This is the best trail GPS I have owned. I have been using it for a few months now and here is what I have observed:

1. Battery power is a big one for me. This gets the 25 hours that is says it gets. I often backpack camp for a few days at a time and don't like changing batteries all the time.

2. Size is great. If you have a case with a clip you can attach this to your pack or straps and it's barely noticeable.

3. The software and programming is a plus. You can easily make waypoints with the waypoint manager software. The on board software has many features as well. I tend to use tracking a lot. Geocaching management is built in. Maps are expandable if you use topo of street maps purchased seperately and are stored either on board or on the optional sd card card that can be put in.

My recommended additions for this product:

1. Get a solid case like the case from foarm. The one that comes with it is ok but if you do a lot of bushwhacking you'll was a more protective case.

2. Get a screen protector like InvisibleShield. It's worth the investment.

3. Since this is a trail GPS, buying the Topo 2008 DVD or whatever is current from Garmin is a plus and you won't regret it.

So overall an excellent product with room for expandability and is very durable. This is a perfect companion for hikers and backpackers.

After being content with my Garmin Vista, I decided it was time to upgrade to the latest Garmin Vista eTrex HCx. With a new MapSource Topo USA for MAC available, and the ability to transfer National Parks Topo Version 3 from PC to MAC I thought it would be an ideal time to "upgrade" to this model. The HCx has a beautiful color screen, is highly sensitive-acquiring satellites and able to navigate much more effectively! Response is quick-virtually instantaneous. Ergonomically the toggles are awkward and its easy to toggle into the wrong place-not a big deal and I image I'll get used to it. This being said the documentation that comes with the unit is almost useless, covering just the basics. Forget about how to setup (at least for a MAC). The cd that comes with it is for PC's only and there is absolutely no information on what a Mac user needs to do. You think a quick look at the Garmin website would have these answers. Nope! Nada! The website is a joke-as is customer support. I waited 32 minutes to speak to a rep and then was told I would have to be transferred to their Mac Dept. Okay fine. Another 34 minute wait. Thats; okay, I'm willing to wait-except the tech I finally get is about as helpful as a cord of wood. No help. I ask questions he doesn't know the answers and doesn't sound like he cares-hardly a Mac enthusiast. In fact I felt like he actually dispised my call. From simple things like where's the serial number? (UPDATE: it's behind the batteries) to do I need drivers to download to make this work? (UPDATE: No you don't. In fact, if you're using a Mac, just turn it on and it's up and running-no need for "installation disc")-if you want to transfer maps to your GPS, you must download the "MapInstall" program from Garmin's website). This is a beautiful device that does what my old Vista did-except this one, is of course, much faster, and more effective-if I could get some information on it! If Garmin is going to claim they are moving toward Mac compatibility they should give a little more information to Mac user's on their website (other than press releases on how they are now Mac friendly) or perhaps a few sentences in the manual explaining exactly what Mac users need to get this thing up-and-running; transferring maps, able to communicate with Mapsource software, etc.. I would like to give the HCx five stars, but because of absolutely no assistance for Mac users on their website or manual-and because of an initial bad customer service experience I give it two stars and sit here with a $270 GPS-$200 worth of new MapSource Maps (another product-another review) and a beautiful little machine that has quicker response and is much more capable than my old Vista-but just as useless on a Mac (REVISED: It works beautifully with my Mac. Perfect!). My enthusiasm dissolved after trying to upload maps or connect to my computer.

REVISED 6/30/08: Okay, finally! I got someone at Garmin customer service (very nice in the Mac Dept.) that could explain what-exactly needs to be done to get this puppy up-and-running: I had already downloaded the Garmin MapIntsall software (which you need to open, then select the device-in this case the HCx); there you will find all your maps (in my case the Topo Natl Parks and Topo USA for Mac). With the GPS plugged into USB port you simple select all the maps you want from one set of maps and then go to the other set and select the ones there). Works like a dream! Now if they would just make this clear somewhere (and believe me, it is not CLEAR anywhere). That being said, the experience I had today was much better. While I had to wait another 30 minutes to get customer service (who told me the serial number is located inside the battery case on the back) and then another 5 minutes to get to the Mac specialist-all my questions were answered! Both techs were very nice and helpful! Today's experience would be 5 Star Customer service! while I have rated the device 2 stars-I would probably change to 4 stars. Why the missing star? Initial frustration that could have been alleviated if Garmin took the time to stuff some extra instructions in the box specifically for Mac user's and made their website a little more friendly-and informative. The 24k NATL PARKS maps are beautiful on the color screens-as are the TOPO USA 2008 for Mac. The toggles are still awkward and unruly-but I'll get used to it. So, in a nutshell; You can download multiple maps on to your Garmin Vista Hcx using MapInstall (dowload from their website) to your applications folder. Once downloaded, connect your HCx to USB and select device and have fun selecting your maps. One thing I was not real clear on until today is that "Bobcat" is strictly for viewing maps and transferring wayspoints, etc. It has nothing to do with uplading maps to your GPS. Use MapInstall to upload maps to the GPS. Today's experience brought my faith back in Garmin customer service and technology. Thanks Garmin, for FINALLY becoming Mac compatible. I'm going to be a happy camper with this wonderful little GPS!

