Garmin GPS: How-To Use Routes, Tracks, and Waypoints

[@Anduin-oy5ij]

I've never owned a Garmin before and recently bought a GPSMAP 67I on an impulse buy. Needless to say, after all these years being spoiled by a smart phone, the learning curve has been steep. Your video helped a lot of it to "click". Subscribed and notification bell hit 😊

[@Hikingguy]

Ah thank you that's great to hear, and why I'm doing these. Garmin def has a learning curve but the nice thing is that once you learn one, you basically know them all.

[@cfdfirefighter]

I have this huge itch to buy the 67i. Is it worth it?😊

[@Hikingguy]

@@cfdfirefighter Not unless you have a specific need for it - otherwise you're probably fine with 66i or phone/Mini

[@fendermon]

Super helpful. I'll watch it a few times. One thing for comment readers to keep in mind is that just dropping a waypoint somewhere is not enough to get you there in the field. Unless you have a helicopter...roads and trails are crucial. I used to think a waypoint at your car is enough to get you back, it's not. It doesn't matter if your car is .25 of a mile away if there is a swamp in between. Obvious to veterans, but not beginners. Thanks for the great info :)

[@Hikingguy]

Good point - and yea - they key is to make your that your routing settings are not straight line, use trails / roads so that the routing will at least get you close if your waypoint is offroad.

[@ElmoUnk1953]

Very good course of instruction. I just picked up a 67i for my next trip to Big Bend NP and State Park. I always back up with a map and compass JIC.

[@stephanhaeke589]

big applause!👏👏👏. thanks a lot. I'm receiving mi 66i tomorrow and already learned a lot with your vid and explanation. good job!

[@philipcaldwell3187]

Best overview of how to use a Garmin paradigm ever! It has always been a mystery why Garmin’s tech is industry leading but is consistently rendered useless by poor marketing decisions. Not a recent behavior either, it was obvious when they lead the market with automated LORAN navigation for the marine and general aviation market well before civilian availability of GPS.

[@cyclone3999]

To the uninitiated (me) garmins gps system is very very complicated but the more I learn, the more I realize why there are so many different options and features.

[@allhailalona]

i like your videos im gonna watch them all and like them all man, im new to the subject just bought my first car, and you really helped me through with exploration man, thank you.

[@toddgrant7190]

Thank you for explaining well the differences and possible different uses in the field between waypoints, routes, and tracking points.

[@jimw3484]

Thank you! Great information clarity on plotting tracks, routes and waypoints (alerts). I am using a Garmin 64ST and have never used in the field. This will help me understand it a lot better. Practice makes perfect! I will be using my Garmin next year on a 14 day trip to Glacier and Yellowstone. 👍 4 days of hiking and 5 nights in each area.

[@derekmartin8498]

it would be nice if the Garmin explore app had the option to not only sync to the device but the SD card also. Basecamp also doesn’t display courses from my device either when plugged in which is bummer. I enjoy watching your videos my man you do a great job. All the best mate.

[@haraldkanz3573]

Thanks so much. The best explanations for GPS on KZbin so far. It becomes clear to me that too many options just degrade the hiking experience for me, so I will just use Alltrails instead. Will return the Garmin 67i. Thanks

[@frankmeincke3812]

Really great information. You have cleared up a lot of things that I did not know how to do as well as expounded upon things that I thought I knew! Great job Thank you for taking the time for this.

[@niallpbyrne]

Great video Chris. I just got a Garmin 66sr I want user for snow shoeing and in Summer warmer weather activities. The video really helps me get some key Garmin GPS concepts. Garmin talk about courses. There are none for this device it is routes on this specific device. Which you also mentioned! so that's confusing for a newbie like me they use conflicting terminology. Very helpful video. Thanks for sharing.

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks and glad the video was helpful. And yea, the tracks/routes/courses thing is a bit of a mess. A course is basically a route and track together. The latest firmware just gave the 66 series courses, and I'm working on a video for that now. Stay tuned...

[@bobroberts7269]

I have a garmin etrex 22x. A basic lesson is set a waypoint from where you start. As you hike off into the bush or down a trail, whenever you walk 100 feet, mark a waypoint. Or when you come to a fork in the trail, or a landmark. The more the better. Dont worry, waypoints are free! As long as you have marked waypoints you will be able to find your way back.

