NEW Garmin eTrex Solar GPS - What you need to know for bikepacking.

Рет қаралды 12,213

7 ай бұрын

A detailed dive into the specs of the all-new Garmin eTrex Solar GPS unit and all the pros and cons for bikepacking usage. There's a lot to love, but a lot left desired as well. Spoiler alert: I'm not buyin' one.
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Пікірлер: 121

@sebbamok 6 ай бұрын

Best review I've seen in a long time. All tech and gear reviews should be like this. Thank you!

@DirtyTeethMTB 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for your kind words - much appreciated!

@hirokiide7750 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the honest lowdown. Super useful info as always!

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and your kind words :)

@BRazquin 3 ай бұрын

Great review. I’ve had the Etrex 20 for over seven years, loaded with color topos, and would not trade it for this new unit. Thank you

@DirtyTeethMTB 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing 👍

@XdB1Gz7StR4C7 6 ай бұрын

Absolutely honest review. I really appreciate your viewpoints. Great video, so informative. Well done. 🚲👍👌✌👏👏💪💪

@DirtyTeethMTB 6 ай бұрын

Much appreciated! Ride on:)

@rowerowewakacje 2 ай бұрын

Alan, thank you very much for your review. You just saved me 250 USD. I was thinking of updating my old Oregon 450 to eTrex solar but your review gave answers to most of my concerns. There is no point of upgrading. Although I like the move "I love Lucy" I do not think I am able to look at mono screen anymore. Very good review. I have always reminded my students that Americans are very good with their esseys and oral presentation. Great job, thank you.

@DirtyTeethMTB 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching :) Best of luck on all your adventures!

@maximsavadian7298 7 ай бұрын

Recently I loaded Open Street Maps to my trusty Garmin Legend Cx(2005 model). Well, it works great, the maps are super detailed with tons of graded paths and it even looks nice on a 256 color transflective screen. I just can not get the idea, almost 20 years have passed and this Etrex SE/solar, seems to be a step back. I don't mind BW screen, actually I love it, but one can't load maps - man, it's a dissappointment. Lower spec GPSMAP gadgets are light years ahead in terms of functions, but not even twice expensive.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Legend Cx- That’s awesome!!! Thanks so much for sharing your insight :) Ride on!

@Alppikatu15 5 ай бұрын

it seems to be specifically crafted for extensive touring, thanks to its impressive battery life and minimalist features that, for me at least, prove more than adequate. While it may not cater to the needs of the majority of cyclists or adventurers embarking on shorter journeys, it truly excels for those planning weeks-long travels. Personally, I find that many of the features commonly found in modern GPS trackers are unnecessary for my needs, navigation included, making this particular device a more fitting choice for my preferences. I also guess that 29 mb internal storage should be enough for the track savings.

@DirtyTeethMTB 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing - glad it’s suitable for your needs 🙏

@drnapalm7605 5 ай бұрын

Just made a comment just like this. Im fine with an opinion piece on how useful it is for a specific hobby as I bikepack myself, but how some others in the comments and the dude presented it, it is really self centered. Again, nothing wrong with that and no hate, but from someone that is multi-faceted, it doesnt make any sense. It would make just as much sense for you to also do a video on a Garmin Drive 52 for bikepacking with the way its presented

@sleepyvoyager 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for making this review. I better stick with my evergreen trusty etrex 32x! I love it!! I am proud that i made a good choice 2 years back.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching... much appreciated!

@backcountryFLcyclist 7 ай бұрын

rwgps via my iPhone mounted to my handlebars has been my go to.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Nothing wrong with that 🙌

@slowwerthensnot 7 ай бұрын

Great review video

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Thanks!🙏

@dannyheyrman4848 2 ай бұрын

great review, thanks. i'm in the market for a gps to replace my old etrex 2* series. only wanted the extra ability to upload trex using bluetooth but the etrex SE seems a step back for al the reasons you said. I think I'll buy the explorer instead.

@DirtyTeethMTB 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and chiming in - best of luck on all your adventures 🙌

@mikelbringas969 3 ай бұрын

Totally agree. Here one more cycling wayting for a new solar etrex without loosing the features of my old etrex. Great video that help me to decide not to buy it and wait.

@DirtyTeethMTB 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting :)

@Thogek 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for all the helpful pointers. I like almost everything I'm reading/hearing about the Solar, but its severe limitation in memory and onboard maps data seems like a deal-breaker to me.

@DirtyTeethMTB 6 ай бұрын

Yeah it’s a bummer :( thanks for watching!