REVISED 7/6/08: Referring to the most recent "1 Star" Review; Yes, mine locks-up/freezes, too (nothing to do with Mac) unit freezes on the trail-at least once a day. No response from any buttons-unable to do anything until holding power button for long period-reboot. This is not cool! Will call Garmin Monday and see what's up. Not good to hear they have a new chipset out and this may be the old one. After-all, I just purchased this. Will report back on what Garmin says. This sounds like an obvious defect.

REVISED 7/9/08: Emailed Garmin Monday-no response yet (3 days later)-so returned to Amazon for exchange. Amazon is great! No problem. Sent out a new one before I could box up the defective one-received replacement today! That's customer service! Will let everyone know if the problem persists with replacement unit. Amazon 5 Stars! HCx?..not so sure anymore.

REVISED 7/11/08: Garmin emailed me 4 days later and explained that the new chipset is 3.0. My software version is 2.60. Used "Web-Updater" on my Mac and said I have the latest software. Everything is working beautifully with replacement Amazon sent me. No freezes or problems of any kind. Final score: Garmin HCx-4 Stars! Amazon-big 5 Stars!

This is my review of the Garmin eTrex Vista Hcx handheld mapping GPS unit. I purchased this GPS in early June of 2008 and have had it about 3 weeks as of this review. I own two other GPS's: a Microsoft Streets and Trips + GPS from 2005 and a Garmin Nuvi 200 I received as a gift Christmas 2007. MS S&T is a really nice program and it works well with its accompanying GPS receiver. But, it requires that you use it with a computer (the receiver plugs into a USB port). And the Nuvi 200 is a great unit as well, but it's more for finding a route and directions while driving--finding your way to a destination.

I wanted a portable unit mostly to use while walking, hiking, or biking that would track my journey, with a color display, memory expansion capability, and alititude tracking. I did lots of online research, reading reviews and user manuals at Cnet, Amazon, and several GPS-specific sites and eventually narrowed it down to three possibilities, all Garmin: the eTrex Vista Hcx, the GPSMAP 60 CSx, and one of the new Colorado units. In the end, I selected the Vista because: I felt the Colorado was too new and I'd seen negative reviews (and it has features like 3D I didn't think I'd need), and the Vista was proven, reliable, and less expensive than the 60 CSx. Also, it had all the features I wanted and was lighter and has longer advertised battery life than either of the other two units.

In a word, I consider this unit to be: exceptional. It meets or exceeds its advertised functionality and my expectations. Some specific items:

--Accuracy: I had read some reviews that complained about the accuracy of other similar units and I was worried. But I've found this unit to be very accurate, down to within a couple meters. And in my case it seems to make no difference whether the WAAS feature is enabled or disabled.

--Altitude accuracy: not quite as good as I'd like to see, but adequate. In a couple cases while hiking it has actually been off by as much as 1000 feet in altitude, but I attribute this to the vagaries of barometric altitude measurement, not to a defect in the unit itself. In cases where the altitude doesn't seem so accurate, I find that the altitude relative to an entire track still reports where I've gone up and down hills, so I'm satisfied. Also, I have not yet tried manually setting the altitude or barometric pressure at the beginning of a trek, but I'd guess that would improve its overall performance.

--Battery Life: my first set of regular old AA Eveready Alkalines lasted slightly longer than 25 hours, the advertised life. I'd bet that I could stretch this to longer if I paid attention to turning off the backlight when I don't really need it on.

--Size: I was surprised at how small the unit is. For some reason I had in my mind that all units around this size would be a bit bigger; it's about the size of a deck of playing cards, but slightly thicker.

--Display Visibility: no problems at all here. I use the unit frequently in bright sunlight attached to my bike while wearing sunglasses and I can see the display fine from a few feet away.

