Entry level Garmin GPS handheld eTrex series

[Leatherneck]

Just looking for a backup GPS unit. Are the entry level Garmin eTrex series sufficient for just getting back to my Truck after going all day in a thick, forested area? Is it worth it to pay more for the exterior antennae ones?

 

[BBob]

I'd say they are fine. I have one (etrex touch 35t, I don't use it anymore) and it always worked for me. I don't recall trying it in the bottom of some really deep thick canyon though but in general in the forest I never had an issue.

 

[Conrad101st]

Hell yes, mine works great for the way I use it.

I use mine for three scenarios:

1. If I’m in unfamiliar terrain I always mark my vehicle or camp before I start walking just in case I’m busting brush after dark.

2. To waypoint good camping or hunting spots to find years later.

3. To project a waypoint which is really cool. You are on a ridge, shoot an elk way down a scree slope at last light. Enter the distance and lock the azimuth and the Etrex will project a waypoint. Then you can go back to camp, pack up, and bust your ass off the ridge in the dark from your best path downward and find your down animal at 1am by selecting “go to” your new waypoint usually titled “down elk - year”.

Etrex does all this easily.

 

[Leatherneck]

Hell yes, mine works great for the way I use it.

I use mine for three scenarios:

1. If I’m in unfamiliar terrain I always mark my vehicle or camp before I start walking just in case I’m busting brush after dark.

2. To waypoint good camping or hunting spots to find years later.

3. To project a waypoint which is really cool. You are on a ridge, shoot an elk way down a scree slope at last light. Enter the distance and lock the azimuth and the Etrex will project a waypoint. Then you can go back to camp, pack up, and bust your ass off the ridge in the dark from your best path downward and find your down animal at 1am by selecting “go to” your new waypoint usually titled “down elk - year”.

Etrex does all this easily.

Thanks for reply. Yeah, I just want a simple, reliable GPS that I can mark my truck, go walking for the day, and come back. Maybe add a few way points. That's it.