Equipment - What should you take when you go urbexing? - General

If you're worried about chemicals and abspestes pick up a PMK, M 15, or a GP 5/6/7. Thoses are good masks and will definantly protect ya. Make sure you pick up some NATO filters if it came with unsleaed ones.

An extra pair of socks for fucks sake.

beer!

Yes, by all means, bring a dehydrating, bulky beverage. Then you can leave your detritus behind like all the other human filth.

i carry my empties out always

A gun just in case, a flashlight, socks, t-shirt, grappling hook, commando-mask and luck.

torchlight, medkit, cellular, mask, gloves are the very important thing... take some other things like a bottle of water another pairs of shoes and socks if you walk by accident in something creepy...maybe you should add a shirt too... torchlight: in case you must access to a dark area Medkit: you can hurt yourself there, you never know and you must clean wounds rapidly to doesnt get infection.. Cellular: If you have an accident... you can call help Gloves: to don't touch creepy things with your own hands... mask: do i really must explain you why its needed?

I would bring a crowbar and bolt cutters. That way I could brake into any location I want to explore. Also, [I]I could pretend that I'm Gordon Freeman.[/I]

but then nobody else could get in there after authorities realize and lock it up tighter don't fall into that trap get some skill

Being as i have a drivers license and a car now i may have to go to some of the places I've heard of in NJ. useful thread and stuff

-snip-

I use one of the 3M reusable respirators. Works fine for me.

Going urbex without precaution is just asking for trouble. So many things can go wrong from getting trapped with no way out or getting injured to the point of no mobility. I go painting on an occasional basis and I've learned quite a few things. Basics: [U]Gloves:[/U] I usually wear wool, those do the trick for quick runs. But if I'm in for longer I go for tight leather or work gloves. What is urbex without climbing and holding on to things? You need ample grip. There is also a high risk of cutting yourself with rusty objects or sharp edges so thick gloves are essential. [U]Shoes:[/U] I like wearing Converse hi-tops because they're easy to climb fences with being so small and are pretty comfortable seeing as I need to do quick jumps or sprints. I do not recommend boots as they are usually large and heavy which get in the way of your exploring. However, equip yourself properly for your mission. There are always drawbacks, things like damp or wet areas can really ruin your day. [U]Pants:[/U] Often overlooked, this can make or break the experience. Fitted jeans that aren't dragging or too baggy are essential. Other fabrics such as cloth pants that have lots of pockets are also good. Do not wear thin materials as they do not insulate as good and can lead to injury from sharp things. Yes, wear a belt and keep your pants up. Speed, mobility and stealth matter. [U]Top:[/U] I usually wear my army jacket because it has all the pockets I could ever need. It is also thick and not that heavy. It also has a hoodie attachment. Try to get a jacket or top that has a zipper so you can be as fit as possible for any circumstance. Underneath, a sleeved shirt or a thin wool sweater works if you ever brush on something. [U]Tools:[/U] Try to carry as little baggage as possible as it can hinder your speed and progression. A small backpack works but a medium sized satchel I found more appropriate. Make sure you use the ones with dependable straps as I have used the straps and such to climb or to hang on to. A multi purpose buck knife or switchblade is also essential. It serves as a concealable weapon for combat or a quick tool. I keep two: one in my shoe and one in my right pocket. Many times have I been saved for bringing a knife, let alone two. Sport knee or elbow pads are optional but there have been times where I wished I brought some like climbing or jumping down. A Zippo lighter is useful as well. [U]Energy:[/U] Lots of water. I bring two sometimes three water bottles, it staves off hunger for a while and keeps you feeling balanced. Bring as much as your party requires. Crackers, biscuits, cookies are your temporary staples. The sugar keeps you on your toes and they do not hold much space. [U]Safety:[/U] Always be cautious. In derelict buildings and abandoned locations make the assumption, (it is always true anyway), that someone has been there before you. It is also possible that they are still there! You never know who they can be. A love-making couple or a den of hostile graffiti painters. If you enter, make sure to cover your tracks and I stress this again, MAKE SURE no one knows you're there. This is survival at its purest form. Second thing to remember is always know your exit strategy. There have been moments where I saved my ass from trouble by booking it out. Third thing, remember points; try to stop every once in a while and remember a place or an object. Things can dramatically change and its up to yourself to have a baseline or a stable ground to navigate with ease. I'm sure there are more, but these are the best basic advice I would give to someone who is about to try it. Safety is your main concern, make sure that is done first before you go fooling around.

