I just got a an eTrex Legend GPS system any thoughts?
the maps and compass are very cool!

I have a Legend, and I also have the MapSource software from Garmin to download topo's to it. I have enjoyed it quite a bit. I have a handlebar mount for it, and use it on my mtn. bike...works better than bike computers AND, I have a map!

Several of my military friends took Garmin Legends to Afghanistan and, um.... points west. All raved about how reliable they were (rarely failing to get a "fix"). Lighter than the issue "plugger", too. A Legend is my main drool item for this Christmas. Well, I'll take a Garmin iQUE. I mean, If I HAVE to........ <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

.....CLIFF

An experienced "newbie".

Yes i too have the Garmin cities edition it covers most roads, works great. how much does the topo one cost?

I paid somewhere around $100 for MapSource Topo. Don't remember if I got it directly from Garmin or elsewhere...but I ordered it online. Just do a search and you'll find it. The topo maps aren't as detailed as 1:24 topo's, but they are decent.

The eTrex series (or anything with a built in antenna, I suspect) have a bit of trouble in heavy tree cover.

Here in the Pacific Northwest this is an issue. In this type terrain, I think the Garmin GPS V with it's external antenna is a much better selection.

FWIW, I have a eTrex Vista and a GPS III+ (basically a GPS V w/worse screen an less memory). I use them both with the Mapsource software - a must if you want topos.

But you are right, the eTrex series have a lot of cool features and works well as long as you can see the sky pretty well.

-john

Hey Rusty,

congrats... it is a fine tool that will serve you well. I owned Legend model and than in order to stay in touch with my group I upgraded to Rino 120. Garmins make really good and solid products. They are little treaky in forrest areas but with little bit of open sky they work like a charm. Word of advice: protect the front window. I made a mistake of throwing mine into pants pocket together with car keys. I was really angry with the window scratches. Have fun and while you at it great way of learnign the features is geo-caching...

Matt Jachyra