Garmin eTrex 20x Hiking GPS Review - HikingGuy.com

[@sometimesoonfan]

I'm here in 2024 and this hands down is the best tutorial!

[@f00zh]

finally a REAL garmin etrex 20x review

[@crishazzard3129]

ha, thanks, yea I try, there's a lot of junk out there!

[@danp2012]

More than a review. Unlike other "training" videos, this one actually shows you how to use it, and for that I am very grateful. Thx.

[@Hikingguy]

Great great, I'm glad it's come in handy. It's a good device if you know all the ins and outs.

[@chadebrownnyc]

@@Hikingguy Seems like too many ins and outs. I would rather have something I can use after less than 10 hours than a more powerful device that takes 50 hours to learn that I will leave behind because it is too complicated, (That is on Garmin, not you Hiking Guy)

[@rustymac40]

I've been using this since 2014, still going strong. I could easily get a new model but have no need till this one breaks. Great video.

[@Hikingguy]

Nice and yea, these will go the long haul, once the firmware stabilizes they're probably good for years.

[@obfuscated3090]

Remember to bring a compass and a laminated map, because even the best device can fail. Bonus is you learn a lot more doing landnav. There are many free topo maps for download from government sites in the US. Get familiar. GPS are great but remember they are a luxury not to substitute for training and practice, so train and practice!

[@Hikingguy]

I agree with you 100% - check out my website - I recommend paper + GPS backups. Use the paper maps first and cross-check with the GPS. Even though I have a few GPS devices on me, I usually use the paper maps first.

[@chrisburgess9919]

I've just bought an etrex 20x, this is by far the best tutorial video I've came across, you show how to actually use the device in a real world situation. Well done and cheers!

[@Hikingguy]

Glad to hear it, thats why I do these! Have fun with it....

[@enriquejosekravetzmalabud8530]

In a 16 minutes video you made one of the best to show the differences between routes and track

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!

[@Josedav3]

I enjoyed your clear presentation without the distracting sound of music in the background that too many videos use. Very instructive and peaceful. Wish you would have shown how and where to get the free maps... Thank you-

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks so much. Free map info here: hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/creating-a-hike-garmin-gps/

[@MikeG.666]

Just need my GPS coordinates. Analog compass. The map is nice. I could be anywhere, and I will never get lost. Thanks for the quick tutorial.

[@InternalkungfuNl]

Thanks man finaly somebody who actually explains how it works instead of just reading what the menu's are.

[@Hikingguy]

Cool thank you, yea, I started creating these types of guides because I had the same problem with the other ones. The worst is when it's just someone talking to camera and you have no idea what they're referencing.

[@Vegan123]

Nifty enough - I had a Garmin GPS III back in the day and have been using Smartphones since. - I'm going to buy a 'reconditioned' one from Amazon and hopefully it'll do the job. Will be using it to keep waypoints and using the waypoint proximity alarms for when I'm driving and passing known speed camera locations.

[@iyot1020]

bro your free map tips just saved me a hundred bones buying garmins topomaps keep it up

[@Hikingguy]

ha awesome, yea don't spend any $$$ on maps these days...

[@iyot1020]

@@Hikingguy costco had a sale gpsmap 64x with free topomaps so just snagged that one and I'm using the topomaps to make tracks for my etrex 10 as my back up lol

[@davet4210]

I'm new to handheld GPS, just purchased an eTrex for hiking purposes, and have watched several videos on how to use it. This video by HikingGuy is by far the best. His website is also excellent, although I've only seen a small part of it so far. I downloaded free regional maps from Open Street Maps, as he recommended. Unlike the ones that come with the eTrex, these free ones are very detailed. I see no reason to purchase maps from Garmin. I did, however, have a problem getting those maps installed on my Garmin device, so e-mailed HikingGuy and he was kind enough to reply and help me resolve the problem. He added some info on his website on how to get the free maps installed for both Basecamp and the GPS unit, so check that out if you have not installed maps before.

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks so much Dave, really appreciate the work on your end. Hopefully this helps a bunch of folks. Less time on the computer = more time outside!