--Map: the map that comes with the unit by default is entirely inadequate for anything but highway driving, but I knew this when I bought it, and had purchased Topo 2008 as well (which is very nice for both city and on-trail tracking). There are very few trails actually in the mapping software itself, but this isn't the Vista's deficiency itself.

--Sturdiness: biking can sometimes be a bit bumpy. Yay for solid state components; this GPS has worked fine over bumpy roads.

I'd highly recommend this unit to anyone looking for a handheld GPS, especially one to be used for walking, hiking, jogging, or bike riding. If you're looking for something to give you directions while driving a car, this unit is not for you--stick to the Nuvi series.

I like my HCx and other reviewers have detailed the pros and cons. I don't understand why the HCx can't profile altitude as accurately as the Vista C. I give this a four star because Garmin does such a poor job of documentation.

First, the bike mount. DO NOT buy the Garmin handlebar mount ((Garmin 010-10267-00). It won't work with the HCx. Instead, buy the rail-mount kit (Garmin 010-10496-00 for small handlebar or 010-10496-01 for larger handlebar). If you do a Google search, use rail-mount and not handlebar mount.

I am a GPS novice and this is intended for folks like me. If you bought a preloaded SD card, you can ignore the rest of this. If you have a DVD with City Navigator (v8 in my case) and want to download it to an HCx, this may help. I already had a certified DVD with City Navigator (came with my GPS 18 USB program for laptops) and bought a Vista HCx along with a blank 2 GB micro SD (BTW, SD cards greater than 2 GB won't work with the HCx). Garmin allows you to install City Navigator on two units. I spent several hours on the Web trying to find out how to download City Navigator to the HCx. I finally called Garmin support and, after the obligatory twenty-minute wait, talked with a very helpful person named Chris. Here's what he told me:

First, you have to go through the process of unlocking the map for the GPS unit (I had already done that -go to the Garmin Website follow the instructions). This is the sequence to download City Navigator.

1. Turn on the HCx and connect it to your computer with the cable

included in the kit.

2. In MapSource, make sure that upper left box is set to City Navigator

(not Trip & Waypoint Manager).

3. In the top tool bar, click on Map Scale and zoom out to 1500 miles.

4. In the top tool bar, click on the Map Tool (funny looking icon that

resembles a square).

5. With the mouse, move the icon to the upper left corner of the map.

Hold the left mouse button and move it to the bottom right corner.

This will create a box with the entire map inside. Anywhere is fine as

long as the entire map is within the box.

6. In the top tool bar, click TRANSFER. In the dropdown menu, click

"Send to device". You may have to choose your GPS from a menu. If

you download the entire map, (about 1.5 GB), it will take an hour.

Bought this for geo tagging my photography and routing on my motorcycle. Both uses are perfect for this device since it is nice and small but still has a readable screen. I bought the navigator NT software and it does a good job routing the roadways when I go riding. I obtained a RAM mount and it sits right on my handlebar when riding and I do not need any voice prompts so the screen gives and arrow and a written prompt for me and it is all I need.

I've been completely satisfied so far. Sensitivity is much improved over the old Garmin that I bought a few years ago. I also bought the North America map on micro SD. It also has been a most present surprise. I carry it in my car all the time to navigate around Atlanta.

I bought this to use kayaking. My first real test of it though was on a rafting trip. The audible proximity alerts were nice. Knowing that something was coming up without having to look at the gps every 5 minutes was good. Overall very pleased. My only gripe is you have to spend a couple hundred dollars on the gps unit that just showed major highways. Had to spend another hundred to get the Inland Lakes map software to show waterways. Oh well, it was worth it.

eTrex has been a disappointment. I own 2 Garmin Nuvi 350s and love them. I ordered eTrex Vista HCx for my mountain bike. It would not allow me to unlock the "City Select North America v7" map (that comes with Nuvi). Their tech support told me to return the unit (at my cost!), and they would send me a refurbished unit.

The refurbished unit would not operate on battery power. It was fine when plugged into my laptop via the USB port. I noticed there is a design flaw in their battery compartment. They designed in a brace that prevents the right-hand AA battery from making contact on the + end. I called tech support and they told me to send it in, and they would send me a new unit. I asked them to send me the new unit first and pay my return shipping, but they refused. I am not happy!

Sidenote: Their tech support did answer the phone right away and seemed to be USA-based. They were helpful with trouble-shooting, but not in overall satisfaction with fixing my problem. And it takes 2-3 weeks to get a replacement unit each time.

