Let's get all the perfection out of the way first:-- almost eerily reliable reception (like, all those satellite signals are always present around us?)-- very rugged housing (don't ask me how I know...)-- fairly large screen-- reasonable battery life, especially with lithium batteries-- large selection of free base maps available at www.gpsfiledepot.comHow could it be better?-- Track long limitation of 20 saved tracks with 500 points each is a pain if you're using track longs to serve as a trail map overlay.-- Could be a bit less pricey, then you can just get the 60Cx (and use a separate compass and altimeter).-- Could be a bit smaller and lighter, but then you can just get the Legend/Vista HCx.(Photo is of trying to find the hiking trail outlet after skiing King Ravine.)

I carry this with me always. It's small enough that it fits in the pack I take with me everywhere I go. My favorite anecdote is from when I showed my GPS to my dad. He was pretty proud of his, but this one, mine, is better. Since his is a Garmin, too, he was able to show me a few features that I hadn't tried out yet. I was proud when dad asked me to pull it out to show off to one of his friends, who was also impressed. I have a Mac, so it was a little difficult to figure out which software I needed, and where to get it, but once you get it figured out, it's very simple to use. I haven't been able to get the Mac-compatible maps yet, though. Fortunately, Garmin makes a chip that eliminates the hassle.

Sure this unit is a little pricey, but you can't beat it for accuracy. The stronger antenna helps keep accurate information even in deep canyons and under a lot of tree cover. The multiple buttons make it easy to navigate to different areas of the unit. I couldn't be happier.

Been using this bad boy for over 18 months now. I have it on my motorcycles when searching the limit on gravel and in the mountains it keeps me on the proper route, too. Hardwired on the moorcycle or in the car, it runs extremely accurately with fast updates. On the trail I had to switch to power saver mode, because it does eat the AA's up otherwise. Still, even in power-saver mode, you can maybe get 18 hours out of a pair of batteries. I carried a large Brunton solar charger, but we never spent enough time sitting around in the sun to keep up with recharging AAs for this thing. Bring enough batteries if you're going to be in the backcountry for a long time. I have no idea if other units are better at power consumption, but I am willing to deal with that given the accuracy of the unit. Never had trouble acquiring satellites even in the deepest gorge or thickest woods. Garmin software is great and there's even a 24k top map set for all of California and Nevada you can use in this device. It is fully waterpoof (1800 miles in the rain on my KTM950 at 70mph+ without a problem are my real world testing results).

I wanted a GPS unit that could work both in the car and on the trail and I couldn't be happier with the 60CSx. An expansion slot in the back allows different maps to be loaded with relative ease and the versatility has allowed me to navigate anywhere I go. The unit takes 2 AA batteries (which last probably 15 to 20 hours) and there is an optional charger for the car (actually there is a Garmin charger or you could save money and simply use a charger with a mini USB male adapter). It doesn't provide voice navigation like standard car GPS units, but it beeps and provides turn-by-turn instructions. It saves plenty of desirable stats (speed, distance, waypoints, routes, etc.) and the software allows you to easily download everything.

As a climber and a kayaker, this is the unit I use. It handles all everything I need on land and on water. Easy to read topo maps for land with a decent altimeter and digital compass. And waterproof for the ocean. It handles nautical speeds and calculations. Buttons makes it nice to operate through a clear vinyl drybag.

Highly recommend.

I've had an etrex legend and have also used a delorme pn20. Took this out on it's maiden voyage on the bike in the mountains yesterday. Every GPS I've used prior to the 60CSX would drop signal when under heavy canopy (and in my pack) resulting in inaccurate mileage, ascent, and track. The 60CSX performed amazingly. Extremely accurate tracks and held a signal all day (in my pack) regardless of tree cover. I purchased this because I already had the Garmin maps and because it seems to be the most Mac-friendly device. The maps are not cheap and I believe Delorme's subscription model is better and their maps are of superior quality. That said, I'm very happy I picked up the Garmin 60 CSX.