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Garmin eTrex 30x vs Garmin Oregon 600T: Which Handheld GPS Navigator is Better?

Garmin eTrex 30x vs Garmin Oregon 600T

There is nothing like some outdoor adventure whether in the mountains, through the forests, or over the water. Kids and families, and friends all benefit from enjoying nature and even more so with the help of a handheld navigator.

Map reading is certainly a skill that we all need to learn still, but, for accuracy and convenience, handheld GPS navigators are an essential part of the outdoor kit. Garmin has an array of navigators; we are going to be looking at the Garmin eTrex 30x and the Garmin Oregon 600T.

We will begin by discussing what the two Garmin handheld navigators have in common and then move on to their differences. After adding a comparison chart with all of the specifics, we will include some pros and cons of the Garmin eTrex 30x and the Garmin Oregon 600T and then finish up with our final verdict.

Garmin eTrex 30x vs Garmin Oregon 600T – Similarities

Quick glance

Name
Our pick
Garmin eTrex 30x, Handheld GPS Navigator with 3-axis Compass, Enhanced Memory and Resolution, 2.2-inch Color Display, Water Resistant
Garmin Oregon 600 3-Inch Worldwide Handheld GPS
Image
Garmin eTrex 30x, Handheld GPS Navigator with 3-axis Compass, Enhanced Memory and Resolution, 2.2-inch Color Display, Water Resistant
Garmin Oregon 600 3-Inch Worldwide Handheld GPS
Size
1.3 x 4 x 2.1 inches
1.3 x 4.5 x 2.4 inches
Weigh
5oz
70oz
Display
2.2-inch color display
3” touchscreen color display
Power
X2 AA batteries
X2 AA batteries or NiMH pack
Water-Resistant
Yes. Rated IPX7
Sunlight Readable
Location Features
GPS with HotFix and GLONASS
GPS with HotFix and GLONASS
Other Built-in Features
3-axis compass, barometric altimeter
3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, accelerometer
Compatibility
TOPO U.S 24k, BlueChart g2, City Navigator
TOPO U.S 24k, BlueChart g2, City Navigator, Trailhead Series TOPO
Sharing Data
Wireless with ANT, memory card slot
Wireless with ANT, Bluetooth, memory card slot
Basecamp Software
Warranty
1-year limited
1-year limited
Prime status
-
-
Our pick
Name
Garmin eTrex 30x, Handheld GPS Navigator with 3-axis Compass, Enhanced Memory and Resolution, 2.2-inch Color Display, Water Resistant
Image
Garmin eTrex 30x, Handheld GPS Navigator with 3-axis Compass, Enhanced Memory and Resolution, 2.2-inch Color Display, Water Resistant
Size
1.3 x 4 x 2.1 inches
Weigh
5oz
Display
2.2-inch color display
Power
X2 AA batteries
Water-Resistant
Yes. Rated IPX7
Sunlight Readable
Location Features
GPS with HotFix and GLONASS
Other Built-in Features
3-axis compass, barometric altimeter
Compatibility
TOPO U.S 24k, BlueChart g2, City Navigator
Sharing Data
Wireless with ANT, memory card slot
Basecamp Software
Warranty
1-year limited
Prime status
-
Name
Garmin Oregon 600 3-Inch Worldwide Handheld GPS
Image
Garmin Oregon 600 3-Inch Worldwide Handheld GPS
Size
1.3 x 4.5 x 2.4 inches
Weigh
70oz
Display
3” touchscreen color display
Power
X2 AA batteries or NiMH pack
Water-Resistant
Sunlight Readable
Location Features
GPS with HotFix and GLONASS
Other Built-in Features
3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, accelerometer
Compatibility
TOPO U.S 24k, BlueChart g2, City Navigator, Trailhead Series TOPO
Sharing Data
Wireless with ANT, Bluetooth, memory card slot
Basecamp Software
Warranty
1-year limited
Prime status
-

Tracking and Location

The Garmin eTrex 30x and the Garmin Oregon 600T have highly sensitive WAAS-enabled GPS receivers along with HotFix satellite prediction. They will be able to track your position even when under thick cover. As well as GPS, they also have GLONASS that can be used at the same time. GLONASS satellites can lock in your position up to 20% faster than GPS.

Compatibility

You can load a variety of maps onto the Garmin eTrex 30x and the Garmin Oregon 600T. The TOPO U.S is designed to highlight trails and countryside walks. BlueChart g2 helps you to navigate over water and City Navigator enables you to plan your journey by road.

The Garmin Oregon 600T allows you to add Trailhead Series TOPO, a fun way to explore famous trails.

