Urban exploration, or urbex , can be an exciting activity, but it comes with risks. To explore abandoned places safely, it is essential to have the right equipment. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, here is a list of essential equipment to practice urbex safely and capture unique images of these mysterious places.
1. Safety Equipment
Safety should always be the priority in urbex. Abandoned places are often dilapidated, and it is important to be well equipped to minimize risks.
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Sturdy Footwear : Opt for sturdy footwear, such as hiking or work boots, with good ankle support and a thick sole. Slip-resistant footwear is essential for walking on slippery or unstable surfaces, and shoes with reinforced toes provide extra protection from debris.
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Protective Gloves : Gloves are essential to protect your hands when touching rusty objects, broken glass, or other sharp surfaces. Work gloves made of leather or cut-resistant materials are ideal.
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Dust Mask or Respirator : Many abandoned buildings contain dust, mold, and sometimes asbestos. A dust mask (N95 type) or respirator can protect you from harmful airborne particles.
2. Brightness Equipment
Abandoned places are often shrouded in darkness, and having a reliable light source is essential to see where you are going and to take photos.
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Powerful Flashlight : Choose a powerful and durable LED flashlight. A flashlight with 500 lumens or more is ideal for lighting large spaces. Opt for a model with multiple brightness levels and a strobe function, useful in case of emergency.
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Headlamp : A headlamp allows you to keep your hands free while you explore and take photos. Make sure it’s comfortable and has a good battery life, with the ability to adjust the brightness.
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Spare Batteries : Explorations can last several hours, so it is always advisable to bring extra batteries for your lights. If possible, opt for rechargeable lights and bring a power bank.
3. Photography Equipment
Many urbexers are passionate about photography and love capturing the beauty of abandoned places. Here are some tips for getting great images in low light conditions.
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Camera with Manual Settings : A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings for ISO, aperture, and shutter speed is ideal for urbex. This will give you more control over exposure in dark environments. If you don't have a professional camera, a recent smartphone with a manual mode can also do the trick.
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Wide Angle Lens : A wide angle lens (between 10mm and 24mm) is ideal for capturing large rooms and scenes, especially in tight spaces. A lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or wider) helps capture more light.
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Tripod : Abandoned buildings are often dark, making a tripod essential for getting sharp shots during long exposures. Opt for one that is lightweight and easy to carry. A mini tripod can also be useful if you need something more discreet.
4. Backpack and Storage
A good backpack is essential for carrying all your gear while keeping your hands free for exploring.
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Durable and Comfortable Backpack : Choose a backpack that is durable, weather-resistant, and has compartments to organize your gear. Make sure it is comfortable, as you will often be carrying it for several hours.
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Quick Access Camera Bag : If you do a lot of photography, a camera bag or compartment allows for quick access and keeps your gear from getting too dusty.
5. Navigation and Communication Equipment
Navigating abandoned places can be confusing, especially if you're exploring large or underground locations. Having navigation tools is essential.
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GPS or Offline Mapping App : Use an offline mapping app like Google Maps (by downloading the maps) or Maps.me. This will help you find your way if you are exploring a remote location without network.
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Walkie-Talkie : If you are exploring in a group, walkie-talkies can be very useful for staying in contact, especially if the site is large or has underground levels where the phone signal does not reach.
6. First Aid Kit and Emergency Equipment
Urbex carries risks of injury, so it is essential to have a first aid kit to deal with possible accidents.
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First Aid Kit : A compact kit with bandages, dressings, disinfectant wipes, sterile gauze pads and medical tape is essential. A painkiller and latex gloves may also be useful.
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Survival Blanket : In the event of an accident or extreme conditions, a survival blanket can help maintain body temperature.
