Here we are, your first urban exploring and you are not sure whether you are prepared well enough or not. There are some essentials every explorer should have in the backpack or pockets that are close to your body in case of an emergency.
A full list of what to take with you on your next journey. Travelling back in time can be cursed when not packed properly and you don't want to get lost, right?
Your survival list of Urban Exploring
COMFORTABLE & RESISTANT SHOES
That means no high heels or flip-flops. Converse are fine though, sport shoes in general, boots, hiking or walking shoes. Everything with a flat sole that has a good grid to the ground is welcome. You don't want to hurt your angles or anything else that is foot related, because you need them to walk.
FLASH LIGHT
There are many, but I always take two with me. One is running by a battery and the other by a small engine that I have to turn on by spinning a small handle. Those are really convenient, because they last forever and you never need to worry about being in the dark. Next to it you save lots of the smartphones power when you use a flash light and not the integrated one.
TOOLS & TISSUES
Screwdriver, pocket knife, bottle opener (not only for opening bottles, but can be used for getting rid of nails in the wall or wood as well), tape - the good one and a pair of slim gardening gloves. They have some good grid and it is easier to climb without hurting your hands.
Tissues are for, well, cleaning your nose, for girls as toilet paper or in case you got some dirt on your hands, face you get that stuff from your skin.
GPS & SMARTPHONE
Not only handy for playing Pokémon Go, but kinda good when you are lost in the woods or just want to know where to go and how to get to your next exploration.
Do you the good old times of Geocaching? You need GPS to find treasures nearby. Maybe there is one hidden in the abandoned mansion or train you'll explore in a couple of days?
MAP
Of the location, in case your smartphone and or GPS does not work any more. Screenshots made ad home and printed out does the same trick of always knowing the area, at least on paper.
POWER BANK
Only to be on the safe side and always have the chance to charge your phone.
Specially helpful in very remote areas where barely any people live. One of the most important things it in case of an accident to call for help as fast as possible.
SMALL FIRST AID KIT
Be it a splinter, a small bloody scratch, blisters or something bigger. You need to disinfect your wound and put a plaster on it so that it remains clean.
A very small one you get here.
JUMPER or HOODIE
Maybe both? Depending on the season you'll need a bit more than just a thin jumper and a cardigan. I would choose a hoodie, because usually it has some extra pockets and a bonnet to cover your head when it drizzles or to protect it from dirt. Most important, should be warm and comfortable. COMFORTABLE TROUSERS
You need to crouch, stretch, bend, jump, crawl and more. Comfortable trousers are essential for not walking with a big hole in front of your butt cheeks to show off the best you got. Except you want to, but I don't think so.
Get one that has a lot of functional pockets. The more space you get the better.
LONG SOCKS
Beware of the ticks! Maybe long socks are not cool, but depending on where you go, it is important to not get bitten by any strange insect or reptile. Just something to prevent the worst case.
WATER & FOOD
Dehydration and not having enough food can be a decision about life or death. Take enough with you so that you have at least a good ration for a couple of days. Don't worry, your backpack does not need to be filled with food. But vitamin or protein bars, a mix of nuts, healthy and dry in pedicular can safe you over the days while being trapped.
There is a really nice water bottle that has a filter. With that you can fill the bottle with dirty water, but it comes out perfect and ready to drink.
Maybe a bit pricey, but you can use it everywhere you are to make out of the worst the most drinkable water. One in a lifetime purchase.
MOSQUITO REPELLENT
They are legions, and they all want to suck your blood. Depending on where you are, they are more evil and annoying than others. The bite is effective, it itches, burns sometimes and all in all you want to cure it fast. Also, good for other bites, pain and itch releasing, just the best. I know what I talk about.
CAMERA & EXTRA MEMORY CARDS
In case you are an explorer and hobby or professional photographer or videographer, you need your gear. And for that gear you should buy a waterproofed case.
Sometimes you'll have to walk through water or very damp areas and don't want that your beloved equipment stops working. Other times the police is going to stop you and wants you to hand over the SD card that is in your camera. Just swap them before you leave the building and hide your precious SD card somewhere near you.
A FRIEND
It is alright to go on an exploration alone, but always better to take a friend with you. Specially you never know of what might happen. You could bump into a wild animal, a bunch of people, break an arm *knock on wood so that it never happens*, or just for fun. To create memories together and to be able to talk about it, even after 20 years, feels so much better than not sharing the same warm feeling while looking back.
Safety & Fun. Easy.
NO. 01 RULE - TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU GO It is already saying everything. For your own good, you always, let me be precise, ALWAYS, tell someone where you go and when you will be back. In case of an emergency, and not being able to call for help, at least you have the chance of being rescued.
A GOOD SAMPLE - A TRUE STORY
Thank you, Kendall for being such a great narrator.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Don't be rude and destroy the Abandoned Building that you visit. Pay respect to the history and following Explorers want to have the same experience as you. Keep everything intact, don't steal and take care of you and your friends that join you on the journey.
I hope you enjoyed reading the article and that it has been helpful. Don't forget to share this post on Pinterest or visit me on any other Social Media pages.
Give me a shout, in case you need some more advice and leave a comment below to let me know! I am always happy to help out. :)
Thank you so much and see you in the future,
Sina
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