purpose of counting beads?

kyhunt

kyhunt

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Joined
Mar 20, 2007
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Whats the purpose of counting beads? I was looking at the ESEE site and noticed on the course they suggested/required counting beads. I have seen them on peoples gear , and have seen them on sites. But what are they for?
 
Ok I know I have a lot of dumb questions. But alot of the things people use are kind of new to me. I have loved the outdoors all my life. But in the past year or so I see the need to learn more about surviving. If they are to mark miles, how do you know if you've gone a mile if your walking in the woods/jungle?
 
They are pace count beads. Average pace on flat ground is 65 paces equals 100 meters. Everytime you you do 65 paces, pull one of the bottom beads down. Once you get to all nine beads then do 65 more paces and pull one of the top beads down and reset the bottom beads and start over (you have gone 1000 meters at this point). Pace varies depending on individual so you have to check your own pace to see what 100 meters is. Also varies with terrain.
 
Glad we could help. No question is dumb. That's what this forum is here for. We like to see folks learn something new that may benefit them somewhere down the line.
 
Thanks. I do alot more lurking on here than posting.I figure I have more to learn than say.
 
they are REALLY helpful especially for orienteering applications, it takes some practice to get used to but after a while you'll find yourself counting and working the ranger beads subconciously. Also if you go to a track or something you can pace out 100 meters 5-6 times and take the average, so that your 1000 meter mark will be generally more accurate.
 
I have never used these, but as a forester I do use pacing a lot out in the field to get distances. Now my one tip is if you are going to be doing any off trail stuff or over a different slops and such make sure to do a check on your pace through that type of terrain. It varies greatly when you are crossing logs and going both up and down hill all the time.
 
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