Even in the wildwild, without a watch, you can still estimate the time with reasonable accuracy, by gauging your position vis-a-vis the sun. For example, create a clock by extending your arm to place your index finger below the sun. Each finger should equal roughly a quarter hour, while each hand width represents an hour. If that seems complicated a simple awareness that the sun rises in the East and sets in the West goes a long way.
If the sun is directly overhead it’s noon. At that point it’s simple geometry to divide the sky into equal hour increments to judge how close you are to sunset. Other useful time clues include your shadow, which will be shortest at midday and longer in the earliest and latest hours and your own body clock, which has natural rhythms that gravitate to an ingrained sleep pattern.
Key Takeaways:
- You can approximate time by noting your shadow’s length, which will be shortest at midday and longer at the earliest and latest hours.
- Since the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the sun is always at high noon when it’s directly overhead.
- Your own body clock can help you gauge the time, because you have an ingrained sleep cycle that will tend to make you drowsy as night looms.
“If you’re able to approximate time when in the wild, you’ll find yourself better prepared for your hunting, gathering, and general survival skills training.”
Read more: https://survivallife.com/outdoor-survival-skills-tell-time/