Description

GARMIN eTrex Venture HC Hand Held Receiver w/ Built in GPS Patch Antenna. New high sensitivity GPS receiver. 24 Mbyte of internal memory for storing detailed maps. WAAS enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS receiver. Built in GPS patch antenna. Display: 1.3 in W x 1.7 in H, 256 color, high resolution, transflective TFT /176 x 220 pixels. LED backlit display and keypad. Battery life: up to 32 hours typical use using two AA alkaline batteries.Includes a built in Americas autoroute basemap with automatic routing capabilities including highways, exits and tide data /USA only. 500 user waypoints with name and graphic symbol; 20 reversible routes, 50 points per route. Position formats include Lat/Lon, UTM, Loran TDs, Maidenhead, MGRS, user grid, and more. Audible alarms for anchor drag, arrival, off course and clock. Large numbers option for easy viewing, dual position display mode. Trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed and more. 10,000 point automatic track log; 20 saved tracks /500 points each/ let you retrace your path in both directions. Elevation computer /Summit HC/ provides current elevation, ascent/descent rate, minimum/maximum elevation, total ascent and descent, average and maximum ascent and descent rate. Built in celestial tables for best time to fish and hunt, plus sun and moon calculations. Fully compatible with MapSource products including BlueChart, City Navigator, U.S. TOPO 24K, U.S. TOPO and US Inland lakes. Waterproof, IEC 60529 IPX7, /Submersible 1 meter at 30 minutesAn essential for any outdoor excursion, the Garmin eTrex Venture HC helps you navigate through the toughest terrain. The unit is equipped with a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, which locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear: whether you're traipsing through thick woods or strolling near tall buildings and trees, you can count on the Venture HC to help you find your way when you need it the most. At the same time, the Venture HC's easy-to-use menu lets you create and view waypoints (up to 500), save and view 10 track logs, access setup features, and more. It even offers 24 MB of internal memory and a detailed basemap, so you can load waypoints and routes from the included MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager software and add map detail from Garmin's entire line of optional MapSource mapping products.

Besides appreciating its small size, outdoorsmen will also be happy with the Venture HC's unique button layout, with five buttons located on either side of the unit. The benefits of this design are twofold: First, the Venture HC is a breeze to operate with just one hand, and, second, with the buttons on both sides of the unit, the bulk of the front is dedicated to the 256-color, sunlight-readable TFT display. This makes it easy to distinguish map details regardless of the time of day.

The Venture HC's basemap, meanwhile, contains lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads, and coastlines--in short, a host of helpful details for your outdoor adventures. Other details include an IPX7 waterproof housing, a built-in patch antenna, a USB interface, a hunt/fish calendar, sun and moon information, and a geocaching mode. The Venture HC, which runs for up to 14 hours on a pair of AA batteries (not included), measures 2.2 by 4.2 by 1.2 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
eTrex Venture HC, basemap, MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager software, USB cable, wrist strap, quick start guide, user's manual.

Customer Reviews

 Super Simple GPS - Aug 22, 2010

If you are looking for a GPS for geocaching or not getting lost while hiking, this is the one you want. It's rugged, easy to use, and fun. It is so friendly to use I give it to the kids to carry while geocaching and they just run the show. All you need to start geocaching is this GPS, a home computer and an account on [...] (its free).

 Great First Family GPS - Aug 22, 2010

This is our first GPS for geocaching and we love it. It is super easy for downloading geocache sites and finding them. There is a lot more to this machine than we have bothered to learn.
It would be nice to upgrade to the GPS that has the altimeter. The only other feature missing is the ability to download the clues or hints.
On the plus side, it is simple enough for my 9 year old to operate this without getting confused or lost which I think says alot. For the price, it is a bargin.

 soso - Aug 17, 2010

soso experience expecially trying to get maps on line. even after set up account doesnt recognize anything, cant complete the order of map infro and 35 minute wait to talk to anyone. poor online service,better map base should be included, dont even know what to do with the 10 %discount number they emailed me.

 It works as advertised - Aug 07, 2010

This is my second etrex. For the cost it has good value. I use it mostly for boating and biking. Boating to log waypoints to find in the fog and biking to log miles and speed. As everyone says the maps are expensive and the basic map provides very basic information. It will get you back to where you started and its a great bike speedo. One new bonus is that it has local tide tables that have proved to be very accurate. Battery life seems better too.

