Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

It seems like a lot of the negative reviewers didn't understand what they were buying when they ordered this. This isn't a replacement for your Waze/Google Maps and it isn't intended to be. Some of the so-called negatives that are positive features, not bugs: 1. Bulky. Yeah, it's hefty for it's size, but it will also take a hell of a lot more beating than your slimline smart phone -- even with an Otterbox. The shape also makes it more comfortable to hold in the hand. 2. Lack of touchscreen. Have you ever tried to use your iPhone while it's raining or with gloves on? Touchscreens are great in climate-controlled, pristine conditions. This is designed for use in all sorts of inclement weather and dirty environments. 3. Outdated user interface. True, this sort of operates like a 2008 cell phone. The layout is simple to set up and probably contributes to the extensive battery life. 4. AA batteries. A few people have complained about the eTrex not having a rechargeable lithium battery like every other electronic device nowadays. It's hard to understand why they think this would be a good idea on a GPS. If you're out on a long hike/camping/hunting trip for several days, having access to a charging port is unlikely, which makes it worlds easier to just be able to pop in two new batteries when the old ones run out. 5. Memory capacity. The pre-installed maps take up the entire 8gb integrated memory. Buy a 32gb microSD card for $6 and download as many online maps as you want. (There are dozens of YouTube videos on how to do this.) 6. Lack of map detail. I haven't encountered any shortcomings with the included maps, so unless these negative reviewers are trekking through Gates of the Arctic (unlikely given the nature of their complaints), then you'll probably be covered on any state or local trails. 7. Inaccuracy of geolocation. I've found the registered location is regularly 20-40 feet off from where I'm actually standing. While this might sound poor, my cell phone will typically be off by 50-100 feet. But exactitude isn't the point, it's to help you get your general bearings so you can find your way to your next waypoint, back to your camp, etc. As long as you're within sightline of your target, being off by a few yards isn't a big deal. 8. Non-routable maps. It has these, it just operates differently than your phone's map app. You type in the address and it routes you there. It's not clear to me why people have said it won't. 9. Confusing features and interface. This one boggles my mind. There are loads of articles and videos online about how to use all the features. But generally I do one of two things: 1) When preparing for a trip, I download trails from AllTrails Pro into Basecamp, which exports them onto the eTrex. Then I follow the trail on the device. 2) For a non-prepared trip, I turn on the eTrex, it records my track, I save it on the device, then when I get home, I plug it into my computer to upload to Basecamp. Done. Bottom line, this is a handy little gadget if you're outdoors a lot, you're willing to dedicate (minimal) time to understanding how to use it, and you understand that this sub-$200 GPS that will last you for a decade is not intended to replace your $800+ cellphone that will be obsolete in six months.