The Best GPS Unit For Bikepacking? Garmin eTrex 32x Review

What makes the ideal GPS unit for bikepacking? In this video, Neil walks through the critical features, functions, and settings to consider. He also shares his thoughts on the Garmin eTrex series and explains why he continues to use the eTrex 32x over cycling-specific computers for multi-day rides...
Edit: I misspoke and said "AAA Batteries" but meant to say "AA Batteries"
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Outline:
Intro - 0:00
Subscribe and Support: 0:51
Anatomy and Tech Details - 1:19
Battery Life - 4:53
Mapping - 6:20
Bikepacking Features - 7:14
Other Pages and features - 10:22
Custom Bike Mount - 11:09
Durability - 11:53
How to load a track?
Basecamp is really a useful app but not necessary. If you don't want to download Basecamp to your computer, simply plug in your device and drop a GPX file in the "GPX" folder on your device.
Related Links:
Wahoo Elemnt Roam Review: bikepacking.com/gear/wahoo-el...
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#pedalfurther #bikepacking
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Hosted by Neil Beltchenko
Music by Ben Weaver (benweaver.net)
More at bikepacking.com

[@jonbrown2178]

I use the Etrex 32 for multi day Mtb races and it’s exactly what you need. I get >60 hrs of battery life when the settings are optimized (backlight, hibernation, etc). It’s archaic, but you can’t beat rugged reliability with battery life like that

[@danfhensley]

Been using an etrex 30 since the mid 2000's, and it is time for an update. Thanks for this video, it helped make my decision. I will add that my 30 is so accurate it saved me from making wrong turns quite a few times back country where a phone or paper map would allow me to travel much further before realizing my mistake. Also, Two Fish for the win!

[@dk2428]

I went with the 64sx. One GPS for hiking, bikepacking, canoeing...Solid as a rock, large screen, bluetooth,... With everything on mine runs 20hrs on 2 rechargeable 2100 AA's. Couldn't be happier.

[@madisondeans5566]

Neil you are a great presenter! Very informative and interesting,straight forward content.I always look forward to vids!!👍

[@wolframgarten4365]

Best explanation I have seen so far. I am using an etrex 20x for years now and it is great. Long lasting, exact and durable. Not easy to use but it does its thing. Thanks!

[@pedroblasco4924]

Awesome video. Thanks! I am an eTrex user since the HCx model and I love it. It has taken me to many places and never had an issue with it. For multiday trips where I am not sure I will be able to recharge my batteries and avoid using disposable ones, I use a battery pack to supply the power while riding and saving the batteries. I also like the SD card option because it allows me to add waypoints or even tracks improvising as I go without using a computer. I will just get waypoints or tracks from Google Maps or Earth or activity websites from my phone and then copy them into the SD card. They will appear in my GPS unit immediately.

[@ridelove13]

Thank you. Im planning a 3000km ride and did not know which gps deviece i should use. You helped me alot🥰

[@markowsley4954]

Great video! After listening to your explanation of the features I definitely think I would go with the etrex 32x.

[@outbackwack368]

A lot of people hate Garmin, but they have always worked for me... Thanks!

[@mspixydust]

I've used eTrex 30 for a long time - sturdy, dependable, good battery life. It was a champ on our recent Baja Divide trip.

[@corrineleistikow]

I've been using an eTrex 30x for a few years and I'm really happy with it. It is a pain to carry batteries but I don't have to stop and charge it and I like that. Once I figured it out, it has worked fine for me.

[@davidoliver6408]

Garmin Montana 680T...long battery life, topo base, camera, larger touch screen, rechargeable. Served me well for past 5 years. Would definitely buy again.

[@harris4035]

ummmmmm, THESES VIDEOS ARE PRICELESS!!! Also, I was in Angry Catfish last weekend. Awesome bike shop! Just sad you're no longer there. Every employee we talked to was AWESOME though.

