Originally Posted by
dougmc
Another option is a hand held GPS with maps. You'll also need a mount for it, or you can just keep it in your bag until needed. They generally have decent battery life and bringing spare batteries is easy. Not sure about cost.
For years I rode with a Garmin eTrex Vista mounted to my handlebar with a Garmin mount. The eTrex range can have a very basic LCD B/W screen or a color screen. The Vista I had was a mid-range model, a very basic map is preloaded but detailed maps were extra. I purchased a Garmin CD and would download the map I needed. Routing on mine could only be done by waypoints, but it definitely fit the bill for knowing where you started from and where you were at any given time. Mine eventually succumbed to loose battery connections, which would make the unit go dead at the most inopportune times.
I've seen used eTrex models like mine for less than $50 on eBay; but buying used you would be taking a chance, for sure.