Garmin eTrex Legend GPS Receiver

I enrolled on a 3 peaks challenge this year, and thought a GPS would be handy with the navigation - especially on training walks which won't have marshalls.

I did some research on what's currently available, and settled on the Etrex Legend. As I was unsure of how good they would be, I thought a new one would be a bit expensive so looked for a used one.

So far I've ony tested it on a short family walk, but I'm more impressed than I thought I was going to be. The first time I switched it on it took a while to acquire satellites, but since then it's found them with a couple of minutes.
The Legend keeps the signal even when it's in my pocket under trees. In fact it only lost the signal when I deliberately went right under a large tree. Once out in the open again, the signal was regained and remained even though we were walking through a wood.

It's very easy to operate (designed to be used left-handed). I downloaded a manual, but only skimmed through that to see what features it had. After that it was just a case of playing with the various settings. If you're doing this indoors, you can switch off the GPS.

My favourite application is the Trip Computer. You can re-arrange the default fields and settings to something you would find more useful.

Pros:
Quick acquasition of satellites after first go.
Easy to use with left hand.
Compact.
Built in map.

Cons:
No USB so it can't interact with your PC (newer models have this)
The map is very basic and in monochrome (again the newer models address this)

Summary:
A very good introductory item to the world of GPS with more features than the current brand new entry level GPS systems.

The Legend is a basic mapping GPS it comes with a world base map and also WASS and ENGOS enabled, it is vey easy to use and quiet accurate in position finding. Can hold upto 500 waypoints and easly conexted to the major digical mapping software, I use it both with Memory map and Anquet map to down load routs. It does come with a serial cable but you can buy a usb one from the internet that dont cost a great deal. Also can be used on its own to just get a grid referance then use a map and compass for rout finding, overall this device is a great pice of kit easy to use and you dont have to spend a fortune on other mapping.

Although this is is not the latest model you can install the latest topo, street & marine info on to it using garmin mapsource software (search for the best price), Unit is easy enough to operate, The screen is clear (black lcd) and easy to read. If you can pick up a second hand bargain on ebay then you should be well happy with this unit.

I have worked in the expedition and off road industry for over 10 years now, the Garmin Etrex legend is an ideal base model or first machine. If you cut corners and buy the lower models such as a basic yellow etrex, you will quickly outgrow its basic features, buy spending a few extra pounds on a legend you will get many more features, which as your knowledge of GPS grows will be useful. By the time you outgrow a legend, you will know exactly what features you want and need from a pocket unit.
The other good thing about garmin units is the user interface is all compatable, so once you have mastered one, learning other models is easy.

great little item that i got for when out on my mountain bike, the only 1 downside to it is the fact it is a serial device and you only get a serial cable for it, unfortunatly my new laptop dont have one so i have to go out and now get a usb-serial converter from maplins, before i can transfer info between the device and my laptop, however that said its light full of functiosn and different views, now when people tell me to get lost i can still find my way home at the end of the day