Garmin 66i with inReach Satellite Communication. The BEST satellite communicator on the market?

[@michaelthompson7570]

Old man here,,and am amazed just how far this gps game has come. My first magellan could only show numbers which you would match up to a paper map Thought that was just great,,now look!

[@45thnewsbrigade-tacticalop60]

Man i remember reading about those Magellan GPS units being used in the frst Iraq golf war poplar mechanics had a full page dedicated to all the cool tech being used by the army anf that Magellan was a big blocky handheld unit with green screen alphanumeric text 😆

[@bpchristensen]

Great video - thanks for taking the time to do this. One correction (and I have confirmed this with Garmin support): the number assigned to the device can (and will) change from time to time, so you cannot reliably *initiate* communications from a device other than the InReach device (unless you enable messaging from your map share page and the person has access to that page).

[@comfortablyunknown700]

So many riders say that it is best to have an inreach strapped to yourself. As a first responder(newbie ADV rider), I fully agree with having it on you and not the bike. With the 66i having the ability to connect to your phone, I do not see much need for the screen. The screen on the Garmin is probably pulling a lot of power. That might be the reason for the short battery life. Thank you for the video. Great info.

[@joeanderson3423]

Just ordered the 66i ...ETA this Wed. Excellent review. Appreciatedl

[@DigitalBenny]

The tripod in your sunglasses is something I can't unsee once I noticed it...

[@chrisd4283]

Completely agree with your assessment. The GPS>Phone interface is great (although I get some sync issues occasionally) and the speed is fantastic. Worth the investment over the Spot.

[@drzrider3440]

Yep. Gaia is fricken awesome. Had google maps and OnX reroute me at the same time on the Idaho BDR the first time i ran it. Had to check GAIA to get back on route. Now have the paid version with every BDR GPX loaded up. Never fails me anywhere. Have a dedicated phone i bought just for that. Have all the functions including birds eye view. Bought one of those garmin motorcycle GPS, and its still in the box. GAIA rocks.

[@1oldarmyguy]

I have had mine a few months now, I do like the sync and interface with my phone. I have not really tested it out, but have putzed around with it and I have to agree with your assessment of it.

[@jdgreany]

I have the inreach mini, love it. Peace of mind when I’m alone

[@michaellamberti9787]

What review, next time let's see the GPS working with the directional finder being used. Thanks

[@SCWgreg]

Great channel find. You had me at popped top! Now I’ve got to find that beer! Love the 66i, thinking I might just opt for the Mini tho

[@AussieAdventurer]

Nice vid, thaanks Question When activating the SOS who will come looking for you? I am in Australia and the main reason I ask is if SOS is activated, say I get bitten by a snake ( example only) to get help is a huge problem. How is that communication network work? I understand it’s a dedicated Satellite for Emergency services……What I want to know is tbis.. 1- Do you need to register this unit and 2- can you add additional information for emergency services such as your personal details, Car Rego, and other vital info so they know what the problem might be? I say that because On a dedicated EPIRP unit, you must register the unit with the users details at the lest, plus at the Emergency Services website you get directed to, there I can add anything that is of vital importance for rescue services I wonder how that GPS SOS would be better then a dedicated EPIRB ??? Thanks

[@backcountryadvmoto]

That’s a great question. Two things on that. When you hit the SOS button it will contact whoever you set in the device say your wife, girlfriend, significant other, as well as emergency services in your area. For Australia I am not 100% clear on what you have available there but my guess is whatever emergency services locally are there as well as any national guard services or similar. For instance in the US, if I am in the mountains and I need help and hit the button, it will contact my wife as well as any local sheriffs search and rescue, or a local medical entity. Yes you do have to register through the device and pay a monthly subscription but it is fairly inexpensive ranging anywhere from $11-$50 US. There is also a insurance planning you can add that because not all rescue services (at least here in the US) are free. If you need to be airlifted out of the mountains and brought to a hospital that could cost anywhere from $15000-$100,000 or more. There is a cheap annual insurance plan that you can add to your service that makes these services covered up to $1 million. Hope that helps answer the questions. I also suggest that you check out their website or giving them a call and ask about what is available in you area

[@MizzQueenBreNaturally]

@@backcountryadvmoto there’s no way to bypass the monthly bill or COPS?! like i thought this was for going off grid🥴

[@guymonaco5232]

Did you ever get a line on what was going on with the battery? Still the same? Just learned to live with it? "It is what is it" kind of thing?

[@chosenmusicartist]

Can you still use your phone linked when you have no service are your phone

[@paul.vanhout57]

Beer and Adv motorbikes - the world is in balance!

[@ReadySetGoPictures]

Can you pair the 66i to a phone via Bluetooth to have GPS on GAIA?

