Ready to Measure Your Way to a More Exciting or Walk? Bring Your Homemade Inclinometer!

Are you looking to add some excitement and adventure to your next hike? If so, consider bringing along a homemade inclinometer to measure the slopes, heights, and angles of objects on your hike. With just a few simple materials and some basic trigonometry, you can turn your hike into a fun and educational experience. From measuring the steepness of a trail to calculating the height of a tree or a cliff, an inclinometer can provide valuable information that can enhance your understanding of the natural world around you. So pack your backpack with a homemade* inclinometer and get ready to explore the outdoors in a whole new way!

Making a Homemade Inclinometer for Your Hike

First things first, let’s make the inclinometer. You’ll need a few simple materials, including a protractor or angle finder, string, tape, and a weight, such as a binder clip or fishing weight.

1. Tie the weight to the end of the string.
2. Tape the protractor or angle finder to a flat surface or tube, such as a straw or cardboard paper towel roll.
3. Hang the string with the weight from the protractor so that the weight hangs freely.
4. Align the string with the base of the protractor.
5. Your homemade inclinometer is now ready to use!

Here and here are videos that show really easy ways to make inclinometers.

If you aren’t interested in making an inclinometer, there are plenty available to purchase, like this one, or this one.

Using Your Inclinometer to Add Excitement to Your Hike

Now that you have your inclinometer, let’s put it to use! Here are some fun and interesting things you can calculate on your hike using your inclinometer:

Measuring Slopes

1. Place the inclinometer on the ground and make sure it is level.
2. Read the angle where the string intersects with the protractor.
3. A steep slope will have a larger angle, while a gentle slope will have a smaller angle.

Identifying Views

1. Hold the inclinometer up to your eye and point it towards the view you want to measure.
2. Read the angle where the string intersects with the protractor.
3. Use the angle to estimate the distance to the view or to identify landmarks in the view.

Calculating Heights

1. Hold the inclinometer at eye level and point it towards the top of the object you want to measure.
2. Read the angle where the string intersects with the protractor.
3. Measure the distance from you to the object.
4. Use the tangent function to calculate the height of the object.

Determining the Pitch of a Tent

1. Place the inclinometer on the ground where you plan to pitch your tent.
2. Make sure it is level and read the angle where the string intersects with the protractor.
3. Use the angle to ensure that your tent is set up on a level surface.

Ready to Measure Your Way to a More Exciting Hike?

Bringing along a homemade inclinometer on your hike can add a fun and educational element to your outdoor adventure. With just a few simple materials and some basic trigonometry, you can measure the slopes, heights, and angles of objects on your hike. So next time you hit the trail, don’t forget to pack your homemade inclinometer and get ready to calculate your way to a more exciting and memorable hike!