 Handy - meets my needs - Aug 01, 2010

I bought the eTrex Venture HC to carry on my personal watercraft. The lake that I boat on most often is 38,000 square acres with almost 700 miles of shoreline, and each and every mile looks pretty much the same. I also purchased the Inland Lakes maps CD as the basic map data is very insufficient as far as the lake goes (i.e. islands are sometimes missing, the shoreline representation isn't very accurate - the unit showed me being inland when I was a quarter mile out in the lake - etc.) So having this unit in the glove box of my WaveRunner allows me to find marinas if needed, and most importantly allows me to navigate back to the boat ramp when I've been wandering around to different parts of the lake with friends or just on a 'walk about' (I guess that would be 'ride about') on my own. And with the WAAS feature enabled, this unit often obtains accuracy of +/- 7 ft when I'm on the lake, and even with WAAS disabled averages about 20 ft accuracy - all from beneath the plastic glovebox cover on the boat.

As some reviewers said, it's little slow to redraw when moving the map around with the joystick, but I improved that by loading the map at a 'medium' level of detail. And speaking of the joystick, it's a little tough to use sometimes as the push-in-for-enter doesn't always 'take' (for example I may try to push in on the joystick but it registers a move down or to the right). It's not really a big deal, and may just be my clumsy thumb, but a nice directional arrow pad with a center 'enter button' (think iPod) would probably make things a bit easier.

Overall I think the Venture HC is an easy to use, handy device that does exactly what I bought it for. One word of advice though - while 24mb internal memory may seem like a lot, be aware that the 'map sections' of the accessory maps data are rather large. The lake near me is actually split down the middle by two different map sections, and that, along with about 50 waypoints that I configured, are all that will fit on the Venture. If I had been unlucky enough for the lake to be split across more map segments this device would not have worked for me. If I had known that up front I would have sprung the extra 80 bucks or so and gone with the Legend HCx, which has an SD card slot for allowing more (much more) map data to be stored. Just a warning.

 Strawberry mountain - Aug 01, 2010

We bought the Garmin GPS to use hiking and took it on a trip to climb Strawberry Mountain in Eastern Oregon for our anniversary. But when we turned it on, the screen was basically blank, in that area. Only a few roads showed up and no detail of the areas we were climbing. I learned later that you could download topo maps from their site (for an additional $99) but I didn't see anything about that in the advertising. Also, even the altimeter didn't seem to be very accurate. The manual said it works on barometric pressure readings, and not on satellite triangulation like our old Lawrence GPS did. Finally, we found the route tracking system difficult to use. It kept losing track of where we were. All in all, maybe with some effort and more cash it could work fine, but we were just hoping to turn it on, and have it help track us on a map like our old one did, but in the end we didn't find it very useful.

 Useless Junk - Jul 29, 2010

What a disappointment. Useless is the only description I can give it. Base map is useless and hardly any internal storage. No SD slot. It is already on its way back for a refund. This is nothing more than the ultimate Garmin con job to buy maps.

 For the Price? Amazing Geocaching Unit - Jul 27, 2010

This gps, for the price, is incredible. I bought this unit for less than $100 new on Amazon. The signal strength and satellite acquisition time is awesome and light years ahead of the unit I was using.

While I am very pleased with this purchase please be aware of it's limitations:

It does not have a Electronic Compass or barometric altimeter

It only has 24MB of space, 22MB for TOPO maps, and does not have a SD card slot.

It only comes with a base map which is not as detailed as the picture here may suggest.

This unit is also not considered "Paperless" for Geocaching, and it's on board geocaching feature is rudimentary. This feature does not provide hints and basically only allows you to mark points as 'found' and put them on a calendar. The geocaching feature also holds to the units 500 waypoint max.

However, this can be worked around. Using Custom POI Loader and GSAK with a Garmin POI Maco, you can load about 2-4 thousand geocaching waypoints on this device including the hint, hide type, size, and last found.

Since this device is a Garmin, there are quite a few free topo maps floating around the internet. A quick google search of gpsfiledepo will lend you a topo of almost every state.

While this unit only has 22MB for TOPO maps, I find that for my use that is fine. I live in Oklahoma and geocache mainly in OKC, Tulsa, and Stillwater. This unit can hold the TOPO for all of those cities and the highways between them. When I Geocache somewhere else, I can simply load a new TOPO set from mapsend. It really isn't that much of a hassle.

Overall, this is a great unit. With a little searching around the internet, you can get this unit ready to go with zero cost to you after purchase.