[@stehume]

thats true and is good advice but if you ae recording your track then no need to really, but saying that i guess that if by chance you somehow forgot to press start to record then at least you would have your waypoints. this is one of the best vids on the subject of waypoints and routes i have come across

[@вечная_мерзлота]

Thank you for explaining it all. just by watching you I realized that it's not 66SR unit that I want but rather Montana 700. that way I don't have to push all the buttons so many times.

[@stehume]

hi, i had a map 62s many many years ago and it was a fantastic unit but i got fed up with all the toggling back and forth so i sold that and got an Oregon 600, so much quicker to use and a nice size screen, pros with touch screen is so much quicker and a larger screen, pros with buttons is that in the winter you dont have to take of your gloves to use it as you do with the touch screen, i got around this by getting a pair of fingerless gloves that had like a mit cover of the fingers, the newer models may work with gloves on. hope you got what you wanted and pleased with it just to ad, you can get a garmin teather strap with velcro, really worth it

[@RS899847]

BRILLIANT! THE BEST, SIMPLEST, AND MOST INFORMATIVE VIDEO ON GARMIN GPS THAT I HAVE WATCHED. YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME MORE IN 20min THAN ALL THE OTHER VIDEOS PUT TOGETHER THAT I HAVE WATCHED.👍👍👍👍👍

[@Hikingguy]

Ha thank you! Glad it was effective. I get a ton of questions about routes, etc. and just wanted to show how it works in real life. Glad it made sense! 👍👍

[@antonmuller3667]

Not one to comment, really, but this has been really helpful, thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you 👍👍

[@mateusmatos3420]

Thanks for this! Keep doing this amazong work!

[@patrickcoffey201]

Thanks I am a gps newby and this is the most helpful video i have found. I have the garmin 66i

[@mircowessolowski4103]

Hi Cris, hand down the best explanation for routes, tracks etc.! Can you tell me how to set the sound alarms in the device? I set the turn and proximity alarm on but it doesn‘t make a sound when I‘m following a route. Strange… Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you - && make sure you have tones on - on the 66 series its Setup>Tones>Tones>On.

[@BigEx2606]

This is a great video, certainly clears up my confusion, many thanks for your efforts

[@lancedooley7558]

This is a great video. I only have the Garmin Foretrex 401. I'll have to look into yours.

[@cannonskier1]

Recent new subscriber here. Thank you for taking the time to put this together! I just bought my first Garmin 67i so I'm new to all of this. Would you recommend I focus my energy on learning to use Basecamp or the Explore App?

[@Hikingguy]

I'd focus on just using the device - for planning, use CalTopo and send the GPX to the device

[@janetwilson5657]

Most helpful video I’ve watched so far. There may be hope for me yet in figuring out my Etrex32x. I will be revisiting this many times. Thank you!

[@elcompamartinez2647]

Etrex 32x will give you the option to take a road or go in a straight line (when you are in the ocean or flying?

[@stephanhaeke589]

@@elcompamartinez2647 my etrex 35 touch always gives me a straight line.(route) any idea of what I'm doing wrong?

[@elcompamartinez2647]

Selct (in settings) that you wanna drive to destination. Apparently is set to measure that distance in a straight line

[@stephanhaeke589]

@@elcompamartinez2647 thanks a lot! Climbing was selected in the setting. after changing it to hike and biking the map has adapted.

[@matthewschwartz697]

Thank you so much, this was a super helpful and awesome video

[@markreed2937]

At 8.32 on video you show the first screen on a saved track - why is there a random large number for time ??? Also what does the area reading underneath signify ??

[@Hikingguy]

I created a track on the computer to send to the device, and if the GPX doesn't have time stamps or they are random, you can just disregard the time. And area (I think) is the area from within the track, but I wouldn't pay attention on a hike - if you want to measure area just use the area function.

[@markreed2937]

@@Hikingguy thanks for the reply -been doing some research and kinda guessed this might be the case - great videos keep up the good work

[@Hikingguy]

@@markreed2937 thank you!

[@sambuvca22]

im searching for a snowmobiling tutorial for the 750i as this will be my primary use for my new purchase. im sure i can buy the correct state ITS trail system map, but wondering if they will be included, or pre downloaded. specificaly in the state of Maine and New Hampshire

[@TonySilva-tt6qr]

Great video and a very clear explanation. I use tacks on my dirt bike using my Etrax 32 and want to use my Edge 1050 as it has a much better screen. Question being if I convert a track into a course do I loose any granularity or do I have a risk of Garmin routing me a slightly different way?

[@music2me722]

Just the info I was looking for. Thanks.

