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Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS
$215.00
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
With a new, high-sensitivity chipset, Garmin eTrex Legend HCx features a crisp color display, expandable memory and faster signal locking.
- New high-sensitivity chipset delivers super-fast signal aquisition and lock for reception in narrow valleys, dense woodlands and urban jungles
- Expandable memory accommodates microSD™ cards up to 4GB in capacity (sold separately)
- Upload detailed maps via USB interface (cable included); power is supplied through interface
- 256-color TFT technology produces a bright, sunlight-readable display
- Comes pre-loaded with U.S. basemap with autorouting capability; accepts detailed maps from MapSource ® software, sold separately
- Follow 50 reversible routes with 500 user waypoints with names and graphic symbols
- Audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off-course, proximity waypoint and clock
- Trip-computer calculates current and average speed, sunset and sunrise, trip time and distance
- Weatherproof case keeps unit functioning in wet conditions; waterproof to IEC 529 lPX7 standards
- WAAS-enabled (Wide Area Augmentation System) receiver delivers sub-3-meter accuracy
- Two AA batteries supply up to 36 hours of typical use (batteries sold separately)
- Compatible with most MapSource products including BlueChart®, City Select® and U.S. TOPO 24K,
- Comes with: PC/USB interface cable, MapSource Trip and Waypoint Manager CD-ROM, lanyard, owners manual and quick reference guide
Imported.
Item 752635
Related Items:
Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS Specs
Specification | Description |
| Position accuracy | WAAS-enabled 3 meters |
| Routes | 50 |
| Waypoints (total) | 500 |
| Memory | Expandable |
| PC Compatible | Yes |
| Compass | No |
| Altimeter | No |
| Color screen | Yes |
| Quad helix antenna | No |
| Compact antenna | High-sensitivity |
| Display size | 1.3 x 1.7 inches |
| Screen Pixels | 176 x 220 |
| Battery type | 2 AA |
| Battery life at 70 degrees | 25 hours |
| Dimensions | 4.2 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches |
| Weight | 5.5 ounces |
Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Compact (6)
- Reliable (6)
- Easy to read (5)
- Easy to set up (5)
- Simple controls (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Hiking (7)
- Auto (4)
- Primary use:
- Personal (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Outdoor enthusiast (7), Technically savvy (4), Gearhead (3)
Reviewed by 10 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Read
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Learning Curve
- Small screen
Best Uses
- Auto
- Cycling
- Geocaching
- Hiking
Comments about Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS:
I was comparing the Legend HCx with the 60Cx and finally decided to go with the Legend. Both units are VERY comparable but the Legend fitted my uses better.
*Strongly suggest adding the topo maps for anyone in mountainous areas. For the midwest/plains you can almost go without. But still nice.
*Street maps are required for driving navigation, but the huge Garmin map database is worth it.
These two software titles will almost double your cost of the GPS but you transfrom from "Where am I?" to "Where am I, wheres the nearest gas station, and will this dry creek lead me there?"
*I use the unit on my bike, the Garmin bike clamp is very sturdy and hold up to rigorous vibration.
*Geocaching mode is very nice and easy to sort between found/unfound. Still very accurate in the thickest of tree covers and hiding spots.
*Not as big as the 60C/x but with all the same features. Think palm sized compared to potato sized.
*Battery life is better than I expected, about 20-22 hours on alkaline, 19-20 on Ni-MH
*Intuitive and customizable menus, should only take a couple hours playing with it to figure out everything. And the stuff you dont use... get rid of it.
- How long have you owned it:
- One-to-three months
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
Cons
- Inaccurate
- Maps not included Big
Best Uses
Comments about Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS:
I bought this device, and field tested it for a month. First (bad) surprise: In order to really use the capabilities of this device, you must buy, from Garmin (not downloadable) the maps that the device needs. These cost hundreds of dollars. Garmin should disclose that maps are not included with the device.Second (bad) surprise: The tracks recorded by this device on known trails were off by 100 to 500 feet, consistently. 100 to 500 feet of error in a GPS is fatal, in some situations. I returned this piece of junk and bought a Delorme, which I love, and which INCLUDES a basic mapset AND enhanced national park detail maps AND [$] worth of aerial satellite overlays to the map detail. Compared to DeLorme, Garmin is obsolete, and expensive.
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact
- Extendible MicroSD slot
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Difficult To Read
Best Uses
- Hiking
Comments about Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS:
Great for driving IF you purchase a road map, as the unit will auto-route. Avoid buying maps on MicroSD cards unless you intend to use only one map with the unit - better to buy a blank memory card and download from DVD, that way you can put both a roadmap + topo in memory at the same time, plus use the memory for track data. Also, you cannot see a MicroSD map in the Mapsource software on the PC.
Works pretty well in the car: it beeps as you approach an intersection and auto-zooms the map, and will auto-recalculate your route if you miss a turn.
Receiver sensitivity is great - keeps satellite capture even in densely treed areas.
Color screen is easy to read in full sunlight.