[@chuckperry3313]

Great information about this tool. I am on my 3rd etrex unit. I still have the back for the first one somewhere. I think the lanyard securing the removable part of the unit is a design flaw personally, but I really check that the back is secured on better now. My second unit the on/off button went away. Another design flaw that the rubber gets brittle with time. I lived in San Diego and was in the desert a lot with those first two units, so temp and humidity might have accelerated the decay of the rubber. I can still use the second unit. My third unit is an etrex32x. Other than the clunky UI and the antiquated USB chipset it is still a solid performer. I came to this video whilst searching for how to load routes on it, which I have never done before. The first unit was for backpacking and hiking. The second unit spent half its' time walking trails and then got shifted to the bike. I have been using the current unit predominantly as a bike head. I have a cadence sensor, a speed sensor(garmin won't use that) both garmin in a combo setup. I also have a HR strap and find it handy to have all the data in one place via basecamp. I haven't found how to use the Garmin Explorer Site with the ETrex yet, or with Garmin Connect for that matter. So the lanyard, the UI, slow USB all aside it is still a solid, reliable, PREDICTABLE unit. 'Tis a poor craftsman that blames his tools. My goal is to use this unit for the Pacific Coast Route. This video convinced me this is the right choice for me.

[@TaivalOutdoors]

I've had eTrex 30x for few years, and honestly, it's pretty bad but I don't know if there's anything better for backpacking either. It's bulky, heavy, works on batteries, can't be charged through USB (ancient USB micro), UI is horribly slow and reminds me of early 2000s Nokia phones, doesn't have screen lock...

[@Roskellan]

I use the eTrex 32x on an EUC. I have it strapped to my shoulder on velcro so it's accessible as I ride. I always preload my tour, calibrate the compass, check satellite reception, reset the trip before I start Navigation on each tour. I also like the ability to add the compass to the map screen. At the end of my ride, I end Navigation and save the trip and track information. The nice thing about the 32x over the 22x is that the compass works really well even when you are not moving.

[@writesmith]

I just got a Garmin GPSMAP 66i and I love it. I got this one because it includes inReach for SOS and satellite messaging off grid, plus all the feature of the Etrex, plus rechargeable battery, WiFi, and Bluetooth.

[@I_Am_Bone]

I just picked up a 22x based on this video. Cheers!

[@zamphzibaha]

This video was really helpful. Thank you. I just got a 22x and have it held on the handlebars with bits of plywood, blu-tac and elastic bands but I like your idea for the mount. Thanks again.

[@micahmarkson9830]

Also consider my 3d printed adapter, which allows you to use the eTrex with one of the standard Garmin quarter-turn mounts, of which you can find many varieties. mmarkson.com/gps

[@zamphzibaha]

@@micahmarkson9830 Nice, thanks

[@garethblake7374]

I've been using a 1030 for ages. Maps and route following are good. Very configurable. Touch screen is a problem in the rain. When touring I've popped it in my handlebar bag, which has a see through top. So far I've had a 500 (lion bat failed and destroyed it), 800 which still works, 1000 (bat failure again), and now the 1030. My original GPS was an etrex summit 20 years ago, I liked the joystick.

[@MarchWilliam]

eTrex 10 :) sits in my handlebar bag, has everything I need, good battery life and I can use it for hiking and other non-bike activities. Fairly waterproof as well, but I wouldn't dunk it underwater. No detailed maps (topo etc.), but so far I have not needed that.

[@Gentle_Zephyr]

etrex 10 has an amazing battery life. It has same waterproof levels as other garmin gps units. You can even upload maps onto in, but ofc you only have 8 mb of memory available (and even less). I've changed it to etrex touch, because it can be perfectly used for both cycling and outdoor activities. And navigation is probably the best option available on all devices except etrex 10.

[@wojciechgregorkiewicz2415]

Great video as always. The new line of Garmins edge computers has stellar battery performance as others have said. With screen off they can go on for days. I use edge 530 backed up with a phone for tricky mapping situations.

[@dk2428]

With everything dialed way back, my new edge explore quits after 5-6 hours of navigating. I'd hardly call that 'days'.

[@shanndalton]

Same… and add the battery expansion 🤘

[@kalebschriefer8707]

I just got the Etrex 32x. Starting my bikepacking “career”. Heading out on my first 300km overnighter this weekend, building up to the Tour Divide next year!

[@chueyzapata3425]

B Safe and Have Fun!!!

