It's strange, but when I explore alone and I'm walking through dark enclosed areas, all my senses are overly sensitive to the point where I tend to invent sounds and sights. I may think I hear rustling or a voice from behind, which makes me feel a bit anxious and nervous (I've never liked horror movies). Plus the obvious concern of falling, getting trapped, running into druggies, etc.

If I have just one other person with me, most of these fears go away and I can explore relatively relaxed. As others have said though, you really need to go with someone who has the same intentions as you and enjoys the same things you do. I've explored with people who want to take 30 minutes to compose a shot when I prefer to take a few minutes, shoot, then move on.

I typically don't explore new places alone unless it's relatively small.

Loosely related, but I feel I have an easier time coping in dark creepier areas that most people because I hate scary movies and never watch them Can anyone else relate?

I usually explore with my close-knit group of friends from school, so we always have a group of 3+. Its safer, and when we're leaving the area "3 teens having a night out" is more convincing than a single hooded teen.

For what it's worth, I explore almost always by myself. I'd prefer company, but I think that every person you add to the group adds to the risk of being spotted by like 10 times. I can be through a broken window in 10 seconds, but having others waiting outside the window for me to get through and then having to do it themselves is not worth the added risk to me. I've never gone in a group of more than 2 and probably never will.

I explore alone. I know it isn't safe but where I am there are no other urban explorers, and none of my friends are truly into it. I enjoy going alone because I can emerse myself in the creepiness and don't have to worry about the rest of my party should a quick run be necessary

I only explore with my one friend, everyone else always wants to get out as fast as possible. But I think the fewer the better

I generally explore in pairs or small groups (5 people tends to be a decent number before it gets to be like herding cats. And even then it's either people who've been doing urbex for years or people who I can trust to not put us (or any other people, for that matter) in any danger. I try to choose my partners wisely.

I'm completely new on urbex, I been in only one place and that was last week. but so far I prefer to be alone. The only reason I prefer to be alone is because I like photography and when I'm taking pictures I like to be alone and take my time. The only best friend I bring is my phone fully charged in case something happen to me inside, I can call somebody not the police of course unless is extremely necessary and the other good friend I bring is a red pepper spray, the spray is not just for urbex I'm carrying that think every time when I'm carrying my gear.

Posted by UrbanFer when I'm taking pictures I like to be alone and take my time.

You have my complete respect here. I don't photograph much when I explore, and I hate it having to wait around for my colleagues to f*** around with their tripods, filters, etc.

Posted by UrbanFer the other good friend I bring is a red pepper spray, the spray is not just for urbex I'm carrying that think every time when I'm carrying my gear.

Is pepper spray even legal in your state? Depending on where you go, maybe not the best idea to bring in case you're caught.

Is pepper spray even legal in your state? Depending on where you go, maybe not the best idea to bring in case you're caught.

For what I read before I get the spray is Legal with restrictions. The use of Pepper Spray is legal for carrying by a person 18 years of age or older. But just in case i will throw the spray if i see a cop, if i can't throw it... WELL i hope the cop is friendly. I from Illinois.

Posted by UrbanFer The only reason I prefer to be alone is because I like photography and when I'm taking pictures I like to be alone and take my time.

Couldn't agree more -- when I'm first exploring an abandonment, I take myself and my camera. It's selfish of me, but I love the feeling of discovery and taking that ONE beautiful shot that I never would've had time to line up if I'd brought others. Once I get the lay of the land, and feel like I've uncovered most of a site's secrets, then I come back with friends.

I have only explored alone so far. Im quite new to ue and dont really know anyone. I have to say the first time I went into a completely dark building I freaked the fuck out. As soon as I entered I was temped to simply turn around and leave. It didnt help that I had a terrible flashlight and there was messed up writing on the walls as I entered. Stuff like "watch your back, we'll kill you". All went well though. I had a cool experience.

I wouldnt mind going in a group or with 1 other person as long as I know they are responsible.

I enjoy both solo and small group exploring

We always travel in a group of 4+ guys. To be honest, if you trust each other enough and have ground rules to minimize how loud and/or noticeable you are, the benefit of having a couple extra pairs of eyes outweighs the increased risk of getting caught due to more people. Besides, it's always good to have a couple buds in case you encounter someone threatening rather than handling that alone, and in the case of a cop you can scatter.

I normally bring one other person with me, its nice to have another set of eyes and ears.

Interesting y'all go alone because you feel you can't take your time otherwise...do you have butthole friends? lol

I am usually only with one other person. One of them doesn't take pictures, and if I go with the one that does...we move at the same speed, so that's nice.

Posted by tiffers Interesting y'all go alone because you feel you can't take your time otherwise...do you have butthole friends? lol I am usually only with one other person. One of them doesn't take pictures, and if I go with the one that does...we move at the same speed, so that's nice.

Can he go that fast while constantly getting naked?

Posted by Imubik I have only explored alone so far. Im quite new to ue and dont really know anyone. I have to say the first time I went into a completely dark building I freaked the fuck out. As soon as I entered I was temped to simply turn around and leave. It didnt help that I had a terrible flashlight and there was messed up writing on the walls as I entered. Stuff like "watch your back, we'll kill you". All went well though. I had a cool experience. I wouldnt mind going in a group or with 1 other person as long as I know they are responsible.

Every graffiti on every wall ever

Posted by enirus Can he go that fast while constantly getting naked?

Oh, he most definitely does. Hahaha. His booty shots take no more time than an other shots.

Never alone, always with at least one other person. It's tough to find someone who explores at the same pace as you and is available when you are, but the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. I cap out at 5 people, but 3 or 4 is ideal.

You can find more stuff. You have another sets of ears. If you encounter sketchy people, there's safety in numbers. They might have historical info. They can offer a second opinion. If you fall through a floor and break a leg, they can drag you out.


Everything is better when shared, anyways.