Ranger Beads Suck! | Tracking Distance Walked

Understanding contour lines allows you to visualise the shape of the ground in terms of rise and fall or ‘vertical relief’. This is really useful as it allows you to understand how hilly an area is.
But its more than that, by understanding the shape of the ground we use it as a feature to collect or a handrail to follow whilst navigating. It can also give us vital information when planning a route, or looking for a place to camp.
In this video I’ll take you through contour lines, hill shapes, spurs, and concave vs convex hills. More importantly, we’ll talk about how you can use the information to your advantage when navigating.

[@garthrichert5256]

We really appreciate your videos which are so well presented and informative. Thanks so much.

[@dogdadoutdoors]

Thank you that is very much appreciated.

[@jerrydonnelly6134]

Get ideas to use but don't forget Ranger beads were developed when we didn't even have cellphones we just had watches and maps. Still a nice backup for those that like to use them. When I was 1st learning land nav in 1986 I had a hard time seeing the land I was waking on the map. I had to try and always know my location until I got better at it. I will be learning pace now that you showed how.

[@dogdadoutdoors]

It definitely has its place, I'm just not a huge fan! The good thing about low tech options is they don't break!

[@seasoldier3902]

Good advice! Collins Ultimate Navigation Manual suggests more like a five to six-hundred-metre distance to get your paces for one hundred metres. Same theory as you quite rightly state. You could combine it with the time it takes you to walk that distance and again average the time it took. Then as you point out the terrain you are walking over and the weight you are carrying impacts on the time and number of paces; not forgetting your stamina! I am sure your pace will decrease from the start of the hike to the end of a long day in the hills. Dead reckoning, especially in low visibility or over dangerous ground (sinkholes, mine shafts, etc) is advised and you explain the theory succinctly.

[@dogdadoutdoors]

Cheers and totally agree on stamina. In the Cairngorms 2 years ago I saw a cloud topped mountain and my inner teenager took over and said 'I am having that', half way up and I was seriously questioning my life choices! Is sobflat where I am I was quite unprepared.Took a good 3 hours longer than I planned, brilliant walk though.

[@seasoldier3902]

@@dogdadoutdoors Roger that!

[@nigelh3253]

Yes, I think the counting method could be useful to, say, pace out a building on the route and therefore get its size. But I don't fancy counting for hours (can a step meter do this for you). So I prefer time - I'm out for one hour, two hours, etc - plus time added on for breaks. Thanks for your viideo

[@dogdadoutdoors]

You are welcome.

[@davidneal6920]

Good info thanks. I have never been into pacing. Time and map to ground is my preference 🇬🇧 🇳🇿

[@dogdadoutdoors]

No problem 👍

[@trombonetortoise3406]

Thank you so much! Never given that much thought. I will measure my pace count just in case. But I‘ll reserve counting for practice and more serious situations. Thanks for the idea! Btw: For a casual hike, a simple step counting fitness app my be accurate enough…

[@dogdadoutdoors]

I found it really useful a couple of years back up in the Cairngorms, went up a mountain, visibility was down to about 20m due to cloud and I just had to walk on a bearing until I picked up the trail on the other side. It was quite reassuring knowing my distance with no other visual reference.

[@Bushybazoutdoors]

Great advice 👍

[@dogdadoutdoors]

Thank you.

[@Bushybazoutdoors]

@@dogdadoutdoors your welcome your videos are always good to watch, great advice and information 👍

[@pithon3d477]

While both methods will work well, keep in mind that when going over uneven terrain, the accueacy will change.

[@Bushybazoutdoors]

Very true, thank you

[@pithon3d477]

Like it or don't. Everything has it's purpose. Choose what's best for you.

[@dogdadoutdoors]

This is very true.

[@Navigator-apex]

I tried once using beads and stopped immediately. When I hike I want to enjoy my surroundings and not count for ever. I use time as I have been hunting for many years in Australia and I know by distances from experience.

[@dogdadoutdoors]

That was my experience, I hated it. The stopwatch method is a little less intrusive into your thoughts.

[@scotbotvideos]

Not a big fan of ranger beads, eh? Well, that's you off Shawn Kelly's Christmas card list.

[@dogdadoutdoors]

Is that the guy from 'Corporals Corner'? I know some people love them, its just a question of preference. I would never argue they are not effective, because they are, I just don't enjoy counting constantly, sort of takes my reason for being there (to relax and enjoy myself) away. Bit different if you are there to work on a mission. They are fit for purpose, I just don't like them!

[@scotbotvideos]

@@dogdadoutdoors Yeah, that's Corporal's Corner. He swears by them. As for me, I wouldn't have the attention to use them properly. I might as well use a Rosary, and it would likely do me more good anyway.

[@dogdadoutdoors]

@@scotbotvideos LOL, that is thefunniest thing I've heard all week!

[@davidneal6920]

The Ranger Beads can be utilised as emergency fire lighters if you use the right material. Also as aids for ad hoc fishing. Carp love them