Review of the Rugged Garmin GPSMAP 67i
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After my beloved Garmin inReach Explorer+ was stolen in early 2023, I found myself in need of a reliable replacement. That search led me to the Garmin GPSMAP 67i, a GPS handheld device equipped with inReach® Satellite Technology, designed to keep you connected even in the most remote areas where cell coverage is nonexistent. In this blog post, I’ll take a closer look at the Garmin GPSMAP 67i, exploring its features, capabilities, and why it ultimately became the perfect choice to replace my old device.
- Introduction to the Garmin GPSMAP 67i
- Key Features and Benefits I Love About the Garmin GPSMAP 67i
- Durability, Design, and Display
- Sidekicks for the Best Experience: MapShare & Smartphone App Compatibility
- Subscription Plans for Garmin GPSMAP 67i
- Comparing the GPSMAP 67i with Other Devices
- Pros and Cons of the Garmin GPSMAP® 67i
- Decision Summary: Is the Garmin GPSMAP 67i Right for You?
- What I Wish Was Available on the Garmin GPSMAP 67i
- Final Thoughts on Garmin GPSMAP 67i
Introduction to the Garmin GPSMAP 67i
Coming from the Garmin Explorer+, the GPSMAP 67i immediately felt like an upgrade. The device is packed with advanced features that cater to both safety and navigation, making it a reliable companion for anyone who ventures off the beaten path. While some of the features felt intuitive and like the Explorer+, the device honestly offers a lot more functionality than I’ll ever need.
Technical Specifications of Garmin GPSMAP 67i
- Lens Material: Chemically strengthened glass
- Dimensions: 2.5” x 6.4” x 1.4” (6.2 x 16.3 x 3.5 cm)
- Weight: 8.1 oz (230 g) with batteries
- Water Rating: IPX7
- Display Type: Transflective color TFT
- Display Size: 1.5″W x 2.5″H (3.8 x 6.3 cm); 3″ diag (7.6 cm)
- Battery Life: Up to 165 hours with inReach® enabled with 10-minute tracking and up to 840 hours in Expedition mode.
- Memory: 16 GB internal, expandable with a 32 GB microSD™ card.
- Maps & Navigation: Preloaded with TopoActive maps, routable; supports up to 15,000 map segments and 10,000 waypoints.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, ANT+®.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
Key Features and Benefits I Love About the Garmin GPSMAP 67i
Importance of inReach® Satellite Technology for Remote Adventures
InReach® Satellite Technology is a game-changer for remote adventures, providing reliable communication even in areas with no cell service. With features like two-way messaging, location sharing, and an SOS function that connects you to 24/7 emergency response, it ensures you’re never truly alone, no matter how far off-grid you travel. This technology offers peace of mind, enabling you to stay connected with loved ones or summon help when needed, making it an essential tool for safety and connectivity in the wilderness.
Reliability in Difficult Conditions
The GPSMAP 67i is a dependable companion in challenging environments:
- Navigating Snow-Covered Trails: It has safely guided me when trails were hidden under snow, helping me stay on course. (Read about one of those adventures here!)
- Driving Through Remote Deserts: Long stretches of desert with no service feel much safer, as I know I can always communicate if needed.
- Weather Updates: The ability to request forecasts directly on the device helps me adapt my plans based on current conditions. It’s also nice to just know when the wind is likely to stop sometimes, etc…
Unlimited Pre-Recorded Check-Ins
One of my favorite features, which I already had on the Explorer+, is the ability to send unlimited pre-recorded check-ins, with three available templates included in the subscription plan. This makes it easy to keep my family and friends updated on my safety, even when I’m in areas without cell service. It’s a simple yet invaluable way to stay connected during my adventures.
Independent Communication with Predictive Text
Another standout feature of the GPSMAP 67i is the ability to send text messages without relying on my phone. With a significantly longer battery life than a smartphone, it serves as a dependable backup for extended trips. While the keyboard might feel a bit retro, reminding me of early 2000s cell phones, the inclusion of predictive text makes composing messages much faster and easier. This enhances usability, ensuring I stay connected even in remote areas where typing can be time-consuming or frustrating.
One important lesson I learned is the need to make sure you’re still logged into the Garmin Messenger app before leaving for your trip. If you download the app and log in ahead of time (don’t forget this step, as I did!), you can send texts from your phone just as you normally would, which makes typing much easier. However, if you forget to log in, you can still send texts and request help directly through the GPSMAP 67i itself, as I did when I needed wildfire assistance during my last trip.
