Bought a Garmin etrek. Now need a map, but how?

So, I bought a Garmin etrek 30. For some touring, audaxs and general hiking.

I bought a 32mb micro SD card

I don’t think there are any maps installed on the device.

Can anyone recommend a map, where to find, download and install etc?

Thankyou in advance

https://shop.talkytoaster.me.uk
I’ve used them for other Garmin

Garmin will sell you a full 1 in 50k map of the uk for about £120.

openfietsmap.nl has a free OSM map for Garmins. Just find the UK region (unless you’re planning trips further afield).

This one https://ftp.nluug.nl/maps/openfietsmap/EU_2024/0314/GPS/OFM(EU2024_GB_GPS).zip

I have TalkyToaster on mine, we exchanged some emails and iirc he even phoned me to assist with set up. His website has instructions. They are great in use.

There’s a step by step guide for installing maps here:

How to Use Your Garmin eTrex GPS for Bikepacking

Probably worth trying a few, the screen is quite small/basic so you want just the right amount of detail. I have used VeloMap (https://openmtbmap.org/velomaporg/) for touring before as it shows cycle routes clearly. I’ve also been meaning to try this one:

https://github.com/citizenfish/bikepackmaps/releases

Another +1 for talkytoaster.

I use the maps on all my garmin devices and find them easier to use and navigate on than any of the os style.

cheap as chips and a doddle to install without needing to create tiles or doenload chunks. Just copy the file onto said device and “Roberts your fathers brother”.

I found Garmin’s Topo Lite maps nice to use with my Etrex 3 & Oregon – https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/661696

They’re based on Open Streetmap data with added outdoorsy stuff by Garmin (I think they have elevation data too).

Your £19.99 only buys you the current version though, when they update (occasionally) you’d need pay again for the new version.

I just paid and downloaded the talktoasty TT HD TOPO.

should I also download the free street map as well?

I would have recommended the routable mapping from Openfiets map too.

should I also download the free street map as well?

The mapping is probably very similar. If you do, disable  all but one map on the etrex as it otherwise tries to draw them all which slows it down.

What’s the best app / software to create a route I can then upload on the the Garmin?

I use anything that will export to a GPX track (cycle.travel is my favourite for road), plug the Etrex into laptop via USB and select ‘mass storage’ then just copy and paste the GPX file across. I wish more GPS units worked like this than faffing around with syncing.

plug the Etrex into laptop via USB and select ‘mass storage’ then just copy and paste the GPX file across. I wish more GPS units worked like this than faffing around with syncing.

You can easily do this with Edge units, but you need to drop the GPX files into the Garmin/NewFiles/ folder.

When the Edge next boots up it’ll convert it to a course, move it to the Courses folder and make it available from the Edge.