[@halabujioutdoors]

Thanks, Cris! This one goes into my saved list, so that I can come back for refresh.

[@Hikingguy]

👍👍 Glad it was useful!

[@saby72]

Really love your info. Since Basecamp seems to be discontinued, what has replaced it? Would it be Garmin Express? If so, is the information provided in this video still applies?

[@Hikingguy]

Basecamp is still around. I think they wanted to make Explore the successor but enough people still use Basecamp so it's still available.

[@hollernathan]

Under your routing settings is hiking selected for activity? And is your calculation method minimize time or distance? I’m confused about the difference between minimize time or minimize distance setting. Which setting is safer and better out on a hike? Thank you.

[@xrayzkat8198]

Most grateful for all your AWESOME resources ! !

[@newhorizonschurch3115]

Great article on this unit and very helpful for a first-timer to GPSs. One question. My brand new 66i shuts off after 60 seconds. Would this be a firm ware issue?

[@Hikingguy]

It sounds like it's the screen turning off, which is normal. You can change the screen timeout in the settings. If the entire unit is powering down after 60 seconds (when it turns on you see the Garmin logo and boot screen), then you have defective hardware and you should reach out to support for a replacement.

[@davidweaver8506]

Nice explanation of some features that Garmin doesn't explain nearly as well. One thing I'm looking for is finding the best route to a point when there are no trails. For example, I want to find my way to the summit of the mountain I'm on. I'm happy to go cross country, but it would be great if the device was smart enough to consider the contour lines and route me around cliffs instead of straight up them. Any suggestions?

[@Hikingguy]

Yea I wish there was a unit that did that, but right now there is not. I can see something like that being available at some point, doing some AI analyisis on the contours, looking at historic GPX tracks, etc. If anyone is an app developer, here's a place where you can probably do something....

[@tailgunnerhikes4703]

As one who does "primitive trails" and limited off trail in Olympic National Park, contours is only one of multiple issues. I've come across 10' diameter trees that have fallen and very marshy areas. Also, that little creek could have steep 10' v-sides. and a contour map with 50' intervals will not show that 25', 80-degree slope.

[@MarkStothard]

Thank you for a great video. May I ask, I'm new to Garmin and am looking at the new 67i. Is it possible to have different frequencies in tracking? Wishing to record (breadcrumb) my location on a trail every 30 secs within the device, however, only transmit my location via Inreach subscription (Consumer Recreation Saftey) to my map every 10+ mins, ideally 30 mins? Downloading from the device the GPX, will allow me to sync more precise GPS data with other apps, however, allowing family and friends and people that track me on my map at a less cost to me the approximate location that they can view when and where they wish. If this is not, I guess one option could be to purchase without a subscription a second device, for example, the InReach Mini 2, and set this to a 30-second breadcrumb and download the GPX or as an alternative, increase my subscription to Consumer Recreation for unlimited Send/track Points and location pings. I do understand that my battery consumption will be higher recording the GPS every 30 seconds. Thank you in anticipation, M

[@Hikingguy]

internal recording and sat location sharing are 2 diff functions, so you will okay - the GPX will have a higher fidelity

[@MarkStothard]

@@Hikingguy thank you so much

[@CharlesWalker-l2q]

Thank you for a very informative video. I have been desperately trying to understand the difference between a route and a track where Garmin is concerned. You explained it very simply and clearly. Can you tell me, is it possible, to import a track to basecamp, from another site, as a GPX file, and then convert that track to a route before loading it onto the Garmin device? It would then be possible to use the enhanced navigation ability of the device to follow.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you and yes, convert it to a route, and then you'll get the prompts. You can also import the track into Basecamp, then draw a new route over top of it. That might give you a cleaner result when using in your GPS.

[@CharlesWalker-l2q]

Yes, that's an idea. I will try that. Thank you very much for your help.😊👍

[@JohnDoe-ub8fq]

Just got the GPSMAP 67, upgraded from the Oregon 450. I have always been very, very basic, but want to expand how I use it. Any pros/cons between the Garmin TOPO 24k, 100k, Maps+?? Or have a 'better/different solution? I like the route idea very much. I do a lot of lake Tahoe are hikes, and have taken a wrong turn here and there....

