The Cammenga lensatic compass (tritium) is the standard. Using it is easy and the instrutions are provided. Map reading is all practice. Get the gear, read the aforementioned manual, and get out there and practice. Use a GPS for backup only. With practice, you'll be faster and more accureate than a GPS (most handhelds are only capapble to +/- 30 meters). Good terrain analysis, pace counts, and occasional resection will get you within 10 feet.