If you're an amateur like me there's one thing you can/should do with no downside: download the area you're going to using Google Maps offline feature.
It's not super detailed in backcountry but it will have major trails, major/minor bodies of water, and it will let you leave little GPS breadcrumbs for yourself when offline.
On weekend trips this has definitely made me more comfortable and it requires no skills.
It's not super detailed in backcountry but it will have major trails, major/minor bodies of water, and it will let you leave little GPS breadcrumbs for yourself when offline.
On weekend trips this has definitely made me more comfortable and it requires no skills.