Urbex Gear | What to Bring on an Exploration
Urbex gear doesn't have to be complex. Before you set off, however, it's helpful to organize what you'll need during your exploration, for photography, and for unexpected events .
Some of the equipment can be kept in your backpack, while other items are best left in the car and available when needed.
In this article
What to have in your backpack
When exploring, it's best to only carry what you can actually use.
A comfortable and durable backpack allows you to keep your hands free and easily organize your gear.
Among the most useful items can be:
torch;
batteries or power banks;
phone/action cam;
waterfall;
camera;
small first aid kit;
gloves and mask;
The amount of material depends on the type and duration of the exploration.
Lighting
Many Urbex locations are dark, unlit, and have insufficient windows .
A reliable flashlight is therefore one of the most important items to have with you. It's useful to have a primary light source and a backup , especially when exploring large or underground spaces.
The main flashlight is the easiest to handle and offers the greatest versatility. One of the most important aspects is having a flashlight with a candela or 1 lumen mode. This will allow us to remain hidden from prying eyes but still be able to see where we're going.
The secondary torch is usually the most powerful but bulky one, to be used to illuminate depths or large spaces.
We don't recommend a headlamp; it can be convenient because it allows you to illuminate while keeping both hands free, but it also makes you highly visible. A headlamp has a high beam and doesn't allow you to see an area without necessarily illuminating it, which could be a major disadvantage in some cases.
Photographic equipment
For those who also practice Urbex as photographers, the camera naturally represents an important part of the equipment.
An essential configuration may include:
telephone;
extra lights;
tripod, when useful;
action cam.
With your phone, you can shoot good-quality content, both photos and videos. An action camera, on the other hand, can be excellent when attached to vests, hats, or a flashlight, providing a good POV shot of your exploration.
However, you don't need professional equipment to get started: even a smartphone can be enough to document a location.
Clothing and accessories
Clothing should be chosen according to the environment you intend to visit.
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (preferably safety shoes), sturdy trousers, and clothing appropriate for the weather can make exploration more practical.
It is also useful to have gloves and, when necessary, protective devices suitable for the environmental conditions (filter masks).
However, personal equipment should not be considered a solution to make places with unsafe conditions accessible.
What to keep in the car
The car can become a sort of logistical base for everything you don't need to have immediately in your backpack.
Depending on the exploration, it may be useful to leave on board:
additional water;
food;
batteries and power banks;
spare clothes;
first aid kit;
spare clothes;
extra material.
Having a few spare parts in the car is especially handy when exploring for several hours or when visiting multiple locations in the same day.
How to organize your backpack
An Urbex backpack should be organized with quick access in mind first and foremost.
Frequently used items should be easily accessible, while more delicate material should be protected.
It's also advisable to avoid filling your backpack with unnecessary items: moving around a location with too much weight can become uncomfortable and make it harder to concentrate on exploration and photography.
The best equipment, in this sense, is not necessarily the most expensive, but the one that is appropriate for the type of exploration you are doing .
Conclusions
Urbex equipment can be very simple or become more complete according to your needs.
Good organization starts with a few fundamental elements: lighting, telephone, water, appropriate clothing and photographic equipment , when photography is part of the exploration.
The rest can be added based on the location, the length of the outing and your needs.
The goal is not to carry everything, but to have what you really need when you need it .
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