[@timc8913]

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I have searched the internet exhaustively for a basic review/demonstration of the Garmin extrex 20x. Your video is by FAR the best I have found. Really appreciate you taking time to share this information in an easy to understand way.

[@Hikingguy]

Awesome, so glad it was helpful. This is all a bit of a labor of love so getting feedback like this really helps. See you on the trails!

[@tomaszjasinski5562]

this is a real training video!!! I really appreciate the amount of hard work that went into it. It probably took a full day. Very helpful :)

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@mr.cheese2592]

Señor Hazzard, THANKS A MILLION for your detailed resources & tutorials with Gamin devices!!! By mirroring your directions for a Mac, I managed to figure out how to upload the free topo maps and create tracks on a Windows 10 system. I recently purchased the 22x and it works like a charm! I greatly appreciate the time and effort you have put into your work. Salud Señor 🍻

[@Hikingguy]

Ah that's great, I'm glad that the guides have been helpful. 👍👍 Have fun with your 22x!

[@العازمي-و8ذ]

The place is beautiful and there is the sound of birds. We hope that Agathia will put the place or the lokish. Thank you

[@jonathanwarner1844]

Or check out the Etrex 10 if you are happy with something more basic, but which is still possible to load small maps (smaller, much less space for data, and might take some research and work in converting maps from OpenStreetmap etc.), and which can be used for the same navigational tasks if you know the waypoints, and which is nearly half the price. Particularly useful if you intend to use paper maps primarily.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, the 10 is a great pick if you primarily use paper. Just being able to get a position from GPS is really a powerful tool.

[@yenkofarm7440]

Very helpful! Thanks, Bro!

[@MikeG.666]

Just picked one up from the local Coastal Farm and Ranch for 35 bucks @ 75% off retail. Can't wait to mess around with it.

[@tartanrambo]

Excellent video! Greetings from Scotland...

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you very much! 👍

[@LinhTran-wr8bd]

Hardware: iphone/ipad + apple watch Apps: Footpath + WorkoutDoors My work flow: Planning route: Footpath + ipad/iphone, send it to WorkoutDoors. Using during hiking: WorkoutDoors + apple watch (no iphone needed) Much faster and less effort than using an old garmin technology.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, iPhone is great but not a purpose-built outdoors device. It's suseptible to screen cracking and battery drain. With a dedicated GPS unit like this you can drop it, submerge it, use your fingers on it in adverse conditions, and pop 2 AAs in it when it dies. It's all a compromise. If you wanted the best of both worlds you can probably set something up on a device like this: amzn.to/3d4kFg9

[@rgibson759]

Nice review. I’ve owned the etrex30 for about 6 years now. Great Units these are. My only gripe being that single button on the top with makes it a long process to enter details for waypoints and routes, and the other bring that that single exposed button tends to add multiple unwanted waypoints when it’s in your pocket while moving. But I love the unit enough to put up with these set backs

[@Hikingguy]

Nice, yea, I've had mine for a few years too, not the slickest but works and keeps on ticking. Agree on buttons; I usually hang it on the pack or put it in a pocket up top where it doesn't rub to avoid any button action. In the middle of reviewing the 32x now, stay tuned for the review.

[@RomeoEdward]

Great help learning how to use my etrex 20x. Best video I've seen.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you, great to hear! 👍👍

[@corserine]

Thank you so much for this excellent video. On the strength of your review, I am going to purchase the Garmin Etrex 20x. You have saved me from making a very expensive mistake because I was seriously considering buying the top of the range Garmin Oregon which I understand is pants.

[@Hikingguy]

That's great, glad the video was helpful. And yea, the Oregon is really overkill if you just need a mapping GPS.

[@ericpilgrim6076]

Hello, thanks for this video. It is a great teaching tool. I really appreciate all the videos you have made!

[@Hikingguy]

Glad it was helpful 👍👍

[@johnmctavish9596]

Good information. Fortunately I have the e30X with the electronic compass and altimeter. I use use these features all the time because I live in mountainous areas. They are essential in rugged country.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, 30x is a solid unit.

