Best GPS, Satellite Communicator, Outdoors Watch 2024

[@user-kd1du1yp4g]

Garmin inreach mini is the best. Recently I went backpacking in 90% humidity and my phone died because of liquid damage. Thanks to garmin I still could text.

[@FlyWithMe_666]

Not a big surprise that the GPSMap 67 is on top of the list - Garmin doesn’t have any competition in handheld GPS for hiking unfortunately. I feel like I time travel to 1998 when using my GPSMap user interface and outdated screen/graphics (the rugged built and long battery life on the 67 are good though). At least there’s plenty of Garmin alternatives now when it comes to GPS watches and satellite communicators. I hope someone gets into the handheld GPS market, too.

[@Hikingguy]

I have a new option I'm looking at now. Stay tuned...

[@FlyWithMe_666]

@@Hikingguy… ok, you got my attention 😊

[@ABLACKDOT18]

Love my GPSMAP 78 + InReach Mini 2 combo! Also pair it with the Fenix 7 SS. Great video, always loving watching these overview/review/comparison video! Thanks!

[@ImTheBlade65]

Bought the 67i. Since then I’ve been going out hiking and mountaineering as much as possible. It’s literally become my go to excuse for hiking more than ever before. It’s just so cool to use!

[@Hikingguy]

Yea for what it does it's powerful and works very well. Happy with mine as well.

[@michaelfrymus]

How's the map system? I have still not seen a video that shows the maps in detail. Only showing snippets, but not in detail how it looks and works. I use my phone, using maps.me / organic maps. I'm picky with how the maps look and work, but I'm not seeing videos that show this well. I don't want to buy this to see how the maps work and end up hating it. Wondering how it is, how it may compare if you know this map system

[@ianmacfarlane9454]

Another excellent video, yours and Ricks channels are the best on U Tube 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

Good video. I would just add the search and rescue folks would much rather you have something that allows for two way communication. The personal locator beacon doesn’t. Not knowing details about the emergency they are responding to is frustrating. Help them help you.

[@billcampbell8426]

I am a SAR person and the 67 does allow for 2 way communication via text. Not something you get with other PLB.. We get messages all the time and actually can communicate back with victim..

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

@@billcampbell8426 good to know!

[@SurFrankenRon]

Pretty sure the in reach service gathers as much info through sat text if you push the SOS button

[@MrStanwyck]

Great video.. I’ll be choosing the 67 model for local hiking this year.

[@rkatrails]

Great overview. I'm still waiting for your field test report on the new Garmin eTrex Solar Handheld GPS. The last time you mentioned it was when you said you were waiting for your device to arrive. Meanwhile, thanks for all your videos, they're always interesting.

[@Hikingguy]

I've been using it and will make a video when I can.

[@AdventureColorado]

I'm still running the 66i. I am happy with the performance, but generally leave it off most of the time on longer backpacking trips. I wouldn't mind the longer battery on the 67i.

[@DayHikerOC]

I've been using Gaia for 4 years. Airplane mode. No mistakes.

[@v5745]

There are some issues with gpsmap series which made me buy Montana 700 despite its weight and size. (1) planning or modifying a route in gpsmap really sucks; (2) screen quality makes it unusable for raster maps which are much more detailed; (3) panning to look around is very uncomfortable; best use for gpsmap is when you plan a route ahead on laptop; in Montana 700 you can really make it all on the device and looking around just to change a route when hiking or biking is very comfortable; also raster maps really shine on Montana

[@jeg569]

Just bought a 67i, looking forward to getting out with it. I am having problems pairing it with Garmin Connect and Connect IQ though. It wont pair with my Fenix 6 Pro either. Thanks for the video guys.

[@michaelfrymus]

Is it bad?

[@jeg569]

@@michaelfrymus do you mean is it bad that it wont connect?

[@paganphil100]

@jeg569: I had the same problem with my Android phone.......it took over an hour and many attempts before it would pair. It did work eventually, though.

[@Swimdeep]

The price would be fine if there wasn’t the extra costs of insurance, activation, subscription costs. With all the other costs to backpack, the price tag on this piece of gear is prohibitive for many of us. I just bought a new iPhone 14 for a good price and with my waterproof sleeve that allows touch control, i think this is my best option. Thank you for the comprehensive review on these devices-and reminding people to always bring a paper map and compass as back up. 🌿

[@lgoolsb]

Excellent and helpful overview!

[@RSLtreecare]

A great review, this looks very impressive. I think at this stage, I'll keep my focus on the inreach mini 2.

[@foreverirish132]

I recently bought the inreach mini 2 😊I’ll be getting a subscription for a trip coming up. Just wondering if the tracback works without the subscription? I wouldn’t mind testing it out on trails I know well and see how well it works in the meantime

[@todd4480]

Get out there and try it, then let us know.

[@Hikingguy]

Tacback is all internal and works without subscription, as do all the nav functions. Anything that transmits over the sat requires a sub

[@mirec1139]

Hi. You do a really great job for all the people that go hiking by creating those videos, and I wander if you could give an advice to someone like me. I enjoy watching your videos explaining how satellite navigation works, describing how navigation devices work, but cannot really find a device that I need. What I need is a device that would show me, when traveling on an airplane, information where I am on a map, at what altitude, which direction I am heading, at what speed and coordinates.

[@Hikingguy]

Planes can be tricky because some airlines ban GPS devices, the cabin is pressurized to a certain altitude, the GPS reception past the fuselage can be tough. What I do is use my phone, connect to WiFi, and open the FlightAware app, which gives me position, altitude, etc.

[@mirec1139]

@@HikingguyThank you for your answer

[@dannydivine7699]

What exactly is the advantage / difference if the "Safire" versions of Garmins watches???