[@stephenstewart6091]

Very helpful. Thank you very much! As you said, it sometimes seems like it is not confusing enough so Garmin does something to confuse things even more. Example: I just bought a GPSMAP 66. In addition to waypoints, tracks and routes it has activities and courses. I think activity is just another name for a track? And course is just another name for a route? Is there some subtle detail I am missing? Is the difference just whether it is prerecorded from somewhere else, recorded and saved on the 66, or activity being followed/computed/recorded? Looks on device I used Course Planner to create what I would normally call a Route. Then while using the Course I look at Active Route to see the list of upcoming turns. I use Recording Controls to record a Track but it is saved as a Recorded Activity? Then I can view it or save it as a Track? A great lesson in how to make something that could be simple as complex as possible..

[@ANDREFMF]

Thanks for this video! I'm from Brazil and I still have a question: what's the difference between a course and a route? In Garmin Explore on smartphone, we have the option to convert a track into a course or a route, what is the difference between these conversions? I haven't figured out the difference between these two options. Thanks a lot!

[@Hikingguy]

Course is just another type of route that Garmin introduced and is proprietary. Unfortunaley courses and routes are treated differently on different devices. If you have a watch, a course is your best bet, if you have a handheld, go with a route or track

[@helvettefaensatan]

How would you approach planning a route across unmarked territory? Let's say we start off in a valley, there are few options and where there are, there are animal paths that lead the best ways and a path is made. When we get up to the mountains or a platou, the animals have spread and people have made their bearings and headed off in different directions. There are no longer any clear paths to follow and nothing on the maps. So I want to follow the routable paths to the platou and then give myself some pointers as to where to go next, yet here the track is more of a guideline. I also don't want all the marked points to be set in stone, I might plan to catch a peak if the weather is good but disregard and move inland if the weather gets worse.

[@Hikingguy]

I'd mark the important landmarks with waypoints beforehand, then do the hike based on local conditions, then use trackback to return

[@domxem5551]

As always very detailed and informative. Thank you so much

[@mechanicandskills7215]

i wanted too thank you for your hard work and time too make the videos .......... cheers ...great job !

[@RWR54]

Nice video. Do you have a video showing how to send a hike that was planned in caltopo to a garmin GPS (I have the GPSMAP 65s)? I cannot figure out how to do it! Thanks for your videos, they have been very helpful.

[@Hikingguy]

Export to GPX > Connect 65s with USB > Browse to the 65s like a drive > put the GPX file in GARMIN > GPX folder

[@Pedro-uo5do]

Thanks for the video, it's very helpfull. I have a question and maybe you can help me. Do you know a way to send waypoints from Google Earth to the Garmin GPS along with the Google Earth created routes? What I want is for the waypoints to appear on my GPS when I follow a route created on Google Earth. Thank you. Pedro

[@Hikingguy]

Export to GPX or KML from Earth, import to Garmin Explore, then sync your device www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/explorewebsiteInd/EN-US/GUID-5F906255-6086-4CD6-9D8F-A038C01C2FB9.html

[@swampfizz]

how do you get the gps coordinates window box to display while you are navigating in the woods? on etrex 32x...thanks

[@donaldburton6869]

I have a 66s and love it. I can use all of your help though. I’ m wondering if there is a way to change the light blue color of the track? It is very difficult to see. Thank you!

[@Hikingguy]

Yup, you sure can, and it's a good idea, I did the same thing > support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=w04AC4BN074X1VLLNsT3m9

[@mateusmatos3420]

Thanks for the video!

[@Jake_UpNorthFishingAdventures]

Great video mate it helped me out heaps. Do you know what subscription to get so I can view satellite maps on the 67i?

[@Hikingguy]

👍 If you just need the basics, go for Consumer Safety, otherwise go with the next one up to share tracking breadcrumbs - www.garmin.com/en-US/p/837461

[@Jake_UpNorthFishingAdventures]

@@Hikingguy thanks heaps mate, I'll go with the consumer safety I think 👍🏻

[@jerryberkel8421]

So I have basically the same gps…I have the 66sr. I noticed when you went into route planner around the 10 minute mark, that you have the option to select addresses as one of your icons onscreen, mine does not have that option. Did you download other maps besides what came on the unit and if so what map? I want to be able to search address but am unable to. Thanks

[@Hikingguy]

I have OSM maps on there - double check that your firmware is up to date - hard to say what exactly it is on your 66sr

[@KUEHLKUEST]

Thank you!! This is Great intel!! We have a big trip on the Isle Royale next month!! Cheers J&C

[@Hikingguy]

Have fun at Isle Royale, it's on my list...

[@darkmatter5310]

You explains so well, appreciate.

