Better Maps for your Fenix / Epix / Tactix / Enduro 2! - Garmin Outdoor Maps+ First Look!

[@GuitarHello]

I hope it will be a failure and not a new trend where garmin starts to add new subscribtions for things that could be included in a 1000 euro device :)

[@Carftymk]

i think the paid maps were already a failure as they eventually made them free. i don't really understand why this would warrant an active subscription either. hope they fail hard

[@ChaseTheSummit]

To be fair Garmin has been in the business of paid maps for a long time and this Outdoor Maps+ subscription isn't new as it was previously available on the Montana Series / Handhelds. Garmin simply made it available to the wearable market as well. Like I said... most people probably don't need this but for some niche use cases it might be useful!

[@rgmALC]

Even when dashboard GPS were popular (like TomTom units), you would have to buy the device and then pay for the updated maps

[@GuitarHello]

@@rgmALC well yeah and I can pay for update of these maps as well. Problem is you need to pay 50 USD (not 49 as said in the video which was weird) every year forever and you have no updates guaranteed.

[@harrythehandyman]

​@@rgmALC life time update model do exist for Garmin car GPS for about $50 more. Given that the current or prospective users of Fenix/Epix probably replace their watch every generation or every two generations (3-5) years, the price premium of the top of the line watches could be considered as a "subscription" over 3-5 years.

[@fraukugel8482]

Thank you so much for showing. Think it could be very helpful for hunting, trailruns and skiing. I just run on usual ways so I'm going to stay with the regular maps.

[@AHungryHunky]

Agreed, I think the kind of people who spend more time off of marked trails are going to get the most milage out of this.

[@bmwohl]

WOW! yes! I subscribed by the time I got half way through this video. I want the better contour lines for backpacking.

[@bobgralewski211]

Question for CTS or Barry or anyone else: If I download the Sat image map, will that be the map showing when I start a route when I start a hike?

[@1uke69er]

Imagine paying over a thousand dollars for a Garmin then having to pay for a subscription

[@Here2shtpst]

Yeah, no shit. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a garmin fan boy. I did however just buy a apple watch as a wrist mounted gps. Why garmin watchs don’t even have google or Apple Maps I’ll never know. Even my $100 pebble back in 2016 had maps.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

To be fair Garmin has been in the business of paid maps for a long time and this Outdoor Maps+ subscription isn't new as it was previously available on the Montana Series / Handhelds. Garmin simply made it available to the wearable market as well. Like I said... most people probably don't need this but for some niche use cases it might be useful!

[@ironmanmark55stark15]

Right

[@jostkosak7546]

JUUP. TalkyToaster are great maps, and are actually cheap. Or lets say - normal priced.

[@HenleyBailey]

Yeah, no thanks. Paid subscription is very cheeky. Maybe they can't let go of the old days of making money off this stuff but these days everything has satellite maps. I'd find it useful for sure but not enough to warrant throwing more money at Garmin. I'm still salty over Golf being everywhere and not being able to remove it. 😁

[@Gabrielerf]

Thanks for the video, congratulations for your new studio, it looks great.

[@ZIAD9992000]

What if the subscription end? does the specific area that I downloaded will delete or I can keep it

[@KonstantinosDouros]

Welcome back Dave! Nice video! I wish you could bring the background of the video closer to us because it looks lost in the back. Wish you the best!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I have multiple angles in this space. It will be mixed up! Thanks!

[@iPerilous]

I use Talkytoaster maps in the UK which are fantastic for the price (£13).

[@KeithRobertson57]

He does world-wide too. Works really well on my Fenix 7x

[@Lasombra08]

Yes, Talkytoaster maps are worth every penny (non-UK user here). And you can install the maps on as many devices as you own. If you buy a $130 Garmin map, it's tied to ONE device, no transfer possible. Support Talkytoaster!

[@rss5494]

​@@Lasombra08I bought one map for my Fenix 5x Plus, which I tried to install on my Fenix 7X and it doesn't appear on my watch

[@Lasombra08]

@@rss5494 Weird. I installed a Talkytoaster map on my Epix 2 and Fenix 6 Pro Solar and it works without problems.

