I am like you, often well off the beatin' path. I have an several occasions got the panic and walked in circles, but once I feel the flutter I always sit down and relax to get my bearings. One item I would suggest you include is a GPS. I always carried a compass but rarely would compass my area, so it really wouldn't help me to much in the event I was truly lost. Now when I am heading in to an area that is unfimilar I do a GPS mark of my truck and often a GPS mark of the main trail I vear from, nice to have that added insurance in the pack with you.

Not only will a GPS give you peace of mind, but also is great for marking new locations, marks for downed game, blood trails or other routes to approach depending on the wind direction. I really think a GPS is a must for anybody that hunts large wooded tracks, hills, mountain or other complex terrain that just might get you lost in low light situations. Especially if you hunt alone!