550 Paracord Ranger/Pace Beads - First Attempt

[Smossy]

Just finally finished my first set of my 550 cord pace beads for back-country hiking/hunting.
I don't use or have a GPS, so a compass/map and beads will be my source of travel.
This was made 100% from para-cord, and It was a pain to make to say the least.
Total time was about 6-7 hours. I imagine it will get easier/quicker the more I attempt to make them.
I'm trying to be less-reliant on electronics as to there's many ways they can fail.

All in all I think it turned out great though. I suggest everyone get yourself a set of these as to you never know when you may need them. "Gps Failure for those who depend on them". Or if you just want to exercise your brain. A little prep needed as far as measuring your 3 stage pace, and basic math skills ARE needed, So those of you that cant add, don't even bother

[jackmaster]

thats a good idea, i know when i was in i always just picked up a little rock for every 100 meters and a piece of a twig for every click, for instance if i was on a movement and had 3 twigs and three pebbles then i had traveled 3 clicks plus 300 meters..... i like your idea better, but i made do with what i had back in the day

[Smossy]

thats a good idea, i know when i was in i always just picked up a little rock for every 100 meters and a piece of a twig for every click, for instance if i was on a movement and had 3 twigs and three pebbles then i had traveled 3 clicks plus 300 meters..... i like your idea better, but i made do with what i had back in the day

Sounds interesting, never heard of that method. Hey whatever works lol

[wildmanoutdoors]

Do you just slide them to keep track?

[MtnMuley]

6 or 7 hours worth of lawn mowing would surely get you a Bushnell backtracker small GPS or whatever that model is.

[Smossy]

Do you just slide them to keep track?

Yeah, one lower bead per 10 paces. Then once you reach the 10th bead u slide down an upper bead. Should allow for 500 paces. Distance varies per person. Full average stride with both left and right foot is a single pace.
Helps for traveling distance on maps. Point A to point B is 2300 feet. So for me 10 full strides is 75 feet roughly.  So once I have 3 upper beads pulled down and 6 lower beads pulled I know I should basically be around where I wanted to be as far as distance of travel.

[Smossy]

6 or 7 hours worth of lawn mowing would surely get you a Bushnell backtracker small GPS or whatever that model is.

Right, If I knew anyone that wanted theyre lawn mowed. I dont have a job and Im a felon so its rough trying to find work. Hopefully Ill be able to get work at this one warehouse soon. Gotta start getting money for tags and other hunting randomness.

[owmygulay]

I was reading the first post and trying to figure out what that is. I get it now though. Cool idea. Nice work. I would totally forget to keep doing it though. 

[Smossy]

I was reading the first post and trying to figure out what that is. I get it now though. Cool idea. Nice work. I would totally forget to keep doing it though. 

Yea. Its more less something you use in a dire need type situation.com if your lost, equipment failure, or just want to keep track of how far you have traveled. Great tool for backcountry hiking or hunting combined with a good lensatic compass. If your in a situation to where its find your way out or die, I dont think you will have a hard time remembering

[wildmanoutdoors]

For hiking in to a certain area or stand it would be great. Even just plain beating bush hiking. But hunting like most do it would be tough. Still hunting/creeping it would be difficult.
But is a good survival tool if lost but have a map!

[Smossy]

For hiking in to a certain area or stand it would be great. Even just plain beating bush hiking. But hunting like most do it would be tough. Still hunting/creeping it would be difficult.
But is a good survival tool if lost but have a map!

True. Thats basically what I mean. It would be next to impossible to do if your stalking. Your stride is going to change derastically. The 3 stage measurments are uphill pace, downhill pace, and pace on flat terrain. Usually you want to have all those covered but its mostly for straight direction of travel, would be useless for zigzag travel or like I said stalking.. there is too many variables when it comes to that. Still a fun tool to have. I enjoy making and learning new stuff when I can.

[jeepasaurusrex]

When I taught land Nav in the Army, one of the biggest things I pushed about a pace cord is keeping track of your pace. Even if you stop and get distracted, you can still keep track of your pace.  Everyone should know how to use a lensatic compass, map, pace cord, etc.

[Smossy]

When I taught land Nav in the Army, one of the biggest things I pushed about a pace cord is keeping track of your pace. Even if you stop and get distracted, you can still keep track of your pace.  Everyone should know how to use a lensatic compass, map, pace cord, etc.

Agreed, Im still learning but I know Ill feel alot more confident having the skills then not.

[wildmanoutdoors]

When I taught land Nav in the Army, one of the biggest things I pushed about a pace cord is keeping track of your pace. Even if you stop and get distracted, you can still keep track of your pace.  Everyone should know how to use a lensatic compass, map, pace cord, etc.

Agreed, Im still learning but I know Ill feel alot more confident having the skills then not.

Nothing takes the place of basic nav skills. On land and water!

[Worldhunter]

Knowing your pace in varying terrain is a must