How to navigate through the wilderness with a compass
  • 1. What is the primary purpose of a compass in wilderness navigation?
A) To measure altitude.
B) To estimate distance.
C) To predict weather.
D) To determine direction relative to magnetic north.
  • 2. Which part of the compass points towards magnetic north?
A) The baseplate.
B) The bezel.
C) The magnetized needle.
D) The declination adjustment screw.
  • 3. What is declination?
A) The angle of elevation.
B) The distance between two points on a map.
C) The angle between true north and magnetic north.
D) The compass's margin of error.
  • 4. Why is declination important to consider when navigating with a compass and map?
A) To ensure the compass needle doesn't stick.
B) To accurately convert map bearings to field bearings and vice versa.
C) To prevent damage to the compass.
D) It's not important.
  • 5. What is a bearing?
A) The weight of your backpack.
B) The direction, expressed in degrees, from one point to another.
C) The type of terrain you are crossing.
D) The compass's warranty information.
  • 6. How do you take a bearing from a map using a compass?
A) Align the compass baseplate along the desired route on the map and then rotate the bezel to align the orienting lines with true north.
B) Hold the compass flat and spin around until the needle aligns with north.
C) Simply guess the direction based on map features.
D) Point the compass at the destination and read the degree on the bezel.
  • 7. What is 'boxing the compass'?
A) Aligning the compass needle within the orienting arrow.
B) Calibrating the compass.
C) Storing the compass properly.
D) Protecting the compass from damage.
  • 8. When taking a bearing in the field, what should you do after sighting your target?
A) Immediately start walking in the direction of the target.
B) Throw the compass in the air to check the wind direction.
C) Hold the compass steady and rotate the bezel until the orienting arrow aligns with the north end of the magnetic needle.
D) Consult a weather app on your phone.
  • 9. What is a back bearing?
A) The bearing of the sun at sunset.
B) The reciprocal bearing, used to backtrack your route.
C) A spare compass kept in your backpack.
D) The type of compass used for ocean navigation.
  • 10. How do you calculate a back bearing?
A) Multiply your bearing by 2.
B) Subtract your declination from your bearing.
C) Divide your bearing by 2.
D) Add 180 degrees to your bearing if it's less than 180, or subtract 180 degrees if it's more than 180.
  • 11. What should you do if you encounter an obstacle while following a bearing?
A) Walk a perpendicular course around the obstacle, keeping track of the distance and direction, then resume your original bearing.
B) Call for help.
C) Turn around and go back the way you came.
D) Climb over the obstacle regardless of safety.
  • 12. What is 'dead reckoning'?
A) Navigating using a GPS device.
B) Navigating using only the sun and stars.
C) Navigating by pure luck.
D) Navigating by estimating distance and direction from a known starting point.
  • 13. What is pacing used for in navigation?
A) Calculating declination.
B) Predicting weather patterns.
C) Determining altitude.
D) Estimating distance traveled.
  • 14. What is a 'handrail' in navigation?
A) A rope used for rappelling.
B) A type of hiking boot.
C) A linear feature like a river or trail that you can follow to stay on course.
D) The edge of a cliff.
  • 15. What is an 'attack point' in navigation?
A) A dangerous animal encounter.
B) A place to set up camp.
C) An easily identifiable feature near your target, making it easier to find.
D) A military term for an ambush.
  • 16. How often should you take bearings and check your position?
A) Regularly, especially in unfamiliar or challenging terrain.
B) Only when the weather is bad.
C) Only when you get lost.
D) Only at the beginning of your hike.
  • 17. What is the most important thing to remember when using a compass and map?
A) Navigation is only necessary for experienced hikers.
B) Practice and familiarity with your equipment are essential.
C) You can always rely on technology instead of traditional methods.
D) A fancy compass is always better than a basic one.
  • 18. What effect does metal have on a compass?
A) It enhances the magnetic field and makes the compass more accurate.
B) It has no effect on the compass.
C) It can only affect electronic compasses.
D) It can interfere with the magnetic field and cause inaccurate readings.
  • 19. What should you do if your compass breaks or malfunctions?
A) Panic and call for help immediately.
B) Throw the compass away and hope for the best.
C) Rely on other navigation techniques, such as using the sun or natural landmarks, and backtrack if necessary.
D) Continue navigating as if the compass is still working.
  • 20. Which of these is the LEAST important to have when navigating with a compass?
A) A properly functioning compass.
B) A GPS device with pre-loaded maps.
C) Knowledge of how to use the compass and map.
D) A topographic map of the area.
  • 21. What does orienting a map mean?
A) Aligning the map with the surrounding terrain.
B) Throwing the map away.
C) Laminating the map.
D) Folding the map correctly.
  • 22. When should you adjust your compass for declination?
A) Only when you are lost.
B) Declination never needs to be adjusted.
C) After you complete navigation.
D) Before you begin your navigation.
  • 23. Why are topographic maps important for wilderness navigation?
A) They show the best places to camp.
B) They are printed on waterproof paper.
C) They show elevation changes and terrain features.
D) They provide weather forecasts.
  • 24. What is triangulation?
A) Using bearings to two or more known landmarks to determine your position.
B) Eating three triangles of cheese.
C) Calculating the area of a triangle.
D) A method of fire starting.
  • 25. Which of the following is a good safety practice when navigating alone?
A) Don't bring any extra supplies to save weight.
B) Hike as fast as possible.
C) Tell someone your planned route and expected return time.
D) Turn off your phone to conserve battery.
  • 26. What is the 'orienting arrow' or 'shed' on a compass used for?
A) To indicate the direction of travel.
B) To measure the angle of a slope.
C) To align with the north end of the magnetic needle after setting your bearing.
D) To store a small emergency whistle.
  • 27. What should you do if you realize you are lost?
A) Run in a random direction until you find help.
B) Give up and wait to be rescued.
C) Stay calm, try to retrace your steps, and use your map and compass to determine your location.
D) Start yelling for help immediately.
  • 28. Which type of compass is generally considered best for wilderness navigation?
A) A smartphone compass app.
B) A baseplate compass.
C) A wrist compass.
D) A digital compass.
  • 29. What is the purpose of the rotating bezel on a compass?
A) To store matches.
B) To protect the compass needle.
C) To magnify small details on a map.
D) To set and follow bearings.
  • 30. When using a compass and map, what does 'following a bearing' entail?
A) Maintaining a consistent direction indicated by the compass while moving through the terrain.
B) Quickly glancing at the compass and continuing on your current path.
C) Always walking towards the highest point on the horizon.
D) Ignoring the compass and relying solely on your instincts.
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