[@atulganguly73]

Thanks! Great video. I am a beginner and am currently using an eTrex 30. I do have the top map installed on the unit using a micro-SD card. When I open up Basecamp, shouldn't I be able to see the top map and the trails?

[@Hikingguy]

When you plug into the computer and fire up Basecamp, the maps should load into Basecamp, but it's very slow.

[@I_Am_Bone]

Thanks for this. I am new to having a Garmin and have the etrex e22x and am planning a bike ride. I have created my route, and get confused with the why a Track is more useful to download from my Ride With GPS app. Once I get it into Basecamp I can turn it into a route. What is the best way to do this? Do I need both a Track and a Route on the 22x? Which one will contain the POI's from the Ride With GPS? Am I wasting time creating the Route from the Track in Basecamp? Thanks so much, and I really hope that rambling question is clear enough.

[@JOHNDELURY-h8y]

Any chance you could do something on the difference between basecamp vs explore?

[@Hikingguy]

great idea, thank you, will get on the list

[@carstenhogh]

Nice and easy explanation. Thx. A few questions: when you navigate a track that you have uploaded on your device, does the device record your trip automatically as you navigate? Can it be saved and uploaded to Garmin Explore? Does Garmin Explorer sync activities to Garmin Connect?

[@Hikingguy]

Does the device record your trip automatically as you navigate? It depends on the device but usually it with either record as the trip computer automatically, or you have to start and stop an activity. Can it be saved and uploaded to Garmin Explore? Yes Does Garmin Explorer sync activities to Garmin Connect? No but some devices sync to both.

[@hollernathan]

Hi, wouldn’t it be easier to create your course on the Garmin explore app instead of computer for easier transfer to gps? Also can the Garmin explore app replace computer mapping software? Thank you for all your work.

[@baddogastro]

This was pretty informative and well done. It was just a little to specific to your device. I have a Garmin InReach Mini and a Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire, so my screens are very limited... But you did a good job explaining how and when to use each type mapping waypoints. This information can be used on any of the garmin devices now I just have to figure out where they are all buried in my tiny little menu systems...LOL

[@Nana-s6n3w]

My friend has to learn a route for a shuttle bus in Boston. I'm trying to figure out how he can use his Garmin 580 dezi to learn the route. I'm going to finish your video and maybe I can help him out. Thank you.

[@onionbulb27]

hi, your video is very useful. Happy that you are also in LA. I am looking for a long time a fonction to put all trails I did together on one map. can Garmin do this? (either handheld or Garmin 55/245 which has built-in GPS) The purpose of this is to have a record on all the mountains i went to and record the track of my trail/footprints. Thanks

[@Hikingguy]

If you put all the tracks into one GPX file (on a computer) you should be able to see them all on the Garmin once you open the file

[@onionbulb27]

@@Hikingguy so the combined file is in garmin connect? Possible to have a short video to show it? Can we have those tracks imported to Google map? I'd like to have a global image of where I went to in the world..

[@Hikingguy]

@@onionbulb27 the best bet if you want it sharable is to sign up for a free CalTopo.com account, import all your GPX files, and save it

[@diegopescia9602]

Thanks! I was getting some trouble trying to understand the terms Route, Track, Course and Activity. I recently acquired an inReach Mini 2 and those terms appeared on the Explore App and some in the inReach. From what I could get, Routes are not a thing in the inReach Mini 2, an Activity is an on-device recorded track, a Track could be an imported GPX, and a Course is some kind of pseudo-route I can create on Explore App. If I got something wrong, feel free to correct me

[@Hikingguy]

Yea courses are basically the same thing as routes

[@robertkelly28]

Awesome guide. Thanks so much !!!

[@tims728]

From Australia, big thanks mate, will try out the proximity alarms for junctions etc. A group of us are walking the Heysen Trail in South Australia, about 1200km. This feature could be useful, currently using a 64sx and have been planning using Explore and less of Connect. Didnt realise Garmin were still offering Basecamp. Realise this took time to create so thanks again for sharing. 🇭🇲😉🍻🚸

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks 👍👍👍 and have a great trek - Heysen Trail looks incredible

[@ponderingnugget]

Chris, I'm a new subscriber here and I can't thank you enough for making these informative how to videos, they are saving me so much time getting up and running with my new Garmin. Do you recommend any particular set of 24k or more detailed maps for use with a Garmin handheld? I've checked the Garmin site and their topo maps are quite expensive. Do you use them? Are there other less expensive options?

