Detailed Evaluation and User Manual for Garmin eTrex 32x Navigation Device

The Garmin eTrex 32x (and 22x) is a robust, outdoor-ready handheld GPS that cuts straight to the chase, focusing on reliable navigation without unnecessary frills. While there are a few pitfalls to consider, it's an excellent choice for those who require a purpose-built device for hiking or trail navigation.

Up and Downs of the eTrex 32x and eTrex 22x

Like all devices, no one can deny that the eTrex 32x and eTrex 22x aren't flawless. After countless miles on trails, I've come to understand their strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

It's straightforward and simple, keeping the focus on navigation without clutter.
This unit is rugged, needing no coddling like a smartphone.
Runs on easier-to-replace AA batteries.
The screen is clear and readable even in daylight.
The included Garmin topo maps have improved trail coverage compared to a few years ago.
Software stability is decent, making it just work.

Cons

The user interface feels dated, like a 90's flip-phone.
The price tag is hefty, considering many smartphones can do everything it does (better).
The joystick can be tricky, especially when wearing gloves.
The unit wakes easily with a gentle touch of the joystick.
The eTrex 32x uses internal memory for maps, leaving little room for additional maps. You'll need a microSD card if you plan on loading more maps or large files.
The old-style mini-USB connector isn't the most modern.

One thing to remember: The eTrex 32x doesn't support InReach functionality.

What's Special About the eTrex 32x? Compared to Other eTrex Units

Navigating the various eTrex models can be a challenge, but here's the lowdown:

eTrex 32x: Onboard topo maps, GPS + GLONASS, 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, ANT+ connection.
eTrex 22x: Onboard topo maps, GPS + GLONASS, GPS-based compass, altimeter.
eTrex 30x (released 2015): No onboard maps, GPS + GLONASS, 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter.
eTrex 30/20 (released 2011): GPS only, no maps.

If you'd like to save money, go for the older eTrex 20, 30, or 30x models, or load free maps onto the eTrex 32x/22x.

The eTrex 32x/22x series has some advantages over the regular 20/30 series:

240 x 320 pixel screen vs. a 176 x 220 pixel screen for better screen quality.
8gb internal memory (with less usable memory due to maps) vs. 1.7gb on the 20/30 series.
GPS and GLONASS (theoretically better positioning).
ANT+ sensor connectivity for compatible devices.

Compared to the eTrex 30x, the 22x/32x models have maps, more internal memory, a newer chipset, and a slightly quicker performance.

If the eTrex Touch appeals to you, read about it in the ensuing sections.

To Buy the eTrex 32x/22x or Not?

While the eTrex 32x/22x is a solid GPS unit, it may not be for everyone. Here's where it shines, where it falls short, and when to consider alternatives:

Get the eTrex 32x for a dedicated GPS designed for outdoor use with topo maps, decent performance, and ease of use.
If your hikes are light to medium in nature and you don't plan to venture deep into the backcountry, stick with your smartphone and an app like Gaia GPS.
Get the eTrex 32x as a lightweight and reliable backup for your smartphone with built-in topo maps.
Prefer the 32x over the eTrex 22x if the 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter are crucial factors.
- The 3-axis compass provides a real compass-like experience, unlike the digital compass on the 22x (without the need to move).
- The barometric altimeter will help with plotting elevation based on barometric pressure, surpassing altitude calculations based on GPS signals (+/- 50-250 feet).
If you're looking to save money, go for the older eTrex 20, 30, or 30x models, or load free maps onto the eTrex 32x/22x.
If InReach integration is essential, consider the GFSMAP 66i.
If you desire the best consumer/prosumer handheld GPS, get the GPSMAP 66i.

Device Overview

Using the eTrex 32x is a breeze once you get the hang of it:

Hold the power button to power on or off.
Use the joystick to move through menus.
Press down on the joystick or the select button (side) to make a selection.
The select button displays any sub-menus.
Press the back button to exit menus or return to the main menu.

