I like this unit. I was using a Garmin GPSMap 60CSX (now my backup) and this unit aquires much faster and is more accurate. With the ability to use larger Micro SDCards, I grabbed many free maps online, made some of my own, and purchased the Topo 24k from Garmin. It's small, light, and last almost 24 hours on battery for me. I bought the backpack attachment, but also printed a couple of clip accessories I found on Thingiverse. I'm happy!! Also, it is rated IPX7 which seems to be defined as:
IPX-7 Waterproof Standard
Puddle, stream, beer cooler and splash rated - Protected against water immersion - Immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
Buying a GPS was a big decision for me. Which one to get...? With it being an expensive item, buyer's remorse was not something that I wanted to deal with. Thankfully I am 99% happy with my choice. A lot of people complain that the Garmins are not "user friendly" but frankly, I have to disagree. Did I spent some time figuring it out? Sure. Did it take me hours and hours and ended with me crying in frustration? No.
What I like:
1. Excellent battery performance, especially if you keep your screen at the dimmest (perfectly good in daylight, not so good in the dark).
2. Small and light
3. Robust and although I'm sure it's not waterproof to the point where you can submerge it, I use it in rain all the time
4. Alarm clock! Wow had no idea I would use this feature so much
5. Pretty easy to upload/download/transfer tracks without "proper" software (just using your PC/Mac and GoogleEarth)
What I don't like:
1. It doesn't have a "key lock" function. So every now and then I accidentally mark waypoints when my GPS press against something in my pack
2. The joystick button is sometimes a little bit unresponsive. But by 2 seconds or so. So not a biggie.
3. I haven't fully wrapped my head around the BaseCamp software and I don't understand when I rename my tracks/waypoints, the default names seem set in BaseCamp and don't change.
What you have to remember:
1. You MUST purchase a micro SD card and you have to make sure you get one with the right specs. You actually cannot buy the fastest/best cards out there because it wouldn't work. I've read online that a 32 GB FAT32 formatted card is the maximum that you can go. But best to verify this with Garmin.
2. I seriously suggest purchasing a screen protector. Once your screen is scratched... it's scratched. Don't be frugal on this.
If you are in the market for an entry level GPS, this is the one to go for.
I do a lot of solo backpacking, and I love to spend my trips off-trail. I consider my GPS device to be not a nice item to have, but instead I consider it a very important safety item to have with me. I really rely on it!
I owned an old Garmin GPS unit for many years, but finally had to dump it because I could no longer upload data to it. I was from the pre-USB era. I chose the eTrex 30x for the replacement.
I see that some hikers want the full graphical map capabilities in their GPS units. I see them huddled on side of the trail trying to read the digital map on their units. As best I can tell, they basically want Google Maps on their GPS units, while out in the wilderness. While that idea sounds nice, I have found it to be not efficient.
I plan my routes using caltopo.com. Excellent route planning tool. I then create a series of "breadcrumbs" for my hike, marking every key turning point, lake, or other significant feature. I then upload this data direct into my 30x. Easy process.
When I am out on the trail I just want the device to tell me which direction and distance is a specific point that I have pre-marked. The 30x does that perfectly. I select the point I want to go to, and it gives me a compass and distance to that point. Perfect, for me. Quick and efficient. I pass up those groups trying to figure out where they are located on a graphical map on a very small screen.
I love mine so much that I own two of them, one as a primary unit, one as an emergency backup, just in case. A very solid product!
I use several different types of Outdoor GPSs. Mostly Garmin. This unit was purchased as a loaner for hiking-hunting friends. I mainly use the free TOPO Maps for Virginia (http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/432/, however, I also use a 2008 Garmin TOPO DVD $).
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With Garmin Basecamp (the free SW program to manage maps, waypoints, etc., I had little trouble transferring my maps, waypoints (dozens), and routes (11 of them). Everything worked well. (I think Basecamp is OK, but not as good as the older Garmin MapSource v6—discontinued.)
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This GPS loads quickly (considering my map sizes) and locks on satellites in a reasonable amount of time. The menus are customizable (click through selected pages) which allows you to set up the GPS to quickly flip through the pages you usually use (this is common to Garmin GPSs, I think). Pages have easy to update settings for selecting fields, changing maps, and contextual options. You can also change the datum sets and the coordinate systems to your liking (to match the map-set features of your mapping software or Google's mapping system for example. You can easily edit/move/change waypoints/routes and names, and change symbols, DIRECTLY on the unit's actual database using Basecamp--a great plus for units without a touch-screen. (note: Basecamp also allows backup of the unit's data to your computer hard disk.)
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These newer units using GLONASS satellite association alongside US satellites, seem to place locations more accurately and more quickly than previous systems (you have to manually turn on the GLONASS setting from the menu).
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The 4 GB of internal memory was enough to load my Eastern TOPO 2008 (4 States) + my Free Virginia TOPO map set without using a microSD card. The screen is clear and very usable when zooming down to 800-foot scale or higher. Once you allow Basecamp to compile and build Map image files, you can just copy them via USB connection to your hard-drive; and then, copy them to another unit (use extreme care if you do not understand what map image files are, or which directory to place them in on the Garmin unit. My second unit fired up, the first time, correctly loading my 2 map image files—without a hitch—just after I simply copied the 2 Map Image files from my HDD to the unit. (note: the unit apparently uses a slow USB 2.0 connection, so it took about 20 minutes to copy these 2 image files--about 2GBs total. Fortunately, you rarely have to copy maps/map image files)
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I was planning on replacing my old Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx with another similar GPS, but after using this unit, I bought a second one a couple of weeks later.) The screen is smaller than many other more expensive units, but very usable. Great handheld Product!
