I have the etrex vista and have been very happy with it. Of course I don't really have anything to compare it to. You can upload topo maps and roadmapsto it if you have the mapping software. I do not do that. It does come with a base map that has most major roads. I simply mark waypoints and landmarks. You can also project waypoints if you had a spot you wanted to get to but needed to go around a river or something like that to get there. It tracks your trail as long as you leave it on......but it does eat batteries. I just make sure I carry extras. I think Garmin is good stuff.