What is Urban Exploring?
Urbex is a passionate hobby of exploring abandoned sites, such as bunkers, factories, hospitals and other elements of urban infrastructure. Exploring these facilities can be an exciting experience to discover forgotten places and enjoy learning about their history. However, urban exploration requires caution and awareness of risks, as abandoned buildings and areas can be dangerous. Before you embark on your first urbex expedition, it's a good idea to think things through and prepare accordingly.
In this article you will learn, among other things: what is urbex, what to take to urbex and where to go to urbex.
Urbex - what does it mean?
Urbex is short for urban exploration. It is the activity of discovering and exploring abandoned, undeveloped or closed urban areas, such as factories, hospitals, warehouses, railroad stations, shelters or ruins. The main goal of these activities is to discover the secrets of the areas in question and learn about their history. Urbex explorers want to feel the atmosphere of these places in order to experience unique sensations and the unique atmosphere that surrounds them.
During their explorations, urbex explorers often document their expeditions by photographing, filming and collecting information about the places they visit. Explorers avoid interfering with their surroundings so that others can also enjoy discovering abandoned places intact. It is not a criminal activity and focuses solely on exploration. Each explorer must follow certain rules.
Urbex - how to begin?
Not sure how to start urbex? Starting an urbex adventure does not require specialized knowledge or expensive equipment. You can start this hobby practically right away with just basic knowledge and a few useful items.
When preparing for your first urbex expedition, it's a good idea, first of all, to look for interesting places using maps, the Internet and local sources. It is also a good idea to contact experienced explorers to get valuable tips. We strongly recommend conducting the first exploration in the company of others. In addition to increasing the level of safety, exploring in a group can bring greater satisfaction and increase interest in the experience.
It's important to remember that you need to consider your personal limitations when choosing a place to explore. For example, if you have a fear of heights, it is better to avoid places such as rooftops, high platforms, bridges or observation towers.
There are two basic rules to follow:
- Take only pictures - as an urbex explorer, your main goal should be to observe and document abandoned locations. You should not take any items or elements from these locations. It is important to leave everything as you found it. This preserves the integrity and authenticity of the site for other explorers. Any object or element that is taken away causes a violation of this unique environment and leads to the loss of its historical value. That's why it's important to limit yourself to photography and leave everything in its place.
- Leave only footprints - this rule refers to a discreet and non-invasive presence during exploration. You should not undertake activities that lead to the devastation, destruction or deterioration of buildings or infrastructure. Your impact on the site should be minimal. This means that you should avoid destroying, dismantling or tearing down architectural elements. Your actions must not interfere with the structure or the environment. It is important that traces of your presence be limited to shoe marks. By leaving only traces of your exploration, you enable others to discover and experience abandoned sites in their original state.
Before embarking on any exploration, it is important to familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding access to private land and abandoned buildings. It is important to act in accordance with applicable laws and respect all regulations.
What to take to urbex?
It is not necessary to have advanced tools to practice urbex. However, it is a good idea to prepare properly, taking with you a few key items that will ensure your safety and comfort during exploration.
Relevant clothing and equipment are important to ensure safety when exploring abandoned places. If you are wondering what to take to urbex below are useful equipment that can come in handy during this type of activity.
Urbex backpack
During urban exploration, you will need a suitable place to store your gear. The best choice for this purpose durable and lightweight backpack, which will allow you to conveniently carry all your essentials while exploring.
When choosing a backpack, pay attention to its capacity and organization. The backpack should have enough compartments and pockets so that you can organize your belongings and have easy access to them. It may also be useful to be able to expand the backpack or adjust its volume, especially if you intend to take larger items with you on your trip.
It is also not insignificant that the backpack is made of durable materials, resistant to mechanical damage, abrasion and weather conditions. To increase the durability of backpacks, materials such as nylon and cordura are often used.
When exploring abandoned places, it is sometimes necessary to climb, crawl or walk through narrow spaces. The backpack's sturdy zippers, buckles and straps will ensure that your gear does not get damaged during such activities.
