What is urbex – how to start your adventure with urban exploration?
In recent years, urbex, the hobby of exploring abandoned or hard-to-reach places, has been flourishing. Thanks to platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, it has transformed from a niche interest into a mass phenomenon. Explorers are gaining millions of followers, and their videos and photos from their adventures often gain immense popularity online.
In this guide, you will learn about the world of urbex – you will find out what this passion is about, what rules are worth knowing, and how to properly prepare for your first adventure. We will also suggest what to take with you for exploration and where to find the most interesting sites for urbex.
What does urbex mean? - definition
Urban exploration (also known as "urbex" or UE) is an activity involving the exploration and documentation of abandoned, unseen, or hard-to-access urban structures. Urbex includes exploring places like inactive factories, old and abandoned hospitals, bunkers from various eras, or other buildings or underground spaces.
The goal of exploring such places by urbex enthusiasts is to discover their mysteries and history and often to capture them in photographs. Many people want to see these forgotten locations with their own eyes to better understand their past and examine architecture slowly being destroyed by the passage of time.
It should be remembered that exploring such places is not an entirely new phenomenon. Already in the 19th century, romantics and travelers were fascinated by the picturesque ruins of castles, abbeys, and palaces, visiting them in search of inspiration for paintings, poems, and novels. However, in the 1990s, with the proliferation of digital cameras and the emergence of the Internet, urbex transformed from a local curiosity into a global phenomenon.
Urbex rules – why should they be followed?
In the urbex community, there are certain rules that should be followed during the exploration of objects. First of all:
- Take only pictures – during exploration, you should not take any items or elements from the location. It is important to leave everything in the state it is in because every taken item disrupts the environment of the place and can lead to the loss of its historical value. During the visit, you should limit yourself to observation, taking photos, or recording videos.
- Leave only footprints – while exploring, you should avoid destroying, dismantling, or any interference with the visited places. The only trace we should leave is our own footsteps. You must not leave any trash or other signs of your presence.
These rules should be followed for several reasons. Above all, it is about leaving the place exactly in the state we found it so that other urbex enthusiasts can also fully experience its atmosphere. Interference with the structure of the object, such as through dismantling, destruction, or moving elements, can be not only dangerous but also irresponsible.
It is worth remembering that all abandoned buildings and areas belong to someone - entering without the owner's consent is illegal, and taking any items is simply theft. Urbex is based on the principle: do not destroy, do not take, document, and leave the place as you found it.
What to take on urbex? - useful equipment
In urbex, it is always worth dressing appropriately and taking useful items with you that will ensure safety and comfort during exploration. Abandoned places often have difficult conditions – dust, dirt, protruding metal elements, mud, flooded rooms, darkness, or moisture. It is also often necessary to squeeze through narrow passages, which increases the risk of abrasions, cuts, or falls.
Backpack
It is essential because you will pack all necessary accessories into the backpack, including equipment such as a camera or video camera. It is best to choose a lightweight yet durable model made of strong material, such as polyester or Cordura. The backpack should have a sufficient number of compartments and pockets to easily organize all items and have easy access to them during exploration. The optimal capacity of a backpack for urbex is about 30 liters, but if you plan a multi-day trip through abandoned objects, it is worth taking two backpacks – a smaller one to have with you during exploration and a larger one to leave in the car or another safe place.
Shoes
For exploring abandoned places, shoes with a strong, puncture-resistant sole, which will protect feet from nails, glass, and other dangerous items, are best suited. Such features are found in military footwear. It is also important that urbex shoes are waterproof and provide protection against moisture and mud, which often occur in such locations.
Flashlight
Even if you are not planning to explore abandoned places at night, it is always worth taking a flashlight with you because there is no electricity in such locations, and daylight does not reach all corners. The best flashlight for urbex is one that allows you to have free hands while moving around the object. For this reason, it is worth considering buying a headlamp or a traditional angled flashlight equipped by the manufacturer, for example, with a clip. Additionally, it is also worth taking spare batteries or a power bank so as not to be left without a light source at a critical moment.
Gloves
During urbex, sometimes you have to squeeze through narrow passages or crawl to reach hard-to-get places. In such situations, hands are exposed to contact with nails, sharp elements in the walls or on the floor, as well as dirt and dust. Therefore, during exploration, it is worth using tactical gloves that protect against cuts, scrapes, abrasions, and other mechanical injuries.
First aid kit
Exploring abandoned places carries the risk of cuts, scrapes, and other injuries, so it is worth having a well-equipped first aid kit with you. It allows you to treat wounds, stop bleeding, or disinfect. A well-prepared first aid kit should contain, among other things, plasters, bandages, disinfectants, disposable gloves, scissors, and a tourniquet.
Dust mask
A dust mask for urbex protects the respiratory system from inhaling dust, particles, and potentially harmful substances that are often found in abandoned buildings. Thanks to its filters, it captures fine dust particles, mold, and other contaminants, thus reducing the risk of health issues.
What else is worth taking on urbex?
On urbex, it is also worth taking other items that might come in handy and dressing appropriately to ensure your safety and comfort during exploration. Remember about:
- Durable clothing that does not stand out – in muted colors.
- A mobile phone – fully charged, with saved emergency numbers.
- An offline map or GPS – particularly useful in places without signal.
- Ballistic glasses (optional) – protect eyes from dust, particles, and small shards.
- Two-way radios – if you explore in a group or visit an extensive object.
- High-energy snacks – e.g., protein bars, nuts, or dried fruits.
- Water – ideally in a reusable bottle or bladder.
- A watch – useful when the phone fails.
- A notebook and pen – to write down locations, dates, and observations.
- A multitool or pocket knife – can be useful in many situations.
Urbex locations – how to find them?
If you want to find urbex locations, the simplest way is to search for information on online forums and in topic groups, such as on Facebook or Reddit. Urbex explorers often share locations, photos, and tips on how to safely reach interesting sites there. Additionally, many abandoned places are presented on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, allowing you to find inspiration and practical advice on exploration.
Some also discover new places, but it is often a matter of chance or information obtained in a less obvious way – for example, from residents of nearby areas, who might suggest abandoned buildings or forgotten objects. Local sources can be very valuable as they lead to places that are not yet known to the wider urbex community.
Products for urbex in MILITARY offer
If you are looking for products for urbex, in our store we have a special category of items for urbex where you will find all the necessary products. There is a range of durable clothing, backpacks, flashlights, shoes, tools, masks, gloves, and many other products that will make exploring abandoned places more comfortable and safe.
