Garmin GPS

[Arctic Lake]

I know this topic gets beat to death so apologies in advance !
What Garmin device do you use ?
Im thinking about buying one . Something that has. bigger screen and has In Reach maybe for safety . But if it’s to complicated to use it won’t get used and it would be up for sale .
Thank You !
Arctic Lake

[drum_boy101]

Have had the Montana 650 for around 10 years now, for some reason it won't work with batteries anymore so basically stays plugged into the 12V adapter on the quad. Just picked up the 67i to carry on my person, haven't used it much yet but seems good so far. Was considering the Montana 700i but went with the smaller form factor and much longer battery life of the 67i.

[mike31154]

Started with an Oregon many years ago, have had a basic Montana for some time now. Reliable kit with an abundance of accessories available. Mount for motorbike or quad is definitely a good thing. There are a lot of features with these but the basic nav functions are relatively intuitive & easy to use. You can certainly deep dive into the options & tailor them for various uses or simply use the default profiles depending on what you are doing. Recreational, road, marine etc. I had to purchase the TOPO Canada CD separately back in the day but was able to xfer the data from the Oregon to the Montana. I think nowadays the TOPO files can be pre installed or are available on SD card.

The old Oregon. I scratched the screen after years of use, tried to diy a replacement & broke a connector inside. If I hadn't messed with it I might still have it. But the scratch annoyed me, sooo...
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2146786&authkey=%21ALf9gLQSOy-CAy8&width=1024

The RAM mount system for my Montana is a bit more sophisticated than what I had for the Oregon
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2146718&authkey=%21ANSIM-QJeD2IsL4&width=1024

[Arctic Lake]

Thanks drumboy and Mike !
Arctic Lake

[todbartell]

From 2004-2018 I used a Garmin Legend. 2019-2022 a Garmin 66i

This spring I picked up the 67i, for the extra battery life (about 5x longer than the 66i)

I really like the inReach capability and the fairly compact size of the 66/67i models

[Arctic Lake]

Thank You Mr.Bartell !
Arctic Lake

[Arctic Lake]

My question is . Is it easy to operate ? I’m not to tech advanced . If it has a long learning curve it won’t get used . Does it have features I won’t use ?

#1 I would like the GPS to have InReach ?
#2 Need it to mark waypoints ?
#3 Larger screen is a bonus ?
#4 What else would I need for hunting ?
Arctic Lake

From 2004-2018 I used a Garmin Legend. 2019-2022 a Garmin 66i

This spring I picked up the 67i, for the extra battery life (about 5x longer than the 66i)

I really like the inReach capability and the fairly compact size of the 66/67i models

[Bustercluck]

It looks like they’ve discontinued the older models. If you want the inreach capability than you’re stuck with a few different models.

https://www.garmin.com/en-CA/c/outdoor-recreation/satellite-communicators/

[REMINGTON JIM]

Montana 680 ! I like the big screen ;-) RJ

[Arctic Lake]

Thank You !
Arctic Lake
It looks like they’ve discontinued the older models. If you want the inreach capability than you’re stuck with a few different models.

https://www.garmin.com/en-CA/c/outdoor-recreation/satellite-communicators/

[jlirot]

I have the 66i. If I were to do it again I'd probably get the mini that connects via your phone. the 66i has the 'oh shit' button. I think the mini does too. I posted some comments about my unit on another thread a year or so ago.

Especially when I'm out with my son I really like having the 'oh shit' button. We go over how to use it before every hike or drive into places with no reception. Makes him feel better. :-)

[Arctic Lake]

Montana 680 ! I like the big screen ;-) RJ
RJ I think they discontinued the 680 I think the6 are up to the 700i now . Unlesss they still have old new stock and not sure if the 680 had InReach .Thank You though !
Arctic Lake

[Arctic Lake]

Great to know Thanks !
Arctic Lake
I have the 66i. If I were to do it again I'd probably get the mini that connects via your phone. the 66i has the 'oh shit' button. I think the mini does too. I posted some comments about my unit on another thread a year or so ago.

Especially when I'm out with my son I really like having the 'oh shit' button. We go over how to use it before every hike or drive into places with no reception. Makes him feel better. :-)

[Arctic Lake]

Thanks Buster
Arctic Lake
It looks like they’ve discontinued the older models. If you want the inreach capability than you’re stuck with a few different models.

https://www.garmin.com/en-CA/c/outdoor-recreation/satellite-communicators/

[REMINGTON JIM]

RJ I think they discontinued the 680 I think the6 are up to the 700i now . Unlesss they still have old new stock and not sure if the 680 had InReach .Thank You though !
Arctic Lake

YES ! a few years old now and No Inreach but GREAT camera and works with lithium battery or double a’s . Also big screen for old eyes , I have a ZOLEO to call YOU to come rescue me :lol: RJ

[mike31154]

Review for you. GPS City is a good place to look for deals. These things aren't cheap. They also offer discontinued products.

