Outdoor Recreation Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on outdoor activities and sports vocabulary: hiking, abseiling, orienteering, bouldering, kayaking, bivouac and more. B1–B2 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Outdoor Recreation is actually used in context at B1–B2 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as summit, orienteering, abseiling, bivouac and bouldering, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
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Outdoor Recreation Vocabulary — FAQ
What is the difference between 'hiking' and 'trekking'?
Hiking usually refers to a day walk on well-marked paths through hills, forests or countryside. Trekking implies a longer, multi-day journey through more remote or challenging terrain, often requiring camping overnight. In British English, 'hillwalking' is also commonly used for walking in upland areas.
What does 'summit' mean in outdoor recreation?
The summit is the highest point of a mountain or hill. 'To summit' is also used as a verb, meaning to reach the top: 'We summited at dawn.' Related words include 'peak' (the pointed top), 'ridge' (a long narrow crest) and 'col' or 'saddle' (a low point between two peaks).
What is 'orienteering'?
Orienteering is a competitive sport in which participants navigate between checkpoints across unfamiliar terrain using only a detailed map and a compass. It combines physical fitness with navigation skills. Events range from short sprint races to long mountain courses.
What is the difference between 'abseiling' and 'rappelling'?
Both words describe descending a steep rock face by sliding down a rope anchored at the top. 'Abseiling' is the British English term, derived from the German 'abseilen'. 'Rappelling' is preferred in American English. In a UK context you will always hear 'abseiling'.
What is a 'bivouac' (bivvy)?
A bivouac (often shortened to 'bivvy') is a temporary shelter or overnight camp with minimal equipment, often just a sleeping bag and a waterproof cover. It is used by mountaineers and backpackers when a tent is too heavy or when they are caught out by weather. 'To bivouac' means to spend the night in such a camp.
What does 'terrain' mean in outdoor contexts?
Terrain refers to the physical features of a stretch of land: whether it is flat, steep, rocky, boggy or forested. 'Technical terrain' means ground that requires specific skills (such as rock scrambling) to cross safely. Knowing how to assess terrain is essential for hiking, climbing and navigation.
What is 'bouldering'?
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing performed on small rocks or boulders, typically no higher than five or six metres, without ropes or harnesses. Climbers use crash pads on the ground for safety. Routes are called 'problems' and are graded by difficulty. Bouldering is also practised indoors at climbing walls.
What is the difference between 'kayaking' and 'canoeing'?
In a kayak, the paddler sits with legs extended and uses a double-bladed paddle. In a canoe, the paddler typically kneels and uses a single-bladed paddle. Kayaks are generally closed-deck (the paddler sits inside), while canoes are open. Both sports are popular on rivers, lakes and the sea.
What does 'to pitch a tent' mean?
To pitch a tent means to set it up and make it ready to sleep in. Related camping vocabulary includes 'groundsheet' (the waterproof floor layer), 'guy rope' or 'guy line' (a rope that holds the tent in position), 'peg' (a stake hammered into the ground) and 'fly sheet' (the outer waterproof layer).
What is a 'via ferrata'?
A via ferrata (Italian for 'iron road') is a mountain route equipped with fixed iron rungs, ladders and steel cables that allow walkers without formal climbing training to ascend steep rock faces safely. Participants clip their harness to the cable for protection. Via ferratas are popular in the Alps and increasingly in the UK and Ireland.