But be aware of it's limitations. Don't buy this unit expecting a detailed basemap or turn by turn directions. If it's what you need, then it's a great buy.

 Lot of GPS for the money - Jul 27, 2010

Even though lacking some features of more expensive units this is a great device. I use mine for off road exploring and fishing and it functions perfectly for those uses. If you need one for the road try a nuvi series or buy the map software for this one.

 Great starter or family GPS - Jul 26, 2010

I like this unit as a very nice low cost GPS for nearly all uses a family might have for one. I use it to teach GPS use and geocaching to all ages. It is replacing the eTrex Legends that I bought several years ago. The groups I have used this with is K-12 though older adults. We use these units to do some community mapping.

 Garmin eTrex Venture HC - Jul 26, 2010

The GPS and base map is pretty lousy... We compare this unit with a Bushnell GPS and was astounded at how innacurate the Garmin was...

Of course this may be corrected with the purchase of the mapset (which cost more then the unit) but this thing is useless with the basemap...

 Consider spending more on HCx model - Jul 26, 2010

This unit is a very basic entry level model. It has great battery life and is easy to carry around. Accuracy is within reasonable limits. The "loaded" maps are not detailed enough and there is insufficient RAM/memory space to load more detailed maps (which are available for purchase from Garmin). On the other hand, the slightly higher priced HCx model uses a RAM card slot for almost unlimited detailed map storage. While this unit is OK for the most part, I wished I was aware of it's memory limitation so I could have purchased the HCx unit instead.

 not much - Jul 25, 2010

If you're a Mac owner, this item's pretty worthless. The included maps barely show the major highways... no names for streets or other roads. I guess you are expected to buy maps for your specific location, but the prices are so high, Im not going to take the chance they'll be any better than the included one. As far as forest service roads and trails, forget it, nothing registers when you power up. forget it.

 Basic eTrex is little better than a toy - Jul 25, 2010

What you see is what you get with this model. No upgradeable or updateable maps and the detail is very basic. I've been spoiled by better Garmin products. Why a handheld that doesn't show streets or trails? I don't get it. I got stampeded by a limited time offer.

 Finding my way back - Jul 25, 2010

Pros:
I don't know how to use this in it's entirety yet, but like what I have been able to figure out so far just by playing with it. I have used it on a number of hiking trips and feel 100% more confident knowing that I have some type of bearing on me other than the sun.

I was able to get this as one of the Deal of the Day on Amazon and I am glad i didn't pass it up.

Cons:
I am disappointed that it is not Mac compatible but at this point I am not saving any of my treks.
It also needs a scratch cover for the LCD screen, so buy that as well.
It also does not use and SD card. I don't need this since I am not saving any info, but it may be important to you.

 great for the money and free topo maps - Jul 21, 2010

I bought this for under one hundred dollars to go hiking on th A.T. It does allow u to download topo maps. Eve tho it has small amount of memory (24mb) you get to select your portion of the topo map you want. I am only doing a portion of the App Trail in Ga so I selected 2 blocks of the northern part of Ga which contained the App Trail. It used 8.3mb of RAM. Also I read that the 24mb of RAM is separate from the memory that is used for waypoints and tracks (meaning the 24mb is set aside for maps).

The unit is really easy to use and learn to use. The software is good to. You can find free topo maps online. I got the whole US and just select what I need. The maps are just as good if not better than garmins.

 Geocaching dream! - Jul 20, 2010

I bought this gps specifically for geocaching because my garmin nuvi 200 wasn't cutting it outside the vehicle. I used it for the first time today and it led me within five feet of each of my targets. I found 5 out of 5 geocaches tonight with this thing! I'm VERY impressed with it. I did a lot of research before I made my purchase and while there are a few out there that are better (more features, better base maps, etc) this one is fantastic for the money.

 Love the eTrex Venture - Jul 14, 2010

Love the eTrex Venture. We previously had a basic eTrex bought about 10 years ago. Bought the eTrex Venture because of it's ability to download coords from the internet and the other bonus features it gave us over the basic model. It is more accurate at pinpointing geocaches than the basic model was and the geocache mode is a real bonus. Also the tide tables and sun rise/set are great features as well. Can't say enough good things about the Venture.

 Nice, SMALL quality control is lacking - Jul 14, 2010

I have several Garmin GPS units - this is the lease expensive. It's compact, no-frills and has nice accuracy. Since I already own a bunch of maps, this unit is ideal for me. It loads but does not display my Garmin topo maps (TOPO US 2008), and has a very (typical of Garmin) anemic manual - it covers several models and is a pitiful 40 pages (not counting copyright, credits, etc.) these are tiny pages. The Garmin website states the unit suports topo, but it's not mentioned in the manual.

