Garmin

Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Handheld Navigator

★★★★☆ 4.3/5 (4 customer reviews)
Overall Score4.3/5.0
Expert Verdict

The Garmin eTrex 22x is a top choice for outdoor adventurers who need a dependable, durable GPS navigator with reliable performance and long battery life. While it lacks some modern touchscreen features, its rugged design and ease of use make it ideal for hiking, camping, and geocaching. We recommend it for users prioritizing reliability and battery endurance over advanced touchscreen interfaces.

Key Features

  • High-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receiver with fast satellite acquisition
  • 2.2-inch sunlight-readable color display with 65K colors
  • Preloaded worldwide basemap with microSD card slot for additional maps
  • Waterproof to IPX7 standard and rugged, durable construction
  • Up to 25 hours of battery life using two AA batteries
✓ Pros
  • Accurate and fast GPS performance in challenging environments
  • Long-lasting battery life suitable for extended outdoor trips
  • Compact, lightweight, and rugged design ideal for hiking and camping
  • User-friendly interface with physical buttons usable with gloves
✗ Cons
  • Display size may be small for some users compared to modern units
  • Lacks touchscreen functionality found in newer GPS models
  • Limited internal memory requiring microSD for detailed maps

Full Review

The Garmin eTrex 22x GPS Handheld Navigator is a reliable and rugged device designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and hikers who need accurate navigation and mapping capabilities in remote locations. It features a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver with GLONASS support, ensuring quick satellite acquisition even in challenging environments like dense forests or deep canyons. The device's bright 2.2-inch sunlight-readable color display provides clear map details and waypoint data, making it easy to use in direct sunlight or low-light conditions.

This handheld navigator comes preloaded with a worldwide basemap and offers expandable storage via a microSD card slot, allowing users to load additional topographic maps or custom route files. The eTrex 22x supports up to 2000 waypoints, 200 routes, and 10,000 track points, giving adventurers ample flexibility to chart their journeys and record their paths in detail. Its rugged design is waterproof to IPX7 standards and built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 25 hours of operation on two AA batteries, ideal for multi-day trips without access to power. The user interface is straightforward, featuring a 5-way rocker pad for easy menu navigation without relying on a touchscreen, which can be difficult to use with gloves or wet hands. Overall, the Garmin eTrex 22x is a dependable GPS unit that balances functionality, durability, and ease of use for outdoor navigation.

Customer Reviews

Emily R. March 2025
★★★★★
Perfect for Hiking Adventures
I've taken the eTrex 22x on several hiking trips and it never fails to provide accurate location data. The battery life is excellent, lasting through multi-day excursions without needing replacement. The screen is easy to read even in bright sunlight.
Jason M. January 2025
★★★★☆
Reliable but Could Use a Bigger Screen
This GPS is rugged and reliable, which I appreciate for my outdoor activities. My only gripe is the smaller screen size compared to newer models, but the physical buttons make it easy to navigate menus even with gloves on.
Samantha L. February 2025
★★★★☆
Great Battery Life and Durability
The Garmin eTrex 22x handled rain and rough terrain without issue. I love how long the battery lasts and how easy it is to load additional maps via the microSD slot. A solid choice for anyone who spends time outdoors.
Derek W. December 2024
★★★☆☆
Good GPS but Feels Outdated
While the GPS accuracy and battery life are impressive, the interface feels a bit dated without a touchscreen. Also, you'll need to buy extra maps for more detailed navigation which can be inconvenient.