[@justwandermaya]

Thx for posting this. I went on my 1st semi-remote offroading adventure... my iPhone 7 Plus GPS sucked.. esp looking back at the Long/Lat of pics taken on the phone. Plus, when I was hiking in forest like trails a month ago, I tested both the Trails and Gaia GPS apps at the same time. They were so off I didn't know which one to believe or to believe neither one. One said I traveled 6.4mi (Trails app) and the other said 5.52mi (Gaia GPS)... while on another trail 4.8mi vs 3.83mi recording ... an entire mile off which sucks for tracking fitness steps, as well. I'm hoping that a dedicated handheld GPS will make my phone exceptionally more accurate when it comes to using iOS apps (like Gaia). I want to be able to load routes I find plus record where I've been to revisit past adventures.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, GPS can be frustrating and there are a lot of factors involved. After playing around with a lot of GPS units over the years, the signal is really the main thing. If you don't have a good signal, you won't get accurate results. And GPS signal is affected by tree cover, your body, satellite position and status, there's a bunch of things. I'm not sure if a dedicated GPS will solve the problem or be any better than a phone, so prepare your expectations accordingly. I can tell you that the most accurate GPS that I've had and am using now is the GPSMAP 66i. hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/garmin-gpsmap-66i-review-guide/

[@justwandermaya]

@@Hikingguy From add'l research, I think all I need is a strong GPS receiver that can communicate via bluetooth to my iPhone/iPad. That way I can use apps like Gaia and Trails... the GPS receiver should override the GPS on the phone and hopefully be more accurate. Thx for posting your info. Very practical.

[@mandreachefai]

Very informative video!! A couple of questions 1) is there a way to ‘lock` the screen so that you don’t end up accidentally pressing buttons when the device is in your pocket for example? had a look in the internet but I haven't found a way yet 2) it took me a while to realize that the tracking doesn’t work as a stopwatch, but rather like a car odometer (you explain this in your review, thank-you!). So now the question is - how would you use it on a multi-day trip? Simply turn it off at the end of the day and back on again when you start hiking in the morning? Or save a different track each day?

[@Hikingguy]

Good questions 1 - There is no screen lock, but if you put it on the trip computer screen, the joystick won't cause any weird input. I just put it in a loose pocket or clip it onto something so that buttons don't get hit accidentally. But it is a flaw. 2 - Yup, just turn it off and on. When you're done the overall trip, reset the trip computer.

[@mandreachefai]

@@Hikingguy brilliant, thank you so much!! Keep up the good work, really like your reviews!

[@alansmithson6381]

Great review thanks. I've reset all data as I bought it second hand. Very helpful and better than the handbook.

[@Hikingguy]

Cool, glad it was helpful, enjoy it, it's a solid little GPS...

[@swishh55]

Very good review/ instruction. I've had my Garmin for a few years but could not figure it out and had no time to spend fussing with it. Semi- retired now and finally getting back to the Garmin. Have you kayaked with it?

[@fredlepper3553]

Helpful and informative. Thank you.

[@romulorsg]

very good review, examples are very helpful thumbs up!!!!

[@Hikingguy]

thank you, glad it helped!

[@mikevanleeuwen9283]

Thanks for the video. I found it informative. Based on the packaging I would have also thought it came with a topo map. I had no idea all the mapping you could add. I picked one up today from cabelas after watching your video. On sale for 129.99

[@Hikingguy]

Nice, glad it was helpful. And yea, this is a good time of year to buy this stuff, lots of discounts.

[@carolinaesposito9251]

this is really one of the best tutorials i've seen about this tool. one question though: are you sure it doesn't have an altimeter? i'm checking on the website and it looks like it has them...but i'm not sure

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you! eTrex 32x review coming in the next few days too FYI... for altimeter, the 20 does altitude by a GPS fix, so its not so precise. And it calculates direction / compass from GPS when you move. The 30 has a barometric altimeter that doesn't need a GPS fix and a proper 3-axis compass that shows direction without moving.

[@carolinaesposito9251]

@@Hikingguy oh now it's clearer thanks a lot. I'll be waiting for the etrex 32 review as I'm thinking about buying that one. Thanks a lot!!

