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How to navigate through the wilderness with a compass
Contributed by: Simpson
  • 1. What is the primary purpose of a compass in wilderness navigation?
A) To determine direction relative to magnetic north.
B) To estimate distance.
C) To measure altitude.
D) To predict weather.
  • 2. Which part of the compass points towards magnetic north?
A) The baseplate.
B) The magnetized needle.
C) The declination adjustment screw.
D) The bezel.
  • 3. What is declination?
A) The distance between two points on a map.
B) The compass's margin of error.
C) The angle between true north and magnetic north.
D) The angle of elevation.
  • 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 prevent damage to the compass.
C) It's not important.
D) To accurately convert map bearings to field bearings and vice versa.
  • 5. What is a bearing?
A) The type of terrain you are crossing.
B) The compass's warranty information.
C) The weight of your backpack.
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) Hold the compass flat and spin around until the needle aligns with north.
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) 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) Calibrating the compass.
B) Protecting the compass from damage.
C) Aligning the compass needle within the orienting arrow.
D) Storing the compass properly.
  • 8. When taking a bearing in the field, what should you do after sighting your target?
A) Hold the compass steady and rotate the bezel until the orienting arrow aligns with the north end of the magnetic needle.
B) Consult a weather app on your phone.
C) Immediately start walking in the direction of the target.
D) Throw the compass in the air to check the wind direction.
  • 9. What is a back bearing?
A) The type of compass used for ocean navigation.
B) The reciprocal bearing, used to backtrack your route.
C) The bearing of the sun at sunset.
D) A spare compass kept in your backpack.
  • 10. How do you calculate a back bearing?
A) Multiply your bearing by 2.
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) Subtract your declination from your bearing.
  • 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 by pure luck.
C) Navigating using a GPS device.
D) Navigating using only the sun and stars.
  • 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) The edge of a cliff.
B) A type of hiking boot.
C) A rope used for rappelling.
D) A linear feature like a river or trail that you can follow to stay on course.
  • 15. What is an 'attack point' in navigation?
A) An easily identifiable feature near your target, making it easier to find.
B) A place to set up camp.
C) A military term for an ambush.
D) A dangerous animal encounter.
  • 16. How often should you take bearings and check your position?
A) Only when you get lost.
B) Regularly, especially in unfamiliar or challenging terrain.
C) Only at the beginning of your hike.
D) Only when the weather is bad.
  • 17. What is the most important thing to remember when using a compass and map?
A) Practice and familiarity with your equipment are essential.
B) Navigation is only necessary for experienced hikers.
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 has no effect on the compass.
B) It can only affect electronic compasses.
C) It enhances the magnetic field and makes the compass more accurate.
D) It can interfere with the magnetic field and cause inaccurate readings.
  • 19. What should you do if your compass breaks or malfunctions?
A) Continue navigating as if the compass is still working.
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) Throw the compass away and hope for the best.
  • 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) Laminating the map.
B) Folding the map correctly.
C) Throwing the map away.
D) Aligning the map with the surrounding terrain.
  • 22. When should you adjust your compass for declination?
A) Only when you are lost.
B) Declination never needs to be adjusted.
C) Before you begin your navigation.
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) Using bearings to two or more known landmarks to determine your position.
B) A method of fire starting.
C) Calculating the area of a triangle.
D) Eating three triangles of cheese.
  • 25. Which of the following is a good safety practice when navigating alone?
A) Turn off your phone to conserve battery.
B) Hike as fast as possible.
C) Tell someone your planned route and expected return time.
D) Don't bring any extra supplies to save weight.
  • 26. What is the 'orienting arrow' or 'shed' on a compass used for?
A) To measure the angle of a slope.
B) To indicate the direction of travel.
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) Stay calm, try to retrace your steps, and use your map and compass to determine your location.
B) Give up and wait to be rescued.
C) Start yelling for help immediately.
D) Run in a random direction until you find help.
  • 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 set and follow bearings.
B) To protect the compass needle.
C) To magnify small details on a map.
D) To store matches.
  • 30. When using a compass and map, what does 'following a bearing' entail?
A) Ignoring the compass and relying solely on your instincts.
B) Maintaining a consistent direction indicated by the compass while moving through the terrain.
C) Always walking towards the highest point on the horizon.
D) Quickly glancing at the compass and continuing on your current path.
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