[@strongmen]

Did you try this on a MIP display to see if it's legible? Curious to see the difference between the bright AMOLED screen.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It looks similar on the MIP displays but it's not as vibrant. Still... totally useable.

[@nikhoward]

Great to see another vid off you Dave and even better that you’re creeping up on the 100k subs! Nice one

[@ropersix]

Good overview and information. When I got the email from Garmin, I thought the better maps sounded great. But after watching this, I think they'll be too much of a hassle to download, and then eventually delete to free up space for new areas. I'll stick with the pre-loaded for now.

[@viccao8431]

Can you show some footage of the map on the MIP displays?

[@NikaTkeshelashvili.jr.]

It is now supported on Forerunner 955/965 too

[@dhilde5805]

As a hiker/survivalist I was super excited about this feature , for birds eye and the water information. That being said having the storage to download my state on my enduro 2 but no option to do so was frustrating. They need a disclaimer that you can download only very limited tiles of mapping

[@chrisking6448]

Great video Dave, love the new studio!

[@fitgearhunter]

Love the new studio! So awesome. Great video.

[@Lasombra08]

So, they discontinued BirdsEye Sat Imagery only to reintroduce it for an annual subscription price. 🌚The sat images even go into the BirdsEye folder.

[@howardkieffer8524]

What maps are available for paddling, like canoe camping in the BWCA or Quetico, including portages and campsites?

[@jonathanbonetti6579]

Do these detailed, downloaded maps show up on regular activities (eg tracking backcountry skiing/snowboarding)? I use the map view quite frequently when in the backcountry, just to check my positioning, so this is the situation in which I would find this most useful. Thanks for the video!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yes! They are visible in all activities.

[@jamescoravic4389]

Great video and explanation. Comments also of great value, subscribed

[@pittshopesp3064]

One question! May we read somewhere in the Epix the coordinate’s North West ìn Degrees? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@wickedcurve]

Any benefit to having this over and beyond having a subscription to something like AllTrails where you can send maps to your Garmin watch?

[@TomasEverett-p6s]

Battery life

[@MoutainGuyAdventures]

Ordered subscription. If it’s as you say, I think it’s worth it for all my hiking backpacking. Seems like a small price compared to the watch.

[@panzer948]

This is great, I just ordered my first Garmin Smartwatch (Fenix 8) but already have a Montana 750i. Can I order this outdoor map subscription to use for both devices (since they will both be under my account). Would love to have satellite imagery and detailed topo maps on both.

[@j_t_yang]

The 955 is not listed under the subscription, but the other options to buy the maps themselves lists the 955 as compatible.

[@SouthernGuy82]

I’m a hunter and just purchased a Fenix 7x solar. You said in another comment that this would most benefit hunters. But I’ve read a lot of comments saying it’s useless. It’s $50 the money isn’t a problem the problem I’m having is deciding whether or not to get it. Is there other mapping I can get for hunting and hiking off grid where there’s no trails?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The fenix comes with free maps that are excellent. These maps are only for super niche situations. You can also download free OSM maps that may be useful for your use case.

[@SouthernGuy82]

@@ChaseTheSummit so your pretty much saying the outdoor maps+ isn’t worth the purchase?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@SouthernGuy82 if you don’t know what you’d use it for I would suggest skipping it. If you need these you likely already know it!

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Excellent into/overview Dave and I definitely jumped in myself after watching your video. I'm primarily interested in hiking/backpacking and probably like you, more interested in the satellite view, so we can reduce the default file size from 2GB to under 1GB by deselecting the Parcel boundary layer. For my first download, the Tile size seems about 8 x 12 square miles so on a Epix 2 Sapphire with half the 32GB available, I'd estimate we'd have enough free space for around a 10-15 standard size tiles at a time. How about you - have you had a chance to do any real world testing? Happy trails, Michael

[@gepardtilly]

Finally, Garmin also launched a subscription service. I was wondering for how long they hold on just selling great watches without the yearly-monthly subscription milking...

