Essential Equipment for Urbex Photography
I’ve been asked a lot over the years what’s in my bag when I go exploring. The truth is, it changes depending on the season, the spot, and how much I’m willing to lug around that day. But over time, I’ve figured out what’s worth the weight, and what I wish I’d packed when I didn’t.
If you’re just getting into urbex photography, or you’ve been out a few times and want to fine-tune your setup, this guide might help. It’s all about having the right tools that let you stay safe, shoot what you need, and maybe help you out when things get unpredictable (which they might).
Your Core Photography Setup
Let’s start with the obvious: the camera. You want something that performs well in low light. Most abandoned interiors are tight, dark, and full of visual clutter. A wide lens helps you take it all in without having to wedge yourself into impossible corners.
A tripod is also non-negotiable. I shoot a lot of brackets, meaning multiple exposures of the same scene, and that only works if your camera stays perfectly still. A tripod also lets me slow down and take my time when the light is tricky.
Other gear I wouldn’t be without:
Extra batteries and memory cards
A small remote shutter or timer
A microfiber cloth (because there’s always dust)
A camera bag I can swing around easily and drop in the dirt without stressing
None of this is particularly high-end. It’s just gear that I trust and know how to use inside out. That’s what matters most.
Lighting
Natural light is a gift, but not one you can count on. Sometimes you get lucky with rays spilling through broken windows. Other times, you’re in a basement with no windows and a collapsed ceiling.
Bring:
A solid flashlight
A cheap AA-powered backup
If you’re planning to shoot in a particularly deep or shadowy space, a small LED panel can help you light a whole room more evenly without blowing out textures. Just don’t forget to pack enough batteries or a power bank to keep it running.
Safety Equipment
If you’re poking around abandoned hospitals or old factories, odds are you’re breathing in more than just dust. Wearing a P100 respirator in any building that feels musty, moldy, or full of questionable debris is a good idea.
Gloves are a must. Not the soft cotton kind, but actual work gloves that can handle rust, glass, and rot. People often pull themselves up onto ledges, crawl through narrow spaces, and grab old railings in urbex, all of which would shred their hands without gloves. Other must-haves:
A small first aid kit with bandages, wipes, tweezers, that kind of thing
Eye protection, especially in crumbly buildings where ceilings drop plaster out of nowhere
Helmet, which is crucial for protection from falling debris, especially in derelict sites
The Right Clothes
The right clothes matter for effective urbex. I dress like I’m going to a muddy construction site: nothing fancy and nothing light-colored. I always wear long sleeves and long pants for protection and warmth, and also to make moving through overgrowth or broken entry points much easier. Most days, I’ll go for jeans, a cotton shirt or sweatshirt, and durable hiking shoes or boots with grip. So, take a look at your wardrobe and go for sensible, outdoorsy clothes.
Navigation and Just-in-Case Tools
Getting turned around inside an abandoned building is easier than you’d think. Hallways start to blur together, staircases are blocked off, and if you’re in a big site, like an old hospital or industrial complex, it doesn’t take long to lose your bearings.
If you’re heading into a larger location, it’s worth bringing a few extras to help you stay oriented and safe. A small roll of neon surveyor’s tape or some yarn can be surprisingly useful. Tie a piece near key turns or doorways on your way in. It might feel over-cautious, but if you’ve ever had that panicked “wait, which way did we come from?” moment, you’ll know it’s worth it.
A multitool (like a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife) can help with all sorts of things, like tightening tripod plates o rprying stuck zippers. If the site is complex, downloading a rough floor plan or satellite image beforehand can help, too.
And while smartphones are great in a pinch, I’ve learned not to put all my trust in them, especially in remote or signal-dead spots. That’s where printed maps and floor plans can really come in handy. I’ve downloaded building maps before a trip or printed satellite screenshots and marked them up, just in case I lose cell signal. It sounds like overkill until you’re standing in the middle of a multi-winged building with no bars and every hallway looks the same.
In deeper or sprawling sites, walkie-talkies or basic two-way radios are lifesavers. Cell service can disappear the second you cross the threshold, and yelling across a dark hallway isn’t exactly ideal. Radios let you stay in touch without draining your phone battery or relying on a signal. Especially if you’re exploring with a buddy, they’re worth their weight in peace of mind.
Backup Lighting and Emergency Gear
Even if you’ve got a solid flashlight or a headlamp, don’t make the mistake of trusting just one light source. Batteries die, and usually at the worst time, like deep inside a pitch-black theater basement when you're not entirely sure how to get back out.
A smart lighting setup includes: spare batteries for everything, glow sticks, and a power bank that works for both your flashlight and your phone. It’s also worth throwing in a few “just in case” items you hope never to need: an emergency blanket and a whistle can make a real difference if something goes wrong and you’re stuck waiting for help.
Food, Water, and the Stuff
You’ll Kick Yourself for Forgetting
Urban exploration isn’t exactly a stroll through the park. You’re crouching, climbing, hauling gear, and sometimes on your feet for hours. Even light packing can feel heavy if you’re dehydrated or low on energy. At minimum, bring:
A full bottle of water, more in summer or if you’re heading far from the car
Snacks that pack protein and salt (think trail mix, granola bars, or jerky)
Electrolyte tablets, which weigh next to nothing and can keep your energy up when you’re sweating it out
And here’s something I promise you’ll only forget once: a roll of toilet paper or a pack of tissues. Abandoned buildings don’t come with working bathrooms!
Finding the Right Bag
Your gear’s only as helpful as the bag carrying it. Look for a weather-resistant backpack that protects your camera. Some things to look for:
Side access, so you don’t have to lay your bag in a puddle every time you swap a lens
Chest and waist straps to keep things steady if you’re climbing or ducking through narrow gaps
Exterior loops for gloves, flashlights, or water bottles
Modular compartments so your gear isn’t rattling around or buried at the bottom
A good bag keeps things fast and quiet. You don’t want to be rummaging around when you’re losing light, or worse, when the ceiling starts creaking.
Final Thoughts
When I started exploring, I thought photography was the hard part. But the gear and the planning are actually what make it all possible. Urbex is half art and half logistics.
So pack smart, test your gear before you go, and carry more water than you think you’ll need.
Remember: there’s no shame in turning back if a building feels unsafe or you’re underprepared.
Every good shot I’ve ever taken came from being present, paying attention, and trusting the process. That includes knowing when to snap the photo, and when to put the camera away and just enjoy the space. Happy exploring, and stay safe out there!