Urbex boots
When exploring, it is important to have the right footwear for protection and comfort. Ideal urbex boots should have several important features to ensure safety and comfort during exploration. First of all, the shoes should have a solid and durable sole that effectively protects against punctures by glass, nails and other sharp objects. In addition, it is a good idea for them to have reinforced tips to protect the toes from damage in the event of an impact or fall. It is also important that the boots are waterproof and protect feet from moisture and mud, which are often found in abandoned areas.
Comfort and a good fit of shoes to the foot are also important. Care should be taken to ensure that they provide comfort and support for the feet during long walks over varied terrain.
Flashlight for urbex
The facilities you will visit as part of an urbex tour will most often be completely devoid of electricity. These rooms are often poorly lit, protected by boards on the windows or located in areas devoid of natural light.
That's why it's important to carry the following with you when exploring flashlight. Even if your smartphone has a flashlight function, it won't be as powerful as a traditional model, and using it to illuminate your surroundings can quickly drain your phone's battery. It is important that the flashlight used during urbex is of high quality. It is worth investing in one with a sturdy design that will ensure durability in harsh conditions and protect it from damage during exploration. What's more, the flashlight should be splash-proof or waterproof to ensure that it will be effective in the rain or wet conditions that can occur in abandoned buildings or underground sites.
You should make sure the batteries are fully charged or replace them with new ones before you start exploring, so you can rely on the flashlight for a long time. Head flashlight or front-angle can be particularly useful because it allows you to move your hands freely and focuses the light where you direct your gaze.
Food for urbex
When exploring abandoned places, it's a good idea to bring the right ones with you food stocks. Small canned goods or high-energy snacks such as protein bars, nuts, dried fruits and chocolate, which are light, easy to carry and provide plenty of energy, will work well. It's also a good idea to take along nonperishable foods, such as freeze-dried foods that can be prepared quickly. Drinks will also be necessary: water, energy drinks or isotonic drinks to help replenish electrolytes.
How to find abandoned Urbex sites?
Where to go for urbex? If you're interested in exploring abandoned places as part of urbex, there are several ways you can find interesting locations.
- Use the Internet - The Internet is a valuable tool when it comes to finding information about abandoned places. Use search engines like Google to find websites, discussion forums, social media groups or blogs dedicated to urbex. Search posts, photos and comments to find out which places are popular among the exploration community.
- Make your own observations - if you don't know where to go for urbex, then spend some time walking around the city or neighborhood, carefully observing the buildings, infrastructure and surroundings. Look for signs of abandonment, such as dilapidated windows, doors covered with posters or vegetation that looks neglected. Abandoned places are often obviously neglected, but spotting them may require perceptiveness.
- Explore history and local culture - take the time to learn about the history and culture of the area. Read books, articles, search archives or seek advice from local residents. You may find information about forgotten buildings, abandoned factories or places with a rich history. Old maps, travel guides, chronicles or archival photos can provide valuable clues about potential places to explore.
One of the many ways to find urbex-related sites is also to watch videos published on YouTube, such as the one we'll post below. The footage shows the exploration of an underground petrol station in the Czech Republic.
Offer for explorers at Militaria.pl
In our offer you will find wide selection of urbex stuff, which you will need when exploring abandoned areas.
We offer different types of, which provide strong light and are durable. The flashlights come in a variety of sizes so you can customize them to suit your needs. There are headlamp flashlights, backpack clip flashlights and handheld flashlights.
To make it easier to carry all your essentials, we offer backpacks, which will hold your camera, food and other belongings. The backpacks available from us are durable and functional, making them suitable for long exploration sessions.
Our product range also includes protective gloves. With them you will prevent possible cuts, contamination and direct contact with potentially harmful substances. We also offer durable shoes, which feature water resistance and are equipped with reinforced soles. They will provide protection for your feet in difficult terrain.
In terms of food we also offer high-energy snacks and military canned foods. These products are ideal for preparing a quick and nutritious meal during a long exploration.