[@drzrider3440]

They are pretty cheap now. Thinking about picking one up. Have only used gen 3 spot so far. Sending custom text messages is a very nice option. Specially when I am usually a solo rider and like doing the Idaho BDR. So it times as your know, you are really in BFE out there at times. So for now, $300 its not a bad option. Have plenty of GPS things, but not communication device. Like you in have fell.in love with GAIA over the years. As its the best app for GPS. Has never let me down once..also run the Zumo XT now too. And the reviews of the 67I arent very great. Most say it just a better battery, so doesn't sound like it worth pay the extra for the 67I.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

This is an older review, and I have sent moved to the inReach mini 2. I love how small it is and I never really found myself being able to justify caring a handheld GPS with the map. Gaia work enough for me and you can still run Garmin maps on your phone when you Bluetooth to the cell phone.

[@drzrider3440]

@@backcountryadvmoto yeah I get it. But I also do some offeaod exploring in my AWD Tucson. Nearly every place around me, thats off road, there is zero signal, even with verizon. But since I just picked a 66i for $300 from Cabelas. Figured its a pretty good deal. Yeah they are a bit bulky and GAIA has never failed me. Nice to have a stand alone GPS with the ability to send and receive text where ever I am. Was not IP to date on what all the newer things allowed you to do random text messages from BFE. My spot only had the ability to send text that were already set up. Which was nice, but not good enough. So this will work great for me to have if I need it. Since most my rides are solo. It will be a nice comfort knowing everyone us just a text away. But your video helped me make my choice and I think I will be happy with it for a while. So thanks for the info.

[@danielcleaver9349]

Hey I have to say I am really digging your channel I have watched quite a bit of it and from the looks of it we like the same type of beer. I am new to the motorcycle world have only been riding for about a year now and just picked up a used Honda XR650L I am modding it out so I can do some adventure riding. I don't know how you do all that technical stuff on an Africa twin you must be a real experienced rider. I'm really impressed with both your skills riding as well as filming. I also really like your setup. I just recently lost my dad as well as my dog and I'm looking on spending quite a bit of time on the back of a motorcycle and have been religiously researching through KZbin on all the different trais out there to ride. Unfortunately my riding buddies are usually not available to ride with me so I tend to do things solo. I am an avid beer drinker as well and given my lifestyle I have been to quite a few breweries I was wondering if you would like to put together a brewery tour where we can ride to a bunch of different breweries as well as some cool trails and camp? It will be cool to link up with you as I am looking to purchase some timber property in northern Idaho within this next year. I am an arborist by trade and feel that Idaho would be a great place for me. I'm really enjoying your channel keep up the good work 👍

[@wfodavid]

Love the TOPO and Birdseye and weather. Wouldn't leave home without it. Nice Review.

[@sebulban]

Have to wonder about that battery life. It’s rated at 16 hours in continuous mode but what’s the update rate? 16 hours is quite far behind if their own fenix6 watch

[@tccalvo]

Great review Kyle! I have an Garmin InReach Mini that I pair with my iPhone and use the Garmin Earthmate app as the interface. My idea was that I did not need a screen at all since I use my phone's screen for the Mini's map and messages, etc. Also, the Mini is so small that i can just hang it on my jacket. What is your opinion or suggestions on the 66i versus the inreach mini/phone app setup ?

[@DARTHDANSAN]

You will always have the mini

[@Genuine_LonDonY]

how is it compared to montana 700i, what do you think?

[@toddgardner3088]

I run a Garmin 650T hard wired, and On X... I have the Garmin Inreach Explorer too.... in your opinion, would it be smarter to get rid of the other options and get the new 66i or keep my current units.... Some of these things get updated every year or every other year... getting to "know" the units, the learning curve keeps curving....

[@devine_adventure]

When you first showed the screen of the GPS it looked like Lake Coeur D Alene in the view??

[@Kimdopher]

Definitely Coeur d’Alene.

[@BarakTheWonderer]

There should be an "expedition mode" which should super lengthen the battery time.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Solar power charger 🔌

[@richardbartleson1534]

Hello from Lewiston good job explaining the garmin 66i can you tell me about the phone app you briefly mentioned

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+Richard Bartleson video coming soon, but its the Gaia gps app. Best mapping app there is in my opinion.

[@guymonaco5232]

@@backcountryadvmoto Gaia's good. It shows some "unofficial" but usable trails that aren't marked on other "official" maps, such as the Fire Warden Trail off Mt. Hale and the Brutus Bushwhack off Owl's Head (both in the Whites in New Hampshire). The BBW off Owl's Head helps you avoid a sketchy slide (which is itself also along another "unofficial" trail, and is especially helpful to know on the descent) that you'd have a real hard time finding without Gaia.

[@aqua.scape69]

Where's the video on the Gaia gps app?

