Jim,

I got to thinking about the truck situation. I think the objection is you can't take a fix with a compass.

It is possible right at the start. Just turn around and find 3 big and recognizable things. Preferably within a mile or two. Take a bearing to them. The triangle made on the west side should encompass all the area you will reasonably hike in.

As long as you can still see one of the references, you can find your way back.

For now, let's assume you can see them. We can complicate it later.

(Note: this works well in the special case where the road forms an eastern boundary for the hiking area.)