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Updated on 3/26/2024
Abigail ScottBy Abigail Scott
I'm Abigail Scott, an author, adventurer, and mother of three. When I'm not navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, you can find me tackling the turbulent waters as a professional whitewater kayaker or scaling impressive rock faces as a climbing guide. The rush of adrenaline, whether from kayaking or climbing, is a feeling I cherish deeply. But the thrill doesn't stop there; I capture the breathtaking allure of nature through my lens as a professional photographer. And when I'm not submerged in the wild, my software engineering skills amplify my outdoor pursuits, allowing me to harness technology in unique ways. Through my writings, whether articles or blog posts, I share not just my adventures but my heart, hoping to spark a flame of inspiration in others to break boundaries and experience the world's wonders.
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Garmin eTrex 30x GPS Navigator

Garmin eTrex 30x GPS Navigator

Description

The Garmin eTrex 30x is an upgraded version of the popular eTrex 30, offering enhanced screen resolution and expanded internal memory for downloading a greater variety of maps. It is a rugged and dependable GPS device that retains the ease-of-use and affordability that eTrex is known for. The eTrex 30x also features compatibility with various mounts for use on ATVs, bicycles, boats, and cars. With the ability to track both GPS and GLONASS satellites simultaneously, along with a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter, this GPS navigator is ready to confidently go anywhere.

The eTrex 30x boasts a 2.2” 65K color sunlight-readable display with increased resolution, offering clear visibility even in bright conditions. The physical dimensions of the device are 2.1' x 4.0' x 1.3' (5.4 x 10.3 x 3.3 cm).

With a large 3.7 GB internal memory and a microSD card slot, the eTrex 30x allows you to load a variety of maps, including TOPO 24K, HuntView, BlueChart g2, City Navigator NT, and BirdsEye Satellite Imagery (subscription required).

The device comes preloaded with a worldwide basemap featuring shaded relief for easy navigation.

In addition to GPS tracking, the eTrex 30x features built-in sensors, including a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. The compass helps you navigate by pointing you in the right direction, while the altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. You can even plot barometric pressure over time using this feature.

Wirelessly sharing your waypoints, tracks, routes, and geocaches with other compatible devices is made easy with the eTrex 30x. Simply press “send” to transfer your information. The device also wirelessly connects to compatible Garmin devices, including VIRB and accessory sensors.

Let's address some frequently asked questions:

The significant difference between the Garmin eTrex 30x and the Garmin Oregon 600t base model without the camera is that the Oregon models have a touch screen, while the eTrex series does not. The eTrex 30x has physical buttons and a thumbstick for navigation.

Yes, the eTrex 30x has an electronic compass. It does not require movement to provide an accurate reading. Make sure to turn on the WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) for better accuracy, and you can choose between true north or magnetic north settings.

The eTrex 30x comes preloaded with a worldwide DEM Basemap (NR), Digital Globe demo (Jnx), and USGS Quads - Grand Canyon National Park (Jnx). However, if you want topo maps for the United States, you will need to get them separately.

Choosing the best Garmin GPS for enduro riding depends on your highest priority features. The eTrex 30x would work well for that purpose, with the only potential drawback being its slightly smaller screen size. If you prioritize hiking and kayaking, the 30x should meet your needs.

Things we like

  • High sensitivity and accurate tracking are guaranteed thanks to its compatibility with GPS, GLONASS, WAAS, and HotFix.
  • Integrated barometric altimeter and compass with compensation for tilt on all three axes
  • The enormous capacity battery will endure for more than 24 hours.
  • Memory that is expandable internally through a port for micro SD cards

Things we don't like

  • The preloaded map of the world's base is simple in appearance and devoid of any information.
  • User interface tnot intuitive
  • The screen, although legible, is nonetheless relatively modest in size.
Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significant difference between this Garmin and the Garmin Oregon 600t base model without the camera?

The Oregon and all the Garmin "state" models all have a touch screen, don't they? The eTrex series doesn't. For controls it has the Power/battery check button and "back button on the right, and on the left, the zoom-in and -out buttons, plus the Menu button. On the front, at top-right, is the main control, a little thumbstick. Use it for scrolling and selecting menu items and for moving the map beyond your location.You'll want to spend some time reading the manual; this thing has a LOT of functionality. Most important shortcut: no matter how deep you go in the menus, double-tapping the Menu button takes you back to the main screen, with Map highlighted.

Does this unit have an electronic compass? Or do you have to be movin to recieve an acccurate reading. Thanks

yes on the compass (electronic) but turn on the WAAS depending on if you set the compass for a true north or magnetic north WAAS gets rid of the errors jumping from satellite to satellite

does this gps come with preloaded topo maps for the United States

The maps that come preloaded are: Worldwide DEM Basemap (NR), Digital Globe demo (Jnx) and USGS Quads - Grand Canyon National Park (Jnx). Unfortunately, you will have to get the topo maps separately.

Which garmin is best for enduro riding

You need to first decide which features you consider "highest priority". The etrex 30x gps in my opinion would work well for you with the only draw back possibly being the slightly smaller screen size. I use the 30x more for hiking / kayaking, so the smaller screen is not an issue for me.