Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Review

The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx handheld GPS navigator overall rating –

I originally got my Garmin eTrex Vista HCx 3 years ago and it is still in perfect working order.  The accuracy level of 10 to 12 feet is pretty good for a handheld GPS in this price bracket. The compass and altimeter are also pretty good for a fairly budget – best price – model like this.

The maps that come preloaded are not terribly useful for road navigation, the eTrex Vista HCx really is meant to be used for geocaching and hiking, walking type activities. That said the basic maps are perfectly adequate for any purpose, and the extra topo maps available on microSD cards greatly enhance it’s useability.  To install better maps you will also need at least a 2GB micro SD memory card.

The Vista HCx basemap contains lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads, and coastlines. Other details include 1,000 waypoints with names and graphic symbols, a built-in patch antenna, a hunt/fish calendar, sun and moon information, and a geocaching mode.

With the buttons down the side the Garmin Vista HCx is easy to operate one handed, and the 256-color  TFT display is as easy to read in sunlight as under any other conditions.

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The Garmin eTrex Vista HCX GPS unit features

• High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver for optimum performance in all environments
• Lightweight, compact and waterproof
• Features a 1.7-inch X 1.3-inch screen with 256-level color TFT
• Built-in basemap with automatic routing capability
• USB connection for high-speed map downloads

• Technical Details
• Model: Garmin eTrex Vista HCx
• Receiver Description: 12 channel
• Native Resolution: 176×220
• Battery Life Average: 25 Hours
• measures 2.2 by 4.2 by 1.2 inches (W x H x D)
• backed by a full one-year warranty

The design makes the eTrex Vista HCx particularly good to use with one hand, the screen is always clear and easy to read even in sunlight
The Garmin Vista manual is not at all comprehensive, but you just need to play around with it for a while to get to know the unit. Quite intuitive, the menus, buttons and features all fall into place quite easily.

So if you are looking for a small, light and easy to use hand held GPS unit the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx is ideally suited.
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Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Handheld GPS Navigator

Overall the Garmin Vista HCx is a great value, all round handheld GPS unit, suitable for those who want a GPS device to do a decent job in any outdoor terrain, without breaking the bank.
If you are an extreme backwoods traveller, or want a more up-to-date specialist unit then this isn’t the one for you, but for fishing trips and camping weekends if you want reliability and safety at the best price the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx is a good choice.

Here’s what one happy owner has to say about his garmin Vista HCx -

Review by Steven PB

I bought the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS unit at Amazon, arriving on time and as advertised. This handheld GPS works with no problems so far.
I downloaded free City Navigator NT from a torrent site, but also ordered the latest microSD card with the same city maps preloaded as the map I got for free was not current.
The unit is accurate to within 13 feet as described by technical specifications of the unit. The battery life is amazing which was an important purchasing point for me. The backlight is very good and the color display although small is very good.
I have used it on some hikes and a camping trip, also used it in a vehicle to help me find restaurants in an unfamiliar city. Worked great! This unit is accurate to within a couple seconds with its turn commands. I did a lot of shopping before deciding on this particular model over the Garmin 60csx, the garmin eTrex Vista HCx is better value in my opinion.

Review shortened for speed – view the full review here

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Handheld GPS

Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx Review

The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx handheld GPS navigator overall rating - 

As an upgrade of my old favorite Garmin 60CS the GPSMAP 60CSX has all the features you would expect of the best handheld GPS unit, and then some.

The accuracy is tremendously improved over older models, with an ultra high sensitivity GPS receiver locking on and holding a signal better than any I’ve experienced.

The integrated trip computer is fast and easy to use, with tracking that works in any conditions, well any I’ve tried so far.

Likewise downloading and sharing information with other GPS devices is quick and simple.

Large buttons, chunky grip and lightweight yet sturdy construction make this Garmin 60CSx GPS unit ideal for use in difficult and rough conditions anywhere, and if you do drop it, it is remarkably tough!

Exceptional satellite acquisition abilities and the 2.6 inch TFT color display (with larger number option for easy viewing and dual position display mode) make this a recommended model in the Geocaching crowd.

Water-resistant overall, and with the microSD card slot set inside the waterproof battery compartment, the Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator is well suited as a marine GPS unit too.

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The Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator incorporates -

• an extremely accurate barometric altimeter system –
  • provides current elevationascent/descent rate
  • minimum/maximum elevation
  • total ascent and descent
  • average and maximum ascent and descent rate
  • featuring automatic pressure trend recording
• an electronic compass – displays an accurate heading whilst standing still
• a removable microSD card for detailed mapping memory (card included)
• preloaded with an Americas autoroute basemap – automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits, and tide data.
• a preloaded marine point database.
• 10,000 point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks (500 points each)
• high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF
• Built-in quad-helix receiving antenna with remote antenna capability
• LED backlit display and keyboard
• support for English, Spanish, Portuguese and French
• fast USB connection
• integrated outdoor calendar
• dedicated geocaching mode
• Up to 18 hours of battery life from 2 AA alkaline batteries

Looking for a feature packed, fast and reliable handheld GPS unit for hiking, backpacking and off-road biking?

The Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx is my top pick in this price range.

For most people this will be the only handheld GPS device they need for a whole range of outdoor pursuits.

Top of the range accuracy and the clearest, sunlight readable screen at a mid range price point makes it the clear winner. Get the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx best price at Amazon here.

Garmin GPSMap 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator

Overall, for value for money, you will find no better handheld GPS unit.

The closest is the Garmin Vista Look Here

Yes, there are higher-end ones available, but you would pay a lot more for little increase in usefulness.

The Garmin GSPMAP 60CSx shines when put to use in backwoods, wilderness environments, and you can feel confident it has all the features needed to make every hike a safe journey Even where you don’t know the terrain the Garmin 60CSx will get you where you need to be.

Let me give you an idea of what current owners feel about the Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld

Michael S.

I have had my Garmin GSPMAP 60CSx for a while and this is still the best all around unit out there in my opinion.
I wanted a portable GPS unit to use on my boat, mountain bikes and in the car. The Garmin GPS 60CSx has been great. I keep two separate data cards, one for hiking and mountain biking Topo maps, and the other for road biking and car navigation. Great fun seeing your hiking and off road track data with mileage and elevation data on satellite and regular maps. The road navigation is good, not fancy but it works. The Garmin 60 CSx takes AA batteries, and the batteries do run 18 hours as advertised, or the GPS unit can be run from a cigarette power outlet with a USB adapter. No need for proprietary batteries and fittings.
So, the Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator was a worthwhile purchase.

Review paraphrased for size – view original review here

Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator

Choose the Garmin GPSMap 60CSx.