I do not agree that the Garmin 12 is a better receiver than the eTrex. I can only speak for the eTrex Vista. I had a Garmin 12XL and used it extensively for three years. I hunt in both Colorado and Wisconsin and do quite a bit of backcountry camping/hiking/fishing in Colorado as well. The receiving capabilities of the eTrex Vista are as good if not slightly more accurate than the Garmin 12. I upgraded to the eTrex Vista for several features: active compass (you do not have to be moving like you do with most other GPS units), an altimeter which is more accurate and a barometer which come in handy in the mountains on extended trips. You have more upload (maps) capabilities as well. For most people the eTrex Vista is overkill and if I did not spend so much time in the backcountry I may not have spent the extra money. But always carry a compass.