[@azpete6436]

thanks for the info. I just bought a 32x to replace a eTrex Vista that got stolen (with my bike etc.). I have had reasonable service from Garmin and preferred the buttons for bicycle use vs touch screen. Nice to know the button model has significantly more battery life.

[@kibbee890]

I've been using a Garmin Oregon for almost a decade. A little chunkier than cycling specific GPS units, but is really versatile and useful on and off the bike.

[@harisnanda]

I'm still using my 30x for 4 years now, and I bought it secondhand with good condition. It's robust and the battery power is such a good trade here. The hardware is pretty slow and UI a bit learning curve. But after that 4 years of using it, the button rubber was broken and started to peel off one by one. To repair it I'm using a erase pen refill and wrap some tape and it works again.

[@benkristendotcom]

Yup, my buttons wore out too. 3D printed a plug and used some of that rubber putty stuff that dries; works alright. But second button broke too and I may try your solution! Garmin wouldn't help me with a replacement part. :(

[@benkristendotcom]

Have the eTrex 20 and it's also held up for about a decade. Only failure point is the right side back and light plastic cover has dried out and cracked/fallen off. Garmin said there is no replacement part so I had to 3D print / rig up my own fix. Looking into the 32x and it sounds like the product is still doing what I'm looking for. Thanks!

[@captaincoyote1792]

I’m a long time member…and of course, a subscriber. Neil, every one of your videos…I mean EVERY ONE…have been value-added to the hobby, to the sport. I’m a male, late 60s, and retired from two careers that were often fraught with potential danger. In retirement, I have no wish to tempt fate and deal with the inherent danger of riding paved roads, where drivers are often staring at a screen rather than paying attention to the road. I do almost all my bicycling off road, not for performance, but to “gravel road distance bikepack touring”. Is this unit one which I can follow a route that stays primarily on gravel roads, rail trails, back country farm roads, etc? Or do I have to front load my route? I hate to admit this, but all these options seem more confusing than that which I want to play with while “pedaling”. I did use some nice advanced Garmin devices during my careers, but I do recall at times being frustrated with getting to the meat of “where are we in relation to where want to go”. Still Neil, you are a natural, when presenting the subject matter. I’ll look further….but one thing, I now have second thoughts on the usefulness of the 830, 1030, etc. So, Neil, Bravo-Zulu, as always, well done!

[@Freightlinerbob]

I’m using an ETrex 30x which I bought 2nd hand for a mere pittance. Great value indeed.

[@dermotblackweir1971]

Another interesting video Neil. I've used a Garmin Edge 1030 for a while and I've found the battery life to be excellent, several days worth. Plus it also has an internal battery so there are no external batteries that end up in landfill. Large screen, Ride With GPS and Komoot compatability, wireless route transfer and great battery life compensate for the relatively high price tag for me.

[@envia3000]

I still use my etrex vista HCX, came with me to biketrip around South America and work perfectly. The only thing now is to upload the new files into the divice. Times when the Mapsource was the deal

[@James-gx7sk]

Thanks for the confirmation bias! I’m an eTrex 30 user (formerly hcx) and eTrex battery life + GPSFile Depot open source maps is the competitive advantage. I always get looks or questions when other cycle tourists see it…it’s a if you know then you know sort of thing. It’s seriously many generations behind on most of what it does…from the horrible data rates across the vintage usb 1.1 interface to the clunky UI and don’t get sand in the joystick! But that battery life….with the right settings, I am getting 6-7 days between changes…nothing else comes close.

[@he1z]

A waterproof phone, klickfix mount, komoot app and a battery pack is what works best for me. My friends with dedicated gps units take way too many wrong turns because of the tiny screens. But ultimately it's the versatility that wins me over. Having a big screen with a detailed map really invites to stray off route and explore more often.

[@captaincoyote1792]

Now that’s interesting…I’ve wondered the same, if a separate unit is necessary. Thank you for providing a “value added” comment!

[@jeremybrunger17]

I think this is the best unit for the reasons mention. I progressed from the Vista HCx with added maps from an Open Source guy, progressed to Etrex 30 with Garmin UK loaded now Etrex 30x with Garmin Western Europe loaded. Having recently done the King Alfred's Way with no nav problems and watching others on YT having problems with their Wahoo. True it's clunky and slow but it's robust and with the long battery life for wild camping it's the best on the market so far.

