The camp Timber Cruiser was one of the most important men in a logging camp. Surveying a new area with a staff compass, he had to produce notes for a map which would be used to plan a logging operation, and measure the trees for volume. The Cruiser's battered red hat, commonly used in the past, has been replaced by a modern hard hat. The traditional tan Filson cruiser vest can sometimes be seen in the woods still today.

While navigating through the woods the Crusier would measure tree diameters and heights with the all-purpose Biltmore Stick. In these days of high wood values the Biltmore and staff compass have been replaced by more modern instruments, but the mapping and measuring of the timber is still an important function. Timber Cruisers still practice their trade every day somewhere in the lush vegetation of the Pacific Slope.