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I doubt they'll start a subscription service for the basics. This is a very niche product. Most people will be perfectly happy with the free maps pre-installed on the watch.

[@gepardtilly]

@@ChaseTheSummit Yes, actually a great feature on the Garmin watches that we can install third party maps very easily, and this way we can have high resolution, and specialised maps easily on the watch.

[@ic2742]

The reason I purchased the Fenix was due to its preloaded free! Maps. It's a shame this isn't free due to the cost you are paying for the item. I could use it for detail on approach to climbing routes, but will just take a Google map screen shot to save money. Good review.

[@thepatternforms859]

the enduro 2 has better battery and a flash light twice as bright...may want to upgrade...

[@ic2742]

@@thepatternforms859 an upgrade would be a waste of money. As they use the same mapping system!

[@TheThaiLife]

Agree 1000%. This watch is behind and basically sucks for most things compared to an Apple watch. This and battery were the only two things I downgraded to a 2005 level tech then they charge. I'm really mad.

[@tomwong5801]

Nice map, nice studio! Hope your foot is getting better!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

On the mend! Thanks!

[@iaintaylor8738]

I’ve just bought the Fenix 7 pro. It says I can download the topo maps for free with no subscription. Is that correct? Also can you add the layers to the topographical maps. Thanks dude.

[@nowster]

The new loft studio looks really neat. Pity you hurt your foot setting it up.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks! Foot is on the mend! I should be back to 100% within a couple of weeks.

[@bullaaron]

I am a little torn. I am actually pretty fond of the simple map preloaded on my enduro 2. But more information about a area never hurts. Great video as always.

[@thepatternforms859]

Does the enduro 2 have the new morning reports and the training readiness features????

[@bullaaron]

@@thepatternforms859 yes.

[@thepatternforms859]

@@bullaaron just got my enduro 2 today and i LOVE it...i also have the epix gen 2 which is so nice...love the screen of the epix but this enduro battery is amazing and the flashlight is killer too

[@AndrewL]

the outdoor map is for USA only? how about singapore, taiwan, japan and etc??

[@mtnbikerva1]

Is it hard to see the maps in the sun on the Epix? Thank you.

[@desolatemetro]

The ownership stuff is useful if you're exploring rather than going on established trails. For people trying to find 4x4 trails it can be helpful because its not always clear whether some dirt path that disappears into the woods is somewhere you're allowed to drive or someone's driveway. You can also use it to contact the land owner if you're looking for permission. Probably best for 4x4s and hunters.

[@meyers3d]

Makes more sense to be a one-time purchase . Wtf at the subscription model.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

One time would be nice. They do update the maps regularly which is nice and included in the subscription though.

[@vasiovasio]

Super useful video Dave! Thank you! Really, Thank You! 🙂

[@daveevans7151]

New to this channel…thx for the vid. I am shocked that there is no way to manage these on the phone/app? I just bought the sub last night and am playing with them (hiker/backpacker/camper). 1. Wish you could add larger areas. 2. Wish it could be managed in the phone. My initial impressions so far.

[@dr.eldontyrell-rosen926]

Outdoor Maps+ crashes on map download in both latest production and beta firmware on *fenix 7x* , I have an issue open with Garmin.

[@kevinperry2009]

Thank you for all your videos! I really like the watch band you’re wearing and on the epix. Is that the Amp Yellow band from Garmin?

[@drdwgmd14]

Any way to get bigger area? I have an offroad atv area thats 30 miles long I am wanting to do, but the max zoom would not capture all of it….need the satellite view…

[@maurizioghidini3833]

Sorry, Last question 🙏🏻. What's the difference between the outdoor maps+ and the City Navigator Europe NTU for example? Thank you very much.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Not sure, I've never used the City Navigator maps.

