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Abby Normal
Location: Las Vegas Gender: Female Total Likes: 845 likes
| | | | Re: What Gear to Bring? < Reply # 20 on 7/24/2014 5:03 AM > | Reply with Quote
| | | There are quite a few threads about just this topic, but I still find it fun to chat about. Once you get past the 'Ninja' loadout lists and the smart ass replies, there's some good info floating around. My own opinion is that if you are new to exploring, find a low-key, low-risk location and just go wander around a bit. Taking a butt-load of gear that you don't need doesn't improve the experience. After you have been out a few times your gear requirements will start to define themselves. If you keep walking around thinking "that would make a great shot", then start bringing a camera and tripod. If you want to stick your nose in every dark corner and hole, then a flashlight or headlamp makes sense. As your experience grows, your explores will most likely become more challenging, and your gear needs may increase, or at least change. Some folks like "light and fast" while others bring enough gear to camp for a week. If the location requires climbing rope and such, then appropriate training and practice should precede the explore. Standing on the edge of a 100' rappel is not the time to realize you don't remember how to rig your descender. Have fun and don't over think it. Some of our explores are extensive and require a lot of gear. We hadn't been to the bottom of this shaft so we brought along quite a bit of gear and staged some of it in a drift about 150' then continued down. This is my personal gear so weight gets to be a factor especially when having to climb out 500' or more vertical feet. Abby Normal
[last edit 7/24/2014 5:23 AM by Abby Normal - edited 1 times]
| "Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." Ronald Reagan |
| Cracked
Location: Bay Area Gender: Male Total Likes: 108 likes
| | | Re: What Gear to Bring? < Reply # 21 on 7/29/2014 11:11 AM > | Reply with Quote
| | | Posted by Abby Normal There are quite a few threads about just this topic, but I still find it fun to chat about. Once you get past the 'Ninja' loadout lists and the smart ass replies, there's some good info floating around. My own opinion is that if you are new to exploring, find a low-key, low-risk location and just go wander around a bit. Taking a butt-load of gear that you don't need doesn't improve the experience.
| This also. I don't really have set gear for exploring, it changes depending on location and access. There are a few things I habitually bring regardless, though. Flashlight. Always have at least one. Even if you think you won't need it, there's always a basement or something dark that makes you regret not having one. Take a second if you're going any distance underground. Take a third if you're going caving properly. I always have a fenix e11 in my pocket for the times I'm not expecting to go exploring, but find something cool looking that I have to go and poke my nose in. Also because I'm a bit of a flashlight geek. Camera of some kind. Usually a DSLR, but I always have my phone in my pocket (except caving). Also a mini tripod (pocket sized) because it sucks trying to handhold and light paint at the same time if you weren't expecting to need a full tripod. Climbing straps. Those things are the best ever for getting over high fences, or for adding handholds/footholds in awkward to grip places. Plus you can link a few together for an impromptu ladder. Gloves, because I hate getting my hands covered in crap (figuratively and literally in the case of pigeon infested places). There's a bunch of other stuff I often bring, but that's my personal 'have to have' kit for exploring. Wear whatever is comfortable and appropriate. Boots, sneakers, wellies or waders (even flip-flops) all have their places depending on where you are.