I have good equipament, a camera and two friends to come with me, but I don't know much abandoned places near here. Is there any international forum or something where I can search for urbex places where I live?

you go out and find them yourself that's why they call it exploration

I'd use my gasmask or a respirator, for protection from nasty shit in the building. Gloves, No need to say what those are for. My Lights which consist of: Some generic LED flashlight which works fine, My Vietnam era issue flashlight as a backup. and 8 chemlights.

So i'm guessing the 3M Spray Paint Respirator P95 ( [url]http://www.homedepot.ca/product/3m-spray-paint-respirator-p95/908087[/url] ) is completely useless for any urbex, and that i'll probably need the WORKHORSE Asbestos and lead respirator with cartridge ( [url]http://www.homedepot.ca/product/asbestos-and-lead-respirator-with-cartridge/900971[/url] )? Also, is carrying a retractable ladder with you a good idea? I suppose it depends on where I need to go. What kind of gloves do you recommend? Are there any good flash lights I can pick up somewhere around here? (I live in Canada) Also, do any of you recommend any types/brands of bag in particular?

climb ladders are for pussies

[QUOTE=Tophat;31949950] What kind of gloves do you recommend?[/QUOTE] Depends on where you're going. If it's mostly just collapsed stuff and rubble, leather is good but make sure it's comfortable, you're going to be wearing it for a while. [quote]Are there any good flash lights I can pick up somewhere around here? (I live in Canada)[/quote] Flaslights are a bit tough. The good ones are usually upwards of 140$, but you can get a decent one for around 40-50$. [quote]Also, do any of you recommend any types/brands of bag in particular?[/quote] I've heard good things about messenger bags, but I think any type will do, just as long as it doesn't have a lot of dangling straps and stuff like that that could catch on something.

Don't get a messenger bag, their not run-capable in the case that you need to. Really, and regular backpack of small-medium size should do.

My old school was abandoned in 2009, maybe I should go there take some photos. Should I bring a swiss knife just in case, or it is more safe to go unarmed (in case someone finds us)?

If you really think a hobo is taking refuge there and might try to rape anyone he sees, then go ahead.

[QUOTE=Mr. Epicness;31998069]My old school was abandoned in 2009, maybe I should go there take some photos. Should I bring a swiss knife just in case, or it is more safe to go unarmed (in case someone finds us)?[/QUOTE] Your swiss army knife isn't going to serve any real purpose in a fight if that's what you mean. As a multi-tool i'm sure it would be a good idea though.

[QUOTE=FPKawaii;31995254]Don't get a messenger bag, their not run-capable in the case that you need to. Really, and regular backpack of small-medium size should do.[/QUOTE] Uh, yes they are. Would you rather be hindered by the extra weight of the back pack? Plus, if you're under pursuit, it's hard to ditch it and that's why I chose the messenger bag. It also acts as a counterweight if you're trying to balance on something using the straps; a backpack would just add weight behind you. The straps also are a valuable tool for climbing and hanging onto stuff.

Under pursuit? Who the fuck would be chasing you? You act like everyone in this world is a rapist.

[QUOTE=Mr. Kyle;32017827]Under pursuit? Who the fuck would be chasing you? You act like everyone in this world is a rapist.[/QUOTE] Through the eyes of someone who has lived in a squalid third world country almost all his life.

[QUOTE=sHiBaN;32037384]Through the eyes of someone who has lived in a squalid third world country almost all his life.[/QUOTE] You're in America.

Almost all his/her life, so he/she more than likely moved to America.

[QUOTE=Mr. Kyle;32045886]Almost all his/her life, so he/she more than likely moved to America.[/QUOTE] I understand that, but their in America right now, at this moment in time.

Does not matter, he/she was born in a third world country, moving will not erase the memories and of the past.