Go with what you have and what you know. Spend what you need to spend on things that get you where you are going (tyres, oil etc). The extra cash is more useful than a spare shock when you have a busted alternator although even that might be more useful than some carbon fibre and titanium knife and fork set that the marketing boys wo be claiming you'll need.
I too am a big GPS fan but have also used a Sun Compass, magnetic compass, sextant and other "traditional" techniques for both the fun and the convienience. They all work once you've got the practice in and can cock up in new and interesting ways if you don't understand them. GPS is by far the best and the one you'd use out of choice. The one you'll never be safe without is the paper maps though. They work regardless of anything happening around you pretty much short of setting them on fire (and you can even do that if you are cold enough). Get a simple GPS if you can afford one, but view it as something you'll be learning as you'll go, not the master of your trip.
Andy
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