Rope | Depending
on the type of outing, this is sometimes a necessity. Many people
always carry at least one short (20-30ft) climbing rope/handline. If
you have confidence in your upper body strength, you can fashion a
simple climbing rope in a few minutes; the kind you remember from your
old phys ed. days. Just tie a big half knot every foot or so.
Alternatively, tie short loops at slightly shorter intervals, and use
them as holds. A longer length of weight-bearing rope for use as a
safety line is sometimes useful. |
Duct Tape | I
recommend a small roll in your sack, but don't worry about it for a
simple trip. It's become kind of a joke, but people in the know don't
laugh -- duct tape can do everything. It'll even work for shoe patches
in a pinch. |
Respirator | One
which is rated for asbestos is what you're looking for. You can find
them at Home Depot or similar hardware outlets for about $40. It's
kind of cumbersome, but if you're going to spend a lot of time in steam
tunnels you should have one. Unless, you're sure that there is no
asbestos, which is unlikely in steam tunnels -- don't count on word of
mouth or what you think asbestos "looks like" for this question. Find
official documents. |
Radios | Small
handheld radios can be useful, especially in high-traffic areas
requiring lookouts. Lapel mics and earpieces are good, as they are
hands-free and inconspicuous. Remember that no radios travel very far
through earth. |
Hammer/small crowbar | A
lot of those pesky manhole covers can be popped with just a hammer.
Those which can't will usually succumb to a small crowbar (aka prybar).
A hammer is slightly more versatile, and doesn't raise as much
suspicion as a crowbar. The crowbar can be useful at disused sites for
crusty old hatches and doors. Be careful -- getting caught with a
crowbar, especially if you also have things like rope or walkie-talkies
on you (or god forbid, lockpicks) can get you a quick trip to city
lodgings. "Burglarious instruments." |
Water | A
water bottle is always a good idea, especially in steam tunnels. Tuck
it into your ever-ready pack. A person can quickly get dehydrated
when you're walking and crouching and crawling through 120 degree
unventilated spaces. While you won't likely get into any real danger
because of it, your endurance and enjoyment will suffer. |
Maps/Blueprints/Etc. | Many
tunnel explorers prefer not to have maps beforehand, as it heightens
the sense of adventure. Others like to have an idea of where to go to
see things that are out of the ordinary. In drains, don't ever head downstream in an unknown drain.
Maps are often inaccurate (yes, even if they come straight from the
sewer department) and nothing will ruin your day like getting swept
over a waterfall. |
Camera/Film | Or,
a digital camera or video camera. Again, this is widely variable;
some adventurers rarely leave the house without one, some just don't
care that much. Keep your settings in mind and consider a beater. |
Lighting rig | If
you're doing lots of photo or video work, or just want a really good
look at where you're going, consider a car battery-based light rig.
Labor-intensive to truck around, but sometimes useful. |
Head Light | When
you are in the dark and you need both hands to get around, having a
head light will be quite "handy." Get something like the Energizer Trail Finder 7 LED Head Light which is easy to pack to have ready when you need it. |
Pen and Paper | Take
notes and make maps. It makes the trip much more interesting, and it
will help your recollection when you set up that fancy website about
your exploits! |
Plastic baggies | This is a must if you're draining, probably ignorable otherwise. A way to keep cameras, spare batteries, and anything else dry. |
Exploring practical methods for preparing for the end times, including analysis of end time scripture and prophecy, current events, prepping and self-defense.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Equipment for Urban Exploration
... and some of which may come in handy when scrounging after TEOTWAWKI. From Urban Explorers:
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New Defensive Pistolcraft Newsletter
Jon Low published his latest Defensive Pistolcraft newsletter on November 1 . A few notable points and links from his newsletter: Right near...
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