Estimate distance in the field

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Object size at arm's length: a person clearly recognizable but small is about 100 yards; head just a dot is about 200 yards; body only visible is about 300 yards.

2. 2

   Sound and light: count the seconds between a lightning flash and its thunder — every 5 seconds is roughly one mile.

3. 3

   Pace count: know your average pace over 100 meters (usually 60–70 double-paces for adults) and count as you walk.

4. 4

   Terrain multiplier: rough or steep terrain roughly doubles the time — not the distance — you'll need to cover it.

5. 5

   Verify with a map whenever you can. Estimation compounds error over long distances.

Tip: Practice on a known distance at home. Most people badly underestimate how far a mile really looks across open country.