Pace counters, or "army ranger beads" were adopted by the military as a manual counting tool used to keep track of distance traveled through a pace (step) counting process. The principal dates back to the Roman empire, and relies on a very basic and counting method similar to an abacus. This tool, when paired with a compass and map can be a valuable and reliable navigational process while Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, Geocaching, etc. The set attaches to a belt or a backpacks D-rings or Molle straps using a simple hardware free loop. They weigh only 3/10 of an ounce, measure 11-1/2" long, and include 13 beads which will allow you to track up to 5 kilometers. Using it is very easy to learn, and we've even included easy to follow instructions. We hand make these here in the USA using domestically produced cord and beads. These days it's easy to simply rely on GPS technology, but what happens when that tech isn't available? Basic navigational skills like this and others that our ancestors used can make the difference when all else fails.