Montana (gpscity.ca) (https://www.gpscity.ca/garminmontana)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S3I7FoB01c

[mike31154]

Walk & Talk lol. Gives a better idea of how to use the unit.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aFoiowZkd8

[Arctic Lake]

LOL ! Come and rescue you ! LOL .
Arctic Lake
YES ! a few years old now and No Inreach but GREAT camera and works with lithium battery or double a’s . Also big screen for old eyes , I have a ZOLEO to call YOU to come rescue me :lol: RJ

[Arctic Lake]

Ike I’m not seeing the content in post #17 ! It has something to do with my iPad because I have saved tabs Arctic Lake
Review for you. GPS City is a good place to look for deals. These things aren't cheap. They also offer discontinued products.

Montana (gpscity.ca) (https://www.gpscity.ca/garminmontana)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S3I7FoB01c

[Arctic Lake]

Mike have you purchased from them ?
Arctic Lake
Review for you. GPS City is a good place to look for deals. These things aren't cheap. They also offer discontinued products.

Montana (gpscity.ca) (https://www.gpscity.ca/garminmontana)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S3I7FoB01c

[Arctic Lake]

Sorry another question as I don’t know anything about GPS’s .Do you need to buy a plan after purchasing the unit ?
Arctic Lake

[jlirot]

I just looked at this thread again. The Montana 700 wasn't available when I got my 66i. I would definitely like to play with the 700. The 66i is clunky with no touch screen so you have to navigate what feels like 1990's menus. It's super clunky.

[jlirot]

Because I didn't even know about the 700i I did a quick google..

https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-handheld-gps

[todbartell]

Sorry another question as I don’t know anything about GPS’s .Do you need to buy a plan after purchasing the unit ?
Arctic Lake

Yes, you need to create an account on the inReach website and sync your unit

https://www.garmin.com/en-CA/p/837461/pn/010-06003-SU


My question is . Is it easy to operate ? I’m not to tech advanced . If it has a long learning curve it won’t get used . Does it have features I won’t use ?

If you can use an iPad, you'll be able to figure out a Garmin. There's lots of features you won't likely use, but you don't have to focus on them. Lots of youtube videos on how to learn the basic functions of the Garmins

[Arctic Lake]

Thank You Mr. Bartell !
Arctic Lake
Yes, you need to create an account on the inReach website and sync your unit

https://www.garmin.com/en-CA/p/837461/pn/010-06003-SU



If you can use an iPad, you'll be able to figure out a Garmin. There's lots of features you won't likely use, but you don't have to focus on them. Lots of youtube videos on how to learn the basic functions of the Garmins

[mike31154]

Mike have you purchased from them ?
Arctic Lake

Yes. I purchased my Montana 610 as well as the mount system for it. I prefer the more basic gps units, no camera, inReach etc. Aside from keeping the cost down, camera & inReach can be purchased separately if desired. Unfortunately it seems the newer units come with more bells & whistles than the average user might want or need....

GPS city puts on sales from time to time.... if you have time haha. Often for holidays like Father's Day or Boxing Day etc.

[mike31154]

Here's the screen of my Montana 610 after it boots up. The functions shown are only a few of those available & you can customize which ones appear here. I've customized the background with my own photo vs the default image. I'm guessing here but fairly certain the user interface & functions change little from older vs current units. There's only one button on the side of the unit & all other functions are accessed via touchscreen.

https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2146902&authkey=%21AM-Ram0IO5CgJ6Y&width=613&height=980

Check out the Garmin Base Camp app & Google Earth. Both allow you to import gps files from your device. In the example below waypoints Taco & WT Does are shown. My starting point from the truck & 2 does I spooked no more than 50 meters from the vehicle. Red lines are Management Unit boundaries I imported to GE.

https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2114905&authkey=%21AMxduOMPbPAs3Nw&width=1024

[Arctic Lake]

Thank you for the reply Mike and also the picture of your Garmin screen !
Arctic Lake
Yes. I purchased my Montana 610 as well as the mount system for it. I prefer the more basic gps units, no camera, inReach etc. Aside from keeping the cost down, camera & inReach can be purchased separately if desired. Unfortunately it seems the newer units come with more bells & whistles than the average user might want or need....

