GPS for walking Garmin eTrex 32X any good?
Discussion
Evening all,
Looking for some advice please.
I do a fair bit of walking, both in the UK and Europe, when we are allowed!
So:- I am not at all knowledgeable about GPS for walking, and trying to research it, there seems to be a lot of acronyms that mean nothing to me.
In the UK I use my Iphone with a free app called footpathmap.co.uk. The beauty of this is that I can look at the bigger screen on my ipod, and work out a rough route, then use my phone when i am out walking. Issues are that as soon as you lose the phone signal you lose the route. It also gets through the battery quick.
So started thinking about a proper hand held GPS for walking, and if it could be used some how, when on a motorbike that would be a major bonus.
Ideally what I would like, would be to be able to work out a route, on an ipad or laptop, with an idea of how far it would be, then download it to the device, and be able to use the device when out for a walk.
I am looking at the garmin e trx 32X as seems pretty good, but no idea really if I can do the above with it!
It is a reasonable priced.
It does have uk and europe maps, but cant really tell if it will show all footpaths?
It does say you can use it on Motorbike.
One disadvantage is that it uses AA batteries, but I think I can get rechargeable Duracell AA batteries, so assuming they hold the same level of charge as normal ones, then that doesnt matter.
So anyone know about this stuff, is that one a good bet, or should I be looking at something else?
Looking for some advice please.
I do a fair bit of walking, both in the UK and Europe, when we are allowed!
So:- I am not at all knowledgeable about GPS for walking, and trying to research it, there seems to be a lot of acronyms that mean nothing to me.
In the UK I use my Iphone with a free app called footpathmap.co.uk. The beauty of this is that I can look at the bigger screen on my ipod, and work out a rough route, then use my phone when i am out walking. Issues are that as soon as you lose the phone signal you lose the route. It also gets through the battery quick.
So started thinking about a proper hand held GPS for walking, and if it could be used some how, when on a motorbike that would be a major bonus.
Ideally what I would like, would be to be able to work out a route, on an ipad or laptop, with an idea of how far it would be, then download it to the device, and be able to use the device when out for a walk.
I am looking at the garmin e trx 32X as seems pretty good, but no idea really if I can do the above with it!
It is a reasonable priced.
It does have uk and europe maps, but cant really tell if it will show all footpaths?
It does say you can use it on Motorbike.
One disadvantage is that it uses AA batteries, but I think I can get rechargeable Duracell AA batteries, so assuming they hold the same level of charge as normal ones, then that doesnt matter.
So anyone know about this stuff, is that one a good bet, or should I be looking at something else?
I've used eTrex GPSs since about 2004. The devices themselves are great, rugged (much more than your phone) and you can put maps on them, but that may cost more. Just make sure the map it comes with is the type of map you want to use. Last time I bought one (an eTrex 30) I had a choice, but things change often. OS sell them if you want something specific for hiking in the UK.
You can use the free Garmin Basecamp software to plan routes (on its own map, or any you've bought) and upload them to the eTrex via USB.
I like AAs on a device like this since they're quickly replaced when on the move, I use eneloops. When on your bike you can power it with mini USB.
I find it useful to watch reviews of these kinds of things on YouTube, they're usually made by people using them for similar activities and will tell you a lot more than some marketing blurb or the spec.
You can use the free Garmin Basecamp software to plan routes (on its own map, or any you've bought) and upload them to the eTrex via USB.
I like AAs on a device like this since they're quickly replaced when on the move, I use eneloops. When on your bike you can power it with mini USB.
I find it useful to watch reviews of these kinds of things on YouTube, they're usually made by people using them for similar activities and will tell you a lot more than some marketing blurb or the spec.
I have used a 32x for a few years. A basic but functional unit.
Some tips, get a screen cover. The standard screen scratches very easily.
Look at Panasonic eneloop batteries. They are lithium rechargeables that hold a decent charge for ages (year plus). Good to keep as spares.
There is a website called talky toaster. The guy takes open source maps and combines the data into fantastic topographic maps for Garmins. Much better than the official OS maps or the garmin birds eye.
All in, it does the job, but I still use a map and compass 90% of the time.
Some tips, get a screen cover. The standard screen scratches very easily.
Look at Panasonic eneloop batteries. They are lithium rechargeables that hold a decent charge for ages (year plus). Good to keep as spares.
There is a website called talky toaster. The guy takes open source maps and combines the data into fantastic topographic maps for Garmins. Much better than the official OS maps or the garmin birds eye.
All in, it does the job, but I still use a map and compass 90% of the time.
Where (and for how long) are you walking that makes you consider a dedicated GPS unit? To me these seem like old tech (similar to GPS units for cars).
Have you considered changing the app you use on your phone so you get offline mapping? (Eg. OS Maps app).
Have you considered a GPS watch that you can use with GPX files?
A device running out of battery is easily solved by using a power bank battery.
Have you considered changing the app you use on your phone so you get offline mapping? (Eg. OS Maps app).
Have you considered a GPS watch that you can use with GPX files?
A device running out of battery is easily solved by using a power bank battery.
I did not like my Garmin as the map software was a faf. Switched to one from OS (rebranded I'm sure).
https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/os-trail-2-gps-w...
It does need a waterproof case!!!
As I'm a big user of the OS app on my phone this is perfect, also handy I can use my powerbank to recharge it along with my phone.
I use both only when in remote areas as normally my phone alone is good enough with the OS app.
https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/os-trail-2-gps-w...
It does need a waterproof case!!!
As I'm a big user of the OS app on my phone this is perfect, also handy I can use my powerbank to recharge it along with my phone.
I use both only when in remote areas as normally my phone alone is good enough with the OS app.
Perhaps re-visit a phone based app like OutdoorActive?
With the Pro subscription, you get access to OS Maps and lots of Europe (eg IGN in France). Pro also lets you download maps and routes, so no worries when you have no signal. You can build routes using a browser on your desktop PC and save them for access from your phone.
As mentioned above, carrying a power bank can remove any battery worries. Obviously a phone can still die, so we still pack a paper map and compass JIC!
https://www.outdooractive.com/en/membership/pro.ht...
https://www.outdooractive.com/en/knowledgepage/top...
With the Pro subscription, you get access to OS Maps and lots of Europe (eg IGN in France). Pro also lets you download maps and routes, so no worries when you have no signal. You can build routes using a browser on your desktop PC and save them for access from your phone.
As mentioned above, carrying a power bank can remove any battery worries. Obviously a phone can still die, so we still pack a paper map and compass JIC!
https://www.outdooractive.com/en/membership/pro.ht...
https://www.outdooractive.com/en/knowledgepage/top...
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