[@Hikingguy]

Screen is supposed to be more scratch resistant

[@allabertdamien4239]

great ! i love your videos !!!!

[@hankandjackson]

Would you say the upgrade to the Fenix pro s worth the money? I’m about to purchase the 7 and am torn between the pro and standard. I want a fitness tracker along with a hiking/maps options. Wasn’t sure if you had any experience with the 7 pro yet.

[@Hikingguy]

I'm liking the Epix Pro 51mm - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2iXfJVjqsl_ptk

[@hankandjackson]

@@Hikingguy awesome. So you ruled out the Fenix as of now for your needs?

[@Hikingguy]

@@hankandjackson For me the screen is much easier to read on the Epix and the battery on the 51mm is more than acceptable for hiking, backpacking, and a normal week with workouts

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@RogerMassicotte]

I well done summary.

[@user-ru7cd9bm5p]

Getting a bit confused. I’ve watched videos where you say you only use the watch as a back up for GPS and mainly use the phone on airplane mode (whilst taking paper maps and compass of course) and others not. I’ve recently had a bit of a nightmare scenario in the mountains where I got injured, losing both my phone and paper maps in the fall (it was a long fall). The only thing I had left was my compass. Stayed up over night (-10) thanks to my emergency equipment, but that feeling of completely losing electronic assistance was not good (apart from the InReach of course). Had I not had the experience and kept my wits about me things could have been super bad. So, now I’m looking for a secondary electronic backup, assuming like me you primarily use the mobile on airplane mode as a GPS device. It needs to be super light (since I backpack a lot). The watch seems the obvious choice. Then we disappear down the rabbit hole of battery life, touch screens etc etc and whether it will make the coffee in the morning etc. I’m thinking just record the track as I go up the mountain and use the phone to look at the GPS then trackback using the phone in an emergency, but then it seems an awful lot of money to pay for an Epix/Fenix just to do that. Am I missing something here, is there an overwhelming reason why I must go out and get the Epix so that I can trackback in an emergency. Love the look of the watch. Mmmmmm

[@Hikingguy]

Not sure I'm follow everything in your question - but in general I go with a dedicated outdoor GPS (whether handheld, watch, etc.), a phone, and a paper map. Often I have a watch and version of handheld (or inReach with nav features). Maybe use your existing set up with an eTrex in your pack as backup?

[@ProducersGroupProd]

👍👍👍Thanks !!!!!

[@goincoastal7635]

What would be your choice for boating in Inland rivers and Coastal regions.

[@Hikingguy]

amzn.to/48KqHjx

[@kristinavogel7551]

Great video! What sat device would you recommend for kids going off to college? I’d just like to have something our family can all use to communicate should there be an emergency situation where cell service is down. Thank you!

[@Hikingguy]

A ZOLEO is a good option for non-critical / on a budget - amzn.to/4c206QO

[@rosannebloompereira536]

@@Hikingguy Hi, thank you for this video. I was expecting you to discuss Zoleo, is there any reason why you left it out?

[@Hikingguy]

@@rosannebloompereira536 ZOLEO is an older unit but still works well. In 2024 I wouldn't rate it as one of the best options though unless one of the subscription plans fits your needs better than a Garmin plan does.

[@rosannebloompereira536]

@@Hikingguy thank you so much. I am now leaning toward the Inreach Messenger, as I want a unit that has a screen and works independently of the phone.

[@LifeOfMikey1]

i have the 66i is it still good to use if you dont get a subscription? what would be a reason i would want to get the subscription besides the texting part?

[@snatr]

I bought my 66i when they were on sale with the idea that I would be suspending the inReach service for months at a time and I still wanted a useful device vs the Messenger or something. But you'll need the subscription if you wanna leave track points for someone, messaging or SOS service.

[@Hikingguy]

SOS

[@Berry_N]

I'm still using my old etrex 35t and have been looking to upgrade. I think in one of your videos you mentioned the new garmins don't easily communicate with Basecamp and there is a work around? Do you remember the video so i can rewatch that part?

[@Hikingguy]

They all work so far, you just have to put it in MTP mode or may need to download Android File Transfer if on Mac.

[@richardgeorge3115]

I recently purchased an inReach Mini 2 and also purchased the “middle” subscription plan. If I purchase a 67i, would I need to purchase a separate subscription for it also?

[@Hikingguy]

You can switch devices but if you want to have 2 devices on at the same time you need 2 accounts or a pro plan - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJfdo5dvfqaAg7M

[@tonyjones5302]

I plan to go into deep dense rainforest will it work absolutely anywhere ?

[@paganphil100]

@tonyjones5302: It should if you have "multiband" switched on. I've used it in large woods / forests without losing the signal (although I've never been to a rainforest).

[@8654ZuluFoxtrot]

I've watched a few videos comparing this and several other GPS devices vs the iPhone, Apple Watch Ultra, and various Android phones. All of these showed that the Apple Watch Ultra did as good, and in many cases better than all these devices. Combine that with your iPhone, or other phone that can navigate and communicate, you have all of this on a bigger and better screen. I might sound like an Apple fanboy, and to a degree I am, is because it's never failed me so far and I continue to struggle with purchasing anything else simply because it all just works. Maybe these are more durable than a phone, but after years and years of using my iPhone and now the Ultra watch, I've never cracked or broken a screen or had issue with rain or anything else. I simply think these GPS devices need to up their game in a massive way to compete.

[@Hikingguy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYLRaJRrgt-bnqc

[@xxgg]

Absolutely bull crap that battery is not user replaceable. Yes battery life is awesome but life of the unit ends when battery craps out.

[@A-K_Rambler]

Treat yourself!

[@Hikingguy]

Whoa big big thank you!!!