Navigation??

So getting from A to B while "on the road"? What's the best way to plan your trip and navigating while on the bike? After much research and asking other bikepackers out there I settled on a Garmin ETrex 30.

After use I can understand why the ETrex is the bikepacking GPS of choice. As the Etrex is designed for hiking the tracking of location and indication of actual speed is far more accurate than cycling specific GPS units I have used in the past. The joystick/button control interface seems positivity 1980s game console in comparison to modern touch screens, but is ultimately more useable while wearing gloves, in the blustery rain and when mud splashed. The screen and map resolution also remind you of a dated gaming console in comparison to other hi-res modern units, BUT the battery life more than compensates for that! Using standard alkaline batteries the  Etrex lasts for 25 hrs! Additionally an external battery can be connected to continue unit function if the internal batteries are running low. Although some of the features of the Etrex seem dated, the durability and useability in the field more than make up for the reduction in wizzbangery. 

How to create GPX map files. 

So far, in my experience, the easiest way to create a route to load onto your Etrex is to use:

Mapmyride.com

Join up, become a member for free, and find your way to "create a route". Using the map tools create your map and save it. After saving this screen will appear:

 

Now this route needs to be saved as a GPX file so you can load it into your Etrex  unit. In the right hand option box there is the "Export this route" option:

Select this and follow the dialogue boxes that your computer pops up, and save the file to your desktop. This file MAY NOT have a file type designation or a legible name. Rename the file and give it a ".gpx" ending. Connect your Etrex via USB cord to the computer. Open the device from the desktop "Garmin" icon using file manager and open the GPX folder. Drag and drop the route GPX file into this folder. This route map can now be accessed through the "Track Manager" icon in the main menu of your Etrex unit. The route map can be viewed, after loading, in the "Map" function, if you happen to be switching between "Map" and "Trip Computer".