[@Hikingguy]

I've been doing fine with the bundled maps and haven't used the 24k maps in a few years.

[@chriscrumbley9219]

Great video. Do you know if base camp works with the in reach mini 2?

[@tzzzz20]

Looking to upgrade my GPS. touch screen or Button? What do you like?

[@Hikingguy]

Button - 66sr is a great option

[@michaelfrymus]

I got the 67i, but the routing menu is a bit weird. I do not have anything enabled. It is not tracking me. Yet, the menu seems to be changing. For example: The total ascent/descent heeps changing. Min Elevation, Max Elevation, Current Elevation Is also changing and different. It makes no sense how the min and max is different compared to my current elevation without even starting the tracking. This is what mine is showing: Min Elevation: 1365m Max Elevation: 1373m Current Elevation: 1389m

[@xavieragnelli5426]

Great review I still need to figure out how to use a site or an app to find a trail I want to do (Sag a waterfall hike or something along those lines) then transfer that hike to my GARMIN 66i. I tend to like the selection on all trails (For example) and transfer from there perhaps?

[@Hikingguy]

Export to GPX from AllTrails and then import to Garmin Explore, sync to device

[@rumitcu]

Excellent overview and details of these navigation entities. I typically like to record a track when hiking by using the Hiking activity on my Fenix 6 as a sort of log of where I’ve been and when that gets stored in Connect. But if I’m not mistaken, I can’t simultaneously both follow an existing track like you’ve suggested AND record my current track in the hiking activity, right? Said another way, the Fenix activity is either Hiking (data logging purpose) OR Navigate (eg following an existing track).

[@helvettefaensatan]

About night hiking: are there units with AMOLED screens with less backlight?

[@timothygraham8348]

This is so great. I've had nothing but trouble with Basecamp on my Mac. I called Garmin asking for support and asked why it kept crashing and they said they no longer supported Basecamp. With Garmin discontinuing Basecamp what will we use for this in the future?

[@Hikingguy]

Ah man, sorry it's been such a hassle. I remember a few months ago the latest update of Basecamp would freeze after a few seconds. I ended up installing Basecamp through the app store and after the next automatic update it worked again. && After Explore came out, Garmin announced that they were discontinuing Basecamp, but I think Explore lacked a lot of features (and still does), so they decided to keep it. I've noticed a few Basecamp updates since they announced they were discontinuing. It's frustrating. CalTopo and GaiaGPS have been good substitutes. I just transfer files from those tools directly to the folder on the GPS.

[@pradeepchandra6157]

@@Hikingguy What is the status of Garmin explore now? Have the updates caught up. New user here!

[@Hikingguy]

@@pradeepchandra6157 Yes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHqmeK17ia6tnZo

[@tartakd]

I have a question, I've been struggling with for a while. Let's say I have a multiday backpack route. Let's say I went off track to buy food. Cancelled the route. Came back and want to start from that point, not from the beginning. I don't want to use tracks, and ideally don't want to split the route. How do i start a route not from the beginning? Same question for Garmin courses.

[@Hikingguy]

It depends on the device but in general you can start a route and just start hiking from the middle. Give it a try in your neighborhood and to confirm.

[@hollernathan]

Hi, can you do a video on planning a route or course with the Garmin Explore app only? I feel that it’s a great fast alternative to computer planning. Transferring to Garmin gps couldn’t be easier. Thank you for all your work.

[@Hikingguy]

Good idea, will add it to the roster!

[@petescull371]

Thanks, Cris, really helpful, especially the marine thing - but why did you plan your route for the Fenix in "connect" and not in "explore"? Also: I think you can change the shaping points into waypoints in some submenu of Basecamp - great help and support

[@Hikingguy]

Unfortunately the routing in Explore is pretty worthless, it doesn't snap to trails or roads. I'm not sure why (after over a year) it doesn't do that like Basecamp, CalTopo, and Gaia GPS do, but it doesn't. So for Fenix, the Courses tool in connect will snap to the road for you and basically allow you to do what you do in Basecamp. It's all a bit of a mess...

[@raptorider83]

This is a great video I'm new to the GPS handheld in general. I am looking to purchase my 1st one as I am an avid AVT rider, I travel out very far St. Mary's idaho" sometimes there is no cell service and I have gotten turned around a couple times I want something for heavily wooded areas that will allow me to travel as far as I need but also bring me back if I get turned around thanks.. Do you have any advice on what handheld I should be purchasing.

