Do I still need my Garmin Etrex Vista GPS or can I just use my iPhone with an App?

I own a garmin etrex vista hcx - quite an old unit now - probably over 10 years old design. Its good for tracklogging and its ok for navigating.
However, I recently installed Strava on my phone and its clear that the iPhone 5 can do track logs. Battery life is not a problem because I've got a back up solar charger and neither is durability as I have a rugged case for the phone.
My question is, is there any need for both items? If I can avoid using my GPS unit then that means I also don't need to take AA batteries, spares, or an AA battery charger.
Lastly any good GPS mapping / track logging apps for iPhone for general hiking (in Spain / Georgia).
Best Answer
I would say no; your iPhone is not replacement for a dedicated GPS unit when you are in rugged outdoor conditions. The biggest reason is sensitivity. I keep my data off on my phone unless I want to use it, and I have frequently run into situations in which my phone will not acquire a GPS location without first knowing its approximate location from the data service. This was most noticeable in Europe (cities not wilderness) when I didn't have any data access and the GPS would not acquire despite multiple attempts over a number of days. Your phone may be more sensitive than mine, but I wouldn't risk it.
At the very least, test the ability of your phone to acquire a GPS position in random areas when it doesn't already have an approximate idea of where it is from the data service.
Pictures about "Do I still need my Garmin Etrex Vista GPS or can I just use my iPhone with an App?"



Is the Garmin eTrex legend still usable?
The eTrex Legend has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best handheld gps receivers for 2022.How do I use eTrex Vista?
To start up the eTrex Vista, take the unit outside and find an open area where the built-in antenna has a clear view of the sky. Hold the unit at a comfortable height with the antenna pointing up. Press and hold the POWER button to turn the unit on. You will see the Welcome Page.What is eTrex Garmin?
Rugged Handheld GPS with Enhanced Capabilities Only Garmin could make the eTrex better. The new eTrex 10 retains the core functionality, rugged construction, affordability and long battery life that made eTrex the most dependable GPS device available.How do I connect my Garmin eTrex Vista HCx to my computer?
Connect your GPS to your computer using a GARMIN PC Interface cable to an open USB port. Turn the GPS on. If your computer asks for a driver, please see the software and installation instructions that came with your device, or download and install the USB driver from Garmin's website at www.garmin.com.Recensione menù Gps Garmin Etrex Vista Hcx
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: PhotoMIX Company, Daria Shevtsova, Brett Jordan, Brett Jordan