@slowwerthensnot 7 ай бұрын

I really like my hammerhead and it’s sync with routes, however it’s 12-14 hour life is difficult at times

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for chiming in about the hammerhead… I’ve heard similar thoughts from others… maybe they’ll sort out battery issues down the road…

@skinnie88 Ай бұрын

Regarding spline mount to quarter mount , tusita has them. Available on Amazon. Fits perfectly my etrex 30

@DirtyTeethMTB Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing 🙌

@saavirov 5 ай бұрын

Hi, if you could give us some link for a quarter turn adapter? Thanks

@DirtyTeethMTB 5 ай бұрын

Google Ben salthouse rad trail shapeways garmin adapter - should pop up 🤙

@kevindean9613 7 ай бұрын

I dropped Garmin years ago ,Wahoo customer support has been excellent .

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for chiming in :) +1 on wahoo support… my wahoo Tickr hr monitor failed, and they were polite and replaced it super fast… 🤙

@James-gx7sk 7 ай бұрын

I use a 30 also, which I bought when I lost my Vista HCX…I use a K-Lite steerer spacer mount. I’d take an updated Etrex 3#x version with the SE base features and 3#X premium features

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for chiming in… I agree with ya!

@scottchudley8646 7 ай бұрын

Excellent review…no Garmin sponsorship coming your way! Hahahaha Sticking with my 22x.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

😂😂 I guess not!

@julienmoreau9728 7 ай бұрын

Hi dirty. I own a 32x which I like for it's software, memory extension capability and capability to use external aa batteries and which I don't like for its interface that's clearly not well adapted to bikepacking😊 and lack of Bluetooth interoperability with garmin connect and very limited size of the gpx files It may intake and create. I totally agree with your analysis and will keep my 32x for now.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your input! Ride on:)

@iviewthetube Ай бұрын

Would it be easier to carry extra rechargeable batteries instead of a solar charger?

@DirtyTeethMTB Ай бұрын

Hmmm 🤔 good question !

@kevf500 4 ай бұрын

How is the Satellite connection good or not as my 601 fortex sucks

@DirtyTeethMTB 4 ай бұрын

I have the older Etrex 32x and sat connection is good- I’ve heard this one is good too

@chucklayton5753 7 ай бұрын

My 30x has seen better days, so I'm in the market for a new unit, but the 32x seems a better fit for backcountry use than the Solar. Sorry Garmin, you missed the ball on this one. I think Kurt Refsnider used one of the new Edge Solars on his CDT trip this year, so I am going to check those out as well.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Definitely look into the edge series- especially if you’re already carrying a cache battery… they’re fantastic 🤙 thanks for watching and commenting!

@Cyclingches01 4 ай бұрын

Can .gpx routes now be uploaded using a smartphone Bluetooth easily?

@DirtyTeethMTB 4 ай бұрын

I don’t own a solar - for reasons mentioned in the video… maybe try asking Garmin ?

@theo5928 5 ай бұрын

i like the features of the etrex range, especially the ruggedness and battery life... but how can you justify using disposable batteries? isn't that impractical for long tours to need to replace the batteries every 150 hrs? you can't charge it with cable right? not to mention the environmental impact

@DirtyTeethMTB 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@TheLouisEric 7 ай бұрын

Excellent conclusions.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@israelargollo6030 5 ай бұрын

So I wouldn't be able to download gpx files and load the trail on the device?

@DirtyTeethMTB 5 ай бұрын

You can upload gpx files to it, but not base maps

@iviewthetube Ай бұрын

I went on a five day kayaking trip with the etrex on just one set of batteries. My 78sc, I'll be lucky if the batteries last 8 hours.

@DirtyTeethMTB Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing :)

@davidgriffin8717 7 ай бұрын

“Who’s running out to buy an eTrex solar?”, you ask. Not me-I’m running from it! It was a hard NO at minute 2:42, check the spelling of ‘battery’ in the graphic. If they can’t spell it right they ain’t gonna get it right! I coulda stopped watching at that point, but I’m a sucker for everything Alan puts out and I watched to the end! Good job Alan! 😉

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Haha 😂 good catch!! Thanks, David :)

@Gillesgip 7 ай бұрын

Well done! I'll pass for now. I'd take Grey scales "like the older 1990 models". I'm with you on copying 3rd party maps and track logs. I Also make my own maps too. Off topic I'd be interested in where to find 3rd party printed mounts . Thanks for sharing.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

I’m away from my computer, but google Ben Salthouse rad trail shapeways for the mount 🤙 ride on!

@srileo 7 ай бұрын

Great review. I’ve never understood why have a dedicated garmin. They are outdated, proprietary and limited use case. A cheap smartphone in case with gaia or similar apps is perfect.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and chiming in - much appreciated :)

@robertobrunelli8007 2 ай бұрын

It Is perfect if you have phone cell connection, most phones when starting GPS localization service need to get cell signal to start getting satellite's positioning system, that's why you'd start gps localization when you are still able to connect to phone net service.