[@maurizioghidini3833]

@@ChaseTheSummit Thank you

[@maurizioghidini3833]

Great content! Are this maps routable for example if you go for tourism and you visit a town or are there any different maps options for this?? Thank you

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yes they are routeable but not any more advanced than the free maps that come on the watch.

[@greenfirefly26]

I will be traveling to South East Asia. Will I be able to download the outdoor map (Birdseye satelite) over that area?

[@highxj]

I just installed this on my Epix Pro, at this point I have yet to figure out how to download a map for a course I've already loaded onto my watch. Gotta be a way...Wish it was possible to use Connect on the laptop to do it.

[@Diamondranchfarmstead]

Do you know if this $50 map+ membership transfers to a Garmin inreach 67i? I also just bought the Epix. Was just curious if I could use the membership on both devices.

[@mtnbikerva1]

Difference in maps? GARMIN says the Fenix has maps downloaded and epix does not. What does this mean in usage? Any other differences not generally shown or known? When using the maps is the fenix better due to the screen staying on vs the epix always turning off while trying to figure out what you want to do? Thank you.

[@CplMAC1144]

The public/private land data is very useful for hunters as well to know if you are allowed to be in an area, or who the land owner is so you can try to get permission to hunt there.

[@Jjengering]

Are these maps available on the D2 mach1 pro? It has an aviation map database but it would be useful to use normal maps when doing workouts. Its essentially a dressed up epix 2 51mm pro.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yes it should be.

[@DaveStern2]

Thanks good info. Would have been good fyi to show / talk through the subscription process that's needed first. Thanks for the info, very helpful.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It's pretty straight forward. The watch displays a QR code that you scan with your phone to purchase the subscription... after that it simply starts working on the watch.

[@DaveStern2]

@@ChaseTheSummit thanks that's awesome. didn't realize, I had logged into my garmin account the other day and know I can manage my subscriptions, just wasn't sure how the watch would know (via connect, etc). QR is a great idea by them. thanks again for the video, will probably do it for a year of hiking and see what happens. it's a good point that gaia has good maps and I've started to use that in conjunction with all trails. many choices and I have to say that I've quite enjoyed the map on the epix when hiking - the GPS is super accurate, off trail and turns work great and panning / zooming the map easily is great too.

[@ghostpos]

Seems like we're still in the infant steps of maps. Excited to see what happens next few years.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It's getting there!

[@lloydcozens6601]

Hi Do you know if this works in the UK?

[@Jonasegway]

Could u download multiple square miles? Like ...if it only allows you a maximum of 5 square miles per download......could i download multiple 5 square mile downloads to cover an entire are larger then the max allowed for one single download?

[@TonyHobbs]

Can this only be done at home? On WiFi? Would be useful in the wild

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Unfortunately it needs to be on wifi to download the maps so you'll need to plan ahead if you need them in the field.

[@TonyHobbs]

@@ChaseTheSummit ah ok thanks 😊 just discovered USA only at mo. Maybe uk in future. Talkytoaster does perfectly well :)

[@EXA054]

WOW usd50? I find it expensive for Argentine... does it include all de globe? or only USA?

[@Klatubarada1979]

I am going to Zion National park but I cant seem to find out how to download the park to my Gen 2 epics. I have Outdoor maps + sub, but whenever I search, it just times out. Any tips? I find this system very unintuitive and frustrating!

[@raykolm]

Great Video ! Can the added map layers be downloaded thru' Garmin Express in computer ?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Oddly they can only be downloaded directly on the watch using wifi at this time.

[@oliveraretz3504]

Thank you for the video! Question, as these are described as map layers, does this mean I need the regular map as well at the same time? I am on “basic” Fenix 7 and after installing the EU maps, I am already almost out of space…

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I'm pretty sure you could delete the standard basemap if you only wanted to use these layers but keep in mind these are only region specific.

[@emilrux]

Cool studio! Do you know anything about international coverage?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Unfortunately this is only available in the USA at the time of this comment.