| Not Pr0. |
| wranglerroadhead
Location: San Diego/LA Gender: Male Total Likes: 73 likes
Safari Kay
| | | Re: What Gear to Bring? < Reply # 22 on 7/31/2014 5:21 AM > | Reply with Quote
| | | Lay all the stuff you are taking out on the floor, now take half the stuff out. Then you will be good to go. Most of us are total gear junkies but just free balling it can really bring out some true exploring opportunities. For example- when I was exploring this drain there was a part with a pretty deep water crossing that would require floating/swimming across. Unfortunately I couldn't continue because I was hauling a DSLR and peripheral gear. Plus traveling light helps you blend in (camouflage) and if you are stopped it's best not to look like a criminal carrying l0ckp1cks or rope or whatever ninja stuff you have unless you explicitly know you will be needing it. Everytime I end up bringing too much stuff I end up ditching most of it mid explore and hoping no one happens by to nab it. So my packing suggestions: -Good set of boots -Long pants -Protective Gloves -Multitool (like a leatherman) -Phone/Flashlight -Tee shirt and overshirt/hoodie of another color (shed top layer if on the run) -Wallet for when you end up at the bar with some new friends -Water if you plan to be out for awhile
| "It's nothing, only the smellz." |
| sciatica
Location: Minneapolis' Northern Xurbs Total Likes: 37 likes
| | | Re: What Gear to Bring? < Reply # 26 on 10/14/2014 3:30 PM > | Reply with Quote
| | | If you're looking to access up to a 30' drop I found this Kidde Emergency Escape ladder works very well. Its meant to hang over a window sill but you can loop a rope around a tree trunk and tie in each end with a follow through figure 8 if you need. This thing works great if you are willing to take the time needed to store it properly. http://www.homedep...w8Avw&gclsrc=aw.ds View from below: 1.
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| stirling0401
Location: Maryland Gender: Male Total Likes: 9 likes
| | | Re: What Gear to Bring? < Reply # 32 on 1/2/2015 9:39 PM > | Reply with Quote
| | | I generally wear jeans or some other sturdy pants and a jacket or sweatshirt. Clothing-wise, there isn't anything too special that I've ever thought about wearing or bringing. Overall, dress for the occasion, but dress comfortably. I always wear some good running shoes, like ones you would wear hiking. Additionally, I always wear a respirator if I'll be inside any building for fear of asbestos (better to be safe than sorry). I also bring a backpack with my camera, a portable charger for my phone, batteries, a flashlight, a water bottle or two, and usually some sort of food - exploring all day is a good way to work up an appetite. I don't think anything too fancy is ever needed. A good friend is also a good idea; they always tend to see the things you don't, and vice versa. Happy exploring.
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| TuxThePenguin
Location: De Pere, WI Gender: Male Total Likes: 1 like
| | | Re: What Gear to Bring? < Reply # 34 on 1/18/2015 7:46 AM > | Reply with Quote
| | | As others have said, nine times out of ten you won't need nine tenths of all the crap people say to bring. If you're just checking out a gutted farmhouse you can probably leave the prybar, climbing gear, and respirator at home. That being said, I'll throw in my two cents: -Clothing First and foremost look at your shoes. While some say sneakers/tennis shoes are the way to go because they're light and quiet I have to disagree. Invest in a good pair of waterproof, oil-resistant steel-toe workboots. Not only will they protect your feet from anything short of a nuke, they're useful for more than just UE. My suggestion would be Craftsman Vadar boots. Waterproof, durable, and downright comfortable even if you wear them all day. Plus they're light enough to be relatively quiet if the need for sneakiness arises and you can run a good distance in them, too. As for clothing it really depends on the weather and location, but bright colors are generally best avoided. Also solid black isn't a natural color, dark green or blue is less likely to draw attention than pitch black. I also recommend pants over shorts and long sleeves if the weather allows; saves you from nicks and cuts and the like. Gloves aren't a bad idea, either. -Basics Get a flashlight (or headlamp depending on preference). Then get a second flashlight that you can use if when you drop/break/lose the first one. Believe me, it'll happen. It'll happen in the middle of the night when your're in otherwise completely dark basement. Make sure there are fresh batteries in both before you leave and if you've got the room to spare bring an extra set just in case. A respirator is a good investment as well if there's a chance of asbestos or mold where you're going, you don't want to be the first case of cordyceps do you? Be sure to bring a cell phone too in case of emergencies. A knife or multitool is not a bad idea either, but be careful because it could turn a simple trespassing ticket to a criminal B&E charge. Beyond that, everything is subjective. A camera is a good idea, but as to how much camera you bring is up to you. Some bring no more than a decent point-and-shoot, while others will bring multiple DSLR bodies and lenses plus all sorts of accompanying photo gear. Personally I've never really needed more than my Canon Rebel T1i with it's stock 18-55mm lens and a tripod but that's just me. Last but not least, bring a friend or two.
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