@Ltryptophan – meh. It’s never been an issue for me. I can read a map, and I’m confident my maps are at least as reliable as GPS, so as long as you can read landmarks, you can be utterly certain of where you are. I trust my judgment and my maps, so I’ve never needed a blinking box that confirms it for me. Off trail, however, it’s certainly easy to get turned around, and it can be easy to lose your way, if you aren’t extremely comfortable with orienteering. If (and only if) you’re doing these kinds of hikes, a GPS can certainly be a lifesaver, as long as it has battery-life.
My main point is that GPS is usually an unnecessary safety blanket, and going without one will build some confidence, without compromising your safety.