I have used compasses, surveyors tape, and personnal items like hats glove, etc. to mark my trail. All have disadvantages. i.e. Having to remove or recover items. I now carry a roll of unscented toilet paper. Easy to leave a square or two to mark trail, and handy to have for other needs as well. Rolls have 500 to 100 squares, and are easily visable at night, and it is light to carry. Best thing is, its biodegradeable, and no reason to have to remove every piece. After a couple of rains, it is all but gone. I have even used the roll as a rifle rest.