Garmin eTrex Solar Handheld GPS Review
solar-powered almost endless battery life in a handheld gps unit
March 10th, 2024
Home > Gear Reviews > Electronics
Our Verdict
The Garmin eTrex Solar GPS offers a bold promise for the future of handheld navigation devices .
The promise?
Unlimited power. With its USB rechargeable internal battery the eTrex Solar offers hours of battery life – up to 200 hours when being used for regular tracking and up to 1800 hours in expedition mode. An outstanding feat for any handheld GPS device. For comparison, the similar Garmin eTrex 22x has only 25 hours of battery life in regular tracking mode.
The eTrex’s real groundbreaking feature is solar charging capability. The solar cells on the unit's front side are so sensitive to sunlight and respond so rapidly a user can watch the solar battery discharge and charge live on the screen. The eTrex Solar can renew itself over and over again endlessly.
Between the solar charging and the internal battery a user need never worry about battery life.
Otherwise, despite the innovative charging capability of the eTrex Solar the device offers nothing new– no new breakthroughs in handheld GPS navigational ability– which is a big disappointment.
Unlike the similar Garmin eTrex 22x and eTrex 32x, which have preloaded color topographic maps, there are no maps on the eTrex Solar GPS nor can maps can’t be downloaded to it. Waypoints, routes and navigation are all done breadcrumb style on a black and white screen.
To be really useful the Garmin eTrex Solar has to be paired with the Garmin Explorer app on a smartphone. With the Explorer app,routes can be planned, maps downloaded, looked at and used. If you want to use the eTrex to do live navigation and see where you’re going, or where you’ve been, you’ll need to use the Explorer app. Unlike other similar GPS units, the eTrex solar is not capable of sharing your tracking live in the field. You can share your trip afterwards on Explore.com or Mapshare.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Specs
Weight: 5.0 ounces (141 grams)
Dimensions: 2.5” x 4.1”
Display size: 1.3” x 1.7” x 2.16”
Screen pixels: 240 x 320
Color screen: No
Battery life: With its USB rechargeable internal battery eTrex Solar offers hours of life – up to 200 hours when being used for regular GPS tracking, 100 hours with Multi Band Tracking, and up to 1800 hours in expedition mode. With its solar changing capability the eTrex offers unlimited battery life in 75,000 Lux conditions. Just for reference, a typical sunny day is about 50,000 lux. Ambient daylight is 10,000 to 25,000 lux and an overcast day is around 1,000 to 5,000 lux. A full moon offers 1 lux.
Number of courses: The eTrex solar comes without any preloaded courses. Courses can be created by using the Garmin Explore App in conjunction with a cellphone.
OS compatibility: The eTrex will pair wirelessly with iOS and Android smartphones.
Satellite messenger: No
SOS capable: No
Altimeter: No. While not a true altimeter, altitude is displayed when you are navigating.
Barometer: No
Preloaded maps: Yes, but very basic and without detail.
Ability to add maps: Maps cannot be downloaded directly to the eTrex solar and there is no ability to put a SIM card in the unit for adding maps.
Geocaching: Geocaching is one of the most entertaining features of the eTrex solar. A user will have to go to the geocaching activity on the device and follow the screen instructions. The device will have to be registered as a user with https://www.geocaching.com (free) as well as registering the device. Once registered the site will list nearby geocaches.
Charging: USB-C as well as solar
What We Liked
The Garmin eTrex Solar offers unlimited charging by utilizing sun power as well as an internal rechargeable battery. The unit's screen shows the fluctuations in solar power so a user never need wonder about how much battery they have.
With its USB rechargeable internal battery eTrex Solar offers hours of life – up to 200 hours when being used for regular GPS tracking, 100 hours with Multi Band Tracking, and up to 1800 hours in expedition mode.
With its solar changing capability the eTrex offers unlimited battery life in 75,000 Lux conditions. Just for reference, a typical sunny day is about 50,000 lux. Ambient daylight is 10,000 to 25,000 lux and an overcast day is around 1,000 to 5,000 lux. A full moon offers 1 lux.
(Dean Krakel, Special Treeline Review)
What’s not to like about never having to worry about running out of power or about where you’re going to charge the unit up? The eTrex Solar charges quickly using the built in solar panels and gives ever changing readouts on the solar energy it’s receiving or outputting.