[@brendonnoble5227]

Definitely use the lanyard! my etrex 30 flew off at 30 mph onto asphalt and now has a big scratch.

[@Squirrel_Rides]

I recently upgraded from the Edge 520 to the 1030+. It's an absolutely ridiculous pricetag, but otherwise has been a great move. The large screen is so easy to read when you're on the go, the touchscreen is wayyyyy easier to use than the buttons (especially if you're fiddling with it as you ride), and the 24 hour battery life has been amazing. On a super long, remote ride, I can totally see why people love the eTrex with its replaceable batteries, but for modern function I can't imagine anything better than the 1030+. It has Live Track, incident detection, TrailForks and Komoot built in, and wireless transfer of routes and data. I never used my 520 on day rides, but the 1030+ is so easy to use and gives me so much data (and is more accurate than my Fenix watch for recording rides) that I use it on almost every ride now - mtb, gravel, bikepacking, whatever.

[@Squirrel_Rides]

(the map size and longer battery life is why I invested in the 1030+ over the 830 - otherwise they are essentially the same)

[@choanlpoto]

I even use my 1030+ on long multi day trek with an external battery. The screen, the speed the option are better than the Oregon series.

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@michaelcinibulk9500]

I’m curious if anyone knows when the Garmin Edge Explorer will be updated. That seems to be a happy medium between Etrex and Edge computers.

[@Norristheforest]

It looks OK but have you compared it to the Satmap Active 20? I don't know if it's easy to get hold of / supported as well in the States.

[@adamabbas8876]

Love the simple approach. I take it you cannot update the route on the go? Not even through the micro usb card?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

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[@douche4ever]

Would love to see a video talking about SPOT trackers for ultra endurance rides and general safety in the back country.

[@dresu14]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaGyipemq8ZqmJo

[@wazzup105]

Hmm.. I do have an old Etrex 20 lying around.. Maybe I should just take it with me next time. When I did long hikes or trail runs it was really nice to turn it on and not be lost anymore in seconds.

[@peterbasinger7447]

Neil, are the 22x and 32x significantly brighter or easier to see in direct daylight? That's really been my only issue with the e Tex series. I can barely see the screen in the middle of the day. Garmin claims a sunlight - readable display on the new ones. Do you notice a difference compared to the old one?

[@EndUser-yu7gg]

I have used Garmin GPS handhelds ... Great maps but battery life always left me needing to pack more batteries ... I now use a roam and I have a sos unit which also has maps that I can check things with while making routes but buy in large the roam for me is my preference even if the gps does suffer some in heavy woods ... If I am route plotting my Garmin sos gps lets me.mark references as I wish .. if I could only take one I'd naturally take the sos unit 66i if I was going to be in cell dead areas most of the time...even though it's really suck down my battery bank ... If I was in towns every day my roam is all I would need I got a Dynamo wheel so I could keep it topped up which hasn't been an issue

[@davidalderson7761]

32 has past its sell by date. Apart from battery life (excellent) form factor which is best…….it’s old and slow, needs a speedy chip upgrade for sure.

[@MikeConnellmuna]

Love your videos. I'm a new convert to bikepacking (read: I've never tried it, but I'm training/planning for one in the near future). I've used a garmin edge 520 for my road biking endeavours for years. Now I need a new one. Any thoughts on Hammerhead?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I should have a review out soon on the Hammerhead, but the problem with most GPS units is you need to recharge the device, and such is the case with the Hammerhead Karoo2. But the Hammerhead has some really neat power saving modes that make it worth while. I still need to test it on an extended trip but so far it has exceeded my expectations out of a cycling computer.

[@zorkabaljak3919]

easy to use and install

[@ronschuddeboomdigiscoping3693]

I use my etrexiphone 7plus; great for navigation, browsing the web, Google maps, whatsapp etc. I can even take photos and shoot video.…and use it as a phone as well

[@federicotheironlyportrait]

I really hate such an expensive device can't recharge batteries through USB (as opoposed to a $30 headlamp) and don't bring USB-C in 2021 :(

[@alexandermajor6467]

You can recharge batteries through a usb when they're inside the gps - just need to buy the adapter. Alternatively just buy an AA battery charger which charges off usb

[@jonathanquarrie7617]

For the mount what brand is the part that clips to the Garmin itself? Thanks :)

[@ZenoLee0]

I have the Wahoo ELEMNT Roam. After 1 year, the battery lasts ~12 hours. The constant buggy software updates from Wahoo is seriously making me look at alternatives like the eTrex

[@brendonnoble5227]

I use an etrex 30, for road and mountain biking, it is so tough. However the acumulative height creeps a lot for the first 10 minutes and is always about 30% more than it sbould be. Any ideas how to fix this?

