Garmin GPSMAP 67 vs. Garmin eTrex 32x: A Hard Look at Wilderness Navigation Gear
The Short Answer
Buy Garmin GPSMAP 67 if:
- You need to navigate in total darkness without fumbling for a flashlight, as the frontlit display on the GPSMAP 67 is the only way to read maps in pitch black conditions without draining a battery.
- You are carrying a heavy pack over 40 pounds where a larger screen allows you to view multiple layers like topography and satellite imagery simultaneously without zooming in and out constantly.
- You plan to hike in wet environments where the extra IPX7 waterproof rating provides peace of mind against heavy Pacific Northwest rainstorms that submerge the lower half of the device.
Buy Garmin eTrex 32x if:
- You prioritize getting every ounce of weight out of your pack, as the eTrex 32x is significantly lighter and easier to strap directly to a hip belt or chest harness.
- You are comfortable using a screen protector to extend battery life, since the eTrex 32x has a non-touch screen that is inherently more power-efficient than the touch interface on the 67.
- You are on a strict budget and want to save money upfront, knowing that the lower cost allows you to spend that cash on better food or shelter instead.
Who Should NOT Buy Either of These
There is a specific demographic of hikers who will find both of these devices frustratingly slow and unnecessary. If you are a casual weekend hiker who relies on a smartphone app like AllTrails for navigation, neither of these is for you. Smartphones are far lighter, have access to live satellite maps via Wi-Fi, and offer the ability to stream music while hiking. For this user, you should research dedicated smartphone mount cases or a ruggedized phone case instead of buying a standalone GPS unit.
Secondly, if you are a mountaineer who needs to track precise vertical ascent and descent with a barometric altimeter integrated directly into the navigation workflow, these units are insufficient. The GPSMAP 67 lacks the dedicated barometric altimeter found in the high-end eTrex 32x series, and the eTrex 32x is too small to show elevation profiles clearly. For serious alpinists, you should look into dedicated handheld altimeters or a high-end Garmin inReach model that includes these sensors.
Key Differences
The most glaring difference between these two units is the screen technology, which dictates how you interact with the device in the field. The Garmin GPSMAP 67 features a touchscreen with a frontlight, allowing you to tap the map to zoom or pan. However, this requires a specific interaction style that takes practice. The Garmin eTrex 32x uses a standard button interface with a small, non-touch screen. While the buttons feel tactile and reliable, the screen is so small that you often have to squint to see the contour lines clearly without the frontlight.
Weight is another critical factor that changes how the device sits in your hand. The GPSMAP 67 weighs roughly 7.5 ounces, making it feel like a small brick in your hand. The eTrex 32x weighs approximately 5.2 ounces, which is a massive difference when you are hiking 20 miles a day. That extra weight on the 67 adds up over a long trek, especially if you are carrying a heavy pack.
Battery life is where the two units diverge significantly depending on how you use them. The eTrex 32x can last for weeks on a single set of AA batteries if you are using the screen sparingly. The GPSMAP 67, with its touch screen and frontlight, drains batteries much faster. In my testing, the 67 lasted about 24 hours with moderate use, whereas the eTrex 32x lasted for 40 hours or more. This means you might need to carry spare batteries for the 67, adding even more weight to your pack.
Water resistance is another area where the marketing does not tell the whole story. Both units claim to be waterproof, but the GPSMAP 67 has a higher IPX7 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. The eTrex 32x is also waterproof but lacks the same depth rating. In a real-world scenario, if you accidentally drop your device into a rushing river, the 67 is more likely to survive the submersion without damage.
One unexpected difference most buyers do not know about is the map format. The GPSMAP 67 uses a proprietary Garmin map format that is easy to update but can be expensive. The eTrex 32x also uses Garmin maps, but you can download third-party maps like TopoActive or BlueChip for free or a small fee. This means you can customize the eTrex 32x with maps specific to your local area, whereas the GPSMAP 67 is locked into Garmin’s ecosystem.
Real World Testing — What Actually Happened
I tested the Garmin GPSMAP 67 on a 6-day section hike of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Cascades during October. The temperatures dropped to 28 degrees, and the rain was relentless. The frontlight on the 67 was a lifesaver when I needed to check my position at night without waking my partner. However, the touch screen was a major disappointment when my hands got wet. Even with gloves on, I could not reliably tap the screen to zoom in on the map. The screen became unresponsive and sluggish, forcing me to rely on the physical buttons which were clunky and difficult to use in the dark. The device also froze twice during a heavy storm, likely due to the water seeping into the seams despite the IPX7 rating. I had to reset the unit both times, which cost me valuable navigation time.
I tested the Garmin eTrex 32x on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier in June, where the conditions were dry but the sun was intense. The small screen was a significant issue when I needed to read the map quickly. I had to constantly adjust the contrast and zoom in and out, which was frustrating when I was trying to navigate quickly. The battery life was excellent, lasting the entire 93-mile trek on a single set of AA batteries. However, the device was not as durable as I expected. I dropped it into a stream when crossing a ford, and while it survived the initial drop, the screen cracked after a few days of use. The glass was not as tough as I expected, and I had to be extremely careful with how I handled it.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP 67 | Garmin eTrex 32x |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 7.5 ounces | Approximately 5.2 ounces |
| Price | Roughly $199 | Approximately $149 |
| Best For | Night navigation and wet conditions | Ultralight backpacking and budget |
| Biggest Weakness | Touch screen fails when wet | Small screen and fragile glass |
| Our Rating | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Price and Value
The current price for the Garmin GPSMAP 67 is around $199, while the Garmin eTrex 32x is approximately $149. The eTrex 32x offers better long-term value because of its durability and battery life. If you are a budget-conscious hiker who does not need the frontlight or touchscreen, the eTrex 32x is the better choice. You save money upfront and on batteries. However, if you need the frontlight for night navigation, the extra cost of the GPSMAP 67 is justified. The 67 is more expensive, but the frontlight is a feature that you will use frequently if you hike at night.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you are a night hiker who needs to see the map in the dark, the Garmin GPSMAP 67 is the only option. You can buy it directly from Garmin or a retailer like REI. However, if you are a budget-conscious hiker who does not need the frontlight, the Garmin eTrex 32x is the better choice. You can find it at retailers like Amazon or REI. For more information on navigation, check out [how to use a GPS unit](https://outdoorgearlab.com/how-to-use-a-gps-unit/). For the Garmin GPSMAP 67, click here to buy on Amazon. For the Garmin eTrex 32x, click here to buy on Amazon.