Can I Trust Pace Count When Hiking in Sand Dunes?

Terrain Factors Affecting Pace Count

Pace count relies on the assumption that each step covers the same distance. However, in sand dunes, the loose and shifting sand can lead to deep footprints that obscure the true distance covered by each step. Additionally, the dune’s irregular terrain, including ridges, valleys, and sandy ridges, can cause uneven footing, further disrupting the pace count. To make matters worse, the soft sand can also make it difficult to maintain a consistent pace, leading to large variations in step length.

Dead Reckoning Considerations

When navigating in sand dunes using dead reckoning, it’s essential to consider the cumulative error in pace count. Assuming an average step length of 2.5-3 feet (76-91 cm), a single 10% error in pace count can result in a 2.5-3 foot (76-91 cm) error in total distance traveled over a 1-mile (1.6 km) journey. To minimize this error, it’s crucial to use a combination of navigation methods, including pace count, map reading, and observation of the terrain and landmarks. By regularly checking your position using these methods, you can detect and correct errors in your pace count, reducing the impact of this unreliable measurement on your overall navigation.

Techniques for Improving Pace Count in Sand Dunes

While pace count may not be entirely reliable in sand dunes, there are techniques to improve its accuracy. One approach is to use a measured pace, where you deliberately take a series of steps at a consistent length, and then use a measuring device, such as a tape measure or a GPS unit, to determine the actual distance covered. Another technique is to use a “double pace,” where you take two steps and then measure the distance covered by those two steps, rather than a single step. By using these techniques, you can improve the accuracy of your pace count and make better navigation decisions in the challenging terrain of sand dunes.