The famous Pythagorean Theorem that we all learned at some point as students can be employed in the middle of the wilderness. When you were sitting in math class, you may have thought the seemingly endless formulas were pointless to memorize. However, the Pythagorean Theorem can be used in a survival situation to save your life by estimating distance, particularly if you're lost and disoriented.

The method I used in the video below is based on the Pythagorean Theorem → a² + b² = c².

All you really need is a stick.

A right triangle has two short sides called legs (a & b). The long side of the triangle is the hypotenuse (c).

Step #1 ~ Locate a Landmark

Note: This method requires a fair amount of open space along side the river or creek. Hilly terrain will affect your estimate as well.

Drive a stick in the ground to mark Point A.

Spot a landmark (tree or rock) across the divide you intend to cross (Point X). Standing directly across from the landmark, mark the ground with a stick or scrap of your boot. Point Y is where you begin counting your first 20 steps.

Step #2 ~ Start Stepping

Turn 90 degrees away from Point X and take 20 steps in as straight a path as possible. Drive a stick in the ground at your 20th step. This is Point A. You may want to tie a bandana to make it easy to spot.

Step #3 ~ More Stepping

Continuing in a straight path from Point A, take 20 more steps. Mark this spot as Point B.

Step #4 ~ Turn 90º

Standing on Point B, turn 90º with your back towards the river or ravine. Begin walking perpendicularly away from the river. Count your steps. As you step, look back towards the stick on Point A. Stop when you visually line up with Point A and Point X. This is Point C.

The number of step from Point B to Point C is the approximate distance across the divide.

Have you tried this method when in the wilderness? Are there any other tricks you use to guesstimate distance?

Article & Photo Source: Survival Sherpa