This is the exact opposite of what everybody else says -- and the opposite of my experience.

The eTrex line is nice for size/weight. However, these units use a "patch" antenna. The Meridian/Sportrak series uses a "quad helix" antenna, which has better gain (but a different gain pattern).

I have heard MANY complaints about the eTrex loosing lock under a forest canopy, but a Meridian or Sportrak holding the lock quite well.

It should be noted that the better (and larger) Garmin units (76 series, Street Pilot series, GPS V) uses a quad helix. The reason that the eTrex line uses a patch antenna is simply because of size. The performance is not as good, but they are a LOT smaller and lighter. Note that if you are out in the open, either antenna will work just as well.

The BEST site for GPS information is http://www.gpsinformation.net