[@mehGyver]

can you remove unwanted maps from other countries to free up memory? (the factory installed maps)

[@fluidcycling]

I decided to give it a try, but one thing I found was that I have to plug in the watch while the "Map will download when your device is plugged in" is still on the screen. If I select the check mark and later plug in the device, the status shows "queued" but the download never starts. I have an Epix Gen 2.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That's strange, mine resumes the download when it's plugged in.

[@remi1213]

So with the latest version os I can't see option outdoor map anymore

[@marcoiacopino]

my fenix 7x sapphire reboots continuously when the download of the map (outdoor maps +) starts... any ideas? thanks

[@Loco-gm8te]

Are maps downloded still usable even if you end your subscription? Tnx

[@Mp3Robbo]

Ok nice but how do you put custom maps on these watches?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

You can simply upload them over a USB connection from your computer as long as they're standard IMG map files.

[@chwg12]

Great video. I do enduro bike and it will help a lot. Thanks

[@mandatory360]

love the new studio! how's the toe?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Toe is almost 100%! Thanks!

[@ktritan356]

Great overview.. thank you! GOM+ is great value. BirdsEye usable only through BaseCamp was just goofy and annoying.

[@hardchemist]

Naw, they should also offer a permanent map ownership option, where you just pay 1 price for region. For example, Florida is 65,795 square miles, and pay $65.79 for a permanent license, or $6.58 per year for a lease option. Fools like me would gladly give Garmin $6.58 for at least one year. On top of my thousand dollar watch purchase (good thing I had a discount code).

[@highxj]

Okay, figured out how to scroll 50 miles on the Epix and download a map for a hike yesterday. Didn't care for it, harder to read and really prefer the regular topo map already on my watch. Gave it a chance, no go for my useage.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

For standard hiking the included free maps are perfect!

[@Janojanito8]

Estará disponible para los demás países?

[@EaziD]

I feel what others are saying about paying for map data. However I’ll take paying for updated maps if it means my watch isn’t harvesting all my data and using it for financial gain (Apple/google).

[@interstellar_student]

Hey brother, appreciate your videos! Was curious what the outdoor maps + was for my f7x. Do you happen to know, will the maps still be available if your subscription ends?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The maps won't be available once you cancel. The watch checks in on the cloud server every now and then. Once you cancel the watch would revert back to the pre-installed topo maps.

[@interstellar_student]

@@ChaseTheSummit ahh that sucks, at least with BirdEye you kept what you downloaded for the life of the watch.....

[@ravona1]

Would the maps work worldwide or is it just US Canada available?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

USA just for now, I should have mentioned that!

[@ravona1]

@@ChaseTheSummit thanks for the quick reply. I noticed that too on their site. I had birdseye imagery installed on my previous F6X but now I upgraded to F7X without the ability to use that. I tried to reach out to them and I'm waiting for a reply on that. Anyway keep up the good work on your channel!

[@arturoserna6755]

Where did you get those watch band from?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

"Ancool" on Amazon.

[@hamwhacker]

Hi I live in the UK. I have a Fenix 6X pro so it is incompatible with this. I would be interested in this extra mapping if it gave me the UK ordnance survey map layer. Because that is THE most useful map for contours,boundaries and public footpaths…best map in the world albeit only applicable to the UK! Instead I will use my smart phone for detailed mapping on a larger screen should I need it. However I would still pay for this extra mapping if I had a compatible Garmin, because I plan my long distance hikes a lot. (Other info: I have the Garmin InReach Mini 2 and currently pay for the basic SOS subscription service. Ideally it would be compatible with basic and this detailed Garmin maps. I can use it for following GPX breadcrumb routes and trackback in an emergency though)

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It's odd that they didn't include the Fenix 6 models in this since they support mapping. I'm hoping more devices become compatible down the road!

[@swampy2b]

Public lands and property layers are also hunter-focused features, I would think. Really don’t get all the wingeing in the comments about a subscription for an optional add-on feature.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Agreed, it's optional! The free maps are more than most people need. Thanks for watching.

[@sopranoiua8776]

Is it available on Garmin 6 pro?

