There’s a lot of other urban exploration tools that can aid you while exploring that don’t really fit into any of our other gear categories.
These tools should aid you in urban exploring, whether it be fixing gear that gets broken on the fly, or helping you survey the area. I did my best to also pick tools that would not be considered criminal tools if confiscated by police.
Gerber Dime Multi-Tool
A great multi tool can go a very long way while urban exploring. I personally love the Gerber Dime multi-tool. It’s small and tough and has over 12 different tools packed inside it.
The most useful features that I use are the flat head driver, wire-cutter, and pliers. I’ve also fixed people’s tripods on the fly, as well as a zipper on one of my bags while out exploring.
It’s also very clearly a multi-tool, and looks a lot different to law enforcement than say a screw driver set or pair of wire-cutters and pliers would look.
If asked, you use it to make repairs and adjustments to your tripod and camera. Which isn’t a lie.
It’s also cheap enough where if you lose it, or have to toss it, you’re not out a ton of money.
The Gerber Dime multi tool is available on Amazon if you want to check it out yourself.
CCLife Multifunction Carabiner
A great addition or possibly alternative to the Gerber Dime is the CCLife Multitool. This carabiner is great for securing your key to your belt loop, or can easily attach to your backpack for easy access.
It’s small and inconspicuous enough to be potentially overlooked by police if stopped while exploring, and at least in my eyes not be considered a criminal tool.
This can also make a decent last minute defense tool albeit possibly not the greatest option.
The multitool has 10 tools in one and comes with a ruler, bottle opener, seat belt cutter, hex wrench, screwdriver, bike spoke wrench, key ring, Phillips screwdriver, and of course the carabiner itself.
You can pick one up at this link here.
SendowTek 10W Wireless Portable Charger
The SendowTek Portable Battery back is a great all round item, but is specifically useful to take with you while exploring.
The pack can charge wireless or via USB/USBC and can easily charge your average smart phone 6 or so times.
It comes with a built in flashlight and can even charge via the built in solar panel. I haven’t gotten a chance to actually test the solar panel charging capability but I’d imagine its slower and more applicable to emergency situations.
The battery pack is durable, and that’s one of the reasons that I chose this as a great urban exploring tool. It was built for rugged travel, so it can be thrown around in your bag or even dropped without getting damaged.
With 25000mAh of charging capacity this could even potential charge a spare camera battery or set of GoPro batteries if you have the right adapter. There’s also a hook on the backside of the pack, so you could hook it to your waist and charge while you’re on the go.
Below are a few features I particularly like on the SendowTek battery pack.
- Very durable. Shock resistant, weather sealed body.
- Larger 25000mAh battery.
- Ability to recharge via solar panel.
- USB, USBC, and wireless charging capabilities.
- Can charge 3 devices at once.
- Built in flashlight.
You can learn more about the SendowTek on Amazon.
Uniden SX507-2CKHS
Having a good set of 2 way radios definitely comes in handy while out exploring. I try not to get split up, but in some locations it’s inevitable. Phones can run out of battery or break easily, so I like to have a solid backup plan just in case.
The Uniden SX507-2CKHS has a lot of features that make this a great urban exploration tool to have. For one, they can get beat up and still work without a problem.
They’re also waterproof and can be submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Not that I’d ever go swimming with these, but it’s good to know that if I fell in a flooded basement, they’d survive.
The radios also include headsets which is nice if you’re trying to keep a low profile. Nobody want’s a noise radio echoing through the halls of an abandoned building.
The Uniden radios are rated for up to 50 miles, but that would be in near perfect conditions. I’ve used these underground tunnels and in larger abandoned areas without a problem. The real need is to not communicate 50 miles, but be able to relay a message through heaps of scrap metal and other obstructions.
Here’s why I think the Uniden SX507-2CKHS make a great urban exploration tool.
- Durable. Had to damage. Completely waterproof.
- Long 14 hour battery life.
- Comes with ear piece. Ideal for keeping a low profile.
- Rated for 50 mile range.
- Red backlight is easy on the eyes.
- 22 channels. 142 privacy codes.
- Comes with NOAA weather scan option.
If you’re interested in picking up some reliable two way radios, check the Uniden SX507-2CKHS out on Amazon.
