What To Bring

So here's a list I came up with, although every explorer knows many of these are basics. The list of equipment to bring starts with the most obvious stuff and progresses to the gear needed for more serious UE trips.

1. Camera and Equipment: Documenting your journey is the most important part.

2. Three Flashlights: Always have a spare in case something happens to the first one. Always have a second spare in case something happens to the second one.

3. Cell Phone: For communicating with exploring partners or with the outside world.

4. Multi-Purpose Tool: For loosening bolts on doors, cutting wires or ropes.

5. Towel: For use as a blanket, bed, distress signal, face protection against fumes, or drying oneself.

6. First-Aid Kit: For scratches, cuts and bruises, although if you're careful, you'll almost never need to use it.

7. Extra Batteries: For your camera, walkie talkies and flashlights.

8. Walkie Talkies: Only if you’ll be exploring an area without cell phone reception.

9. Glowsticks: To signal to your partners (flashlights could be mistaken for a security officer).

10. Food: Only if you will be in an area long enough to need sustenance at some point. Energy bars and trail mix are perfect.

11. Water: Because we all get thirsty. One Nalgene bottle is usually enough.

12. Gas Mask: If you plan on exploring a location with airborne contaminates. A filter with an efficiency rating of P100 should protect you from everything, including asbestos.

13. Thermal blanket: If you plan on spending the night or if you’re exploring an area you could potentially get lost in.

14. Climbing Gear: Only if you plan on exploring an area that necessitates scaling heights (i.e. a building that can only be accessed through third-story windows).