Should I Modify My Pace Counting For Off-Trail Hiking?

Understanding Off-Trail Terrain

When venturing off-trail, your pace counting method often needs adjustment due to varying terrain and vegetation. For example, navigating through dense forests or marshy areas can significantly slow down your pace, while traversing open terrain or rocky outcroppings may accelerate it. A general rule of thumb is to reduce your pace count by 20% to 30% to account for these variables.

Adapting Your Pace Counting Technique

To accurately adapt your pace counting for off-trail hiking, consider the following technique: establish a ‘base pace’ in a relatively open area with minimal obstacles, and then adjust your count based on changes in terrain. For instance, if your base pace is 2 miles per hour with a count of 25-30 steps per minute, you might reduce this count to 18-22 steps per minute when navigating through dense underbrush. This allows you to maintain a more accurate estimate of your location and movement.

Practical Application of Modified Pace Counting

When off-trailing, it’s essential to remain flexible and adjust your pace counting method as needed. For example, if you’re traversing across a rocky outcropping and your pace increases to 3 miles per hour, your count might increase to 35-40 steps per minute to reflect the faster movement. Conversely, if you enter a more challenging section of terrain, such as a steep slope or dense thicket, your count should decrease to 15-18 steps per minute to reflect the slower pace. This dynamic approach to pace counting will help you stay oriented and navigate more effectively in off-trail environments.