The eTrex line of GPS portable devices from Garmin has been designed with the outdoor enthusiasts in mind – it’s perfect for hiking, camping and geocaching, as well as boating and fishing.  Although it’s pretty versatile and it’s possible to use it as for driving, it’s not an ideal option for in-car navigation.  I have already reviewed two lower-end eTrex models, so now is the time for Garmin eTrex Vista HCx. It’s a bit more expensive than the two other models (currently available for about $210 on Amazon), but for the added functionality, it is well be worth the price, in my opinion.

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS Features

The Garmin eTrex Vista is really a fantastic little device! It is capable of locating signals even in deep cover in dense woods with stormy cloud covered sky.  It’s flexible, easy to set up and simple to use even with one hand. You can check the Web for free topographical maps and instructions on how to upload them into your unit.


It is small in size, but with a fairly big and bright screen (easily readable in the sun) for its size.

If you read reviews of eTrex Vista, most people are praising the super sensitive antenna and how quickly it picks up and locks onto satellites inside of homes or buildings. You don’t even have to have line of sight to pick up satellites, eTrex Vista can get them just about anywhere short of being in a bunker.

You can use the free maps that you can find on gpsmapsearch.com, mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/catalogue.php and malsingmaps.com.

The menu is intuitive and easy to navigate. If you are seriously considering a GPS purchase for hiking or navigating the back country, and have about two hundred dollars to spend – this is the one to get! 

Do yourself a favor, stop reading the review and just buy Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS – you will not be disappointed.

Neither deep foliage nor steep canyons will faze the rugged Garmin eTrex Vista HCx navigator. Equipped with a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, the unit locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover. The advantage is clear: whether you’re traipsing through thick woods or strolling near tall buildings and trees, you can count on the Vista HCx to help you find your way when you need it the most. The Vista HCx also includes a built-in electronic compass that provides bearing information even when you’re standing still, along with a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. You can even use the altimeter to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions.

Adding maps to the Vista HCx is easier than ever thanks to the device’s microSD card slot, which accepts cards preloaded with MapSource data for your land and sea excursions. Just insert a MapSource card with detailed street maps, and the Vista HCx will provide turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Plus, the card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment, so you needn’t worry about it getting wet.

Besides appreciating its small size, users will also be happy with the Vista HCx’s unique button layout, with five buttons located on either side of the unit. The benefits of this design are twofold: First, the Vista HCx is a breeze to operate with just one hand, and, second, with the buttons on both sides of the unit, the bulk of the front is dedicated to the 256-color, sunlight-readable TFT display. This makes it easy to distinguish map details regardless of the time of day.

The Vista HCx basemap, meanwhile, contains lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads, and coastlines–in short, a host of helpful details for your outdoor adventures. Other details include an IPX7 waterproof housing, 1,000 waypoints with names and graphic symbols, a built-in patch antenna, a USB interface, a hunt/fish calendar, sun and moon information, and a geocaching mode. The Vista HCx, which runs for up to 25 hours on a pair of AA batteries (not included), measures 2.2 by 4.2 by 1.2 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS: Electronics

My only complaint is that the base maps included are less than useful and the Garmin line of software map products is a confusing and overpriced maze of buzzwords and brand names. The latest must-buy software appears to be Garmin City Navigator North America for Detailed Maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico (DVD). Assuming that it comes unlocked with all the North American road maps with no additional costs, it is a good value. However, it’s my experience that Garmin has always gone out of their way to make the map unlocking and registration process as confusing and painful as possible for their loyal paying customers, while those who choose to pirate the software get a simple program that runs once and unlocks everything. Poor choice, if you ask me. There are open-source maps available on the internet but I have no experience as to their quality. At any rate, once you get it set up, the software is straightforward, easy to use, and has never given me any technical problems on Windows XP, Vista, or 7.

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS

Buy Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS on Amazon

If you are looking to buy handheld gps navigation system, read more about GPS Handheld systems and How to choose the right GPS device for your needs?

Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator is a perfect portable GPS for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their navigational equipment (about $80 on Amazon).

About Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator

Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS will help you find your way even in the roughest terrain thanks to super-sensitive GPS receiver, which can find your location quickly and accurately and is able to keep its GPS position even in dense forests or deep canyons.

The ‘H” stands for “High Sensitivity” unit, which was released in 2007. Although older units look almost the same, but they lack this important navigational power. The highly sensitive chip has the processing power that can rival many of the more expensive units on the market.

The eTrex H design is durable and weather-proof, so you don’t need to worry about using it in the rain or even accidentally dropping in the water. It is lightweight and fitting easily in the palm of your hand.

The interface is intuitive and easy to use even with one hand. You’ll be able to read the display even in bright light or in a shade.

There are many additional handy features such as waypoints, compass, built-in clock, altitude, bearing and heading. You can customize the menus and displays to fit your needs.

This is a perfect starter unit for people who are looking for point-to-point navigation when hiking, camping, fishing or geocaching. However, it will not guide you down streets and does not show maps, so if you want road network navigation, you may have to look at something else.

