Explorer’s starter pack

 

Urbex is accessible to everyone! No need for special skills, especially for really degraded and long abandoned urbex. However, it is important to respect a few moral rules, and then to be well prepared. You need to know where you are going to set foot, and you also need to fill your backpack with the right equipment for urbex.

Don’t forget: urbex can be dangerous! Good preparation is necessary. And it has to be adapted to the places you plan to explore and to the idea you have in the back of your mind. You are not going to equip yourself in the same way to explore the Maginot Line 40 meters underground with low temperatures and absolute darkness, as to make a Youtube video about an abandoned castle on the edge of town.

It is therefore advisable to be well equipped before setting off on your adventure. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the equipment needed to practice safely. Selected by EasyUrbex.

Have a good visibility

A bit obvious, but in places that have been abandoned for decades, holes are everywhere! Consequently, it is very important to have something to light you efficiently. This rule applies to night-time explorations but also to day-time ones! A smartphone lamp can help, but it is better not to rely on it alone.  Therefore, opt for lamps with a strong and easily rechargeable battery and never go with only one lamp. It’s never nice to run out of light when exploring, especially if you’re exploring underground. So here is a small selection of our good references:

Headlamp will have the advantage of leaving your hands free, which can be handy if you need to go for a walk. It lights up to 100m in front of you and is waterproof and rechargeable via USB cable.  Although it is very practical, we do not recommend that you go exploring with only this type of light. 

A small but powerfull torch, that can be taken anywhere should also be part of your urbex starter pack! Sturdy, easily rechargeable, lighting up to 1000m, 10hrs autonomy, almost blinding light when set to maximum, this is a must have.

To easily charge your lamps, phones and other devices, we recommend this multi-port USB to plug into your car! This way you will never run out of battery.

Protecting yourself from the environment

You will visit all sorts of places during your career as an explorer. Expect to come across some perfectly preserved buildings and others that are barely standing. So equip yourself accordingly: broken glass, rusty nails, asbestos and dust are common in abandoned places. 

Protect your hands, choose a pair of thin gloves. This will allow you to maintain good motor skills and to handle your equipment easily without having to put your gloves on all the time. 

Preserve your lungs. Asbestos is unfortunately often present in places that have been abandoned for several years. Odourless and often hidden in the roofs, it must be protected from it. In addition, urbex are generally very dusty. For this purpose, you will need a FFP3 mask.  Disposable masks are one solution, but you can also opt for a reusable mask that can follow you everywhere!

Wearing shoes with thick soles is vital. So put away your vans and opt for rangers or safety shoes instead. The floor is almost always littered with broken glass, but also with rusty needles and nails. A thin sole won’t last long.

Communicate with teammates

To conclude we will end with the most important thing: Don’t take unnecessary risks! Take time to analyse the environment before exploring, especially if it is a spot you are visiting for the first time. Trust your instincts and if in doubt, turn back. Now you know what the explorer’s starter pack is, you just need to find your next destinations and take your best pictures. 

Protecting yourself from the environment

You will visit all sorts of places during your career as an explorer. Expect to come across some perfectly preserved buildings and others that are barely standing. So equip yourself accordingly: broken glass, rusty nails, asbestos and dust are common in abandoned places. 

Protect your hands, choose a pair of thin gloves. This will allow you to maintain good motor skills and to handle your equipment easily without having to put your gloves on all the time. 

It is never wise to go exploring alone, and even when accompanied, it is important to be able to report a problem to your team at any time, because an accident can happen!

 

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