Simple Bushcraft Navigation with Pace Beads for beginners

Pace beads—also called ranger or tally beads—are a finger-friendly way to track distance while hiking. You match your steps to a small, repeatable chunk of distance, slide a bead when you hit it, and let the strand keep score so your eyes stay on the trail.

Here’s the only math you need. Pick a short unit and learn your double-step count for it (a double-step is every time the same foot lands). Most folks land about 60–70 double-steps per 100 meters or 110–130 per 0.1 mile. Choose the unit that matches your map. Example: if your number is 65 for 100 m, slide one lower bead every time you count to 65. When all the lower beads are down, reset them and slide one upper bead to mark 1 kilometer. If you think in miles and your number is 120 for 0.1 mi, slide a lower bead at 120; after ten lowers, reset them and slide an upper bead for 1 mile. That’s the system.

Mount the strand high on your shoulder strap where your support hand can find it without looking. Start from a clear feature on the map (trail junction, creek bend, saddle), take a bearing if needed, walk at a steady pace, count to your number, slide a bead, and immediately start counting from zero again. Use the beads for distance and the land for confirmation—listen for water, feel the slope change, watch for your catching feature. When the terrain matches what you planned, you’re there.

Your stride changes with conditions, so make small, common-sense tweaks. On climbs, count a few more steps before you slide; on easy downhill, a few fewer. Thick brush, sand, snow, heavy packs, or darkness usually mean “add a handful of steps.” Don’t chase perfect—aim for consistent.

Give yourself one quick practice session. Walk a known stretch (one side of a football field or a long driveway), count to your number, slide a bead, and repeat until the end. Do it once with your pack and once near dusk. Ten minutes is enough to make it automatic.

If you want to make a set, use Firecraft Cord paracord or tarred bank line, matte beads you can feel with gloves, and simple stopper knots so beads don’t wander. If they rattle, snug the knots or add a bit of thread wrap to quiet them. Keep it simple: walk your rhythm, slide a bead, read the land, and arrive where you planned. 

Who We Are
At Texas Bushcraft, we are a small family-owned business founded in 2018 in Austin, Texas. We were motivated to share our love for the outdoors and inspire others to enjoy nature without the need for big, fancy gadgetry. Our mission is to preserve traditional bushcraft skills and support our customers on their path to self-reliance. We offer simple, elegant outdoor gear and educational resources to help you prepare to thrive in the great outdoors. Thank you for choosing Texas Bushcraft as your guide.