[@Hikingguy]

You'll be okay with pretty much any of the GPS units, but the Montana series are probably best for ATV. They all have a feature called "tracbac" that will take you back the way you came --- www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-20A50E5B-3DFB-42C7-A3B4-8D55519B532C/EN-US/GUID-238EF812-5391-4C85-A923-5483ABE9A599.html

[@stevek8829]

Your cell can download your area and store it. GPS in your cell phone doesn't need cell service. You can extend battery with back up battery. You can also use a compass and only check location occasionally, then go back to compass, which saves your cell battery by minimizing screen on.

[@elcompamartinez2647]

@@Hikingguy Etrex X32 also has ''trackback' and i think it's way cheaper

[@Hikingguy]

@@elcompamartinez2647 Yup good point - one thing though, the Montana series have specific routing for ATV/OHV so that might be helpful in this usecase

[@campshrop]

Awesome. This is perfect. Question: What background map do you use/recommend?

[@Hikingguy]

I have OSM maps installed but lately I've been using the Garmin TopoActive maps off my device. They seem to have great trail coverage in my area and are a little more visually pleasing than the OSM maps.

[@jonathonms4906]

Absolutely brilliant 👏 . Thankyou

[@BrittanyLabrador]

I just tried to download the Garmin Basecamp software to my MacBook Air and it did not allow the download for some reason. Is this only available on windows?

[@Velnio_Išpera]

Hey, for my way of using Garmin, I need to change thickness of track line, is it possible to do that? Currently using gpsmap 66sr

[@Hikingguy]

Don't think you can change the thickness but you can change the color which may help with visibility.

[@kddonath]

I'm confused on something with my 66i: I'm in the field and click on recording controls and start recording. When done with the hike, click on save. Go into Recorded Activities and see it there. I'm assuming that what I see there are activities, not tracks? Get home and open Basecamp and do an import. I don't see the hike. Go back to 66i > Recorded Activities and open the hike. Click on menu and save as a track. Go back to Basecamp and import again. This time is see the hike. Am I doing this right?

[@Hikingguy]

Yea it's clunky but you have to convert activities to tracks for a traditional gpx track - internally I believe the activities are stored as .FIT files while the tracks are normal .GPX

[@runninrob7922]

Thanks Chris for the run through, especially for the Garmin Connect and Fenix. Are the instructions similar for the Garmin Inreach Mini? Deciding between the two devices, and price is one of the factors. Thanks again, love the videos … they help on where my next hike should be.

[@Hikingguy]

So for the Mini, it doesn't have navigation onboard, but you can do limited navigation through the app. If you want to save some $$, you might want to wait until the Mini goes on sale and pick up a Fenix 5x on sale, which is still a solid watch.

[@OutandAboutwithTrev]

7:36 why is the radius only in miles???? I'm using a Garmin eTrex 32x GPS and kms' or even metres would be better.

[@Hikingguy]

www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/eTrex_10_20x_30x/EN-US/GUID-7BF5E25C-509E-4128-89D3-6B4EBC90E59F.html

[@PuEarth]

Is it possible to connect directly my Garmin device to Google Earth when Im running doing my routes, and save them?... it depends on the model (I have a nautic garmin 78s)...or do I have to use a notebook to connect with Google Earth to download or upload a map?

[@Hikingguy]

You'd have to export from Earth as KML and import it to Garmin Explore, then transfer to the Garmin

[@Builder-pw4qn]

Your videos have been very helpful in understanding different uses of a GPS. Thank you. Do you know if there is a way to add a stop between 2 waypoints on the device. If I am out in the field, and I have 2 waypoints, can I add a stop between these two points? What I have is a property line that is very long. There is no line of site from one corner to another. I have two corners marked as waypoints. However, I need to set additional points between the two points. Can this be done from the device (Garmin 64sx) or would it need to be done in Basecamp as a route?

[@Hikingguy]

Yes you can add multiple stops to a route on a Garmin

[@ohsweetmystery]

Recommendation for the best model to buy for tracking when doing off-trail hiking in mountainous areas? I'd like to see more detail to decide the best heading, but most seem very low resolution?

[@Hikingguy]

This > hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/garmin-gpsmap-66sr-review-test/

[@theociba3762]

Very helpful!

[@donaldburton6869]

Hi, I’m wondering if I can send several tracks to my 66s at the same time. I want them to be on my gps all the time. Can I add to this when I do a new track?