@AlexKrasii 7 ай бұрын

Having some bikepacking experience (can check my channel), I noticed that in US is very popular eTrex, and I truly don't understand why, it is bulky, UI is from 2000, can it be really used for bikepacking with convenience? I use my 830, which is specialized for cycling, and my backup GPS device is my phone, and from my experience never had issues. Really wondering and want to know why people using eTrex for cycling. Thank you

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

yep, like I said in the video, I try to use my edge 540 these days whenever possible... I also use my phone with Gaia, ridewithgps, etc for backup... but the eTrex has been allowing you to upload/follow tracks, upload basemaps, etc - way before the edge series started incorporating those features... so us "old folks" are probably just used to the eTrex since it's what we've known for so many years... also, replaceable AA's, cold weather performance and the little toggle make it nice on Winter expeditions/bulky gloves when touchscreen and side buttons are not as advantageous... thanks for watching and commenting :)

@StudQBeefpile 7 ай бұрын

I concur with the reply. I had a Garmin 820 (and an Edge Touring before that), and the battery life of the 820 was about a half or third of new after 18 months of ownership (4-5 hours with settings to preserve battery life and not using routing). I'm about a 2000-3000 mile per year rider and I would use my phone for Strava (not GPS) much of the time, so my Edge 820 wasn't heavily used. It would suck down a 5000 mAh USB battery bank by itself and give me another 4-5 hours. Having to carry a 10,000+ mAh battery to keep my phone and GPS juiced for a day ride was frustrating. The Edge Touring (before the Edge 820) was an absolute disaster and I won't jump down that rabbit hole. Garmin touchscreen performance prior to maybe the x30 series was very poor and frustrating. I was and am a bit of a Garmin fanboy, but their bicycling offerings have only become adequate in the last 3ish years. I sold my 820 maybe 3 or so years ago and purchased a Karoo 2 and it was so much better than my 820, and the battery life hasn't degraded at the rate of my Garmin. The touchscreen works well on the Karoo. It can do on-the-fly routing (I don't have to pre-map in Hammerhead's app/website). The display is visible in bright sunlight. It doesn't randomly lose the route or decide to do bizarre reroutes mid-ride. If I had had a positive experience with an eTrex prior to my experience with my 820, I could see why people would fall back to them. I want a cycling GPS that just works. Battery life is important when/if you're traveling places you aren't familiar with. Buttons and touchscreens need to work well and in a variety of conditions. The display should be clear in daylight. The software needs to be solid and reliable. From what I've heard and read, the eTrex 20 and 30 series units met those needs. Garmin is getting there with their cycling offerings, but it's been a painful journey.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Adam, thanks for chiming in with your insight :) Ride on!

@sailingholsltd6062 Ай бұрын

Great review, deal breaker for me is no ability to load a map and b&w screen. What's the point its a step back to 1980!

@DirtyTeethMTB Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting :) ride on!

@paulverweij6348 7 ай бұрын

I just got a 1040 solar for replacement of my 1040..... that is slowly dying after 50000km.... 100hrs battery real nice and also USB-C instead so I dont need a second type of cable with me :) but I can't realy see the benefits in a eTrex combared to a Edge, maiby because Im like to see my speed hartbeat and some more data and a nice map I have looked ad the eTrex ad the garmin dealer, but dicided its not for me, mainly because of your channel I have taken a look ad it :)

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

I’m with you- the 1040 solar is super nice 👍 best blend of battery life and cycling features… just wish it wasn’t so much $$$ but hey… ride on!!!

@Jonathan79428 6 ай бұрын

Garmin eTrex se&solra, which would you recommend? (from. ROK Korea)

@DirtyTeethMTB 6 ай бұрын

Solar 🙌

@Jonathan79428 6 ай бұрын

@@DirtyTeethMTB This doesn't have an expansion MicroSD. What do I do with maps? Can MDS and MGRS be used for handheld coordinate information? / Is solar power useful? If the two functions are the same, can I get the SE by using rechargeable AA batteries? / I use a translator, so the writing may not be good. / I always have eneloop rechargeable batteries ready. 10 AA, 10 AAA. / requires deep thinking

@Cyclingches01 4 ай бұрын

I'm curious why you would still say Solar over the SE after watching the video. Seems like the Solar isn't useful at all. The SE has such good battery life and does the same as the solar function wise.

@Jonathan79428 4 ай бұрын

I bought a Solar, but I threw it away and returned to eTrex 22

@Cyclingches01 4 ай бұрын

I'm considering getting the 32x. How do you upload .gpx routes to the 22x? Can you do it from the phone?

@DaveAult 6 ай бұрын

I guess I am just a dumb hiker, but an expensive GPS with no ability to view or load any trail maps? This seems like an inconceivably useless device.

