I use a compass as a general direction device, meaning i know i need to go north to get back to the start point, so I pull out my compass and point it north...of course this may not get me to the exact point of origin I will however get me to the trail and then I must determine wether I need to walk east or west from their. Like said it is a device that is best suited for being somewhat familar with your surroundings and as a basic navigation tool. Unless you have a detailed area map and plot coordinates, which few of us use a lot of the time. The GPS is a more exact tool and very easy to use for the evryday hunter, allowing one to retrace their exact steps or just naviagte by walking in the direction the gps is indicating back to point of origin. I wouldn't go into the woods without both and a spare supply of batteries. I do however use my compass more frequently for quick points of reference, wind direction, etc.