Always a map and compass. Get your maps laminated, that way they wont fall apart when wet and you can write notes with a grease pencil or erasable marker directly onto the map.

Check the local magnetic declination of the area before setting out, or your compass readings could be off. Maps usually print declination change per year and you can calc based on that.

If you want to be crazy prepared, visit https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/AltAz

print out sun azimuth information , laminate it, keep it on your person for the trip. It will tell you which direction the sun is for any given hour of the day.

Check which direction the prevailing wind is for the area, and whether aircraft is likely to be headed in a predictable direction.