The Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator is our best handheld gps for hiking pick, and it scored 82 out of 100 in our testing.
The eTrex 22x with a compass and altimeter added, a light AA hiking unit with sensors.
A compact AA-powered handheld that adds a barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass to the eTrex line, giving hikers heading and elevation data without the weight of a GPSMAP.
First things first:
We tested it head to head against the other top handheld GPS units, and below we break down how it did on Reception, Ease of Use, Display Quality, Speed, Weight and Size, Versatility, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Table of Contents
Best Handheld GPS For Hiking
Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator
- Display: 2.2 in, 240 by 320 px color
- Battery: 2 AA, up to 25 hr
- Weight: about 5 oz with batteries
- GNSS: GPS and GLONASS
- Sensors: altimeter, 3-axis compass
- Water rating: IPX7
- Memory: 8 GB internal, microSD slot
Bottom Line : The eTrex 22x with a compass and altimeter added, a light AA hiking unit with sensors.
Pros
- Light AA unit with real sensors
- Barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass
- Sunlight-readable color screen
- Swappable AA batteries
Cons
- No multi-band accuracy
- Small screen for detailed maps
- Fiddly joystick with gloves
Our Verdict: Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator
The eTrex 22x with a compass and altimeter added, a light AA hiking unit with sensors.
A compact AA-powered handheld that adds a barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass to the eTrex line, giving hikers heading and elevation data without the weight of a GPSMAP.
What's the bottom line?
About 5 ounces with batteries, one of the lightest here.
Small enough for a jacket pocket or pack strap.
It is barely heavier than the 22x but the compass holds a heading when I stop dead, which I love on tricky ridgelines. The little joystick is still the weak spot for me.
Annie, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Light AA unit with real sensors
- Barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass
- Sunlight-readable color screen
- Swappable AA batteries
Reasons to avoid:
- No multi-band accuracy
- Small screen for detailed maps
- Fiddly joystick with gloves
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator scored 82 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on weight and size and weakest on display quality.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Reception
Tracks GPS and GLONASS, no Galileo and no multi-band.
Track logs stay accurate even with the unit strapped to a pack.
Signal holds under dense canopy better than a single-system receiver, but drifts more than multi-band units.
| Reception | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator | 7/10 |
| Category average | 8.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Ease of Use
Same small thumb joystick as the 22x, which is fiddly with gloves.
Simple menus for waypoints and tracks.
Here's what that means:
Text entry and setup are slow through the joystick.
| Ease of Use | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Display Quality
A 2.2 inch, 240 by 320 color screen, sharper than older eTrex models.
Readable in direct sun and clear enough to tell map layers apart.
Small size makes detailed topo reading cramped.
| Display Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Speed
Quick GPS fix in open terrain.
Map redraw is slightly slow, typical of the eTrex processor.
Fine at walking pace for waypoint and track work.
| Speed | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 8/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Weight and Size
About 5 ounces with batteries, one of the lightest here.
Small enough for a jacket pocket or pack strap.
| Weight and Size | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator | 9/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Versatility
Adds a barometric altimeter and tilt-compensated 3-axis compass over the 22x.
Compass holds a heading while standing still, useful for hunters and route-finders.
Preloaded TopoActive maps with room for custom maps and geocaching.
| Versatility | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Should You Buy the Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator?
The eTrex 22x with a compass and altimeter added, a light AA hiking unit with sensors.
It is best suited to hikers who want a light aa gps with compass and altimeter.
Want to know the best part?
The big win: Light AA unit with real sensors.
The main compromise: No multi-band accuracy.
We scored it 82 out of 100.
What Other Handheld GPSs Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS is our best budget handheld gps. A cheap, light, dependable entry point that trades multi-band accuracy for AA simplicity.
The Garmin GPSMAP 65 Multi-Band Handheld GPS is our best handheld gps for fishing. Multi-band accuracy on swappable AA batteries, a strong pick for anglers who want long field runtime.
The Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld is our best handheld gps for hunting. Multi-band accuracy in a proven button body, ideal for hunters who need a precise, rugged unit.
Specifications
| Display | 2.2 in, 240 by 320 px color |
| Battery | 2 AA, up to 25 hr |
| Weight | about 5 oz with batteries |
| GNSS | GPS and GLONASS |
| Sensors | altimeter, 3-axis compass |
| Water rating | IPX7 |
| Memory | 8 GB internal, microSD slot |
Conclusion: Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator
After testing it against the other top handheld GPS units, the Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator earns its place as our best handheld gps for hiking pick.
Its standout strength: Light AA unit with real sensors.
So:
The main thing to weigh before you buy: No multi-band accuracy.
If you want hikers who want a light aa gps with compass and altimeter, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the Garmin eTrex 32x Handheld GPS Navigator ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Handheld GPS guide.
