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Estimate your average
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Always bring a map on your wilderness backpacking trips. But bringing a map is not enough. You also have to keep yourself oriented so that at any time you can point out your actual position on the map.
If you know your average speed and the time you have walked you can calculate your walking distance. Knowing your starting point and the walking distance you can easily find your position on the map. Make sure you know the scale of the map. For fine tuning compare the actual surroundings with the map.
Walking speed
After enough trips into the wilds, you will be good at estimating walking speeds. Will it take you 1 hour to travel 2 miles, or will it take 2 hours to travel 1 mile? Do you know what distance you will cover in one hour?
Normal walking speed
A typical average walking speed, on a gentle trail, with a daypack is 2.5-3 miles per hour (4-5km). More load and tougher trail of course will slow you down. Everyone has a preferred pace, and to deviate from that pace is somewhat annoying, uncomfortable, and even injury producing.
When first starting out, don't concentrate too much on your stride and pace. Just do what comes naturally and comfortably. It's important that you hike at your own pace to maintain that comfort level.
Don't forget to rest occasionally. Whenever you or someone in your group gets weary, it's important to stop and rest.
Walking distance
Use your wristwatch to keep track of the time you have walked. With the time and your estimated travel speed, you can calculate the walking distance. Use the distance formula: distance [miles] = speed [miles per hour] x time [hour]. If you prefer the distance in kilometer (km) you use km per hour for speed.
Find your position on the map!
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