- How long have you owned it:
- One-to-three months
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Read
- Easy To Set Up
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Auto
- Hiking
Comments about Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS:
I previously had a Legend CX which I also loved but this is a vast improvement. The sensitivity of the receiver is remarkable. I have not lost satellites even under the thick jungle foliage that is New Jersey. That battery life is not as good but still enough to travel 3 days on one set of AA. Pretty sweet system!
- How long have you owned it:
- One-to-three months
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Read
- Easy To Set Up
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Auto
- Cycling
- Hiking
Comments about Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS:
This is a great tool. I use it to map cycling routes and to find customer sites when traveling on business. I no longer waste valuable time getting lost. One thing, I had to replace bad microSD cards twice but Garmin has excellent support and there was no hesitation (more a reflection on the microSD card vendor than Garmin). Also, I bought the city map database and there are times when the location identified in the PC map tool didn't match exactly with the actual location. It was close enough but I recommend you familiarize yourself with the area using other map sources before heading out. Way points set with the Garmin and tracks recorded by the Garmin are always 100% accurate when navigating back.
- How long have you owned it:
- One-to-three months
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate
- Easy To Read
- Easy To Set Up
Cons
- Expensive Maps
Best Uses
- Geocaching
- Hiking
Comments about Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS:
Overall, not a bad unit. Fast startup, accurate plots, and long battery life (I use 2500mAh NiMH). Only complaints: No native NMEA output, and you have to use the Garmin Maps, which only have 1:100,000 on the topos unless you are in a National Park.
- How long have you owned it:
- One-to-three months
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- One Hand Control
Cons
- Loses Signal
- Unreliable
Best Uses
Comments about Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS:
I bought this as a backup for my topo maps on a 5 day trek in the Wind Rivers. I also planned to mark our routes at the end of the day and designate our campsites so that we could recount our trek. I have used a GPS for years while fishing off the north carolina coast and have experienced a variety of marine models. The Legend was disappointing.
The REI staff at the local store were of no help. They couldn't tell me the pros and cons of any of the GPSs or even one that they recommended over others. Since they couldn't tell me the differences, I basically went with a less expensive model in the Legend.
The Topo U.S. 2008 software by Garmin was expensive. And when i turned it on in the mountains, the topo scale was pathetic. Even in the sharp elevation changes of the Tetons and Winds it was tough to decipher the mountains and valleys due to lack of topo detail.
My first test run was on a day hike just outside of Jackson Hole along the pass. We climebed up a few thousand feet to Ski Lake, and upon arriving i turned the device on. But, after ten minutes it still had not picked up a signal. We left without marking Ski Lake.
The next major malfunction was on the second to last day in the Winds. We came to a point where a river, lake, and two trails converged. After spending some time trying to locate the trail we were looking for, I decided to enlist the help of the Legend. However, when the device showed us on top of the river, there was no water in sight. when the device showed us on top of the lake, again no water in sight. I estimate it was off by about a quarter of a mile. Extremely disappointing. To make matters worse, the topo lines were of no assistance in identifying our location.
I would not recommend this product to anyone.
- Gift:
- No
- How are you with directions:
- Great w/Directions
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Reliable Performance
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Difficult To Read
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Hiking
- Running
Comments about Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS:
This unit is accurate most of the time and slightly off under heavy trees. Even then, it does not lose signal. The display is a bit difficult to read. You almost have to angle with the sunlight to get the clearest reading. I use this unit for hiking, climbing and all back country activities as well on my usual runs. No need to buy expensive wrist gps for running (its like carrying a small water bottle).
- How long have you owned it:
- More than six months
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Read
- Easy To Set Up
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Gasket Problems
Best Uses
- Auto
- Boating
- Travel
Comments about Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS:
This unit is used for both land (City Navigator) and water based ((Blue Chart) navigation. A fine piece of equipment. It's easy to use and read. Just love it. But on the down side, the rubber gasket set around the perimeter of the unit (covering every function key button) has repeatedly come loose(3x). Because I use it for sea kayaking, I was concerned about the waterproof integrity of the unit. Each time the gasket separated, I returned it to Garmin & they gladly and quickly fixed or replaced the unit (a bit of a nuisance). Fortunately, the waterproof integrity of the eTrex Legend Cx was never compromised. (Lucky, I guess.) Have not been able to figure out why the problem continues to repeat itself. It's not that the unit has been exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
- How long have you owned it:
- More than six months
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- One Hand Control
- Reliable Reception
Cons
- Buggy Software
- Hard To Read
Best Uses
- Hiking
Comments about Garmin eTrex Legend HCx GPS:
We used the Legend Hcx for hiking for about 3 months. Biggest problems we found were buttons were difficult to press in, toggle too sensitive, and zoom function for maps difficult to control. We were also having to constantly re-download maps onto the unit. One day they were there; the next they weren't. Maps were also difficult to read on screen. Since one should always carry a topo with them in conjunction with the GPS, the last problems make a good case for getting a simple unit that does not have maps and just gives coordinates. This was what our son the field wildlife biologist suggested we do, but of course, being parents, did we listen, no. Live and learn.
- Gift:
- No
- How are you with directions:
- Great w/Directions
Displaying reviews 1-10
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