I'm one of the guys in the last GPS posting that recommended the ETrex. I absolutely love my ETrex, however it is true that in tree cover it can be difficult to stay locked on a satellite. I live on an island and use mine mostly on the water. I also use it when travelling all over the world and it is easy to slip into one of those little side pockets on a backpack, carry on your belt, or just hold in your hand.

HOWEVER... My ETrex is now acting up, and I think it's from abuse. I use it as a speedometer/compass/GPS for my rigid inflatable that I use to "island hop." I mount it with the optional bike mount onto one of the grab rails on the console on my boat. The back has loosened, most likely from jumping waves in the boat and bumping the ETrex. Also now it shuts off after you turn it on, probably due to the above mentioned abuse. I fear I have killed it. I may try the Magellan next. I will say one thing about the waterproofness of the ETrex; I don't think I would test it. First of all, there is a vent hole in the body, so it can't possibly be "water proof." The hole is a tiny pinhole, so I'm sure that if you dropped it in water and picked it right back up it would be okay, but I doubt putting it on your deck and doing rolls with it would have a positive effect! The waterproof seal is good, but my back has loosened from mounting and dismounting from my boat.

I still love the ETrex, but I would be willing to try Magellan.

-Malcolm