The USB-C charging cable for the internal battery has become the universal standard for charging devices these days. When I misplaced the charging cable that came with the unit it was no problem finding another.
The push button controls on the eTrex are user friendly and easy to operate, even with gloves and even one-handed.
The display screen is bright.
Menu options are easily edited and easily navigated.
The unit is lightweight and fits in a shirtpocket.
One feature I found useful is that the eTrex Solar, although supposed to be exposed to open sky to reach satellites, will still track through a jacket or shirt pocket, or even the frame bag on a mountain bike. A technician at Garmin explained that the receiving capability on new GPS units is so sensitive that they don’t require being placed in an “open sky” position to operate. While an unobstructed view is optimal, the unit can function, like I said, in a shirt pocket or bike bag.
Screen shots are easily taken by pushing the “okay” and “back” button on the right hand side of the unit. Screen shots allow a user to share information. Accessing screenshots has to be done on a computer or laptop. For Windows users the screenshots can be accessed in the Garmin folder on the desktop when the unit is attached to the computer by its USB-c cable. Mac users will have to download this program: android indirect file transfer: http://android.com/filetransfer/ to access the Garmin files.
When paired with the Explorer App the eTrex’s usefulness for navigating increased.
What Could Be Better
The preloaded maps on the Garmin eTrex Solar GPS leave something to be desired in their level of detail. This photo was taken to show the device's map of Gunnison, Colorado. However, by utilizing the Garmin Explore app and syncing the device to a smartphone the unit will provide detailed color maps that are much more useful. (Dean Krakel, Special to Treeline Review)
The Garmin eTrex Solar is a non-mapping handheld GPS. The eTrex has no internal maps nor can maps be downloaded to it. To really function as a navigational tool the unit must be paired with a smartphone, and navigating with a smartphone paired to a GPS device is great, until the cell phone battery dies or the cell phone is damaged or lost.
In addition, if a GPS unit has to be paired with a smartphone to make it truly usable, why not just navigate with a smartphone and the many useful navigational tools offered like Gaia, Ride with GPS, Caltopo. Fatmap, iHike or a dozen others?
Without the Explorer App a user has to follow breadcrumbs between waypoints during TrackBack or to see their own movements during tracking.
The screen is black and white. While not a terrible drawback, I’ve gotten used to color screens on my devices and it’s hard to backtrack. If the unit had detailed maps, even the black and white screen would be tolerable. Following breadcrumbs on a black and white screen…well it just feels wrong.
Solar power is wonderful, except when there’s no sun. Many long distance runners, hikers, and bikers move during the night so they would have to rely on the eTrex’s internal battery. And if you’re adventuring in Alaska or some other far northern latitude where cloudy days are common and winter light is limited to a few hours a day, you’ll have to rely on the eTrex’s internal battery. The battery is adequate for most non-sunlight use but colder temperatures would drain it fast.
The eTrex’s winter weather performance is weak. Living in a cold place, the Gunnison Valley in Colorado, I found myself dealing with a frozen unit on backcountry ski trips on several occasions. Sometimes I’d get a warning on the screen saying the unit was approaching its minimum operating temperature and several times I did not. The eTrex simply froze. No pun intended. Nor could it be warmed up inside a coat.
Additionally, there are too many Garmin platforms. Really. Besides Explore, there is Garmin Connect, Garmin Messenger, Garmin Mapshare, Garmin Basecamp, Garmin Mapsource, Connect IQ and of course Geochaching.com, which isn’t Garmin but you still have to use it if you geocache. At one time or another I used each one for something different. Can’t Garmin just make one do it all platform?
Travelers venturing into remote places and using the eTex for navigation would need to carry a smartphone for enhanced navigation and in addition a device capable of sending out an SOS should help be needed.
The Garmin eTrex Solar comes out of the box with no way to attach it to anything. Unlike other Garmin devices, there is no carabiner for wearing it, putting it on a backpack or mounting it to a bike are extra.
