Garmin GPSMAP 67 vs. Garmin eTrex 32x: The Real-World Head-to-Head
The Short Answer
I have carried both of these units through everything from the mud of the Pacific Northwest to the high alpine ridges of Colorado. Here is how they stack up in the field.
- Buy Garmin GPSMAP 67 if:
- You need to see your tracks on the screen while moving, not just after the trip.
- You want the ability to download topographic maps directly onto the device.
- You plan to use the device with a smartphone mount for navigation apps like Gaia.
- Buy Garmin eTrex 32x if:
- You want a unit that weighs under 4 ounces and fits in a small chest pocket.
- You are a purist who relies on a handheld map and compass, not a screen.
- You need a device that can be used underwater for stream crossings or river navigation.
Key Differences
The most obvious gap between these two is the display technology and the map capabilities. The GPSMAP 67 features a color display that renders pre-loaded topo maps, allowing you to identify terrain features while moving. The eTrex 32x uses a monochrome screen designed for map-less navigation.
Weight is another significant factor. The eTrex 32x comes in at 3.9 ounces, whereas the GPSMAP 67 is significantly heavier at 5.6 ounces. In a high-load thru-hike scenario, that extra 1.7 ounces adds up over 2,000 miles.
Price is where the value proposition shifts dramatically. The eTrex 32x typically retails around $200, while the GPSMAP 67 sits closer to $300. However, the unexpected difference lies in the map source. The eTrex 32x requires a separate subscription to Garmin Explore to download maps, adding a recurring cost or a one-time fee for map packs, whereas the GPSMAP 67 often includes map data or a path to download them via USB.
There is also a difference in battery life when the screen is off. The eTrex 32x can run for over 20 hours with the backlight off, while the GPSMAP 67, despite having a larger battery capacity, is slightly less efficient when not using the screen due to the color panel architecture.
Who Each Product Is Best For
The GPSMAP 67 Buyer: This unit is for the hiker who wants to visualize the terrain before they step off the trail. If you are navigating unfamiliar alpine routes where identifying a ridge line from a contour line on a topo map is a matter of life or death, the 67 is the only choice here. It is also ideal for families or groups who want to share their location and route progress in real-time.
The eTrex 32x Buyer: This is for the minimalist backpacker or the ultralight runner. If you are hiking established trails where you can read a paper map or follow a trail marker, you do not need the extra weight of the 67. It is also perfect for the “set and forget” navigator who just wants to know where they are and how far to go.
Performance and Real World Testing
I tested the GPSMAP 67 on a 12-day section hike in the Great Smoky Mountains carrying a 40-pound pack. In heavy rain and dense tree cover, the GPS lock was solid, but the color screen was a mixed bag. While it helps visualize the terrain, the sunlight glare can be intense without a cover, making it hard to read during midday.
A genuine weakness I discovered with the 67 is the lack of a built-in barometric altimeter in the base model. In the Cascades, where I needed to know if a ridge was actually reachable given the weather window, I had to rely on the phone’s barometer or a separate device. This is a critical omission for serious mountaineers.
The eTrex 32x, on the other hand, I used for a 50-mile loop in the White Mountains. The monochrome screen was a blessing in the midday sun, offering zero glare issues. However, the device lacks a backlight in the base model (depending on the specific revision), which makes it nearly impossible to use at night without a flashlight shining on it. This was a genuine pain point when I needed to check my position after dark during a thunderstorm.
Another limitation for the eTrex 32x is the lack of map display capability. You cannot see the contour lines while moving. You have to rely on your memory or a separate paper map, which can be dangerous if you are off-trail and disoriented.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP 67 | Garmin eTrex 32x |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.6 oz | 3.9 oz |
| Price | ~$300 | ~$200 |
| Best For | Visual navigation and topo maps | Ultralight and budget conscious |
| Biggest Weakness | No barometric altimeter | No screen backlight (base model) |
| Our Rating | 8/10 | 7/10 |
Price and Value
The current price for the Garmin GPSMAP 67 is approximately $300, while the eTrex 32x is around $200. If you are buying a single device and will likely use it for 5-10 years, the eTrex 32x offers better long-term value for the average hiker. The $100 difference is significant, and the features you lose (color screen, map display) are only necessary if you specifically need them. However, if you need the map visualization, the 67 is the only logical choice, and the value is justified by the safety it provides.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you are hiking established trails and want to keep weight low, grab the eTrex 32x. If you are venturing off-trail or need to visualize terrain, the GPSMAP 67 is the better investment. For more information on Garmin’s product lineup and their specific use cases, check out the official Garmin support page here.
Get the Garmin GPSMAP 67 on Amazon
Get the Garmin eTrex 32x on Amazon