ZDNET’s main points
- The Garmin eTrex Solar is currently available for \(249.99. The eTrex SE without solar is priced at \)149.99.
- It offers the potential for unlimited battery life, extensive GNSS support, a rugged build, and affordability.
- However, it features a small monochrome display and lacks turn-by-turn directions of TopoActive maps.
Growing up in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, my brother and I share a deep connection to nature. While I have a keen sense of direction, the need for GPS navigation becomes more apparent as I venture further into remote locations.
Additionally:
Although smartphones come equipped with GPS receivers, preserving battery life for essential functions like communication and photography is crucial. While my watches also offer GPS capabilities, their displays are optimized for specific fitness activities rather than recreational navigation. Handheld GPS units, on the other hand, are tailor-made for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, fishing, geocaching, and camping. They feature large displays, extended battery life, and durable construction to withstand various environmental conditions, ensuring they remain operational even if accidentally dropped or bumped during exploration.
Over the past few months, I have been using the Garmin eTrex Solar for hiking, trail riding, and geocaching. This GPS handheld boasts up to 200 hours of GPS navigation without solar charging. In areas with ample sunlight (75,000 lux), the device promises unlimited GPS navigation support. While I haven’t tested its unlimited battery life due to the lack of extreme sunlight exposure, I have not needed to recharge the unit during my excursions. Additionally, the device consistently registers solar intensity levels between 70-80%, indicating its efficiency in harnessing minimal sunlight.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
The eTrex Solar is user-friendly, featuring five large buttons covered in soft-touch material and a 2.2-inch monochrome display. With a lanyard opening at the bottom and an integrated belt loop clip at the back, carrying the handheld is convenient. The device charges via USB-C, with the port located on the back above the belt clip and protected by a rubber gasket to prevent water damage, boasting an IPX7 water-resistant rating.
The home screen provides easy access to tracking, navigation, solar status, satellite status, and settings. Displayed on the tracking widget are metrics such as elevation, trip odometer, speed, and moving time, with customization options akin to Garmin GPS sports watches. Users can navigate to waypoints, courses, geocaches, and more.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
Priced affordably, the Garmin eTrex Solar excels in acquiring GPS signals and navigation. However, it lacks support for turn-by-turn directions, custom maps, or TopoActive maps, offering basic route guidance instead. The device supports the loading of a thousand waypoints and locations, along with 50 courses and 200 activities. It is compatible with various global navigation satellite systems and includes a three-axis compass for enhanced navigation accuracy.
To maximize the Garmin eTrex Solar’s capabilities, connect it to your smartphone using the Garmin Explore app. This connection enables access to detailed geocaching information, real-time weather updates on the device, software updates, cloud storage synchronization, smart notifications, trip planning, and additional mapping features.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
Priced at \(249.99, the Garmin eTrex Solar is an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable navigation tools. For those who prefer a version without solar charging, the eTrex SE is available for \)149.99. Geocaching with this handheld GPS unit has been a delightful experience, aiding in destination navigation and familiarizing users with the device’s functionality.
ZDNET’s recommendation
If you seek a dedicated GPS device for exploration and navigation, the Garmin eTrex Solar is a commendable choice. While the absence of detailed maps may pose a limitation for some users, the device’s extended battery life and precise route tracking capabilities make it a valuable asset for outdoor activities. Geocaching enthusiasts will particularly appreciate its robust support for this engaging pastime.