Hey guys,

I do a lot of backpacking, backcountry camping/hunting, etc.

When possible I try to take a topographic map of the area I am in and use it with a compass/flagging tape.

However, there are times (especially when hunting WMAs) in which my map is very basic and does not give good topography. In these instances, I try use flagging tape and a handheld GPS to pinpoint where I got off the trail and pinpoint any hotspots I find while scouting.

My biggest fear is for the GPS to somehow become unreliable. I often take extra batteries but I don't want to be too reliant on it ya know?

Can anyone provide tips/share experiences for how they keep their directional bearings in the wild?