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Garmin eTrex 20 -vs- eTrex 30
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2545 Posts
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October 15, 2014 - 9:11 am
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I just had an annivesary at work and have an opportunity to "pick a prize".  I want a handheld GPS and there are 2 options.  The Garmin eTrex 20 and eTrex 30.  Obviously the 30 is more expensive than the 20 but do I need the few extra bells and whistles?  What I don't use on my prize I can bank for something else so it isn't as simple as just go big.

I will use it for intermediate geocaching and hiking.  I am not a backpacking hiker but I do like to go for hikes.  It would be cool to use it as my car GPS but they both need an add on chip for that.  From what I can tell they are exactly the same except the 30 has a barometer, altimeter, 3 axis compass, and it can talk wirelessly to other 30 units. 

What would you pick and why?

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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October 15, 2014 - 7:17 pm
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Had a e-trex 20 in the fire service and it worked well. It dead on 90% of the time. Easy to use . Gary

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October 15, 2014 - 10:52 pm
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The electronic compass is handy so that way you don't have to be in motion to use the compass.  From what I can tell from the garmin site, the Eurex 20 has the basic compass where you have to be moving in order to know what compass direction you are going.

My goal in life is to be the person my dog thinks I am.

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October 16, 2014 - 2:25 pm
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Chief...Being accurate is a big plus.  They both work off of GPS and GLONASS, the Russian system.  That is good if the Russians invade and take over the US and disable the GPS system I can still go geocaching  :thumbup:

Ladyhawke....Will the compass really annoy me enough that I should get the higher model?  I only have 15 geocaches found so I'm not exactly a professional.  Or will it help me to become a professional?

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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October 16, 2014 - 4:14 pm
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It sometimes didnt like real heavy tree cover and snowing heavy.  Chief

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October 20, 2014 - 11:08 am
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The thing I hate is having to move to know where I'm at.  If either of them knows where you are (or where you're facing) then get that one! I'm sure the people who go Geocaching/hiking with you would appreciate it  ::)

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October 22, 2014 - 10:53 am
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I ordered the 20 and it will be here Friday. Maybe ill get a chance to play with it on Sunday

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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November 5, 2014 - 8:17 am
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I received my eTrex 20 and I have been using it lately.  I'm liking it.  I can't wait to use it more in the woods.  I have been finding local geocache's that you can drive to within a few yards. 

I am camping this weekend at Pine Grove Furnace SP for the Thanksgiving Rally.  Can I download the park maps to it somehow?  That would be awesome to have the trails on it.

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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November 5, 2014 - 8:37 pm
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You can get topo maps but I'm not sure the you can upload trail maps specifically.  I can't even do that on my gps.  And now I'm off to load some geocaches for the rally!

My goal in life is to be the person my dog thinks I am.

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November 5, 2014 - 8:48 pm
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where do I go to get topo maps?

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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November 5, 2014 - 9:23 pm
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You have to purchase them.  You can get them from Garmin site.  I was looking around to see if I could find my DVD so you could upload maps (if you brought a laptop) but hold that thought because with the move, everything is scattered.  I will let you know if I find it before Friday.

My goal in life is to be the person my dog thinks I am.

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November 6, 2014 - 8:46 am
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If you find it, great. If not, I understand. I have been in my house 3 years since the move. I still haven't found my iPod and just this summer we opened a box with the kitchen knife sharpener, waffle iron and blender (no iPod )

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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November 6, 2014 - 8:34 pm
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Matt, I have been unable to locate the disk.  I'm sure that it will be found directly after this rally.... ::)

My goal in life is to be the person my dog thinks I am.

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