Can't depend on a GPS in really cloudy weather. They are good on a clear or not too clear day or night. I had my GPS fail for this reason a couple of times this year.
I always keep a compas in my pocket or pack. Good insurance, JMO BSM
does the one of my iphone count? if so it's with me everytime i go in the woods. and yes i have used it b/f. those pine thickets in the dark are tricky
Yes I have two! One was getting stuck so I immediately went and got another one. Thing is, they ain't no good if ya dont know which direction you should go.........Got to have a map
In an emergency, I'll use my watch. It's possible to determine your orientation using an analog watch (i.e., one with hands) in place of a compass. The direction will be correct if the watch is set for true local time, without adjustments for daylight savings time.
This picture I found can help me explain it better.
In the northern hemisphere, hold the watch horizontal and point the hour hand in the direction of the sun. Bisect the angle between the hour hand and the twelve o'clock mark to get the north-south line. North will be the direction further from the sun.
Just thought I'd share this information with others. Hope it's not too off topic.
I've had three quality compasses rendered useless because the magnet got demagnatized. Sent them back to Silva and were replaced free of charge. but even compasses can quit working.
If you are really lost a compass isn't much good without a map. You could take off in the right direction and still miss the trail, road, creek ridge or what ever and still be just as lost but going in the "right" direction.
Never go in the woods without one.
Learned how to nav on land, on the water and under the water before handheld GPS became popular. Navigating under water at night, now thats the fun one!