[@Hikingguy]

You can only save one track at a time but you can combine multiple tracks and waypoints into a single GPX on a computer and load it on the 66

[@sdhpu]

If I want to park my car and go hiking and I just want my Garmin to track my steps and at some point I just want it to take me back exactly the way I came in what's the best way to do that on a 700i?

[@Hikingguy]

this will do the trick - www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-20A50E5B-3DFB-42C7-A3B4-8D55519B532C/EN-US/GUID-238EF812-5391-4C85-A923-5483ABE9A599.html

[@TeamBuildU]

When creating a route in Gaia and then sending down to 66i, I keep getting this message and half my route: "Only 50 points can be used for On-Road navigation." I had only clicked 20 times where I wanted to hike?

[@Hikingguy]

It sounds like the 66 is trying to route you automatically using all the points. Try converting to a GPX "track" here > www.alltrails.com/converter - let me know if that works - and for more context, this guide may be helpful (routes vs tracks) - hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/what-is-a-gpx-file/

[@TeamBuildU]

@@Hikingguy Thank you. I will give them a try. And thanks for all you do! We now hike with a lot more confidence and satisfaction after listening and reading your content.

[@Hikingguy]

@@TeamBuildU Thank you 🙏🙏👍👍

[@TeamBuildU]

Also when I import I get a "Import Data" message. It discusses "Route Size Reduction." Where it says the routes will have their total number of points reduced to 200 so they can be synced to supported devices. It says I can import the routes as tracks to avoid the reduction; however the inReach devices cannot have tracks synced to the device.

[@Hikingguy]

@@TeamBuildU You can import tracks to inReach devices like the GPSMAP 66i and Montana 750i - the more you use it (for hiking at least) I think the more you'll find that tracks are usually the easier way to go. When navigating, look at the screen, and you're on the map or not. I use tracks 99% of the time these days. No hassle, just works 👍

[@trippy1v349]

Can you make a video about the differences between direct routing and how profiles effect the way the device routes you?

[@Hikingguy]

Good suggestion, will work on something!

[@Bladez1964]

What am I missing. On my 755t whenever I try to set a route it always gives me a straight line and doesn't follow the road. Do I have to use basecamp for it?

[@Hikingguy]

You need routable maps and in the routing settings you have to specify routing settings for hiking (or whatever you want)

[@rayeaglenz]

Thanks, Chris, really helpful, 👍😊

[@vincewhite5087]

If I understand the program, you have to buy another set of maps for it?

[@Hikingguy]

Each unit is different, some have maps, some dont'

[@maxoblivion]

During my first crack at Basecamp I managed to create a route following the Icehouse Cyn trail to Cucamonga Pk on my PC. When I transferred it to my new 32x, the route was "as the crow flies" instead of following the trail. That's how the routing was appearing with Basecamp during my first attempts at route creation. I suppose I'll figure out what the problem is eventually but I don't enjoy these kind of mysteries. The etrex manual is useless.

[@Hikingguy]

Try looking at the settings in Setup > Routing - make sure it's set to on road / routable

[@maxoblivion]

@@Hikingguy That fixed it. My two on road options were "for distance" an "for time". Seems strange to me that the default routing setting would be as the crow flies. I suspect there'll be very few crows using this device. Thanks for the solution. Much aggravation was prevented. It'll take a while to drill down on all of these settings and functions. Such joy.

[@brianbaars1882]

Can routes, waypoints, trails saved on one 66i be transferred to a second 66i? My sons and I are planning a hunting trip and one son will be scouting and securing the data mentioned above in his 66i. I’d like to have that same information transferred to my 66i, how can we do that?

[@Hikingguy]

You can create a master GPX file and sync it to both units. You can also "share wirelessly" between units but I've never tried it - static.garmin.com/pumac/GPSMAP_66s_st_OM_EN.pdf

[@Evanturar]

Note on Courses. They save more efficiently and correspond with Activities. Routes are import and export easy but less efficient. I’ve switches to Courses entirely.

[@brodydog8447]

Very informative 👍🏻

[@sharynfernandez7503]

hi - looking for how to get compass direction at top, not North?

[@Hikingguy]

try this - www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/gpsmap66s_st/EN-US/GUID-AF46ED64-07D6-4EAB-9A69-0BEC4044116F.html

[@DaSmokeDaddy]

I have an old 450. What if you wanted the GPS to map a hike your doing. Say I wanted to hike from point A to B and have it generate or plot the trail?

[@Hikingguy]

I don't have a 450 but it should work as long as it has routable maps.

[@OszvaldJuhasz]

great video!