[@josie7188]

Love the new studio!! 🔥

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thank you!

[@bilaltahir9978]

Does it work with the fenix 6x?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Not at this time. Hopefully that's added.

[@PlayBetterGO]

Love the new studio!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@SouthernGuy82]

Is the maps on the outdoor maps+ routable?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yes

[@karlopadayhag4758]

is this outdoor maps include philippine map?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Love the new studio, Dave! As for the maps, seems kinda like a money grab. Like the $600+ for the watch wasn’t enough? 😂

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks! Sort of depends on your use case. Most people don't need this level of detail or the added hunting/water maps. But if you do... This is probably something you'd be interested in. The standard basemap that's included on the Fenix/Epix is still more detail than most people need.

[@antonintissot]

Garmin should yet update the Topoactive maps and then propose an update for more detailled maps. I'm stuck with 2021 imagery and it sucks

[@JoelNads72]

seems like a pass for me. I just run on local trails mostly and when I go elsewhere I try to find .GPX files to upload.

[@mlegrand]

Damn, new studio looks and sounds so good!!! 🙌 Maps+ looks good and $50 per year isn't too outrageous. I just don't need maps as much as some Ultra running type weirdos. Great video as always 👌

[@pickupnplay]

Thanks for the overview I'm going to give it a miss I bought the fenix 7 and garmin alpha 10 expecting to be able to track my hunting dogs in detail either on my watch or in the garmin explore app but was left very disappointed the explore app doesn't show any detail ov open land no trees most trails are also missing from the app and watch now dogtra do a much cheaper system and they manage to give you satellite maps in the app as standard but garmin can not nor can they on your watch without paying a premium I can't use the maps for tracking so I just use the arrow and distance indicator less fuss if you already know the area but if you don't then it kind ov means you have to discover your own way around the terrain to catch up to the dogs very disappointing

[@sammboogie]

Available in the uk?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Not yet. However, I think they plan to roll this out globally over time.

[@didzakov]

These monthly/yearly subscriptions just put me off.. If it was 50USD one time fee, I just might consider it. As for this, will skip. What is next, full battery capacity for only 99$ a year..

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Keep in mind the high end Garmin watches include FREE maps pre-installed on the watch. These maps are really for very niche use cases. If you're one of the people who can utilize them it's probably worth $50 bucks but for most people the pre-installed free maps are more than enough!

[@tomwong5801]

Huh … no mention of the 965’s potential ability to use this …. And in your podcast you didn’t mention the 965 as something you’re looking forward to … methinks someone is testing the new 965 and 265.

[@callmemarc]

That seems cool and all, but it also seems like at the point of needing that much detail you would be much better off using your phone.

[@jamesososki]

Is it just for the USA?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

For now yes.

[@SmartByTravel]

You know, I am really between between the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire and the Apple Watch Ultra. They lost me at the $50 subscription.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Keep in mind the Fenix 7X includes free maps pre-installed when you buy it. This mapping subscription is only for additional map layers that most people likely don't even need. It's really for specific niche use cases.

[@SmartByTravel]

@@ChaseTheSummit Oh I misunderstood that, thank you for clarifying. I re-watched your video and I see you clearly explained this but I missed it. Thank you for the nice note and I kept binging your videos and ended up buying the Garmin Fenix 7x Sapphire after all. Excited to see more of your videos.

[@victoryu7820]

Interesting mapping service. But, more importantly … Great looking new studio!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@jiraphatwetchaphram2870]

hey, what's your wrist size in cm?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

16.5

[@kraftwels]

that private land boundries feature sounds like it might be interesting for wildcampers But paying a subscription service on top of an overpriced watch is not something i can or want to shill out for

[@lebouffpv3144]

Ahh these look so cool, i’d love it if it makes it over to the 955 🤞🏻

[@kotsoym]

just saw your Greek tattoo.. are you from there ?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Family is from there.

[@kotsoym]

Greetings to all the family then From Greece! Καλησπέρα ! @@ChaseTheSummit