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 determine direction relative to magnetic north.
D) To predict weather.
  • 2. Which part of the compass points towards magnetic north?
A) The magnetized needle.
B) The declination adjustment screw.
C) The bezel.
D) The baseplate.
  • 3. What is declination?
A) The angle of elevation.
B) The distance between two points on a map.
C) The compass's margin of error.
D) The angle between true north and magnetic north.
  • 4. Why is declination important to consider when navigating with a compass and map?
A) To prevent damage to the compass.
B) To accurately convert map bearings to field bearings and vice versa.
C) To ensure the compass needle doesn't stick.
D) It's not important.
  • 5. What is a bearing?
A) The direction, expressed in degrees, from one point to another.
B) The type of terrain you are crossing.
C) The weight of your backpack.
D) The compass's warranty information.
  • 6. How do you take a bearing from a map using a compass?
A) Simply guess the direction based on map features.
B) Align the compass baseplate along the desired route on the map and then rotate the bezel to align the orienting lines with true north.
C) Point the compass at the destination and read the degree on the bezel.
D) Hold the compass flat and spin around until the needle aligns with north.
  • 7. What is 'boxing the compass'?
A) Storing the compass properly.
B) Aligning the compass needle within the orienting arrow.
C) Protecting the compass from damage.
D) Calibrating the compass.
  • 8. When taking a bearing in the field, what should you do after sighting your target?
A) Throw the compass in the air to check the wind direction.
B) Hold the compass steady and rotate the bezel until the orienting arrow aligns with the north end of the magnetic needle.
C) Consult a weather app on your phone.
D) Immediately start walking in the direction of the target.
  • 9. What is a back bearing?
A) A spare compass kept in your backpack.
B) The type of compass used for ocean navigation.
C) The bearing of the sun at sunset.
D) The reciprocal bearing, used to backtrack your route.
  • 10. How do you calculate a back bearing?
A) Subtract your declination from your bearing.
B) Divide your bearing by 2.
C) Add 180 degrees to your bearing if it's less than 180, or subtract 180 degrees if it's more than 180.
D) Multiply your bearing by 2.
  • 11. What should you do if you encounter an obstacle while following a bearing?
A) Climb over the obstacle regardless of safety.
B) Call for help.
C) Walk a perpendicular course around the obstacle, keeping track of the distance and direction, then resume your original bearing.
D) Turn around and go back the way you came.
  • 12. What is 'dead reckoning'?
A) Navigating using only the sun and stars.
B) Navigating using a GPS device.
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) Estimating distance traveled.
B) Calculating declination.
C) Determining altitude.
D) Predicting weather patterns.
  • 14. What is a 'handrail' in navigation?
A) A type of hiking boot.
B) The edge of a cliff.
C) A linear feature like a river or trail that you can follow to stay on course.
D) A rope used for rappelling.
  • 15. What is an 'attack point' in navigation?
A) An easily identifiable feature near your target, making it easier to find.
B) A dangerous animal encounter.
C) A military term for an ambush.
D) A place to set up camp.
  • 16. How often should you take bearings and check your position?
A) Only when the weather is bad.
B) Regularly, especially in unfamiliar or challenging terrain.
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) You can always rely on technology instead of traditional methods.
B) A fancy compass is always better than a basic one.
C) Navigation is only necessary for experienced hikers.
D) Practice and familiarity with your equipment are essential.
  • 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 interfere with the magnetic field and cause inaccurate readings.
D) It can only affect electronic compasses.
  • 19. What should you do if your compass breaks or malfunctions?
A) Throw the compass away and hope for the best.
B) Rely on other navigation techniques, such as using the sun or natural landmarks, and backtrack if necessary.
C) Panic and call for help immediately.
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 topographic map of the area.
C) Knowledge of how to use the compass and map.
D) A GPS device with pre-loaded maps.
  • 21. What does orienting a map mean?
A) Throwing the map away.
B) Laminating the map.
C) Aligning the map with the surrounding terrain.
D) Folding the map correctly.
  • 22. When should you adjust your compass for declination?
A) Declination never needs to be adjusted.
B) Before you begin your navigation.
C) Only when you are lost.
D) After you complete navigation.
  • 23. Why are topographic maps important for wilderness navigation?
A) They show the best places to camp.
B) They show elevation changes and terrain features.
C) They provide weather forecasts.
D) They are printed on waterproof paper.
  • 24. What is triangulation?
A) Eating three triangles of cheese.
B) A method of fire starting.
C) Calculating the area of a triangle.
D) Using bearings to two or more known landmarks to determine your position.
  • 25. Which of the following is a good safety practice when navigating alone?
A) Turn off your phone to conserve battery.
B) Don't bring any extra supplies to save weight.
C) Hike as fast as possible.
D) Tell someone your planned route and expected return time.
  • 26. What is the 'orienting arrow' or 'shed' on a compass used for?
A) To indicate the direction of travel.
B) To store a small emergency whistle.
C) To measure the angle of a slope.
D) To align with the north end of the magnetic needle after setting your bearing.
  • 27. What should you do if you realize you are lost?
A) Give up and wait to be rescued.
B) Start yelling for help immediately.
C) Run in a random direction until you find help.
D) Stay calm, try to retrace your steps, and use your map and compass to determine your location.
  • 28. Which type of compass is generally considered best for wilderness navigation?
A) A wrist compass.
B) A digital compass.
C) A baseplate compass.
D) A smartphone compass app.
  • 29. What is the purpose of the rotating bezel on a compass?
A) To protect the compass needle.
B) To magnify small details on a map.
C) To set and follow bearings.
D) To store matches.
  • 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) Always walking towards the highest point on the horizon.
C) Ignoring the compass and relying solely on your instincts.
D) Quickly glancing at the compass and continuing on your current path.
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