[@Hikingguy]

@@carolinaesposito9251 Cool glad I could help, stay tuned...

[@steveh3483]

Thanks for doing this, like some have said, a real review and will start to get me to use my unit for real after so many years owning it and doing nothing!...

[@Hikingguy]

Ha, well thanks, and yea, give it a try, once you start playing with it a little bit it's not too tough. Any questions just post here...

[@davidhorner5415]

excellent... looking for a simple safety device and this helped

[@Hikingguy]

cool, yea exactly, it's a basic device that's durable and does the job when you need it

[@willian.direction6740]

Thanks very much a hands on demo of how it works. I need to see if Basecamp software is relevant to Australia and my area. cheers vk5cz ..

[@Hikingguy]

Basecamp works with any OSM map so you should be solid in Australia

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

I got stuck in the forest in the rain with my phone GPS. Ever tried to use a 0hone with a wet screen?? After I got home I immediately went and bought one of these little units.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, phones are normally great except when it rains or when you drop and break it

[@Jurica-mtb]

I bought my first GPS device Garmin eTrex30x. So far I'm just amazed how this device works well but I got to the point where I need more data that I can't get right out of eTrex. I'm a MTB cyclist that likes to explore new paths and this is the main reason I bought this device. I got curious and started thinking about steeps and agnles so if I see a trail that goes over the hill and I'd like to know how steep it is so I could check out my current position altitude and subtract it from the highest point of the path and now I have a cathetus of a regular triangle and for the hypotenus dimension I would use distance between the two points and then I'm measuring the Sin alpha = opposite cathetus divided by hypotenus = a / c = 43m altitude dvided by 363 m distance = 0,115702479 which in calculator INV 0,115702479 SIN = 6,6441° TAN 11,6 % and get the angle in grades and percentage. The problem is that I can't figure out how to get this information directly from eTrex and I can't make eTrex calculator to do this math - it just displays error message or if I input 0,115702479 SIN TAN I get a not so accurate result. Please, help. Thank you, Jurica

[@Hikingguy]

Let me start off by saying that a lot of your question is over my head, so I'm not sure how helpful my answer will be. I don't have the unit in front of me know, but you can check the data fields for gradient. It's on my Garmin watch now, and might be on the eTrex. If you can do analysis after the facet, I would import the GPX file from your unit to your computer and then run it through a tool like this: www.trackreport.net Maybe someone else can chime in here?

[@1AXMRDR]

Thanks for explaining the difference between tracks and routes. Garmin should hire you to make educational videos for them.

[@Hikingguy]

Ha thank you, yea, I wish Garmin would work more closely with me but unfortunately not. I'm just a small fish and my social media pictures probably aren't sexy enough.

[@dicksteegman9883]

Good, clear and to the point review.

[@Hikingguy]

thank you!

[@jasonthomas16]

Maybe it was in The video and I missed it but I was curious how do you download Maps onto it unless you can’t do that. I think I understand how to create a route based on the GPS in the area where you are but I wanted to download trails and then mark way points on those. The video still helped very much. I got this GPS for Christmas a while ago and haven’t used it yet

[@Hikingguy]

Check out the articles on my website - guides to downloading free and custom maps, as well as routes.

[@trilbyarnold3341]

I've never used a GPS device. I will be hiking the John Muir Trail . How would I get that trail into the device to mark out camps and water crossings?

[@Hikingguy]

That's a bit more than I can answer in a comment here, but in general you can plan your route on a website like Gaia GPS, mark you waypoints, create your routes, and then load them on the GPS. This might be helpful: help.gaiagps.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003640568-Create-a-Route-on-gaiagps-com

[@jasonpotter3383]

You did a great job reviewing and teaching. I’m going on a trip and we’ll be camping ⛺️ at one place and going out and returning to that place. I don’t want to use it for the trail but wondering if I can mark base and guide us back in case we need it?

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you and yes, you can mark a waypoint and route to it, or record your track and use trackback > support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=QKeCH9DukS7OMS1fqACUaA - have fun !

[@wilkbor]

I certainly appreciate the time you took put putting this together, but I'm still not clear about the difference between a route and a track?

