How to navigate through the wilderness with a compass - Test
  • 1. What is the primary purpose of a compass in wilderness navigation?
A) To estimate distance.
B) To determine direction relative to magnetic north.
C) To predict weather.
D) To measure altitude.
  • 2. Which part of the compass points towards magnetic north?
A) The baseplate.
B) The bezel.
C) The declination adjustment screw.
D) The magnetized needle.
  • 3. What is declination?
A) The angle between true north and magnetic north.
B) The distance between two points on a map.
C) The angle of elevation.
D) The compass's margin of error.
  • 4. Why is declination important to consider when navigating with a compass and map?
A) To accurately convert map bearings to field bearings and vice versa.
B) To prevent damage to the compass.
C) It's not important.
D) To ensure the compass needle doesn't stick.
  • 5. What is a bearing?
A) The weight of your backpack.
B) The type of terrain you are crossing.
C) The compass's warranty information.
D) The direction, expressed in degrees, from one point to another.
  • 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) Storing the compass properly.
B) Protecting the compass from damage.
C) Calibrating the compass.
D) Aligning the compass needle within the orienting arrow.
  • 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) Consult a weather app on your phone.
C) Hold the compass steady and rotate the bezel until the orienting arrow aligns with the north end of the magnetic needle.
D) Throw the compass in the air to check the wind direction.
  • 9. What is a back bearing?
A) A spare compass kept in your backpack.
B) The reciprocal bearing, used to backtrack your route.
C) The type of compass used for ocean navigation.
D) The bearing of the sun at sunset.
  • 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) Call for help.
B) Climb over the obstacle regardless of safety.
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 by estimating distance and direction from a known starting point.
B) Navigating using a GPS device.
C) Navigating using only the sun and stars.
D) Navigating by pure luck.
  • 13. What is pacing used for in navigation?
A) Determining altitude.
B) Estimating distance traveled.
C) Predicting weather patterns.
D) Calculating declination.
  • 14. What is a 'handrail' in navigation?
A) The edge of a cliff.
B) A type of hiking boot.
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) A military term for an ambush.
B) A dangerous animal encounter.
C) A place to set up camp.
D) An easily identifiable feature near your target, making it easier to find.
  • 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) A fancy compass is always better than a basic one.
B) You can always rely on technology instead of traditional methods.
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 can only affect electronic compasses.
B) It can interfere with the magnetic field and cause inaccurate readings.
C) It enhances the magnetic field and makes the compass more accurate.
D) It has no effect on the compass.
  • 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) Knowledge of how to use the compass and map.
B) A properly functioning compass.
C) A topographic map of the area.
D) A GPS device with pre-loaded maps.
  • 21. What does orienting a map mean?
A) Folding the map correctly.
B) Laminating the map.
C) Throwing the map away.
D) Aligning the map with the surrounding terrain.
  • 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 are printed on waterproof paper.
B) They show the best places to camp.
C) They provide weather forecasts.
D) They show elevation changes and terrain features.
  • 24. What is triangulation?
A) Eating three triangles of cheese.
B) A method of fire starting.
C) Using bearings to two or more known landmarks to determine your position.
D) Calculating the area of a triangle.
  • 25. Which of the following is a good safety practice when navigating alone?
A) Don't bring any extra supplies to save weight.
B) Turn off your phone to conserve battery.
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 align with the north end of the magnetic needle after setting your bearing.
B) To indicate the direction of travel.
C) To measure the angle of a slope.
D) To store a small emergency whistle.
  • 27. What should you do if you realize you are lost?
A) Start yelling for help immediately.
B) Run in a random direction until you find help.
C) Give up and wait to be rescued.
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 baseplate compass.
C) A digital compass.
D) A smartphone compass app.
  • 29. What is the purpose of the rotating bezel on a compass?
A) To store matches.
B) To set and follow bearings.
C) To magnify small details on a map.
D) To protect the compass needle.
  • 30. When using a compass and map, what does 'following a bearing' entail?
A) Always walking towards the highest point on the horizon.
B) Maintaining a consistent direction indicated by the compass while moving through the terrain.
C) Quickly glancing at the compass and continuing on your current path.
D) Ignoring the compass and relying solely on your instincts.
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