[@JethroJessop]

I was literally just polishing mine up ready to eBay it when this video popped up! For years I just used my phone. Then I got it into my head that I should have a 'proper' GPS unit. I bought the Etrex 22x and tried really hard to like it but honestly, it sucks. The desktop software is awful, the UI is clunky, the maps are horrible, the process for using it is slow and the screen is tiny. Even if you get used to navigating with it it is no good for planning a route for all the above reasons so would only be useful on trips where you were sure you'd never stray from your initial plan. After using a smartphone the bar for UI is just set too high and I ended up ditching the Etrex and going back to the phone. I'm gonna have it with me anyway so why carry an extra gadget?

[@NigelMarston]

I am going through the same dilemma. I'm just about to start bike-packing and have an older Pixel 2 XL phone which may not last a whole day of riding. I could buy a Wahoo (probably my fav of the cycle computers) or a new Pixel 5, with a better battery than my old Pixel 2, and a Quadlock case and mount. This way I get Google maps and I don't have to suffer any of the nonsense UIs that these devices have.

[@JethroJessop]

@@NigelMarston For what it's worth I am using the Pixel 5 and it is great. I cache maps using Viewranger then keep it in airplane mode for as much of the time as I can. I don't use it for turn by turn navigation but I run maps and strava as well as taking photos and video and the battery easily lasts the day. On rides longer than a day I'll also edit the day's footage in the evening and upload to KZbin if I have data. I recently rode the Pennine Bridleway and was able to stay powered up for the whole week with a 20000mah Anker battery. I have a dynamo as well but on that ride it was not a lot of use.

[@NigelMarston]

@@JethroJessop That's great to know. Thanks for this. I've been dithering about buying a Wahoo for ages but seeing your original answer and now your reply to me has completely influenced my decision - Pixel 5 and a load of Quadlock accessories (80 quid's worth but I'd need a case anyway). I have planned to ride across the moors, Devon coast-to-coast (taking a long route), down into Cornwall, and back up then around Exmouth. I reckon on 8-hours a day of actual cycling for a week or two. Hotels in the evening (I'm not ready to go camping yet - maybe next time). My son has a Pixel 5 and thinks it'll easily cope with that, and because I'll be largely off road, the Pixel can deliver music via Bluetooth too. Seems a no-brainer. Thanks again.

[@JethroJessop]

@@NigelMarston glad it was helpful. Sounds like a great ride you have planned. I've not done a lot down that way but I've messed around on the Moors a little and it's beautiful. Good luck with it!

[@NigelMarston]

@@JethroJessop Thanks. I also fancy trying to do the Scottish NC500 one day... well, more than a day. I'd need a good two weeks for that.

[@HIGHVILLELAUNCHER]

Any idea if this can do real turn-by-turn with a gpx route. Looking for something like the turn by turn that the wahoo computers use

[@george5120]

Discussion begins at 1:20. Everything before 1:20 is off-topic intro.

[@vothry]

Mini USB?!? Garmin truly knows how to mess up an otherwise good looking package.

[@alexandermajor6467]

The etrex case hasn't changed for years and was around a long time before microusb - more modern cases from Garmin use the microusb connection

[@Jesse-bb4qj]

Just remember, An apple 🍎 engineer designed a "mouse" that can't be used while plugged in (the USB is on the flat side 🤔

[@KidtipsyEthn]

I have an 830....but thinking of getting one of these units also. Does anyone know if the etrex 32x has the same type of mapping like the 830. Turn by Turn with the long arrow as you are biking on the trail map? Also when you want to navigate back my Fenix 6 and 830 have the option of finding the fastest route back to my starting point. Do these devices do that also?