[@larryman2707]

Nice, quick run down. I’m going to grab one of these. 👍🏼

[@njs454]

You could have covered this and I may have missed it. Once the 66i is paired with your cell phone via Bluetooth, will the GPS signal work on Gaia GPS or Alltrails, etc. ?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I have not confirmed that yet for myself, but I know some guys on here have commented saying that they use another app to make the GPS antenna work with Gaia

[@chosenmusicartist]

Thinking about doing the jnreach mini if it links with phone

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Yes it does. It is a excellent option

[@KontrolledKaoz]

@@backcountryadvmoto HE GONE LET DAT RIDE.....

[@aqua.scape69]

Would this e good for backcountry backpack hunting? Thanks

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Absolutely! I use it for elk hunting

[@thegolflife7565]

Is the satellite mapping better on the 66sr?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Can’t say for sure. From what I’m told the 66i has the most advanced mapping, but I’m pretty sure the 66sr is the same, because I think the only difference is that the sr model does not have the inreach capability.

[@thegolflife7565]

@@backcountryadvmoto different satellite constellations used for each the SR and 66i. The 66i used Iridium Certus and the SR uses GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and IRNSS.

[@michaelfrymus]

Do I need a subscription to just use it as a GPS device? I know I need one for the SOS/messaging but do I need it for the GPS?

[@RoyOlsen]

You can use the 66i as a normal GPS device without ever activating InReach or with the subscription paused.

[@normanbelchamber7010]

Thanks for the review very well explained

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@johndlugosz201]

Great review thank you!

[@BigWillieFPV]

What about the 86i wouldn’t that be the best handheld unit? Thanks for sharing you video, I’m about to buy a unit but I can’t find enough info on the 86 to use it as the 66,? Garmin have told me you have to buy the topo maps for the 86i as it’s a marine based but if you hike and boat why wouldn’t you get the 86 any way I’ve asked Garmin a few more questions so depending on the answers will decide what I get 👍🏻 be great if someone can shed some light on the 86i as a multi use system

[@backcountryadvmoto]

The 86i is a marine version of the 66i so i personally think the 66i is better for the Adv motorcycle application

[@BigWillieFPV]

Backcountry Adventure Motorsports for sure, just thinking if you boat/kayak as well as motorbike hike it might be another option but I can’t find enough info, I’ve also found out you can get some marine info for the 66i to, at this stage I’m leaning towards the 66i

[@randiruge1265]

Thank you for doing this. I downloaded the Gaia app. Looks good.

[@robertbotta6536]

I downloaded the explore app and it does not support either the 66i or the Explorer Plus???

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+Robert Botta yes it does. I use it nearly every day.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I literally showed it working in the video🤷🏼‍♂️

[@robertbotta6536]

I know what you are saying brother. I have a call into Garmin. It does work with Earthmate.

[@robertbotta6536]

Just spoke to Garmin. Explorer app does not work with the Explorer Plus

[@JonnyG905]

Hey Kyle or anyone in the comments do you know if you can do this internationally? I have to make a drive through Canada and I’m looking for a map and message system like this for the drive.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Yes the base preloaded maps cover all of North America. The inreach feature covers most the world

[@pl5861]

I was thinking of buying one of theses. Nice review, thanks.

[@ShooterMedic1818]

Are you still using this? Thoughts on this vs the Montana 700i?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I am. It’s not my primary bike gps on my Honda, but I use it on the dirt and snow bike, as well as hunting and hiking. I use the Garmin Zumo XT on the ADV Bike. Absolutely love it.

[@2wheelsandatent]

Great vid almost have me wanting to upgrade from the in reach =)

[@backcountryadvmoto]

If you already have the explore+ there isn’t a huge benefit to upgrading unless you want the better maps and a unit that has a bigger screen and is faster. The bigger screen makes it really nice though

[@chrisd4283]

Upgrade buddy, it's only money, lol.

[@2wheelsandatent]

@@chrisd4283 DUDE, did everyone hear that??? CHRIS IS BUYING ME A NEW GARMIN 66I !!!!!! He is a great buddy, and knows how crazy (and sometimes crappy) I ride ... Must mean he cares and wants me to be rescuable .... Just messin with ya Chris I couldn't see it anyway since i lost my freaking glasses haha

[@motolover5697]

Great review, thanks! One question: would it work connected with an iPad? A big screen would be good to have, not for navigating, but to be able to see the area better when making plans or checking the maps.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Yes it will connect to an iPad

[@guyon2wheels808]

Great Beer choice. If you're going to use the smart phone apps, why not just go with the inreach mini for less out of pocket? Good detailed review.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Because as I mentioned. I like using it for hiking and other activities. The mini is a great option as well

[@Crittermoto]

Cool tool! I’m presently using the Spot but am considering a change. Looking forward to your video showing your other nav gear and what you use to charge your electronics while out in the bush. By the way...did you film that on your knees 😜

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+Critter_moto I did. It made it easy to get close to the camera and I was to lazy to move the camera around lol

[@jaredwhite489]

Watch your vid. Now send me a beer 🤙

[@jimpratson7026]

I was just looking at purchasing one, thanks for the timely review. Do you have to go through Garmin Base Camp to add maps/plan routes or can they easily be down loaded from other sources?

