User Review: Garmin eTrex Vista

Garmin eTrex Vista
Above: The current eTrex Vista, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed September 4, 2004 by Jeff

Rating:
Price Paid: $299

This is a good GPS unit, small, lightweight. It is very easy to use and the screen is detailed. I love the ability to load maps using Garmin's Mapsource and Topo maps.

The only downside is the reception. Most of my hiking is above tree line, where the unit functions flawlessly. However on a trip through low density forrest the unit was seldom picking up a signal. I would find an area where there would be no trees, and sometimes I could get a signal.

Overall it is a good unit, but not if you use it for hiking in dense forrests.