I bought this GPS solely for geocaching, upgrading from a yellow Etrex. Like many people, I was stuck between a 60CSX and the Vista HCx. I went to REI and tried the two out, and found that I liked the buttons and click stick on the Vista better, so I got it from Amazon. It arrived in a couple of days, in fine shape.

This GPS works great for geocaching. It picks up satellites quickly, about 45 seconds or a minute for a cold start. Once you've gotten it booted up and then shut it off again, it can acquire in more like 10 seconds. I can constantly get 8 to 11 satellites in the woods, which is fantastic. The high resolution screen works really well for looking at nearby caches...with my old Etrex, the letters were very big and all the names overlapped. This screen is very crisp. The interface isn't all that hard to figure out if you mess around with it a bit. Overall, this is fantastic for geocaching.

If you've read any reviews at all, you know that the basemap stinks. It only shows interstates, highways, etc, but I knew this before I bought it.

This was my first entry into the GPS market. I asked around at work, and "Garmin" was the name a few folks recommended. I was looking for something that would be great for hiking and off road experience, but I also wanted something that I could use on long car trips to help navigate unfamiliar places.

The Garmin website makes research very easy. I compared feature differences between their different handheld mapping units, and this one seemed to provide all the features I needed without going overboard.

I have purchased the following upgrades:

1. City Navigator NT -- worth the investment to make your handheld street worthy.

2. Topographical maps -- again, worth the investment for hiking.

3. Suction cup mount -- illegal in my state, but largely unenforced. If you install it correctly, it's better than the friction mount. I've heard others complain that it frequently falls off, but I've had it for several months and have moved it around to find the right sweet spot, and it has never fallen off once.

4. Friction mount -- irritatingly, you have to purchase the dash mount in order to get the swivelling head that makes it work... But just in case... (note the legality issue of the suction cup mount)

5. InvisibleShield screen protector -- the screen can easily be scratched, and this non-garmin product is a great way to protect it long term (also available through Amazon, or direct).

6. Sanyo Eneloop Rechargeable batteries -- they work well and don't lose a charge when sitting unused. They're even ready to use right out the the package with a full charge.

With the added functionality of my upgrades and preloaded features, here are just some of the features that I've enjoyed:

1. Geocaching mode -- if you haven't tried it, you must! Works like a charm!

2. High sensitivity receiver -- this is nothing short of incredible. The fact that I can get a signal inside a building and under tree cover is amazing. Sometimes my signal bounces around a little (20 to 30ft), but it's a hundred times better than not having one at all.

3. Tracking -- I love to see where I've been, and it also makes it easy to navigate back out when you don't know where you are.

4. Turn-by-turn directions -- it doesn't talk to you, but it does beep at you when there's an upcoming instruction.

5. Waterproof -- Let's face it, if you use it outside, you're going to get rained on, or you'll spill something on it. I've used it in a downpour, and it was protected.

6. Point-of-interest search -- You can easily find stores, gasoline, lodging, hospitals, exits, truck stops....

7. Compass and Altimeter -- you do need to calibrate them frequently, but still worth the money to have them.

8. Waypoint Manager -- this is software that comes with the unit that you load on your PC. You can use it to create routes, waypoints, and map packages that you want to load onto your unit. So if you travel frequently to a particular area, you can "store" your own regional specific data on your PC that you can transfer to your GPS when you actually need it. I also use it as a backup for my unit. Bottom line -- all electronics eventually fail, so backup, backup, backup.

Little things that annoy me:

1. Turn-by-turn directions aren't always the best route that I would choose, but they still get you there. (Mapping feature)

2. When recalculating, it seems insistent on getting you back on the route that it originally planned for you. (Mapping feature) I say that you should still always have a paper map as a backup.

3. Backlight setting resets after powering off even though it's set to "on" in the setup menu. A small annoyance that I've gotten used to.

A few weeks ago, I actually had a failure of my unit. Shortly after I backed up all my data to Waypoint Manager, I was loading waypoints directly to my unit from geocaching.com, and my unit turned off. For some reason, whenever it was connected to my computer, it wouldn't turn on or stay on. Garmin technical support was amazing. Someone picked up within a minute. He was friendly, helpful and patient in working out my problem, and then created an RMA and put a rush on it when I asked for it. I'm one of those pesky customers who calls frequently to ask for status, and again, I got someone on the phone immediately every time, and everyone was helpful, and they overnighted my replacement once my failed unit was received. Since I work in customer service myself, I strongly appreciate good customer service when I get it (which is actually quite rare).

In summary, this is a full feature-rich product, with a few recommended upgrades, and when something goes wrong, Garmin's customer service makes you glad you bought a Garmin...