cabouckaert1 wrote:I bought an extra vista hcx a couple of years back and really like it. Haven't really used it for serious mountaineering, but mainly for mtb, hiking and running. Great to be able to download tracks off the internet and constantly discover new trails in your area.

Free maps are quite widely available and its quite easy to find 'unlocked' Garmin maps on the internet, good way to save money because the maps aren't cheap if purchased..

Diego Sahagún wrote:

nhluhr wrote:

tfcfool wrote:I am having the same thought as to whether to buy one or not as well. I looked around a bit and it looks like some people have found a way to get around buying the maps (see below)? Has anyone heard of that/have any experience? I'd rather not have to buy a BUNCH of maps for anywhere I go on the GPS, but maybe that's just the way it works. Also, if you don't buy the maps, will the GPS still at least give you your grid coordinates so you can find it on a paper map? If these questions are too OT let me know.

A search of internet resources shows a strong GPS community who shares the maps they've constructed for their own GPS units, in many cases far superior to Garmin's products. 1:24 topos, building footprints, national surface streets, and more. Do a quick search for a veritable online GPS file depot and you should be all set

(from an REI review).

I am pretty sure I posted exactly that above... there are many resources for free maps, free tracklogs, etc. There are many free maps out there that have better detail, more POIs, and are more up to date than what Garmin offers.

OT POIs