 | Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS
Buy new: Too low to display / Used from: $196.25 This is the bare-bones eTrex Vista HCx kit. Out-of-the-box it is no more useful than cheaper products. To take advantage of its features, you need to buy one or more add-on mapping packages.
Is this a good GPS? Read the reviews on Amazon. There are over 100 user reviews with 90% at 4 or 5 stars. The main complaint is that the maps are extra cost (perhaps too much extra).
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 | Garmin MapSource Topo U.S. 2008
Buy new: $78.95 / Used from: $58.49 Off-road users like hikers and mountain bikers should get the Garmin Topo map package. You can display these maps on your PC and download them to display on the GPS. You can also record your hikes with the GPS, then upload them to your PC for later review. And you can create routes on your PC and download them to view on the GPS screen.
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 | Garmin MapSource US TOPO CD-ROM for Garmin GPS Units, 24K West National Parks (010-10448-00)
Buy new: $69.34 / Used from: $82.45 The Garmin Topo US maps are 1:100,000 scale, which is mostly adequate for recreational use. If you want higher detail, these 1:24,000 scale maps are also available, but only for national parks.
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 | Garmin 2007 City Navigator NT North America Map Update for Garmin GPS Units, DVD (010-10816-00)
Buy new: $73.76 / Used from: $77.50 The Garmin Topo maps do display city streets, but without the street routing data. If you want to automatically create turn-by-turn street routes (like what car navigation systems do), then you need the Garmin City Navigator product.
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 | Garmin MapSource City Navigator CD ROM (Middle East v2)
Buy new: $153.27 / Used from: $157.54 I don't own any, but Garmin does sell maps for lots of foreign countries. Some are very expensive.
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| Garmin MapSource BlueChart CD-ROM for Garmin GPS Units, Americas (010-10317-00)
Buy new: Too low to display / Used from: $103.99 Boaters will want some of the Garmin BlueChart products. They cover lots of different lakes, rivers, and oceans around the world. All priced separately.
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 | Kingston 2GB microSD Memory Card, Retail Package
Buy new: $7.49 / Used from: $27.64 The HCx stores map data on a microSD card. The 128KB card included with the HCx is big enough for a small state. 2GB cards (the largest supported by the HCx) can hold street maps for the whole USA, topo maps for half of the USA, or a combination of both.
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 | Garmin Carrying Case for eTrex and Summit (010-10314-00)
Buy new: $10.99 This is Garmin's official carrying case. It works pretty well with a snug fit, built-in clear screen protector and belt loop. The various control buttons are not covered so you can access them with the case on. There are 3rd party cases that probably work well, too.
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 | Garmin Large Diameter Rail Mount Adapter (010-10496-00)
Buy new: $13.54 / Used from: $8.72 Do *not* buy the Garmin eTrex bicycle mount because it does not work with the HCx. Buy this rail mount instead. The auxiliary mount adapter that comes with the GPS clips right into this rail mount. The large size fits handlebars fatter than 1 inch (e.g., most modern road bikes).
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 | Garmin Rail Mount Adapter (010-10496-01)
Buy new: $13.58 / Used from: $7.70 The small size rail mount adapter fits bicycle handlebars with diameter 1 inch or less (most mountain bikes).
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 | Garmin Swiveling Automotive Mount for eTrex (010-10274-00)
Buy new: $25.77 / Used from: $21.60 I don't use my GPS in my car, but if I did, I would get a dash mount like this. Windshield mounts block your vision and are illegal in some states. You don't need a power cable since the batteries last 20 hours. Just recharge them overnight.
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 | Sanyo Eneloop Battery Charger w/ 8 AA & 4 AAA Batteries Plus 2 C & 2 D Size Adapter
The Garmin eTrex GPS units use standard AA batteries. I like rechargeable Eneloops, which hold their charge for longer than regular NiMH batteries. This kit with batteries and charger is much cheaper at Costco. Eneloops are also great for Nintendo Wii controllers, portable radios, digital cameras, etc.
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 | Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld GPS Unit with US Topographic Preloaded Maps
Buy new: $460.97 / Used from: $516.86 If money is no object, consider the Garmin Colorado instead of the eTrex Vista HCx. The Colorado is a more powerful GPS, but it is a little bigger and a little heavier and a lot more expensive.
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 | The Essential Wilderness Navigator: How to Find Your Way in the Great Outdoors, Second Edition by David Seidman
Buy new: $11.53 / Used from: $7.65 If you are traveling a significant distance in the wilderness, you should not rely solely on your GPS. The small screen on a GPS makes it hard to use for long distance route planning. Also, anything electronic is subject to failure in backcountry conditions. Bring a map and compass and know how to use them.
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 | Outdoor Navigation With GPS: Hiking, Geocaching, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Backpacking, Mountain Biking by Stephen W. Hinch
Buy new: $15.25 / Used from: $10.77 A good book on how to use your GPS in the wilderness.
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