[@Hikingguy]

Good question. A route is a series of points that you pre-plan and follow, where as a track is a recording of a hike or route. You can load up a track and simply "route" yourself by walking on the line. A route (from Garmin) has turn-by-turn queues depending on the unit.

[@gregorywood6336]

Very informative video! I either want to buy the eTrex 20x or the Garmin 64s. In your opinion, what is the better buy? I understand that the 64 series is about 4 years old. Does the lack of updated technology hinder the 64?

[@Hikingguy]

I haven't used a 64s in a while, and am not a tech expert (in terms of the different chipsets, etc). I always suggest the 20x because it's less expensive and basically does what you need a GPS to do without the extra fluff. I'd say unless you have a feature that you want on the 64s that's not on the eTrex 20, just save the $ and get the eTrex.

[@brentg5946]

This video has been so helpful. Thank you for a great review, and a look into the way it works with Basecamp

[@Hikingguy]

Awesome, glad it helped! It's a decent unit, especially when you pair it with the free maps.

[@brianhetrick1301]

A good simple overview. Thanks!

[@selfstudyden6489]

I like how the etrex 10 keeps map and path mysterious still; in terms of geocaching. Is there an option to put a etrex10 filter on the map?

[@peterbrynildsen1485]

Can it show where I've been..? Instead of guiding me on an already planned route. I like to hike without knowing where I going or ending.. you know see if I can get lost and let coincidence rule and find interesting places on my way. And then look up afterwards which route I took.

[@Hikingguy]

Yup, you can view your track on the screen. You can also drop waypoints for trail junctions, etc.

[@kesfetmekicinyasa]

HikingGuy, you dont know how much you helped me with choosing my very first handheld navigation device. I was even not sure if it is for me or not. But after watching this video I made my mind and went for the Garmin Etrex 20 (without x). Appreciate your good work!

[@Hikingguy]

That's great to hear, I'm glad the video helped. Have fun with the unit and see you out on the trails.

[@DjClarky78]

Hi, great video. I've had one of these for years, and have been relying on Garmin's (paid) Birdseye imagery subscription, because as you said, you can't use it straight out of the box. Unfortunately, they withdrew that service last May, leaving the unit practically unusable for me, until I saw this video. I've been to your website, and it's got some very useful info on there, but I am in Australia. Any recommendations on where to get maps from for here? The links you provided all seem to be US based (understandably, as you live there). A nudge in the right direction would be much appreciated. Thanks

[@Hikingguy]

give this a try: garmin.opentopomap.org

[@sal1964]

Good video 👍 never new how they worked looks complicated to setup l like the tracks

[@Hikingguy]

thank you, not too bad once you spend a little time with it

[@ChathamJackTar]

Outstanding. Thank you.

[@ttriolo]

Enjoyed this video very much but I wished you touched a bit on the backtracking function, if the 20x even has it. Basically,how do you get back from where you started if you are not using tracks or routes and are just out wandering aimlessly as I do as a photographer. Also, I assume smartphone gps programs only work if you have cell coverage. Correct? A handheld gps using a satellite signal seems like a smarter option.

[@Hikingguy]

Hi Tony, yea, skipped the backtrack since I focused this review on hiking trails (and not really bush-wacking/wandering), but you can definitely solve that problem. The easiest way to to set a waypoint at your start point, and then navigate back to it (under "Where To"). You can also "trackback" on your route.- this Garmin video shows you how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZW8qGmNmb2kmsU Many smartphones work without coverage (google GaiaGPS), but you are at the mercy of the smartphone's battery and fragility, whereas the eTrex takes AA batteries, is waterproof, and rugged. If you're not planning on anything too hardcore, a smartphone will probably be fine.

[@ttriolo]

and what about the smartphone vs dedicated GPS device with respect to signal coverage? Do you have a favorite iPhone gps app?

[@Hikingguy]

try GaiaGPS coverage is the same for all GPS devices - accuracy for both units has been similar for me

[@isagsd5502]

I’ve watched a couple videos were you say you do not use this particular item for Navigation. What do you use for navigation? Primary and secondary form of navigation?

