I've posted here before in response to questions regarding GPS.

I've used a Garmin Etrex 20 very effectively to date, but I am looking to upgrade particularly because of the absence of an electronic compass, which means that I need to walk or drive to triangulate via satellite to get a direction. This can be quite frustrating.

I'd prefer to do this trade once for the foreseeable future so I would welcome some input. By the way there is also now an upgraded Etrex with touch screen the Touch 35 which, like the Etrex 30, has an electronic compass. I have ot wonder if I had a 30 if I would even be asking this, but here goes.

I like the 64s - reliable and almost an icon now, but with buttons.

New models of Oregon, such as the 700 / 750 have touch screens and these are quite a bit faster to manipulate than the button models.

Any input of the higher level Oregons vs the 64 please? Also thoughts on a touch screen which I assume is potentially an issue in heavy rain which is an issue in end of season African hunts.

Thanks.

I can’t comment on the 64 at all, never used one.
However my Oregon 600? circa 2011 is still working like a charm. The touch screen works well even when wet. It has been my only GPS for 6 paddling trips on the Olifants River where it is essentially wet the whole time and has been submerged a couple of times.

Garmin has absolutely superb after sales service in South Africa and I support them directly by buying online and bypass the stupid sales people in the shops.

I have a Garmin with a touch screen that I bought less than 2 years ago. It works great. I will have to check the model.

The only issue with the touch screens is they have far less battery life than the push button models.

I use a Rhino. Powerful walkie Talkie and GPS in one.

I have a 64s and love it. No problems with moisture on the screen with buttons.
I have had it for over a year and have no complaints.

Lead: I use an ETREX 20 with a wrist compass. If I do a Go To I get the magnetic course from the GPS and move in the initial direction from the compass bearing. In a couple steps the GPS compass is oriented. I do have a Montana with touch screen. The major drawback to the touchscreen is that it is unusable on rough roads where the vehicle is bouncing all over the place. Not only are the icons on the screen a moving target for your finger, the screen switches orientation back and forth based on the random movements of the vehicle. vvreddy is correct about the significantly lower battery life of the larger screened units.
I use a background map called Tracks4Africa. Very reasonable price with enough detail to be useful.