Garmin 010-02257-00 eTrex 32x Waterproof Handheld GPS Navigator - Wireless

The 22x/32x continue the evolution of the eTrex series of handheld GPS from Garmin. The only difference in the two models (other than about $100 in price): the 32x includes an electronic compass as well as a barometer/ altimeter. One advantage of the electronic compass: if you need to see what direction you are pointing, but there may be situations where you cannot move in that direction, then you might want to consider this a must-have feature. Also, if you want to see features of the landscape in front of you (whichever direction you are facing, but not walking), then the electronic compass can orient the map page to show you what's in front of you. The barometer can show you the ambient pressure, which might be useful info if you are camped and notice that the air pressure is falling; a storm may be on the way! The altimeter might give you a better estimate of your actual elevation if you don't have a detailed topo map for your region installed. That said, both the 22x and 32x come pre-loaded with "TopoActive NA", maps that show streets, roads, many trails and some elevation contours throughout Hawaii and the "lower 48", but not detailed elevation data (another map on these units has course detail for Alaska). Garmin does sell more detailed topo and other maps to install on either model. There's a slot in the battery compartment for a microSD card. You will need to install one if you intend to add more maps. These models are highly customizable. You can place multiple pages in a sequence that you can rotate through, a feature NOT shown in most video reviews. The unit comes with the main menu being the default screen. Out of the box, you would need to return to the main menu in order to access any other page. So I added additional pages that I use most frequently: satellite, trip computer, map, compass and elevation plot. Repeated pressing of the "back" button cycles through them. You can change the order, add or remove pages whenever you like. Most pages have data fields that you can customize to show exactly what you want to see on that page. Many have a top portion "dashboard"; you have several choices for that, depending on the style you like and the data you want to see. Overall opinion: for casual use in walking, hiking, geocaching or bicycling, either the 22x or 32x (with included US topoactive and other maps) work very well. If your priorities in a handheld are small size, light weight, long battery life and versatility, then the Garmin 22x or 32x might be the right fit for you.