Garmin's New eTrex Touch: A Modern Classic with 650-Hour Battery Life

For years, a loyal contingent of bikepackers, thru-hikers, and backcountry adventurers have sworn by the rugged simplicity of Garmin’s eTrex series. For many, the venerable eTrex 20x and 30x models became the unofficial "gold standard" for multi-day navigation—a testament to their durability, reliability, and no-frills focus on the trail ahead. While Garmin has continued to evolve the line with models like the eTrex 22x/32x and the minimalist eTrex Solar, a gap remained for those who wanted modern features without losing the core eTrex spirit.

Last year's eTrex Solar, for instance, offered impressive solar charging capabilities but came with a significant trade-off: a basic black-and-white screen that lacked the ability to load detailed basemaps. For many users who rely on topographic context, this was a deal-breaker.

Now, Garmin has quietly released the answer many have been waiting for: the new Garmin eTrex Touch. This device marks a significant leap forward, reintroducing a full-color touchscreen and robust mapping capabilities while pushing the boundaries of battery performance.

Touchscreen Navigation Meets Backcountry Durability

The most immediate upgrade is the high-resolution color touchscreen. This brings the eTrex into the modern era of user interface design, allowing for intuitive swiping and zooming on maps—a far cry from the button-based navigation of its predecessors. This interface is paired with pre-loaded TopoActive maps, which provide detailed coverage of roads and trails right out of the box.

For adventurers demanding even more detail, Garmin offers an Outdoor Maps+ subscription (starting at $4.99 per month), which unlocks premium global mapping content. This combination of a capable touchscreen and powerful mapping directly addresses the shortcomings of recent minimalist models.

The New Benchmark for Battery Life

While the new screen is a welcome feature, the eTrex Touch's headline specification is its staggering battery performance. In standard GPS mode, the device delivers an already impressive 130 hours of life.

However, its true power is unleashed in Expedition Mode. By activating this low-power setting—which turns off the screen and reduces the frequency of GPS track points—the eTrex Touch can achieve an unprecedented 650 hours (or nearly 27 days) of continuous operation on a single charge. This game-changing endurance makes it an ideal companion for extended, off-grid expeditions where recharging is not an option.

Built for the Demands of the Trail

The eTrex Touch isn't just about software and battery; it's built to withstand the elements. Key features that underscore its backcountry credentials include:

• Rugged Construction: The device boasts an IP67 rating, certifying it as fully dustproof and capable of being submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Superior Accuracy: With Multi-band GPS support, the eTrex Touch can access multiple satellite frequencies, delivering faster and more reliable positioning, especially in challenging environments like deep canyons, dense forests, or remote mountain ranges.
• Seamless Planning: The device syncs with the Garmin Explore smartphone app, allowing users to easily plan trips, manage waypoints and courses, and review activities on a larger screen before syncing them back to the device.

The Verdict: A Modern Gold Standard?

The new Garmin eTrex Touch appears to strike the perfect balance between the classic, purpose-built ethos of the eTrex line and the modern functionality today's adventurers expect. By combining a responsive touchscreen, comprehensive mapping, and truly epic battery life, it caters directly to the dedicated bikepacker or hiker who prioritizes reliable navigation over the complex training metrics found on cycling-specific computers.

At a price of $449.99 USD, it represents a significant investment, but for those venturing deep into the backcountry, its feature set—especially the 650-hour Expedition Mode—presents a compelling argument. It’s a device that honors its legacy while setting a new, incredibly high bar for the future of handheld navigation.

The Garmin eTrex Touch is available now from Garmin.com and REI.com.