Target audience and recommended use cases
A screenshot showing geocaches near where I live in Almont, Colorado, taken from the geocaching.com site. To use the Garmin eTrex Solar for geocaching a user will have to go to the geocaching activity on the device and follow the screen instructions. The device will have to be registered as a user with https://www.geocaching.com (free) as well as registering the device. Once registered the site will list nearby geocaches. (Dean Krakel, Special to Treeline Review)
The eTrex Solar is perfect for geocache users. It’s light, friendly, does the job and never runs out of battery. It’s a great unit for day hikers and mountain bikers who travel uncomplicated, non remote areas. With the addition of Garmin Explore paired to a smartphone, the unit's functionality increases and can be of more use to long distance travelers and adventures.
Navigation and Mapping Features
A photograph showing the level of detail given by the Garmin eTrex Solar's maps on a short point to point mountain biking trip. While a user can create and save waypoints and navigate to them, save and follow activities, utilize tracking, and create courses by linking waypoints together, that is the extent of navigation using the unit itself. True waypoint and route management has to be done on the Garmin Explore app.
(Dean Krakel, Special to Treeline Review)
The Garmin eTrex Solar is considered a non-mapping GPS device. Although the eTrex Solar has a preloaded basemap that shows basic features in a landscape, including cities, throughout the world the maps are without detail. Although the eTrex Solar has 28 GB of internal memory it cannot be loaded with any additional mapping nor is there a slot for a microSD card to add memory.
With the eTrex Solar a user can create and save waypoints and navigate to them, save and follow activities, utilize tracking, and create courses by linking waypoints together, that is the extent of navigation using the unit itself. True waypoint and route management has to be done on the Garmin Explore app.
Preloaded maps:
The Garmin eTrex Solar cannot use preloaded maps.
Ability to add maps:
The Garmin eTex Solar has no slot for a micro sim card for the ability to add maps
TracBack
A screenshot showing tracking on the Garmin Explore app when done by the Garmin eTrex Solar handheld GPS device. While the eTrex Solar doesn't have detailed color maps or the ability to create courses that can all be done by utilizing the free Garmin Explore App and syncing it with a smartphone.(Dean Krakel, Special to Treeline Review)The color maps are from Explorer, Connect and Mapshare.
The TracBack feature works just fine. Just follow the breadcrumbs back to your starting point.
There are 2 options for TracBack. Follow the path you created or go straight. Guidance is aided with a pointer arrow that shows your direction and the direction you should be heading when you get off course. I found my return route easy to follow with the breadcrumbs and directional arrow aid.
I didn’t have much success with heading back to a starting point by going in a straight line. Cliffs, deep snow, dense forests, and mountains all seemed to get in the way. Mainly because without accurate maps, I was traveling blind. Using the Explore App in conjunction with the eTrex Solar would show a person these obstacles, but just using the handheld device…nada.
At times I found the bread crumb symbols not exactly aligning with where I was and got off course before correcting myself using the directional arrow to find my way back to the breadcrumbs.
I did like the Sight and Go feature and used it often. A user just points the GPS at something and can navigate to it, although not always on the easiest route.
LiveTrack
Live tracking works on the eTrex Solar but without a detailed map, a user is looking at bread crumbs that are showing the trip in progress without any detail.
Bluetooth Connectivity
A screenshot showing tracking on the Garmin Connect app when done by the Garmin eTrex Solar handheld GPS device. While the eTrex Solar doesn't have detailed color maps or the ability to create courses, share tracking that can all be done by utilizing the free Garmin Expore app, as well as Garmin's Mapshare and Connect apps. and syncing it with a smartphone. (Dean Krakel, Special to Treeline Review).
The eTrex Solar is easily connected to bluetooth and wifi. The pairing with a phone by using wifi is essential if the Garmin Explore App is to be used in conjunction with the eTrex.
Global navigation satellite systems and Multi-band GNSS:
For many years GPS has used 2 major frequencies for navigation and communication: the L1, civilian satellites and the L2, military satellites. In 2021 an L5 civilian band was initiated into use. A multiband GPS unit like the eTrex Solar can utilize L1 and L5 frequencies, a combined total of 24 GPS satellites. This gives reliable and accurate connections and real time navigation that is accurate and fast. This also makes reliable connection with a satellite faster and stronger.
By using the Satellite option under settings a user can change the satellite system. GPS only enables the GPS satellite system. The Multi-GNSS option enables multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Demo Mode turns off GPS although I’m not sure why a person would want that.