If the eTrex 32x looks familiar, it's because it shares the case design with the old eTrex 30 (released in 2011). The changes lie within the internal components. For extra protection against unwanted joystick touches, Bic pen bodies can be cut down to cover it.

eTrex Software

The software on the eTrex 32x remains familiar if you've used older eTrex models as they are essentially identical. Here's what you can expect:

Map: Load OSM and custom maps, toggle them on/off.
Where To?: Navigate to POIs (points of interest) such as hospitals, fuel stations, towns, waypoints, and more.
Compass: Standard compass functionality plus trip details that you can customize.
Mark Waypoint: Create new waypoints (explained later in the article).
Trip Computer: Track your odometer and current track details, customizable.
Setup: Modify all settings on the device.
Geocaches: Manage geocaching from Geocaching.com.
Elevation Plot: View your elevation changes graphically.
Photo Viewer: Almost useless.
Waypoint Manager: Browse and edit your waypoints.
Profile Change: Customize the interface for fitness, recreation, automotive, and easily switch profiles.
Route Planner: Navigate to a destination (article tutorial later).
Active Route: Route details and ETA.
Calendar: View dates with marked waypoints and more.
Area Calculation: Walk a perimeter and calculate the area of land (handy for surveying).
Sun & Moon: Sun and moon rise and set.
Calculator: Simple calculator with saved navigation data.
Hunt & Fish: Recommended times for hunting and fishing.
Alarm: Expected alarms.
Stopwatch: Expected stopwatch.
Sight & Go: Point at a distant object and follow the compass to it.
Man Overboard: Drop a waypoint if someone falls off a watercraft.
Waypoint Averaging: Average multiple GPS fixes for an accurate waypoint.
Proximity Alarms: Alert when you're near a waypoint or POI.
Satellite: Detailed GPS fix information.
Adventures: Follow Garmin Adventures created in Basecamp.
VIRB Remote: Remotely control a VIRB camera.

GPS Accuracy

GPS accuracy is a touchy subject with passionate opinions. I've tested the eTrex 32x and found the following:

The eTrex 32x offers both GPS and GLONASS and performs best when both are enabled.
Its GPS fix is close to the GPSMAP 66i (best GPS in my opinion) and Fenix 6x Pro Solar GPS watch (expensive, but good).
The eTrex 32x performs slightly better than the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The eTrex 32x usually takes a better fix than the eTrex 20.

The eTrex 32x has a patch antenna, while larger units (like the GPSMAP) use a quadhelix antenna, which tends to deliver better results.

The eTrex 32x supports both GPS and GLONASS but not Galileo (European GPS). You can enable or disable GLONASS. While having more potential satellites theoretically gives you a better triangulated GPS fix, in practice the results with GLONASS are slightly more precise.

Customize the GPX track recording interval with one of the five preset settings: "most often", "often", "normal", "least often", and "minimal".

Battery Life

A major advantage of the eTrex is its battery efficiency. It uses AA batteries that can be obtained anywhere, and you can easily carry spares. Garmin declares 25 hours of battery life, which matches my experiences. With lithium batteries, the eTrex can run for around 40 hours.

Minimize battery usage by:

Enabling battery saver mode, which turns off the display when the backlight times out.
Setting the backlight to the lowest possible level suitable for light conditions (quickly adjust the backlight by pressing the power button).
Disable GLONASS when not needed.
Avoid excessive map and routing adjustments.
Turn off the device when not in use, as it wakes easily with a gentle joystick touch.

When the joystick gets nudged, the unit wakes. To reduce unwanted wakings, clip it onto something or power it down when not in use. Hopefully, Garmin will address this issue with a future firmware update.

eTrex 32x Maps

The eTrex 32x comes with Garmin TopoActive maps preloaded, enabling you to start using it right out of the box. The coverage depends on the region but typically offers around 24k for popular areas like national parks, urban centers, and trails.

You should update the device with Garmin Express to receive the latest map updates.

Loading Free OSM Maps

If you'd like to load your own custom maps or more detailed free OSM maps (containing use trails), there's a small catch: The advertised 8gb memory is deceptive, as the preloaded Garmin TopoActive maps take up most of that space. Unfortunately, this leaves only about 100mb for your own maps, tracks, and files.

To get around this limitation, I strongly recommend purchasing an inexpensive microSD card (less than $10 on Amazon). The eTrex 32x supports up to a 32gb Class 4 through 10 card.

The eTrex 32x is a powerful tool for backcountry navigation. You can get on-the-fly navigation instructions, route guidance, or preplan your trip to ensure you stay on course. Let's look at some fundamental navigation tools and techniques:

Trip Computer

The trip computer records your route and displays your track. To start a new trip, reset it and proceed. The trip computer continues to record your track while the GPS is active or in "battery saver" mode (screen off).