[@Hikingguy]

I have this in my pack as backup. You can see all the navigation gear that I use here > hikingguy.com/best-hiking-gear/

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Awesome video, Cris. Really helpful and just what I was looking for.

[@los-and212]

Like this video, and wish some smartphone maker could use this kind of screen ,so that I can useit in the sunlight

[@Hikingguy]

Agree 100%

[@tegansims8954]

I'm brand new to GPS handhelds so please bare with me. I know this is an old video and actually a discontinued model but I am finding these to be less expensive. Will this model allow you to upload a trail and be able to see how far you have left on the trail as you are hiking?

[@Hikingguy]

Yes combine with Garmin Basecamp on your computer and create a route

[@stevex1681]

Love your work! I'll be buying one of these soon based on this review. Thanks

[@Desertcolt18]

Loved the video, seriously changed the way I look at GPSs. So I bought one! Question, Can you (in Basecamp) put an overlay, over a map you already have downloaded? I'm needing topo and trails for the Superstition mountains in AZ. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks bro!

[@Hikingguy]

You should be able to just download the OpenStreet hiking maps for the Superstition mountains and plan your trip with that map. You can switch the maps in Basecamp on the fly in Basecamp, but I don't think you can overlay maps. Check out the GAIA GPS website - I think you can overlay maps on other maps and adjust the transparency of them so that you can create hybrids.

[@Desertcolt18]

Thanks dude!

[@dysonsphere]

This was super helpful. Thank you. Question: Will it track your route and then you can send the route you took back to your PC? I have some trails on my property that I’d love to map.

[@Hikingguy]

Yup, you can save your tracks and load them onto your computer as GPX files.

[@perfect7liberty]

What if you just want to walk into the woods and hunt. Will it track you so you can get back out? No one ever discusses this with these gps systems. Thanks

[@Hikingguy]

Yes it leaves a breadcrumb track and you can just walk back along it

[@Cochise231]

Enjoyed the video very much Finally someone helps me use my1st gps I bought a 30 but thought I was getting something that I could understand never could find anyone that showed me the difference between the different functions Thank you I have enjoyed your other videos I have watched and subbed Thanks

[@Hikingguy]

Awesome, that's great to hear. Yea, once you decode how to use the eTrex, it becomes a powerful tool. The 30 is good model too, you have the altimeter and compass, which can come in handy. Happy trails, Cris

[@1seanfanning]

Excellent briefing, thanks.

[@sublime88dc]

Sweet review. You live like 15 minutes from me! Cool.

[@Hikingguy]

ha nice! glad the review was helpful

[@tommccurnin524]

Great Video! Watched it a couple times. If this unit stays in your pack, what is your primary navigation system? Paper?

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you, glad it was helpful! I usually use paper + Fenix 5x + GaiaGPS (in airplane mode) on my iPhone (waterproof). I use the phone to take notes, pictures, and video too, so it's a bit of a multi-tool. I also have a Fenix 5x on my wrist which I load the GPX track onto and glance down at when I want to cross-reference the paper. You can check out that review here: hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/garmin-fenix-5x-hiking-review/ - it's pricey but handy if you don't mind spending the $$$

[@heldermartinovsky]

Hi! Thanx for the nice gps videos!!!! How do i choose this kind of view, instead of the satellite view, when i want to follow a route? I have downloaded the birdseye maps to my etrex 20x. But the routes are very hard to view and follow with the satellite view, principally on a car or bike. I was doing a job in the outback today and got lost among the lot of forking. Tried to find a way to see only the roads and my route but didn't find it on menu. All i wanted was simply to follow the right way. Thank you!!!!!

[@Hikingguy]

Did you check the map setup screen? I believe you can check / uncheck which maps you want to view and the layer order. P32 in the manual here: static.garmin.com/pumac/eTrex_10_20x_30x_OM_EN.pdf

[@MrMcIntyre1220]

Awesome video! You saved me alot of time and money as I have decided that theese GPS's are simply not for me. I need one I can simply turn on and use without purchasing other maps or spending Time on a pc loading data to my "gps". I was interested in one for very remote hunting in northern Ontario but I have decided to stick to my maps and compass as they have never let me down

[@wedepelzer6265]

Can it be used as a Gps leaving bread crumbs to backtrack. To be used on unkwon place to explore.

