Garmin has been producing handheld GPS units for decades, and the eTrex range has long been one of the most recognisable names in portable outdoor navigation. But if you're looking for something a little more advanced, the Garmin GPSMAP 65s represents a significant step up.
So, a question we often hear is:
“Why would I buy a GPSMAP 65s instead of an eTrex?”
The answer largely comes down to how and where you intend using your GPS.
For casual navigation, hiking and straightforward waypoint use, an eTrex can be an excellent choice. For anglers, hunters, serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who want more capable positioning technology, easier physical operation and greater waypoint capacity, the GPSMAP 65s starts to make a lot of sense.
1. More Advanced Satellite Positioning
One of the biggest advantages of the GPSMAP 65s is its multi-band GNSS technology.
The unit can receive signals from multiple global navigation satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS and Galileo, while its multi-band capability allows it to utilise more than one satellite frequency.
Why does that matter?
Satellite signals can be affected by mountains, deep valleys, trees, buildings and other obstructions. Signals can also reflect off surrounding objects before reaching the receiver.
Multi-band technology helps the GPSMAP 65s calculate a more reliable position in these difficult environments.
For an offshore angler with a completely open view of the sky, satellite reception is generally already very good. But for hunters, hikers, mountain bikers and anglers operating around steep valleys, cliffs and heavily wooded areas, the additional positioning capability can be particularly valuable.
2. Up to 5,000 Waypoints
For anglers, this is a particularly useful specification.
The GPSMAP 65s can store up to 5,000 waypoints.
Those could include:
- Fishing spots
- Reefs
- Wrecks
- Launch sites
- River mouths
- Campsites
- Hunting locations
- Trail junctions
- Vehicle locations
- Points of interest
Someone who has accumulated fishing marks over many years can easily end up with hundreds or even thousands of waypoints.
Having a generous waypoint capacity therefore makes the GPSMAP 65s particularly suitable for serious users who intend keeping the unit for many years.
3. GPX File Support
Another major advantage for anglers and outdoor users is support for GPX files.
GPX is one of the most widely used formats for exchanging GPS information and can contain:
Waypoints, routes and tracks.
This means existing GPS information can be transferred to the GPSMAP 65s rather than having to manually enter every coordinate.
For anglers with hundreds of fishing marks, this can save an enormous amount of time.
The GPSMAP 65s can also be connected to a computer via USB, allowing compatible GPX information to be managed and transferred.
4. MicroSD Card Support
The GPSMAP 65s incorporates a microSD card slot, providing additional flexibility for compatible mapping and GPS data.
For users who regularly work with different maps, waypoint collections and GPX files, removable storage remains a useful feature.
This is particularly relevant when dealing with large collections of fishing marks or when moving GPS information between devices and computers.
5. Physical Buttons – And That's Actually a Good Thing
In a world dominated by touchscreens, the GPSMAP 65s may initially look a little old-fashioned.
But there is a reason Garmin continues to manufacture serious outdoor GPS units with physical buttons.
Try operating a touchscreen when:
- Your hands are wet
- You're wearing gloves
- It's raining
- You're bouncing around in a small boat
- You're walking through thick bush
- Your hands are covered in fish slime!
Suddenly physical buttons make a lot of sense.
Once familiar with the Garmin menu system, the GPSMAP 65s can be operated quickly without relying on precise touchscreen movements.
6. Excellent Sunlight Visibility
The GPSMAP 65s uses a 2.6-inch sunlight-readable colour display.
Compared with today's smartphones and marine chartplotters, 2.6 inches sounds small—and it is.
But this isn't intended to replace a 7-inch or 9-inch marine chartplotter.
It's a handheld navigation instrument.
The display is designed around outdoor visibility and efficient battery operation rather than high-resolution entertainment graphics.
For navigating to a waypoint, following a route or checking your position, it performs the job it was designed for.
7. Electronic Compass
The “s” in GPSMAP 65s is important.
The GPSMAP 65s incorporates a three-axis, tilt-compensated electronic compass.
A conventional GPS calculates direction primarily from movement. When you're stationary, determining which direction you're actually facing becomes more difficult.