Compass

If you're navigating a route, the compass display will include an indicator to show you the right direction. The 32x features a 3-axis internal compass, allowing it to work even when stationary without movement. If the 22x lacks the internal compass, it will calculate direction based on its last few GPS fixes.

Elevation Plot

The elevation data on the eTrex 32x was somewhat useful, albeit not perfect. You should calibrate it often, ideally at a known elevation, to achieve an accuracy of around +/- 50 feet. Without calibration, expect an accuracy of around +/- 400 feet.

Waypoints

Creating a waypoint allows you to customize its name and position. You can view waypoints on a map, navigate to them on trails or in a straight line, set a proximity alarm for them, and use more precise waypoint averaging to improve accuracy. The eTrex map comes loaded with thousands of POIs (points of interest), allowing you to navigate to places like public buildings, restaurants, geographic features, and towns just like a waypoint.

The eTrex supports a maximum of 2000 waypoints.

Routes

Think of routes as a direction from point A to B, like when using Google Maps. The eTrex can take a waypoint or POI or a series of them and dynamically calculate a route between them all. The route can follow trails or roads (your choice on the device).

Once following a route, the eTrex will provide a bearing, ETA, and distance to the next point on the route. If you encounter a junction or waypoint on the route, expect the eTrex to wake and provide a small alert.

While routing is handy in a pinch, for me, pre-planning my hikes reduces the need for route creation in the field, making it more enjoyable.

The eTrex supports saving 200 routes with 250 points per route.

Tracks

Tracks can be thought of as a series of "breadcrumbs" that you follow. While moving, the Trip Computer creates a track of your movements that you can save for future reference. You can also load other tracks onto the eTrex and follow them. The eTrex has a "track manager" screen that lists all saved tracks, and selecting one allows you to navigate it. A nice purple line will then appear overlaid on the map, helping you stay on track. At intersections, consult the purple line and map to confirm the correct path.

The maximum number of points per track on the eTrex is 10,000. If you have larger tracks (such as those needed for a thru-hike), you'll have to break them up into sections.

Loading External GPX Files

If you download a GPX file from a website (such as mine), loading it onto the eTrex 32x is a breeze:

Take the actual GPX file and copy it into the "GARMIN" > "GPX" folder (found on the connected eTrex).
Once the file is there, you can load it onto the eTrex and use it in the field.

Keep in mind that you cannot transfer data wirelessly from a phone to the eTrex; you need to connect it to a computer or transfer data on the microSD card. If you want wireless transfer capabilities, check out the GPSMAP 66i.

Tips for Using the eTrex 32x

Setup

Install Lithium batteries, set battery type in the settings: "Setup" > "System" > "Battery Type".
Install a cheap microSD card for additional storage.
Plug in the eTrex, power it up, and update the firmware and maps using Garmin Express.
Perform initial settings customization, such as:
- Adjusting the backlight
- Enabling GPS + GLONASS
- Customizing map display and data fields
Spend some time getting familiar with the device by navigating through various settings screens.
Customize the trip computer and map display according to your preferences.
Start enjoying the outdoors!

Basic GPS Concepts in Use

Copying Device Maps to Computer

Plug the eTrex into a computer.
The onboard maps from the eTrex will (very slowly) load and appear in the computer view.
Use Garmin Basecamp to save the maps and create custom maps for the eTrex.
Send the Custom Maps to the device via Garmin Basecamp for a map backup on your computer!
The Garmin eTrex 32x's simplicity and robustness make it ideal for outdoor adventure, focusing on reliable trail navigation.
Its advantage lies in its rugged design, easy-to-replace AA batteries, readable daylight-ready screen, and included Garmin topo maps.
In the wilderness, the eTrex 32x can be paired with gadgets and technology like gaiters, trekking poles, and waterproof bags for an enhanced outdoor experience.
If you're searching for a device for heavy-duty hiking or trail navigation, the eTrex 32x proves an excellent choice.
With maps of national parks and trail systems, this GPS device helps uncover the beauty of nature while navigating through exciting wilderness adventures.
The eTrex 32x is compatible with various outdoor gear, turning your hike into an exploration of the map, the trail, and the wilderness itself.

Detailed Evaluation and User Manual for Garmin eTrex 32x Navigation Device