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, your track line is on the screen, so you can simply follow it back.

[@mountainambler]

Excellent review.

[@Hikingguy]

👍

[@mangs9940]

good review and explanation

[@Hikingguy]

thank you!

[@entropyfu]

Got one on your recommendation. Thanks.

[@Hikingguy]

Great, hope you enjoy using it. Any questions, post them up here and I'll do my best to answer it.

[@ambiance461]

good video and solid product but not convenient at all. Been planning a day hike through the diablo range in california and i have found no maps that detail the range inless you want to pay 100$ more. i did manage to find 1 map from GPSfiledepot for free but the trails were inaccurate to the point of being useless. i think this product really shines when you are looking for maps in common areas such yosemite, yellow stone, grand canyon ect.... but for smaller lands such as regional wilderness not very good inless you have the money

[@jaimeastin]

Do you really need a gps for Diablo?

[@MAXCOBRALAZERFACE]

Excellent video 👍🏻

[@billveder1071]

Can you punch in Lat & Long coordinates?

[@Hikingguy]

Yup

[@bishumagar3800]

Sir is it reliable for trekking in the himalayas base camp for solo traveller?? Greetings and Namaste from Nepal!!

[@Hikingguy]

Namaste! I haven't used it in Nepal but GPS works worldwide so you should be good with this device. Have fun!

[@monealiza7553]

You say you don't use this as your primary means of nav. What DO you use?

[@kortatu85]

Thank you for this, very helpful! Do you know whether there is any way to record the routes with the device? (e.g. start the hike, then find a gpx file with the summary on the device?)

[@Hikingguy]

Yes it records GPX files which you can transfer to a computer.

[@eduardocortes-dv4lo]

Thanks. What its your primary source of navigation?

[@Hikingguy]

I usually use paper + my Fenix 5x, and have the smartphone and eTrex as backup.

[@xenonn_54]

What Topo map do you use? Great review btw.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you! I'm using the free OSM maps - just go to my website and search for free maps.

[@dad3562]

Is there anyway this works by just aimlessly hiking and wondering around and then click a button that says take me back to my base camp? without downloading maps and such ?

[@Hikingguy]

Yup, record your track and then >>> 1 Select Where To? > Tracks. 2 Select a saved track. 3 Select Go.

[@dad3562]

HikingGuy.com nice!!! Thank you !

[@Hikingguy]

@@dad3562 👍👍

[@Saahib_K]

Nice review but curious what do you use for tour primary source of navigation?

[@Hikingguy]

latest and greatest here >>> hikingguy.com/best-hiking-gear/

[@bernhardberkheij2661]

Hello! Thanks for the great review, it was very helpful. A quick question. How does it recognize trails? Sweden has a couple of popular trails for example, would it also let me download those trails and show me the starting point and navigate me through? Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, you just have to download the maps. Check out these articles: hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/creating-a-hike-garmin-gps/ - hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/how-to-get-free-garmin-gps-maps-for-hiking/

[@dariusjohn66]

great reviews

[@robebert6798]

How do I plan a kayaking or sailing trip? A lot of the maps don't have marine detail or allow way point creation over water.

[@Hikingguy]

You can create a waypoint anywhere, over water or wherever. But these units are for land and don't have marine charts. You'd probably be better served by one of the marine units like this > amzn.to/334KwSi

[@tickdaddy81]

Thanks, as always, for your hard work! So, with the eTrex 20x, I could simply upload the .gpx files for the Mt. Wilson hike, for example, that you've created to Basecamp and then transfer it to the the eTrex? Is it that easy??

[@Hikingguy]

👍👍👍 Thank you! And yes, you can just upload the GPX file to the unit. I have an article on the website that shows it step by step. A new unit came out but it's very similar; I'm working on a review now. You can also upload the GPX file to a free app like GaiaGPS on a smartphone.

[@ilmix312]

Can you add a waypoint on the unit itself (not through computer) ?