[@Cyclingches01]

Thanks for the informative video. I am looking for a new unit and debating between the 32x and 35. My main hesitation is the ease of upload .gpx file to the unit while out on a trip without a laptop computer. The 32x seems more reliable but it doesn't have bluetooth, but would a cable connected to the unit from an android phone be sufficient to upload .gpx files?

[@pawekazmierczak4334]

Yes, you can transfer gpx file over the cable to the unit from your phone.

[@daverambleonwitt4775]

Hi, just wondering, my etrex 32x is suddenly wrongly plotting my waypoints, some of them, 70k to th west of where they should be, any clues please?

[@wckoek]

I wondered what is the difference between 30x and 32x? I've read that the 32x came with a topographic map which cannot be removed, does the 30x came with any map at all?

[@decentdiversions]

I got a new-in-box etrex30 for cheap last year for use in rain. Not perfect and not the most intuitive but a lot better than getting lost because my iphone's touch screen glitched out during a downpour!

[@JoseArmandoTambini]

I recently bought the Etrex 22x for bicycle using. I found that while the battery is very durable, the device charges the map screen pretty slow when you are in a city with many roads and things and it may be annoying. Even though the screen is transflective I needed to put it on a certain angle to properly see what´s on the screen. Also had the 66s, which solves this both problems but creates a new one, the weight.

[@ly8370]

65s is the best, lighter than 66s.

[@chunkylover54]

My etrx 30 got run over by a car doing 50 and it survived. It's been 10 years now and been waiting to upgrade. Looking at the 32x. I love the idea of using batteries which you can find at any gas station in a pinch which is the reason i got it

[@chunkylover54]

The lanyard would have helped haha

[@shibashisnath2417]

Why not lezyne mega XL? It also has good battery backup.

[@bizzle187]

What are the main differences between this and the Garmin 530? Is this one better for MTB?

[@mikaelljungberg1019]

Im fantasierna abort bikepacking/touring and are looking for praktikplats solutions dore The future whwn i havet saved upp for a bike and camping equippment.i Wonder what praktikplats differens The etrex 32x has compered to The se.

[@veriest1]

My Montana 600 won't die and has decent battery life so I lug it along on the bike (ram mount on stem). It's the polar opposite of sleek.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Love a tool that lasts!

[@paulha2998]

eTrex32x: Does somebody have experience with importing maps which have been dowloaded from android to sd-card? I cant find a solution for that.

[@Koopsas]

I've been using my 32x since late 2019 and it's been an utter gem of a piece of kit. I think a lot of the grievances people have with it is that as far as modern day electrics goes, the etrex line of products is borderline heritage, It's a simple but powerful piece of kit with more an emphasis on robustness and ruggedness then ease of use. My only grievance is there's no way for me to add a .gpx file from my phone, so any changes to a route I have to make I end up following my phone instead, which is a shame.

[@rockhoundphil]

I Transfer files from my Android phone all the time. I use a usb-c to USB adapter with the Etrex cable.

[@Koopsas]

@@rockhoundphil Does that actually work just like that? I assumed it was a wee bit more complicated, especially with how Basecamp is setup.

[@samuli4738]

You can just put the sd-card from the Etrex in your phone, save the gpx to the card in the right folder and then put the card back in the Etrex. Not as handy as it could be these days but possible.

[@rockhoundphil]

@@Koopsas you can transfer any gpx file to the Etrex "gpx" folder. Doesn't have to be from Basecamp. I also transfer gpx files from the Etrex directly to strava through the chrome browser on my phone.

[@paulverweij6348]

I used the Garmin Edge 1030+ id has a 24hr full sensor use time last summer my dynamo kabel broke in the middle of iceland 5 days from any place to charge. and put it in power save mode (only screen when you touch the screen and goes off after 10sec) I rode 5 days of 10hrs from 80% to 15% batery live. and with the Edge 1030+ you get now all maps of the world from garmin for free... my Edge 1000 had only Europe and a 5-10hr batery live. if your a data guy Edge 1030+ is perfect for bikepacking, but full batery is just as mutch as a full phone charge. but my dynamo makes power for garmin/phone/drone15min max with a SON dynamo and forumslader v5 transformer.