GPS city puts on sales from time to time.... if you have time haha. Often for holidays like Father's Day or Boxing Day etc.

[jlirot]

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?174213-Garmin-66i



I know this topic gets beat to death so apologies in advance !
What Garmin device do you use ?
Im thinking about buying one . Something that has. bigger screen and has In Reach maybe for safety . But if it’s to complicated to use it won’t get used and it would be up for sale .
Thank You !
Arctic Lake

[Arctic Lake]

I’m going to throw another idea out here . I understand I can use my cell phone as a GPS . Any of you fellas do that ?
What is the best app to get for hunting hiking if your goning to pay for it ?
Thank You !
Arctic Lake

[jlirot]

Gaia and iHunter for the maps.

[todbartell]

I’m going to throw another idea out here . I understand I can use my cell phone as a GPS . Any of you fellas do that ?
What is the best app to get for hunting hiking if your goning to pay for it ?
Thank You !
Arctic Lake

I wouldn't trust my life to a cell phone. It's not in the same league as a Garmin GPS

[Arctic Lake]

I was just going to ask about this . When you use your iPhone as a GPS does it not use a satellite like a Garmin . My apologies fellas
Arctic Lake but I’m the least tech savvy guy on HBC !
Arctic Lake
I wouldn't trust my life to a cell phone. It's not in the same league as a Garmin GPS

[todbartell]

It does, but how precise, or more importantly, how repeatable is it? And how durable is an iPhone compared to a Garmin which you can abuse and submerge under water

[mike31154]

I was just going to ask about this . When you use your iPhone as a GPS does it not use a satellite like a Garmin . My apologies fellas
Arctic Lake but I’m the least tech savvy guy on HBC !
Arctic Lake

What Todd said. Plus, if you're not tech savvy you're going to have a fun time trying to load the proper maps & choose the best phone GPS to use. I've played around with some of the phone apps (android) & none come close to the useability & features of my Garmin Montana. Might as well use Google Maps. How good are the batteries in your phone? Can you change them out when they die? No, you need a charging source. Montana gives me 3 options, proprietary rechargeable battery pack (removable), AA batteries or external power source through the interface cable.

[Arctic Lake]

Thanks Mr. Bartell
Arctic Lake
It does, but how precise, or more importantly, how repeatable is it? And how durable is an iPhone compared to a Garmin which you can abuse and submerge under water

[Arctic Lake]

Mike I think you have convinced me to forget the iPhone idea .
Arctic Lake

What Todd said. Plus, if you're not tech savvy you're going to have a fun time trying to load the proper maps & choose the best phone GPS to use. I've played around with some of the phone apps (android) & none come close to the useability & features of my Garmin Montana. Might as well use Google Maps. How good are the batteries in your phone? Can you change them out when they die? No, you need a charging source. Montana gives me 3 options, proprietary rechargeable battery pack (removable), AA batteries or external power source through the interface cable.

[Arctic Lake]

So I’m back to which Garmin to purchase ? From what I have read a touch screen is good ? I would think larger screen is good ? InReach good ? But could you purchase a dedicated alert separately ?
Arctic Lake

[Pioneerman]

My GPS just died on me after 20 years, so decided to grab a new Garmin. Did not go for top of the line, but a GPSmap 64SX on sale at Cabela's It comes with basically world maps, but was not really happy with the detail of the maps, so also just added the back roads map and works amazingly well, plus with my old GPS I could not transfer onto Google earth, this format from my Garmin, is instant to lay track and waypoints to google earth and save them. I did try the Gaia that was suggested to me but not even remotely close to a really GPS, when trying Gaia it did not ever really do anything, you have to download the map of the are you are going to, then from what it seemed that I had to then put my position on that map. It probably works better than I got it working, but I want reliability and all the tings that come with a true GPS navigation system

[Outbound]

Heads up, garmin has a sale on today which includes $250 off the 66i and free shipping.

https://www.garmin.com/en-CA/p/623975

[mike31154]

Mike I think you have convinced me to forget the iPhone idea .
Arctic Lake

Well since you have the iphone already there's certainly no harm in trying some of the GPS apps available. At the very least it will give you hands-on practice with this kind of app. I have a Samsug phone so am limited to what's available for Android. As mentioned I tried several (free versions only) & found them lacking having used Garmin devices since I purchased my Oregon 13 years ago.