Wireless Connection

You can wirelessly transfer data with the Garmin eTrex 30x and the Garmin Oregon 600T using ANT. The Garmin Oregon 600T also has Bluetooth. They both also have memory slot cards for you to store your data

BaseCamp Software

This software is designed so that you can use the Garmin eTrex 30x and the Garmin Oregon 600T to plan your next route of even trip. You can see topographic maps in 2D or 3D on your computer screen. If you want to set up some friendly competition, you can set up Garmin Adventures to share with friends and family.

Now we will look at how the Garmin eTrex 30x and the Garmin Oregon 600T differ.

Differences Between Garmin eTrex 30x and Garmin Oregon 600T

Appearance

Garmin Oregon 600T Review

Both are compact and come in black. That is where their design similarities end.

Garmin eTrex 30x

This has a very rugged design that fits comfortably in the hand. It measures 1.3 x 4 x 2.1 inches and weighs just 5 ounces.

Garmin Oregon 600T.

The casing isn’t rugged although there is still a rubber protector. It is 4.5 x 1.3 x 2.4 inches and weighs a little more at 7.4 ounces.

The Winner Is- The Garmin eTrex 30T

Read next – Garmin Oregon 600 vs 650

Water Resistance

Garmin eTrex 30x Review

For the dedicated outdoor person, you will want to go trekking come rain or shine.

Garmin eTrex 30x

This has a water resistance rating of IPX7, so it is splash-proof and can be used in the rain. It has been tested to handle being submerged into water up to 3 meters deep.

Garmin Oregon 600T.

There is no information about this navigator being water-resistant.

The Winner Is- The Garmin eTrex 30T

Read next – Garmin Oregon 600 vs 700: Which Handheld GPS is Better?

The Display

Garmin eTrex 30x Comparison

The display on a handheld navigator will have a great impact on its ease of use, especially when you are on the go.

Garmin eTrex 30x

It comes with a 2.2-inch sunlight-readable color display. The menu button and other controls are on the sides.

Garmin Oregon 600T.

The display is larger at 3 inches and sunlight readable. The other advantage is that it is a touchscreen. You can rotate the screen and use it in either the horizontal or vertical position.

The Winner Is- The Garmin Oregon 600T

Power

Garmin Oregon 600T Comparison

There is little point to a handheld navigation system if it runs out of power halfway into your trip.

Garmin eTrex 30x

This requires two AA batteries, which are not included.

Garmin Oregon 600T

You can use either two AA batteries (again not included) or you can use a NiMH pack. This pack will charge when connected to an external device. The NiMH pack is not included.

The Winner Is- The Garmin Oregon 600T

Built-in Features

While you are exploring new grounds, you might want to know more than just your location.

Garmin eTrex 30x

You will find a built-in 3-axis compass and a barometric altimeter to pinpoint your exact altitude.

Garmin Oregon 600T.

As well as the 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, you can use the accelerometer that is built-in to this navigator.

The Winner Is- The Garmin Oregon 600T

Pros and Cons

The buying decision is still quite a difficult one, so the following pros and cons will help.

Garmin eTrex 30x

Garmin eTrex 30x

Pros:

  • There are audible alarms for when you are reaching waypoints
  • Great battery life, 2 AA batteries after 8 hours of continuous use and it still read full battery
  • The GPS and GLONASS make for highly accurate readings

Cons:

  • Smaller screen

Garmin Oregon 600T

Garmin Oregon 600T

Pros:

  • The touchscreen is sensitive and fast
  • Accuracy when walking, driving and cycling are all very good
  • A good number of features and an interface to support them

Cons:

  • The battery life is low

Video Comparison

Garmin eTrex 30x

Garmin Oregon 600T

The Final Verdict

First of all, you will need some time to familiarize yourself with all of the features that come with the Garmin eTrx30x and the Garmin Oregon 600T. It’s not quite a case of get up and go. For example, the Garmin Oregon 600T doesn’t come with any preloaded maps. This is both bizarre and annoying because you will have to download one, either paid or for free.

Once you are up and running, both the Garmin eTrex 30x and the Garmin Oregon 600T are ideal lightweight handheld navigators. They are impressively fast at pinpointing your location and the built-in features (like the altitude reading) are also spot on. We also liked how well you could use them for a range of activities without losing accuracy.

Today’s overall winner is the Garmin eTrex 30x. It is almost half the price of the Garmin Oregon 600T and we couldn’t see the few additional features making the Garmin 600T worth it. The battery life is far superior. Not only that, but the water-resistance of the Garmin eTrex 30x makes it a far safer option to not only use in wet conditions but also to take out on the water with you.


Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API