If you're not very skilled at reading maps and using a compass you are foolish not to use a GPS. You can pick up a cheap one for $100, it may not have map software butit will at least get you back to your truck. Even using a GPS you need to keep in mind that it might stop working. I've never had this happen in the 5 yrs I've used one but you never know. If I was going in several miles I would carry a Topo map compass and a bunch of extra batteries, and something to start a fire. Also the Benoit books are outstanding. I learned a lot from "How to bag the biggest buck of your life". They started printing it again recently so you can get it cheap. The original first run books go for a couple hundred dollars. Good luck.