I believe I tried Avenza & someone mentioned Gaia. Avenza has a better rating from reviewers in the Google Play store. The other day I was out bow hunting locally with cell coverage & tried another one, Geo Tracker. There are several options for maps to use with Geo Tracker including Google maps. Since I had cell coverage the app was able to load & display the map for my position, but it's still nowhere as good or useful in the backcountry as the topo maps loaded into my Garmin Montana. If your trip is out of cell coverage, you need to upload maps to the phone prior to heading out, making sure they're good quality topos. For basic navigation to keep you from getting lost it's probably fine, you can mark a waypoint & it will record your track. Other than that it looks much like Google maps which is what it uses as a base map. You have the option to choose satellite image but that would consume a lot of data on your phone plan.

Link to android Geo Tracker
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ilyabogdanovich.geotracker&hl=en_CA&gl=US

Apple version? Different developer "Lite" version
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/geotracker-lite/id1591412841

[Arctic Lake]

Pioneerman . How easy is it to use, do you think it’s an easy learning curve for a a GPS newbie ?
Thanks
Arctic Lake
My GPS just died on me after 20 years, so decided to grab a new Garmin. Did not go for top of the line, but a GPSmap 64SX on sale at Cabela's It comes with basically world maps, but was not really happy with the detail of the maps, so also just added the back roads map and works amazingly well, plus with my old GPS I could not transfer onto Google earth, this format from my Garmin, is instant to lay track and waypoints to google earth and save them. I did try the Gaia that was suggested to me but not even remotely close to a really GPS, when trying Gaia it did not ever really do anything, you have to download the map of the are you are going to, then from what it seemed that I had to then put my position on that map. It probably works better than I got it working, but I want reliability and all the tings that come with a true GPS navigation system

[Bustercluck]

I don’t endorse this model or mec, but I did receive an email today saying it was on sale. So if you’re considering this one than it’s a good time to buy

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6024-762/inreach-messenger?colour=Black

[Pioneerman]

Pioneerman . How easy is it to use, do you think it’s an easy learning curve for a a GPS newbie ?
Thanks
Arctic Lake

I had very few issues, but also ran a different brand for 20 + years, so it is like getting a new phone, there is a learning curve. I really like that you can put your track right onto Google earth and save or export to others, and when they get the file they click on it and opens in Google earth instantly, (if they have it installed ) I have a friend who is totally lost with any tech stuff so it is like brain surgery to him. But it is pretty straight forward,and tons of videos for each model on YT

This is what I bought https://www.cabelas.ca/product/130921

[Pioneerman]

I don’t endorse this model or mec, but I did receive an email today saying it was on sale. So if you’re considering this one than it’s a good time to buy

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6024-762/inreach-messenger?colour=Black

Thank it not a gps it is like a locator and messenger , you can not see your track or where you are and you have to have a satellite subscription for service, but can be very helpful, but not for setting tracks and way points and storing them for later

[Arctic Lake]

Thank You Pioneerman
Arctic Lake
I had very few issues, but also ran a different brand for 20 + years, so it is like getting a new phone, there is a learning curve. I really like that you can put your track right onto Google earth and save or export to others, and when they get the file they click on it and opens in Google earth instantly, (if they have it installed ) I have a friend who is totally lost with any tech stuff so it is like brain surgery to him. But it is pretty straight forward,and tons of videos for each model on YT

This is what I bought https://www.cabelas.ca/product/130921

[Stew Pot]

Not trying to take over the post, but I have been trying to figure out what to purchase as well (and am confused with all the options). It seems the application matters. For example:

1) If you know where to drive to, but want to make sure you can get back to your truck, then a Garmin e-trex or other simple versions that help you hike to and from your starting point.
2) Pair the above with something like a Zoleo if you want to be able to send simple check-in messages (with subscription) and have an SOS button
3) Integrate both functions into one unit (less to forget), like the Garmin 66i or 67i and you can hike and messages (with subscription). But do folks also use these to navigate when driving in their truck?
4) i-hunter or BRMB Pro to help see where you can legally hunt (e.g., where the MUs are and where private land is etc.). Both in the field and driving in the truck?

If you want one device to help navigate in the truck, and then to and from the truck once you park and burn the boot leather (and keep the wife and kids happy by sending 'I'm fine' messages), is that a Garmin 66i or 67i. And then also the i-Hunter (or similar) to make sure you are legally allowed to hunt on that land?

I'm going in circles so any advice appreciated. And thanks, Arctic Lake for posting!

Cheers,
Stew Pot