[@________2705]

if you just want to follow a gpx track this is the device to go...but it does not like to zoom in/out or panning the map (slow but battery efficient processor).

[@Temporalplace]

Does etrex 32 have ascending and descending degree level ? I mean gradient level

[@user-ow1jh8yb5j]

With ant+ will it connect to a power meter too?

[@gmhorsley]

Unfortunately not. It will only pick up heart rate and cadence which is a little frustrating.

[@Gizmoimages]

I can't decide between the etrex 32 and the Garmin 530. Anyone chime in why one would be better than the other for racing or bikepacking.

[@RideProductionsNZ]

I have an etrex 35T and I get 3 days with AA lithium batteries. Not sure why you only got 6 hours battery life?! There are a few tips to extending battery life. You can leave on current activity in the Track Manager setting for example rather than constantly have on the map. Not sure what you are doing to only get 6 hours battery!

[@scully0105]

Can you set the device to metric measurements, use km and metres?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Yes!

[@gmjohnson77]

Does the 32x connect wirelessly to Garmin connect?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Negative. I wish it did. The Etrex 35 Touch does however.

[@Twicrumbles]

Ah, the Etrex series. I've certainly enjoyed using my Etrex 20 back in the day, but this review made me check the date of publishing a few times... I mean, now I have other options the Etrex remains in the bottom of a drawer when I go out every single time. Plans change: because of the weather, mechanicals, tips from locals, or simply because I feel like it. This is a pita with the Etrex, and a breeze with bluetooth enabled devices (+ the phone you carry). If you like the Etrex experience, that's fine, enjoy the ride! It certainly has its benefits. But for a 'review' I'd expect a little more explanation of what's different in practical terms than "this may not be the latest gizmo but OMG battery life!!"

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@GleCow]

Do you have any useful information to share? Like what products you use instead?

[@spencerlucas5835]

does the garmin Etrex 22x and the 33x re-rooute if you take wrong turn

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

No.

[@user-ef9ue3gw2u]

Changed many GPS units and now have a dilemma: etrex 32x or GPSmap 65s. The only real thing that I don't like in etrex is the lack of Bluetooth :( if only the released a 33x with an ability to pair with a smartphone

[@elcompamartinez2647]

WHY I CAN'T SEE THE STREETS MAPS OR OTHER DETAILS?

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Like you said, "it isn't easy to figure out". I would probably gain 20 pounds of fat sitting, instead of riding, to figure it out. The base maps are ok in case you get completely lost and need to locate yourself to get out to a road.

[@OutandAboutwithTrev]

Yeah nice video but I don't I want to use anything Russia has produced so will just use the GPS system...still a nice video, getting one of eTrex 32x gps's next week for bushwalks and rides. Nice to hear what you think about it.

[@maruthicivilengineer8412]

How much accuracy

[@joshjspice]

Good review of this device but they're the same thing they've always been and it didnt convince me they're the best gps for any outdoor activity. Honestly, why not just your phone? (Outside of winter, of course) I've really enjoyed Ride with GPS and Gaia. But also why not just run a gps bike computer off a dyno hub (for something like TD) or cache battery (for a single ride)? I think a missing perspective is how are you powering and recharging everything else? Are you entirely using AA/AAAs? That's wasteful, but if not, battery life is somewhat irrelevant with a dyno hub or cache battery that you have for other uses anyway. Like another commenter, i did a double take on the published date and wondered if you're sponsored by Garmin, ha! A comparison of all the different options would be nice to see. Btw, those are AAs not AAAs, that power your alTIMeter 😊

[@kevinhinton3566]

I use a 35t every day all the time On battery save mode it last over 30 hours

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

So is that the mode where the screen goes blank but pops up when you touch it?

[@eternaltome3376]

How does this compare to using gaia on an iphone?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I love Gaia and Ride with GPS for that matter, but my phone is my backup.

[@SaimonThapa]

is etrex 10 as useful as this? or will edge 1030 be better than etrex 10?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

It depends on what you are doing and if you want to end up charging your edge with a battery pack or something of the sort. Generally speaking, the eTrex series all works the same, with the 10 being more of a budget/simple option.

[@SaimonThapa]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom i want a "turn left/right" kind of navigation that is available in 1030. and also be able to load long (2000km+) routes .gpx files. could you please suggest which would be the best option? and thank you for the above info!