@DirtyTeethMTB 6 ай бұрын

I guess I’m just a dumb and frustrated bikepacker :) thanks for watching!

@haydenboyle8397 2 ай бұрын

You can use this thing as a gps in the middle of nowhere and mark a place as a waypoint so you can find your way back to camp or a cool spot you found

@marcusthebeast2570 5 ай бұрын

I like foretrex for bikepacking, the only problem is the mount to the bike, but i rather use that than buy etrex

@DirtyTeethMTB 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing :)

@caseyfraser2643 7 ай бұрын

No bueno on the solar..gonna stick with my 30x..thanks Jaco…good idea (solar) but like Alan said stepping backwards in navigation features

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

🙌🙌

@PumpkinVillage 7 ай бұрын

Not this guy. Still looking for a cycle computer like your 540. Thanks for another great review. Take care, Al

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! The hunt continues :)

@IM_A_BEAR_LOL 7 ай бұрын

Your "want" list describes the GPSMAP 67i almost exactly, except for solar/size. The Explore app lets you do all your mapping / navigation with these devices offline without cell service. I'm not arguing in favor of Garmin's annoying lock-in and feature segmentation, I'm just pointing out that it seems like you are complaining that a $150 (SE model) device doesn't do what another one of their other existing devices basically already does (GPSMAP 67i), albeit for $600.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your opinion 🙌 ride on!

@tiberiumnp8030 7 ай бұрын

Got the original 30x and it is incredibly clunky. OS reminds me of phones from 2005, start up speed is similar too, can’t be recharged on the go via power bank, etc… I’m using it mainly to track my hikes and sometimes double check my location. Really annoying to carry spare batteries just for it. So this solar version looked really promising, but even smaller screen and b/w… Eh. Why can’t they just produce a unit with better hardware and less bloatware (honestly I don’t know anyone who uses even half of 30x features).

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

I’d just use my phone with Gaia / strava, etc for hikes.

@tiberiumnp8030 7 ай бұрын

@@DirtyTeethMTB I'm on the trail for a week at a time so that's not an option. Drains too much battery.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Ah, gotcha. I’d check on the hiking threads and see what others are using. My needs as a bikepacker are slightly different… If I may ask, are you carrying an inreach, spot tracker, etc? Are you using your 30x to follow a track? Are you recording your hikes for data analysis/ more than just to see where you went? With that info, maybe we can brainstorm …

@kencrossman3634 7 ай бұрын

Gonna stick w/me 20

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

🙌🙌

@walcottav 7 ай бұрын

Great review. I dont understand what was motivating this product development team. They were obviously working with limited use cases. I don't even understand any improved application for hiking beyond the extended battery life.

@DirtyTeethMTB 7 ай бұрын

Exactly. Just forcing more reliance on smart phones and apps

@drnapalm7605 5 ай бұрын

Hiking and extended deep *back*packing. You cant afford unnecessary overhead, battery life or weight when you are on a multi-day 20+ mile back packing trip through the middle of nowhere. ~Which also means you are not using any kind of smart phone fyi~

@DirtyTeethMTB 5 ай бұрын

@@drnapalm7605 I guess mentioning bikepacking in the thumbnail and title and in the video wasn’t clear - sorry. Thanks for watching and commenting - ride on :)

@samuraioodon 5 ай бұрын

Looks like they’re going backwards to the dinosaur era.

@DirtyTeethMTB 4 ай бұрын

good point

@drnapalm7605 5 ай бұрын

Either you were offering a sole opinion on its use as a bikepacking GPS device, or you are painfully unaware that there are devices that exist that cater to specific uses. I want to believe you are just commenting on its usefulness as a bikepacking GPS, but your whole rant at the end tells me otherwise wanting Garmin to change things about it. I ended up getting it for some *extended deeper backpacking* trips later this year which is perfect for us. Whatever provides the best battery life, regenerative battery mechanisms, and as light as possible while still being useful is what we need, its not for bikepack. Dont get me wrong, no hate; but for long range backpackers, this is just the kind of device we are looking for Might I suggest instead of asking a GPS company to change a product not geared to you, you give them feedback about one that is or has been more useful to you, or be more clear about that in your opinion. For the record I use a 32x for bikepacking/vehicle use, but again, this device, even after getting it myself and trying it recently is not for bikepacking or vehicle use, the world doesnt revolve around mtb, I love it too but it doesnt.

@DirtyTeethMTB 5 ай бұрын

Wow. Lots of anger. I’m glad you’re getting good use from it. 🤙

@user-ov5zd3sz5z 10 күн бұрын

it's biggest selling point is the solar. The mounts are there with the best ones made by RAM. The best feature is trackback. It's more for hiking/hunting than bikes sorry, but keep whining lol.....

@DirtyTeethMTB 10 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing