The Garmin eTrex Vista GPS, a mid-level model in the eTrex line, is perfect for the avid outdoorsman. With 24 MB of memory, it will likely hold all the topo maps you could use on a single trip, unless you are hiking the entire Appalachian Trail! This unit includes a barometric altimeter and electronic compass, two very nice features.. Be aware though that, unlike the Vista C, it will not auto-route. That is, you can't plug in an address and have it give you turn by turn directions. You can use it in a car with Garmin MetroGuide software, to direct you to points of interest (POIs) "as the crow flies," and show your position in real-time.
88 reviewers at Amazon gave an average 4 out of 5 star rating to the eTrex Vista. The editors there had this to say:
"...This GPS unit's diminutive size and weight, not to mention its rugged design, make it an ideal hiking companion. It's waterproof in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes and is generously coated with shock-absorbing rubber. The barometric altimeter keeps a historical record of your ascents and descents, graphing elevation changes so you can easily track your progress. The ability to store waypoints, points of interest, routes, and other information means you can blaze your own trail and always find your way back to camp.
Best of all, 24 MB of internal memory makes it possible to store an enormous amount of data from Garmin's optional MapSource CDs, turning the eTrex Vista into an interactive road atlas. The memory isn't expandable, but 24 MB is enough to store street-level data for entire states in some cases..."
Here's what other reviewers have to say:
- My favorite reviewers, gpsinformation.net, offer this in-depth comparison of the Garmin Vista, Venture and Legend.
- CNet rates the Gamin Vista at 8 out of 10, while 23 of their readers give it a 7.7.
- PC Mag chimes in with this review of the etrex Vista.
Other resources:
- The official Garmin eTrex Vista web page.
- A PDF version of the eTrex Vista owners manual.
- Want to compare Garmin handheld GPS receivers? Check out this handy tool!
Related posts:
The Garmin Vista is a great unit. We have found over 1500 geocaches with ours!
Mike and Barb
At Jestcaching
Posted by: Jestjuggle | December 19, 2005 at 11:42 PM
Thanks guys. I loved my eTrex Venture, my first GPS. Who knows, maybe I'll get a Vista Cx for New Years! Hey, keep an eye out for a geocaching post towards the end of the month. Unless we get rained out, we're going to take a gaggle of kids out for some fun.
Posted by: Rich Owings | December 19, 2005 at 11:50 PM
The unit is fine, but---the small print on the screen makes it hard to read in daylight.
The rubber gasket is sensitive to moderate heat----I have had to have the gasket replaced (by the factory) on two ocassions.
Posted by: harvey | October 11, 2007 at 07:34 PM