This coming Saturday, I’ll be giving a bushcraft and wilderness navigation demonstration for a group of sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts at a local church east of my home. The event is designed to introduce practical, life saving skills—everything from orienteering and map and compass navigation to ranger beads, lost trail recovery, and how to become truly “lost proof.”
Because of liability restrictions at the venue, I won’t be able to demonstrate any fire making techniques—not even striking sparks with a ferrocerium rod. That means the focus shifts entirely to other survival skills such as land navigation and orienteering, which is honestly some of the most overlooked (and most important) skill sets in the outdoors.
The Challenge: Teaching Pace Count Without a 100 Meter Tape
One of the core skills I’ll be teaching is how to determine your personal pace count at 100 meters—a foundational element of accurate land navigation. Every participant needs to know their pace count so they can use ranger beads and navigate confidently in the field.
The problem? My 100 meter measuring tape is broken, tangled, and basically unusable. I do have a 100 meter course measured out at my camp, where Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute operates, but that doesn’t help me at the church. So I needed a fast, accurate, portable solution.
The Solution: A Simple, Field Crafted 10 Meter Pace Count Trainer
Here’s the method I created—simple, durable, and perfect for demonstrations or field classes:
1. Measure Ten Meters of Paracord
I used the first 10 meters of my measuring tape (the part that still works) to measure out a 10 meter length of paracord.
2. Create a Loop on Each End
I tied a secure loop on both ends of the cord (I used a bowline knot). This allows the line to be anchored quickly and consistently.
3. Stake It Down
Using two stakes, I anchor each loop to the ground, creating a tight, accurate 10 meter lane.
4. Add Visual Markers
I place a cone at each end so participants can clearly see their start and finish points.
5. Have Participants Walk the Course
Each person walks the 10 meter line 3–5 times, counting their steps each time.
6. Find the Median Pace Count
If someone averages 7 paces over 10 meters, that becomes their baseline.
7. Scale It to 100 Meters
From there, it’s simple math:
Pace Count at 100m = 10m Pace Count (ex.7) ×10
So a 7 pace average at 10 meters becomes 70 paces per 100 meters.
This method is fast, accurate, and requires almost no equipment—perfect for teaching navigation anywhere, even when you can’t set up a full 100 meter course.
Why This Matters for Bushcraft and Survival Training
Most people think of bushcraft as fire, shelter, and primitive tools—but navigation is the skill that prevents emergencies in the first place. Teaching people how to:
-read a map
-use a compass
-track their pace
-relocate a lost trail
-avoid becoming lost altogether
…is some of the most valuable instruction I can offer.
And with this simple paracord based pace count trainer, I can teach accurate land navigation even in environments where fire and cutting tools are restricted.
About Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute
At Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute, I teach practical, field tested wilderness skills rooted in traditional knowledge and modern survival science. From bushcraft and navigation to primitive tools, tracking, and outdoor safety, my goal is to help people build confidence, competence, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
If you’re interested in training, workshops, or hosting a demonstration, reach out anytime.
Published on: 2/18/26
For survival and bushcraft training, more content or gear, visit survivalschoolmichigan.com