The electronic compass allows the GPSMAP 65s to indicate direction even while you're standing still.
This is particularly useful for hikers, hunters and anyone navigating slowly or while stationary.
8. Barometric Altimeter
The GPSMAP 65s also incorporates a barometric altimeter.
This provides additional elevation information and allows the unit to monitor changes in atmospheric pressure.
For an offshore fisherman this may not be a deciding factor, but for hikers, hunters, climbers and other land-based outdoor users it adds another useful navigation tool.
9. Replaceable AA Batteries
Sometimes simple technology remains the best technology.
The GPSMAP 65s operates on two AA batteries.
Rather than relying exclusively on a permanently installed rechargeable battery, you can simply carry another set of AA batteries.
If your batteries run flat:
Open the GPS → replace the batteries → switch it back on → continue navigating.
That's a significant advantage when you're spending several days away from reliable electricity.
Rechargeable NiMH AA batteries can be used for everyday operation, while a spare set can be kept in your tackle box, backpack or vehicle.
For offshore anglers, having a completely independent backup navigation device with its own replaceable batteries can also provide additional peace of mind.
NOTE: For an angler, I'd recommend this setup:
Use 2 × good-quality AA batteries as normal.
Then keep either:
2 spare AA batteries — simplest and most reliable backup, and/or
a USB power bank + the Garmin Mini-USB cable — useful for extended operation.
10. Rugged and Waterproof
The GPSMAP 65s is designed as an outdoor instrument rather than a consumer electronics device.
It carries an IPX7 water rating, making it suitable for rain, spray and the wet conditions typically encountered outdoors.
As with any electronic equipment used around salt water, however, it should still be looked after properly and rinsed/cleaned appropriately if exposed to salt.
GPSMAP 65s vs eTrex – Which One Should I Buy?
This doesn't necessarily mean the GPSMAP 65s is the correct choice for everyone.
An eTrex can still be an excellent option if you want:
- A smaller and lighter handheld
- Straightforward waypoint navigation
- GPX compatibility
- Good battery life
- A more affordable GPS solution
- Something primarily for occasional recreational use
The GPSMAP 65s, however, starts making more sense when you want:
- More advanced satellite positioning
- Multi-band GNSS
- Greater waypoint capacity
- GPX waypoint, route and track management
- microSD expansion
- A three-axis electronic compass
- A barometric altimeter
- Larger, easier-to-operate physical controls
- A more substantial rugged handheld
- A GPS suited to serious fishing, hunting, hiking and outdoor navigation
What About Fishing?
For anglers, we particularly like the GPSMAP 65s as a dedicated waypoint GPS and backup navigation unit.
Its ability to hold thousands of fishing marks, work with GPX files and operate independently on AA batteries makes it particularly useful aboard kayaks, jetskis and boats.
It shouldn't necessarily be viewed as a replacement for a proper Garmin marine chartplotter/fishfinder.
Instead, think of it as an additional portable navigation tool.
Your primary chartplotter may provide your detailed marine mapping, sonar and navigation, while the GPSMAP 65s provides a completely independent handheld GPS containing your important fishing marks.
If the boat's main electrical system ever fails, your handheld GPS isn't dependent on the boat battery.
That can be a valuable advantage offshore.
Our Final Thoughts
The Garmin eTrex and GPSMAP ranges are aimed at slightly different users.
For someone wanting a compact, straightforward handheld GPS for occasional navigation, an eTrex may be all the GPS they ever need.
But for anglers, hunters, hikers and serious outdoor enthusiasts looking for something more capable, the Garmin GPSMAP 65s offers a significant step up.
Its combination of multi-band satellite reception, 5,000-waypoint capacity, GPX compatibility, microSD support, electronic compass, barometric altimeter, rugged construction and replaceable AA batteries makes it an extremely capable dedicated navigation tool.
And sometimes that's exactly what you want:
A proper GPS that is designed first and foremost to help you know exactly where you are—and get you where you need to go.
For more information about the above and how it can benefit your setup and application contact Brett HERE
