ZDNET's key takeaways The Garmin eTrex Solar is available now for $228, while the eTrex SE without solar sells for $149.
It has the potential for unlimited battery life, extensive GNSS support, features a rugged build, and is very accurate.
However, it has a small monochrome display, and no turn-by-turn directions of TopoActive maps. $228.14 at Amazon
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I gained a deep affection for the 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.
Also: I found the Android smartwatch with the best battery life (and it's not a Samsung or OnePlus)
Throughout this past year, I've been using the Garmin eTrex Solar for hiking, trail riding, and geocaching. 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.
All smartphones have GPS receivers, but battery life is important to preserve for communications (and picture-taking!) 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 harsh environments and keep going if you accidentally drop them while exploring.
Also: Finally, a budget smartwatch that's just as durable as my Garmin (and it's on sale)
I haven't been in an area with that much sun, so I haven't been able to test for unlimited life, but I never had to charge up the unit during my testing either, so you can count on this device to last longer than most of your adventures do. I also regularly saw the solar intensity appear in the 70-80% range so the device is great at collecting minimal sun too.
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