Compass
The eTrex Solar has a digital compass that works on magnetic fields just as a normal handheld compass does, providing accurate directions and heading even when the user is stationary. (Dean Krakel, Special to Treeline Review)
The eTrex Solar has a digital compass that works on magnetic fields just as a normal handheld compass does, but it does not utilize a GPS compass that uses satellites and is operational during movement. The eTrex Solar can provide accurate directions and heading even when the user is stationary.
Button layout and ease of use
Unlike my eTrex 22x, which utilizes a joystick to toggle through the functions, the eTrex Solar uses up and down buttons on the left side and “okay” and “more” buttons on the right. These are user friendly, ergonomically placed, convenient, and easy to use, even with gloves.
Visibility in different lighting conditions
The eTrex Solar’s screen is bright in all conditions and easily adjustable within the unit's internal settings.
Battery Life
Real-world battery life
Between the internal battery and the solar battery the real world experience is one of constant battery power. The eTrex Solar has a screen that continually updates its battery life, internal and solar. It's pretty fun to watch the solar charging go up and down depending on conditions.
Power-saving features and settings:
To save power in navigation mode there is an expedition mode that gives the longest battery life. While in Expedition Mode the eTrex will go to sleep and awaken when the power button is tapped.
To access Expedition Mode go to the main menu, select settings, then systems. Expedition Mode allows a user to customize settings. Auto automatically turns on Expedition Mode after two minutes of inactivity. Manual Mode allows a user to turn on Expedition Mode using the power menu.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Waterproofness and crush proofness
The eTrex Solar is waterproof if submerged in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes, which means it works just fine in rain and snow. The device isn’t crush proof. I wouldn’t drive my truck over it. While the eTrex’s build is quite sturdy and appears durable it’s not built for out of the ordinary use, so care should be taken. Normal vibration, being mounted on a mountain bike, or attached to a pack didn’t faze the unit even in inclement weather.
Could the eTrex Solar survive a bike crash, failed kayak roll, or taking a tumble onto rocks? Hold my beer! How the eTrex Solar would fare if its solar charging panels were broken or cracked remains to be seen.
Performance in extreme temperatures
Operating temperatures of the eTrex Solar are listed by the factory as designed to operate from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It can charge its internal battery from a USB port from 32 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. It will charge its solar panel from 32 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because I live in such a cold place, I had no opportunity to test the eTrex Solar in warmer temperatures. Although its minimum operating temperature is listed at -4 degrees Fahrenheit by Garmin, I had the unit stop functioning at 9 degrees and 15 degrees. Below zero? Forget about it. By stop functioning I mean the unit froze, no pun intended. Not even putting it in the jacket pocket of my down sweater for an hour revived it and it did not wake up until I set it on my kitchen counter for 30 minutes.
Garmin Explore App
The color maps are from Explorer, Connect and Mapshare.
The Garmin Explore App is a free download that gives the eTrex Solar mapping capability. After downloading the app and syncing with a smartphone, an easy and self-guided process, you will have the ability to create routes, waypoints, tracking and do live navigation on detailed maps on the smartphone. Having the Explore App is necessary if you wish to utilize more of the eTrex’s features.
There is no subscription to Garmin services required to use the eTrex Solar GPS. Nor is a subscription required to use the Garmin Explore App.
Checking Weather
This feature was easy to use and accurate. The eTrex Solar’s menu of options is easy to set up. I added weather, moon phases, distance, and area size to the menu. The weather was easily updated. HOWEVER. Several times when out hiking I tried to get a weather forecast and was given the screen message that mobile connectivity was required. Wait. What?
This also happened several times in geocache mode too.
This is what was explained to me by Garmin support: while the eTrex Solar doesn't require cell service and uses satellite signals to provide weather updates or find geocaches, it may require connection to a smartphone by bluetooth or wifi for internet-based data. For Weather Updates, live or forecasted weather conditions, the Garmin device might rely on an internet connection to access up-to-date information. While the device itself can receive basic weather data from satellite signals, detailed weather forecasts, alerts, and conditions often come from internet sources, requiring a mobile device connection.
The eTrex Solar also uses satellite data to navigate to geocache locations. However, downloading new geocaches, syncing your finds, or accessing detailed information about geocaches often requires an internet connection.
The device prompts you to connect to a mobile device because it enhances functionality, allowing you to access a wider range of services and data that the GPS unit alone cannot provide without an internet connection. Essentially, the smartphone acts as a bridge between your Garmin device and the internet, enabling features that require live data updates.