[@Hikingguy]

Yup

[@ScottymanPhoto]

Great job! Finally, the video I was looking for! Thank you!

[@Hikingguy]

👍 glad it came in handy, thanks for the note!

[@mvoutdoors]

whats the difference between map64s and etrex30x? i really need Great GPS for hiking and cycling in tough woods and valleys....im a bigginer in GPS devices :) thank you.

[@Hikingguy]

I don't have a ton of experience with the 64s, so it probably makes sense to do some research online. Sorry.

[@yannickbanville7723]

The battery life is supposed to be 25 hours.. is that 25 hours of tracking? from what I understand, after 25hours of use you have to change the AA batteries?

[@Hikingguy]

I get about 22-24 on alkaline batteries, about 45 on LiOn batteries. The unit tracks all the time that it's on, so yes, about 22-24 of tracking. Factors that effect the battery are mainly the backlight and how many times you fire the screen up to look at it. I have a full battery run down on the blog post here: hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/garmin-etrex-20x-hiking-gps-review/

[@SouthernGuy82]

Hi how easy is this device to use for deer hunting in the south? I want to journey deep in the woods at times but afraid of getting lost Does this device really help me get back to my truck?

[@Hikingguy]

You can mark way point snd navigate by compass point-to-point, so it should be decent for that.

[@Milanesa2010]

Thank you for this video. I have the 30x (costco!!). For hiking, Is it easier to download a map of a region (and all trails) like you did in this video, or to use tracks and then come back using the recorded tracks? I am a newbie at this.

[@Hikingguy]

No problem. You can do either way. I generally download the maps, plan a hike (and track out) on my computer, then put that track on the device and follow it. Check this out: hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/creating-a-hike-garmin-gps/

[@tsizzle]

Thanks for the review. I have the 30x, but for whatever reason the trip odometer and overall the distance recorded in the GPX files seems way off! Has the trip odometer and other stats been pretty accurate for you?

[@Hikingguy]

Good question. In general, the answer is yes, the stats have been pretty accurate. BUT, sometimes the signal is bad and it can be off. I've found this with all my devices, the eTrex, Fenix (3, 5x), iPhone, etc. I think there are just times that the unit can't get a good read on the signal and then does it's best to fill in the gaps. I'd try using it in different locations and compare it to a phone GPS and see if it's a consistent problem (not being accurate), in which case call Garmin and they'll usually send you a replacement.

[@nbriand637]

Im looking for a GPS to use in the woods while backcountry snowmobiling. We dont ride trails except maybe to get to the mountains. Would this still work well you think?

[@Hikingguy]

Yup will work great

[@rylancory]

Can you record your own routes with this while on the trial? The trails close to me won't come up on any maps so I'd like to go log them while I'm out.

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, you can record tracks and save them. This is a good guide: www.rambler-info.org.uk/gps/howto/ht_rec_etrex10.htm

[@Tintoycar]

Great review, i'm thinking of buying the 22X, The altitude meter, is it based on the GPS or do you have to calibrate it yourself, finding out that it is mostly not correct ? :-) Greetings from Belgium

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you! You can have it automatically calibrate based on the barometric pressure or you can put in a value yourself if you know the exact altitude.

[@Tintoycar]

@@Hikingguy The 32X has an electronic compass, but if we don't use the compass, it's no problem? This electronic system is not used for showing where to walk?

[@Hikingguy]

@@Tintoycar I haven't used the 32x yet but my understanding is that on non-compass models it uses your GPS positions to calculate bearing, and when it has a real compass, it will use that.

[@Tintoycar]

@@Hikingguy Hi i bought the 22x, updated the maps, installed base camp on my computer, downloaded the map of Belgium from openstreetmap. Then i created a route, put it on the device but then he said "card does not match'...., and recalculating says "route calculation error, Maps do not have routable roads in this area" Thanx

[@Hikingguy]

@@Tintoycar I've never had that error so I'm not sure of the specifics but it sounds like you don't have the maps (or the correct maps) on the device. And maybe it has to do with an external memory card? If you have a memory card in, can you try it again without the card in and see if it works?

[@GaryMaddockGreene]

Really useful. Thank you. Appreciate your video.