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Note: I would rate GPS unit use, GPS SW, Unit Setup, hiking uses, map-building, waypoint/route building and use, and Datum/Coordinate changes among the most difficult-to-understand software technologies for the typical consumer. I have seen many reviews and negative comments that reflect a misunderstanding about the capabilities of a handheld GPS, or realistic expectations about GPS systems/GPS software / or ridiculous commentary (bought a non-touch screen unit and complaining about lack of a touch screen). All of my Garmin units are accurate within 30 feet or less (according to the satellite fix on the screen) and have always placed me within 30 Yards of a marked waypoint months or years later (<90 feet max--which is close enough to see your stand or car). If you are new to using GPSs, or struggling to get it to work well, there are numerous websites offering information on general GPS setup and technology, and very specific information on building your own map sets, Datum/Coordinate selection, accuracy expectations, over-zooming issues, etc. and explanations about bearing/heading – placement accuracy/waypoint averaging – compass calibration – magnetic N compass alignment – vector turns, etc. I hope this helps some of you planning to tackle hand-held GPSs. . .
Ok, so if you do what any halfway intelligent consumer does and RESEARCH a little bit before dropping $150+ on a product, you probably won't end up surprised by the fact that this thing doesn't come with every map of every type in every part of the world. You'll probably then buy the product, happily pay for the premium maps with Garmin (because, really, at about $8 a paper map just about anywhere you go, you realize that $80 or whatever gives you a WHOLE LOT MORE bang for your buck), or happily download a free version of your map from one of a handful of entire websites dedicated to producing free maps for handheld GPS units. If you did all of that, you'd probably give this product four or five stars because you'd realize how valuable it is having an accurate, waterproof GPS when you're farting around on a boat in the wilderness. Also, the software is pretty neat. Design your own trails to upload to your device, then have your device trek the actual path taken? Too cool.
Feature Product
- UPGRADED DISPLAY - Features a 2.2" 65K color sunglight readable display offering increased resolution (240 x 320 pixels). Physical dimensions: 2.1" x 4.0" x 1.3" (5.4 x 10.3 x 3.3 cm)
- LOAD MORE MAPS - Large 3.7 GB of internal memory and microSD card slot lets you load a variety of maps, including TOPO 24K, HuntView, BlueChart g2, City Navigator NT and BirdsEye Satellite Imagery (subscription required)
- PRELOADED BASEMAP - Includes a worldwide basemap with shaded relief
- BUILT-IN SENSORS - eTrex 30x adds a built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and a barometric altimeter which tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude, and you even can use it to plot barometric pressure over time
- WIRELESS - Wirelessly share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches with other compatible devices -simply press "send" to transfer your information -also wirelessly connects to compatible Garmin devices, including VIRB and accessory sensors.
Description
The new eTrex 30x is our upgraded version of the popular eTrex 30, with enhanced screen resolution and expandedinternal memory so you can download a greater variety of maps than ever. This rugged, dependable GPS retains the easeof-use and affordability that eTrex is legendary for, with an array of compatible mounts for use on ATVs, bicycles, boatsand cars. The new eTrex 30x also has the ability to track both GPS and GLONASS satellites simultaneously. Add to that a3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter, and you’re ready to confidently go anywhere.
The Garmin handheld eTrex 30x GPS receiver works well for hiking and most outdoor sports that entails personal movement. It is small enough to carry in your pocket. However, you will have to purchase additional GPS maps from Garmin to realize the full potential of this receiver. Otherwise, it does the job of helping you find your way in wilderness conditions. Nevertheless, I would suggest bringing along a compass and paper map as a precaution in case the GPS receiver malfunctions. The learning curve is minimal for users of Garmin GPS receivers. It acquires satellites quickly and locates your position on the receiver map.
Have been very impressed with the 30x size and reliability. I'd been using a cell phone for tracking hikes, but battery life and tracking errors caused by touch screen and fat finger errors convinced me to buy a dedicated unit.
The learning curve is steep because of the poor documentation and hardware orientation. Fortunately there are good online resources available.
The small size is really great, and 2 AA battery power is fantastic. The device basically tracks all the time, which is a blessing (I've never lost a track, even when learning) and a curse (when I forget to clear the current track before a hike). But, easily fixed after the fact in Basecamp.
I bought a GPSMAP 64st, but have found it to unwieldy in size. The interface is somewhat better, and like the 30x, is water & shock resistant.
Overall, I think the 30x is the better option for hiking, but expect a spend a couple weeks figuring everything out (I'm a novice Garmin user). I'll keep both units, as I enjoy comparing my cell phone, 30x and 64st operation and results.
If I had to choose one for hiking, it would be the 30x.
Just completed humping down a portion of the AT and some misc trails and this thing was dead on. I only bought it for location and use with downloaded trail maps. Batteries lasted for days with the unit on 24/7. Reception was great,
always picked up a satellite, even under heavy canopy. Surprisingly water proof during heavy rains. Only issue I have is any cover made for it does not fit it very well. I kept it in an outside pocket on my pack.
This is the second etrex I have owned because I like the product although the menu structure can be a bit trying. The first one bricked after several years, this product bricked after 18 months. I was ready to leave Garmin behind and look at different companies but I decided to call and ask whether they would cover the product although 6 months out of warranty. They agreed to do so and even expedited shipping so it arrived in time for my next trip. In this day and age, I think company support means just as much as product features!
I love my 30x. I take it all over the world with me it's light weight, easy to use , and has expandable memory to carry larger maps. Saving waypoints is easy, and the altimeter us very useful. I use the disposable lithium batteries and get several days of use out of them.
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