Interesting. Thanks for posting this. I'm going to try to find a library copy of the behavior-of-lost-people book mentioned.

I make a point of of having "mental map" of the general area. The author notes this as "handrails." If I know the hard features (a long road here, a river there) and their general orientation, I may get thoroughly turned around (it happens easily enough) but not truly lost. I think it's a really important tool in keeping a level head.

Also, pre-trip testing of the compass in your pocket so you *know for certain* it's actually working helps you talk yourself through the problem when you're turned around. Believe me, occasionally you'll bet anything that the compass is wrong.