ZDNET's key takeaways The Garmin eTrex Solar is available now for $222, while the eTrex SE without solar sells for $150.
Potential for unlimited battery life, extensive GNSS support, rugged build, and affordable.
Small monochrome display, no turn-by-turn directions of TopoActive maps. $219.3 at Amazon
For a limited time, the Garmin eTrex Solar has been discounted down to $222 (from $250), making it a fantastic deal ahead of July 4th.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I gained a deep affection for the great outdoors. The forest is my happy place. I have a good sense of direction, too -- even in nature -- but the farther out I explore, the more I need GPS navigation to help me get to and from remote locations.
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All smartphones have GPS receivers, but battery life is important to preserve for communications and pictures. My watches also have GPS, but the displays are too small for recreational navigation as they are optimized for specific fitness activities.
Handheld GPS units are designed and built for outdoor activities -- hiking, fishing, geocaching, camping, and more -- with large displays, long battery life, and durable construction that can survive in various environments and keep going if you accidentally drop or bump them while exploring.
Throughout this past year, I have been using the Garmin eTrex Solar for hiking, trail riding, and geocaching activities. This GPS handheld provides up to 200 hours of GPS navigation with no solar charging; in an area with 75,000 lux sun -- bright sunlight -- the battery is advertised as providing unlimited GPS navigation support. I haven't been in an area with that much sun, so I haven't been able to test for unlimited life.
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