Quality control - there are three large blobs of dust or something inside the unit, between the lens and screen. In the sun they cast shadows and are themselves opaque. What's the point in making a dust/water resistant unit, only to assemble it and smash blobs of junk between the LCD and case? Garmin does not consider this a warranty issue. I really, really, REALLY hate it when manufacturers can't be bothered to check electronics for this before completing assembly. Just shows lack of quality control.

The buttons are hard to press and pretty small. Overall it resembles a toy more than a quality GPS unit.

24MB of RAM (no memory card support) limits the number of maps you can load. Since I'm near Chicago, loading only a few maps maxes out the memory fast - more streets, POI, etc. makes for a large memory footprint.

 Great product for a lower-end model! - Jul 12, 2010

If you are looking for a gps hand-held unit that is a great price at a lower model range than this is great! This is the first handheld model I have ever owned and it really gets the job done. There are no real thrills about this gps, it's down and dirty. I use this product mostly for geocaching and alittle light hiking. I was alittle worried b/c I own a Mac Book Pro that I would have problems, but I haven't run into one yet. (only had for a month) I haven't really tracked anything online or saved routes but I have downloaded waypoints and geocache information from [...] and it has worked smoothly. I saw other reviews on this product that people had problems with the compass (there is no problem with the compass you just have to be in-motion for it to work!)
The buttons are alittle awkward to use with one hand but nothing you can't get used to and the menus are fairly easy to understand you just have to play with it a few times.
Don't bother with the directions, they do not explain anything clearly.
The device is very light-weight and easy to carry with the provided neck strap.
The only thing I would recommend is to purchase the extra maps (b/c the base-map has NOTHING on it). I have not purchased any yet but plan on soon.

 Piece of Junk! - Jul 03, 2010

Where do I start? This device has one of the worst manuals I've ever seen. If this is a supposed to be an entry level device, it ought to have a simple manual for the beginner user. This manual was obviously written by an engineer who assumed that everyone was familiar with a GPS so no real beginner information is included. Also many sections of the manual refer you to the additional software needed to load any useful map onto the device or the company website. The software manual is also terribly written as are the instructions on the company website. The basemap included with the device is a complete joke!! A major state highway in my town was not even on the map! After struggling with the unit, the terrible manual, the software and the worthless base map for several hours, I called the company and was informed that it would cost an additional $99 for a decent map! NO THANK YOU!! I returned this piece of junk. My advice would be to pay a little extra for a device with a decent basemap which hopefully has some additional features for the extra bucks.

 Great for Geocaching - Jun 27, 2010

I researched several GPS unitits this one turned out to be exactly what it said it was.

 best entry level/budget GPS receiver - Jun 10, 2010

you get the most bang for your buck with the venture hc. you have to know what this GPSr is for and not for. it's great for geocaching, hiking, and marking waypoints. it is highly accurate and can receive signals in deep cover of trees. buildings can interfere with the signal but not even the top end GPSr will get you better reception. i usually get an accuracy within 8-11 feet. for me, the most important thing in a handheld is getting reception and accuracy.

PROS:
- good battery life, lasts at least 14 hours
- highly accurate
- great reception
- compact size
- downloadable points of interest

CONS:
- no external memory
- if you load maps, refreshing screen is sluggish but not slow
- hard to find maps but if you do a search, you'll find it and it's free
- screen size is on the small side but you'll forgot about it after a few uses
- typing in waypoint names is a pain and cumbersome.

 Good entry level GPS - Jun 02, 2010

I have used the GPS several times now for GeoCaching, i.e. treasure hunting based on GPS coordinates. For the most part, the GPS has been fairly accurate, however, last time I used it it was giving very mixed results. It would point my location in one direction and later show a complete different one. I was rather confused. The sky was a bit cloudy but not that bad. Although the battery was not fully charged, it was only one bar down from full so I don't imagine this is what was causing such discrepancies. I was hoping to load a better map to it, but from what I gather, since this model only has the internal memory, you can't. I would likely upgrade to the version which allows memory cards. Price was great for the functions it has!

 Geocaching made simple - Jun 01, 2010

We began geocaching with the Garmin we use when we travel but quickly found the pinpoint accuracy was questionable as our unit was not designed for this purpose. The new handheld unit brings us to within two feet of where we want to be.