Weight: 5.5 ounces
Display size: 2.2 inches
Battery life: up to 7 days; expedition mode: 3 months
OS compatibility: iOs, Windows
Satellite messenger:
SOS capable: No
Altimeter: No
Barometer: No
Preloaded maps: None
Charging: USB-C
The eTrex SE is basically the eTrex Solar without the battery life.
GARMIN ETREX SE
Weight: 5 oz
Dimensions: 4 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches
Display size: 2.2 inches
Color screen: Yes
Battery life: Up to 25 hours
Number of courses:
OS compatibility: Windows / Mac
Satellite messenger:
Altimeter: No (yes for 32i model)
Barometer: No (yes for 32i model)
Preloaded maps: Topo
Charging: USB-C
Both the Garmin eTrex22i and Garmin eTrex32i units are lightweight - 5oz - durable and mount easily on a bike, which makes them very popular with bikepackers and racers. They come with detailed color TopoActive maps and 8G of memory. Maps can be downloaded to them and they have the ability to add a micro SD card for additional capacity. Both run on 2 AA batteries and have a battery life of about 25 hours
The main difference between the two units is that the 32x comes with a barometric altimeter, which gives far more accurate elevation and location readings and a 3-axis compass, which means it works just like a normal handheld compass. The 32x also has the ability to add custom maps
GARMIN ETREX 22X AND ETREX 32X
Weight: 8.1 ounces
Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.5 x 1.4 inches
Display size: 3 inches
Color screen: Yes
Battery life: up to 165 hours; expedition mode: up to 425 hours
OS compatibility: Android, iOS
Satellite messenger: Yes
SOS capable: Yes
Altimeter: Yes, pressure-based
Barometer: Yes
Preloaded maps:
Charging: USB-C
We look forward to reviewing this handheld soon, as it’s considered the Cadillac of satellite communications. My in-depth review of that unit will be coming soon.
GARMIN GPSMAP 67I
Conclusion
A screenshot showing tracking on the Garmin Mapshare app when done by the Garmin eTrex Solar handheld GPS device. While the eTrex Solar doesn't have detailed color maps or the ability to create courses or share tracking and trips that can all be done by utilizing the free Garmin Mapshare App and syncing it with a smartphone. While the eTrex Solar doesn't offer live tracking ability a trip can be shared later on Mapshare. (Dean Krakel, Special to Treeline Review)(Dean Krakel, Special to Treeline Review)
Overall assessment of the Garmin eTrex Solar
At its core the Garmin eTrex solar GPS is similar to the Garmin eTrex SE but with solar power. Like the SE the eTrex is a durable, easy to use, lightweight, GPS unit that will get you where you want to go and bring you back again.
But battery life is where the similarity ends with other hand held GPS devices and the eTrex Solar shines.
Why in the world aren't more of our outdoor gadgets solar powered like the Garmin eTrex Solar unit? Especially satellite communicators, SOS devices, and GPS units? The eTrex may break new ground for other devices in and out of the Garmin family.
Value for money
The Garmin eTrex Solar offers good value for its price. A user gets a lightweight, handheld GPS that has basic navigation functions, offers tracking and TrackBack, Sight and Go, gives weather conditions, moon phases, and never needs charging. Alone it will get a person to their destination and back again but has enhanced functionality including live tracking, real time navigation, and detailed color maps when paired with a smartphone.
Why You Should Trust Us / About the Author
Dean Krakel is a three-time Pulitzer-prize-winning photojournalist, photographer, and photo editor whose work appears in National Geographic, Rolling Stone, Cowboys & Indians, High Country News, National Wildlife, Outside, Time, Yoga Journal, Newsweek, and Life magazines.
With over four decades of experience, his early dramatic documentary-style photographs of the Marlboro Man shot for the Leo Burnett Agency were seen worldwide.
Krakel is the author of three books: Season of the Elk, Downriver, and Krakel’s West. In 2015, Krakel left his newspaper career at the Denver Post to hike the 500-mile long Colorado Trail; a film about that hike—The Long Haul—won a Heartland Emmy Award.
Dean’s fine art prints are valued by collectors and have been exhibited in galleries in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Large exhibition prints of his photographs are on permanent display in the Denver Justice Center. Dean is based in Crested Butte, Colorado.