[@detrage5483]

But they're so sloooow. See for example 6:20, screen updates take ages. It works ok as long as you're just following a breadcrumb track. But anything more advanced and it's like you're using a device from the early 2000. Indeed, that seeyto be pretty much what you're getting. I've used a gpsmap 60 before (early 2000 device) and it offers basically the same functionality and user experience as the new etrex models. So no, I wouldn't say they're great value for money.

[@arminhess1512]

etrex without the secure strap is like playing Russian Roulette because the mount sucks. but for adventure riding it is great!

[@redw0lf848]

isn't actually double A not triple A?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Yes, I misspoke as a few others pointed out. Thanks for watching.

[@hagaiv]

Limited connectivity, no option to upload files with BT, what happens if you need a detour?? So many limitations with the GPX files, format, name, number of dots, no indication as for error. All these lithium batteries to waste!! I switched to rechargeable ones and have to carry a charger as it is not supporting direct charging. No direction indication just the purple line, no real supporting app (like new devices) as there is no real connectivity from phone. Great durability. If you are used to it or stuck with it (like me), it will do the job. No way I will buy the 32x version...

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

So if you were not stuck with your eTrex, what would you be using?

[@hagaiv]

First, one of Garmin's touch screen rechargeables, Edge, 830 or 1030 according to budget. Second option (like Lyle) Wahoo -looks so easy

[@edcanney2323]

You said unit uses AA then said AAA, should correct that unit used AA not AAA

[@DrMarvinLara]

Edge 520 Plus is way better. Just need to use garmin connect to make courses, even hiking trails in backcountry.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Also just need to carry a power bank as it has an internal battery.

[@philotis1896]

32x just sits in its box as too difficult Already got over it only works in UK if you buy other maps ( taly toaster) Wish video get started UK cycle Make route in google map import as GPX ( can do that) Now what ? Ms O

[@StevenSiew2]

I am really confused. If you are cycling in an urban environment, just use your smart phone. It already has GPS and mapping software and you will know exactly where you are. No need to spend $300 on a garmin GPS.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I guess my questions is, why would you bikepack in an urban environment? I may go into towns for resupply, but most of the bikepacking I do is in remote locations.

[@johnsnyder7295]

Good video. I know the Garmin etrex 35 is total Garbage. Don't buy this device.

[@TheMule360]

It’s called an Altimeter not Alttometer…..amateur….

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

But you knew what I meant…..classic…

[@jamiet4039]

Is this a Garmin sponsored ad? As others have commented, UI looks like it's a burner Nokia phone from the dot-com crash days. On top of this, the chunky thing costs $300. It's 2021 -- how is this a "fantastic option for bikepacking." This is a trash product, and all of us know it. We as a community should be asking for more.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Wait, you have tried it for bikepacking, right? I just want to make sure your comment is one of a valid user and not part of the armchair bandwagon. Also, we never do sponsored placement and we never will, hope that clears things up for ya, Jamie T.

[@thomasmuller986]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom Thats good to know I always asked myself if the stuff is sponsored. I think that because others say it in every video they upload nowadays

[@jamiet4039]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom when a video is titled "Best Unit for Bikepacking" with *zero* comparison with other competitors, it lends one to believe the video could be a Garmin ad. If this is not a comparison video, then please title it differently. It is nice to know this video is not an ad, but as another commenter has stated, it would be good to state this in the beginning of the video. To answer your question, I use my phone for bikepacking with a quadlock system. A modern day smartphone equipped with an app like Gaia or CalTopo has most of the technologies an eTrex would have. Admittedly, this is not a perfect system and I am happy to talk pros and cons here, but Garmin has been in the GPS business for decades. Their near monopoly in the industry has led to very little improvement (mini USB?) over their products at the cost of the consumer. Thank god for WAHOO and new companies like Hammerhead KAROO are taking them on. Why not mention them, or the humble smartphone in this video?

[@lisawhitaker8709]

@@jamiet4039 Respectfully disagreeing with the need to retitle this vid. The title includes a question mark which should make it obvious that the content creator is exploring an idea. The title also states it is a review of one product rather than a YY vs. ZZ head to head.