The Garmin eTrex 22x Handheld GPS is a dependable and affordable GPS unit built for outdoor navigation. Whether you're hiking, geocaching, cycling, or exploring rugged terrains, this compact device offers reliability and essential mapping features without the complexity of more advanced units. With support for both GPS and GLONASS, preloaded TopoActive maps, and long battery life, the eTrex 22x is the perfect companion for adventurers who want accurate navigation in a durable, user-friendly device.
Rugged and weather-resistant, the Garmin eTrex 22x features a solid exterior with a water-resistant IPX7 rating, meaning it can handle rain, splashes, and accidental submersion. The device is small enough to fit in your hand or gear pocket and is built to withstand rough handling during outdoor trips. The 2.2-inch color screen is easy to view in direct sunlight, and its user-friendly interface uses physical buttons rather than a touchscreen—ideal for gloved hands in cold or wet conditions.
The Garmin eTrex 22x has a 2.2-inch 65K color transflective screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. The transflective display enhances visibility outdoors, especially in bright light. The screen size might seem small compared to smartphones, but it is designed for clarity, efficiency, and power conservation.
Navigation through the menus is simple thanks to a five-button interface. Even first-time GPS users will find the learning curve gentle and intuitive.
One of the biggest advantages of the Garmin eTrex 22x Handheld GPS is its preloaded TopoActive maps, which cover routable roads and trails throughout North America or Europe depending on your purchase region. These maps are perfect for hiking, cycling, and off-road navigation, providing contour lines, elevation data, and land features such as rivers and forests.
The eTrex 22x supports both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems, offering faster and more reliable location tracking even in challenging environments like canyons or forests. Users can save and manage up to 2,000 waypoints, 200 routes, and track their journey using the track log feature.
The Garmin eTrex 22x is powered by two AA batteries and can run for up to 25 hours in GPS mode. This long battery life is ideal for multi-day trips where charging options may be limited. The device is compatible with rechargeable NiMH, lithium, or standard alkaline batteries, giving users flexibility depending on their needs.
With 8 GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot, the eTrex 22x allows users to add more maps, including topographic maps, marine maps, or satellite imagery. This flexibility makes it useful for a variety of outdoor applications beyond simple hiking or biking.
You can also upload custom routes and waypoints via Garmin BaseCamp software, allowing users to pre-plan detailed expeditions.
For geocachers, the Garmin eTrex 22x supports paperless geocaching. You can download GPX files directly to the device, view cache descriptions, hints, difficulty, and terrain ratings. It supports thousands of geocaches, making it a great choice for those who enjoy treasure hunts in nature.
This device is perfect for:
Compared to the eTrex 10, the 22x offers a color screen, better resolution, and detailed mapping with expandability. The eTrex 32x adds a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, making it more suitable for mountaineering or high-altitude navigation. The 22x sits in the middle—offering map support and expandability at a great price without extra sensors that some users might not need.
Pros:
Cons:
The Garmin eTrex 22x Handheld GPS is a well-balanced unit for users who want more than just the basics without the cost or complexity of high-end models. Its rugged design, reliable navigation, and support for detailed mapping make it an excellent choice for everyday adventurers.
Whether you’re heading into the woods, geocaching with your kids, or mapping out a weekend bike trail, the Garmin eTrex 22x is a trusted companion that won’t let you down. With expandable storage and TopoActive maps, it provides value and flexibility that’s hard to beat in this price range.