen) 
• Radio or PTT 
o Immediate communication, without relying on your vest 
• Multitool or compact speedloader 
o Especially useful for GBB 

Optional (depending on role) 
• Gas or sound grenade 
• Torch / compact flashlight 
• Small admin pouch (keys, cards, lens cloth) 

EXAMPLES OF SITUATIONS AND SETUPS 

CQB / Speedsoft 

CQB / Speedsoft 
What happens: 
Short games, high tempo, fast respawns. 
Recommended First Line: 
• 1–2 pistol magazines 
• Dump pouch 
• Pistol or compact primary 
• Nothing else 

Light milsim / 3–6 hour games

What happens: 
Role changes, long movements, fewer respawns. 
Recommended First Line: 
• 2–3 GBBR magazines 
• Dump pouch 
• IFAK 
• 1–2 pistol magazines 
• Secondary pistol 

GBB Hardcore / Realism 

What happens: 
Limited ammo, realistic reloads, tactical pace. 
Recommended First Line: 
• Emergency magazines 
• Large dump pouch 
• Multitool 
• Pistol + 1 magazine 
• Nothing redundant 

COMMON FIRST LINE MISTAKES 
• Setting up the belt as if it were a plate carrier 
• Not testing it while running before playing 
• Placing pouches where they hit your chest when going prone 
• Copying loadouts without adapting them to your body 

CONCLUSION: LESS IS MORE (FOR REAL) 
The First Line is not as visually striking as a fully loaded plate carrier… 
but it is far more noticeable when it fails. 

A good player: 
• Knows what they need 
• Knows where they carry it 
• And knows how to get rid of what is unnecessary

In 2026, with GBB on the rise and increasingly demanding games, the First Line stops being optional and becomes the foundation of any serious loadout.