Buy Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator

 Warning: Read This Before You Buy

This unit does not accept Garmin maps. It will download waypoints, tracks, routes from the Garmin map programs, but will not accept the map.

The result is that all one sees is a waypoint on a gray screen, without reference to a street name, or other map feature like a lake. It’s almost like traveling in the dark, not seeing or knowing what surrounds you.

Without the ability to display maps, this unit is a TOY if one wants to use it to accurately navigate to NEW locations. Test your ability to self-determine what one true coordinate is beforehand. If you can do it, this is for you. If you can’t figure out coordinates from a map, then you’ll understand the problem and have your answer about this unit.

I use DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteers, which use the same grids as Garmin (WGS 84) and can come to within about a block or two of true coordinates. Hiking, or in the woods, this can mean disaster. Are you 2 blocks to the left, or 2 blocks to the right of where you want to be? Are you 2 blocks too far, or are you 2 blocks too short. Point is that you may be 4 blocks left or right, or 4 blocks too far or too short of where you planned on going!

Without reference images, the waypoints are basically for ’survival’, and not navigating to a new destination as no new destination can be seen on the screen.

It is good for survival if lost in the woods or ocean and one needs help. You can call for rescue with the current coordinates. One can track back and one can also plug in coordinates to Go To, but the problem of it is, is: That one needs to use it in conjunction with a paper map, or other external map and plug in the coordinates BEFORE reaching it, to intentionally navigate to a new location.

This is good for geocaching when you can plug in the coordinates prior to going out. This is good for young children as an introductory training tool, BUT you will feel the need to upgrade immediately.
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator

Purchase Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator

If you are looking to buy a handheld gps navigation system, read more about Handheld GPS systems and How to select the right GPS device for your needs?

The features needed for hiking different from those needed for other GPS applications, such as car navigation, running, boating, or golfing. Below are some of essential and nice-to-have portable GPS unit used for hiking and camping.

Map screen. Some handheld GPS devices can’t display maps at all; instead they provide your longitude and latitude, with a track of such coordinates to indicate where you’ve been. Other models let you load maps, and some can eve display downloaded satellite images. Screen displaying maps, not just a numerical lon/lat position, will make your life much easier.

Built-in basemap. Not absolutely essential, but highly recommended.

Water Submersible.Sooner or later your device will get wet. Your unit should be water submersible (waterproof standard IPX7) to protect it from getting damaged when it gets in the water. This means that is not just water-resistant, but that it can withstand accidental immersion in water for up to 30 minutes. Plastic bags and boxes are also recommended for added protection.

Large, easy-to-read display. Maps can be harder to read on the smaller screens that most handheld GPS models have, so I recommend that you choose a model with the largest screen size that you can see yourself carry. This is essential especially if you have problems reading fine detail. Color screen is cool, as it defines map features better than a black and white screen; backlight is also useful, although both features burn more battery power. Black and white screens are just fine for hiking and many color screens can be difficult to read in bright sunlight. So-called transreflective color screens may be your best choice: they are easy to read in direct sunlight and don’t use as much power with the screen backlight switched on. A screen protector is nice to prevent accidental scratches.

Compact and lightweight.  Here you will have to compromise between small size (recommended), so you don’t have to carry around a bulky device, and big screen size (also recommended), so you can read it without squinting. 

Power source and battery life. It is preferable to choose a portable handheld GPS unit that can support external power, such as a power cable or a cigarette lighter cable. Lithium batteries are recommended to ensure a longer battery life. It should use standard batteries (AA or AAA) for easy replacement on the trail, as always, rechargeable batteries are recommended.

Touchscreen or Rocker Keypad. Rocker Keypad designed for one-hand operation will make using your GPS device much easier. Some newer GPS units have touchscreens which helps immensely when navigating using the maps.

Channels. Most portable GPS units come with 12 channel parallel receiver system. Channels help receive satellite signals faster and more precisely. This is especially important in heavy tree cover or difficult terrain.

Memory. Lots of storage capacity (at least 20 MB)  is useful to upload detailed topographic maps, street maps, or additional waypoints. Higher end GPS handheld models accept a memory card for additional storage.

External amplified antenna. This is not a necessity, but may come in handy in places, where signals are weak.

Route capability and Waypoints. 20 Route capability is standard, some units have 50. 500+ user entered waypoints are pretty standard. Waypoints are specific geographic locations, described by longitude and latitude, that you have recorded in your GPS unit. When you press the waypoint record button on your GPS at a trailhead, you can always find your way back to your car. Cheap GPS handheld models will store relatively few waypoints; higher end units can store hundreds, and you can name them as you wish.

Tracks. As you go on your hiking trip, your GPS device records and displays a breadcrumb trail of where you’ve been. This process lets you easily backtrack to your starting point; some models also let you download your track to your PC and view your travels on a topographic map. You can print out the map and the track for a permanent record of your journey. As in the case of waypoints, low-end models offer limited track storage, while high-end models store many and allow you to identify them by adding custom names.

If you are thinking about buying portable GPS navigation system, read more on GPS Handheld Navigation blog, Choose the right handheld GPS device for your needs? If you are a golfer, you may be interested to learn how golf GPS systems can help you improve your game.