[@stihlpro2401]

What about the new Montana 700i?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I’m sure it’s great. I haven’t had a chance to use it as it was released after this video was made

[@stihlpro2401]

Backcountry Adventure Motorsports I just ordered it. Should be here tomorrow.

[@fauzidti7863]

Good Satfon Garmin usages oilfield exploring global

[@BACK40ADVENTURE]

I'll have to have you show me how to use it. Just got one

[@terrywhisenhunt6453]

Do you use GAIA GPS?

[@scudrunneradv3269]

Glad you did this video. Actually no I’m not. Now I’m going to drop another 500 on a toy. Lol. I’ve been looking at these for awhile and you helped make my decision. Thanks for the great content.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Same situation here. He cemented my decision to grab one soon.

[@randyclement2429]

I've been looking at this unit since they first came out probably going to buy one this week but they're $829 up in Canada

[@jaredwhite489]

A beer review while holding up a gps lol

[@advrx1041]

Where ya going in July?? Looking for riders??

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Doing the Idaho bdr south to north with a small group. July 10-19

[@advrx1041]

@@backcountryadvmoto sounds fun....

[@backcountryadvmoto]

ADVRX if you are available those dates, shoot me an email. [e-mail]

[@miguelatambucho748]

Very useful info. Thanks

[@phillean]

Very useful.

[@TheRyan668]

Honda nuff said

[@backcountryadvmoto]

pretty much haha

[@kevinb5531]

I have been eyeing this GPS up for a couple months now, and don’t know how I missed in all the reviews and specs that the battery is rechargeable only. Extremely poor design and engineering on Garmins part to make a hand held GPS rechargeable. Should always be able to swap AA’s out for a fresh charge. If I am out hiking for a few days at a time the last thing I should have to worry about and recharge is my GPS. Totally disappointed now....

[@ReadySetGoPictures]

Bring a battery bank or solar panel. Sure a battery bank is more weight but it’s more durable that AA

[@margyg]

A small battery pack has more charging power and can be recharged and also used for your phone.

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

What is geocash?

[@mikuslembergs]

Geocaching.com

[@joeanderson3423]

The Garmin tech told me today that the Phone Number changes each time. No ??

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Not on mine 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I think even if it did, it’s pretty obvious where the message is coming from. Especially if the location link is attached to the message

[@joeanderson3423]

@@backcountryadvmoto Good To Know :-) THX

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

Thank you!

[@michaelfrymus]

Why have a phone plane if you can have this device with unlimited texting.

[@loosfwd]

Great review as usual. Just started watching you a couple months ago. You do a great job. I would love to see the video on this unit vs Gaia!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Coming soon

[@samiam9647]

I need to find some Ballas

[@takenotesadv]

When that second stimulus check hits!

[@bassdrumflextime1253]

LOL yes

[@Senpai_B]

It’s 18 hours not 24

[@adamabbas8876]

You had me sold until I heard about the battery life. Such a shame

[@backcountryadvmoto]

The info about the battery life is actually better than first reported. In battery save mode it last about 3.5 days on a charge with moderate use.

[@kaveh1836]

9:41 text meshhages

[@reagan6743]

A 20 minute video and he slips on 1 word. Why so critical?

[@kaveh1836]

@@reagan6743 oh god… give it a rest Karen, I’m just having fun, nobody’s being critical or attacking anyone. Foh lady

[@вечная_мерзлота]

beer?

[@wzhaicthtaarkyer]

Ballast point is so far from being a micro brewery it's not even funny.

[@rhvreramon]

Those crooked glasses are distracting

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Ramon Heard Jr yeah sorry about that.

[@dougharitopulos7694]

Bdr maps , tat maps

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Yes and yes. I have all of them loaded on there 😁

[@viz-a-viz]

First of all, wearing sunglasses when speaking to someone is pretty shitty and secondly you can see your video gear reflecting off them.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Got it sorry if I offended you. 😂 Some people on here are such critics.

[@BOZENIX]

Maybe it was bright outside. Dude get a life. Great video and thanks

[@ReadySetGoPictures]

Who pissed in your cornflakes this morning 😂

[@guymonaco5232]

bruh

[@matts4518]

What a dickhead..

[@4502010yz]

Can you use the device while it charges like a car style GPS or is it disabled while plugged in ?

[@jannowak3369]

Does it have all sensors as 66ST?