best way to learn a gps is in winter with snow.this way if it does fail, you can follow your tracks back to truck. carry compass also.

in fall here in pa archery hunting or grouse they are disaster.
the leaves on trees will cause you almost to go in your pants when signal goes out.
if going to a strange area in fall, ONLY DO IT IN MORNING AS IT GIVES YOU REST OF DAY TO FIND YOUR WAY OUT.....
always carrying your compass and check where your truck is before going in and a MAP of area, always carry that because it will help a lot on hollows you are in etc.

here in pa. its almost impossible to get lost with hollows and trails now.you will hit something.where people get in trouble is going into area near dark without flashlight or compass.having flashlight/compass,no way you are going to get lost in dark .