Sun and Moon App for Photographers
A delightful bonus is the built-in Sun and Moon app, which provides sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset based on your GPS location. This feature has become a favorite for planning photography sessions if I want to retake the shot during a specific moon phase.
Built-In Flashlight App
A fantastic upgrade compared to the Explorer+ is the built-in flashlight app. The intuitive interface offers three modes:
- A constant beam for general use.
- Strobe mode with adjustable intervals for signaling.
- An SOS mode for emergencies.
This feature adds another layer of utility to the device, making it even more versatile.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
Durability, Design, and Display
Durability and Design
I was impressed by the rugged design and advanced features of the GPSMAP 67i. Built to withstand extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration, it’s ideal for harsh outdoor environments. Its IPX7 waterproof rating means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage, providing peace of mind in wet conditions. The device features a rubberized grip, ensuring a secure hold even in wet or gloved hands. Weighing just 7.05 ounces, it is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry on a backpack shoulder strap.
Display and Navigation
The GPSMAP 67i boasts a large 3-inch LCD that is easy to read, even in bright sunlight—especially useful for viewing messages and navigation details while on the move. I found it especially convenient to use while wearing sunglasses, as the screen remains highly visible.
Navigation is a standout feature of the device. It comes preloaded with topographic maps and supports uploading additional maps, offering versatility for different terrains. The high-resolution display and turn-by-turn navigation have been lifesavers, especially on snow-covered trails where visibility is poor. The precision of the positioning has also been highly accurate, giving me confidence in finding my way even in challenging conditions.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
Sidekicks for the Best Experience: MapShare & Smartphone App Compatibility
MapShare
One of the connectivity features of the GPSMAP 67i is MapShare, which allows you to send family, friends, or followers a link to your real-time progress on a map. You can share your intended course and designated waypoints, and others can track your progress. There are multiple privacy options available, so you can choose to share your trip publicly or keep it private.
This feature was particularly useful when I was on a recent backpacking trip in the Sierra. My family, who lives on the other side of the world, was able to monitor my location and ensure everything was okay when they didn’t hear from me. There’s a “locate” button where they can essentially request your location. Locate requires the inReach to be powered on and have a clear view of the sky. They may have to wait up to 20 minutes for a response, but the locate request will try for up to five days as well.
Smartphone App Compatibility
While the GPSMAP 67i is fully functional without a cell phone, two Garmin apps enhance the experience:
- Garmin Messenger App: Pair this app with your GPSMAP 67i (via Bluetooth) to send messages without needing a cellular network. It’s especially helpful when you’re off the grid and need to communicate, ensuring fast, easy messaging wherever you are.
- Garmin Explore App: This all-in-one app is designed for off-the-grid adventurers. It allows you to plan, navigate, and review your next outdoor adventure, making it an essential tool for hikers and explorers. The Explore app is also available on your desktop. So you can create your plans and maps on the app, sync them with your 67i, and then safely go off-grid with peace of mind!
When I get home from a trip, I always sync my 67i back to the Explore app. That allows me to get the activities onto the iPhone app. From there, I can open the activity in the Relive app and create the videos I post on YouTube after my hikes.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
Subscription Plans for Garmin GPSMAP 67i
inReach Subscription Plan Options
To use the Garmin GPSMAP 67i to its full potential, an active satellite subscription is required to connect to the Iridium® network. This enables key features like tracking, messaging, weather updates, and SOS functionality. Garmin offers flexible plans to suit casual hikers, serious backpackers, and professionals.
I have been using the Monthly Safety Plan at $14.95 USD, which is ideal for short trips. It includes the following:
- Unlimited SOS and messaging with Garmin Response℠
- Unlimited check-in messages and reactions
- 10 text messages or weather forecasts per month
- $0.10 USD per tracking point
- $0.50 USD per extra text message or weather forecast
However, upon preparing this blog post, I noticed that Garmin released new and simpler InReach service plans in September! My current plan is the equivalent of the InReach Essential Plan. I am including the details in the photo below.
Search And Rescue (SAR) Insurance Plans
If you’re thinking about purchasing an inReach device, adding a Search and Rescue (SAR) insurance plan is worth considering. SAR insurance helps cover the costs of qualified search and rescue operations if you ever face an emergency. With an active subscription and a supported device, such as an inReach, you can trigger an SOS and connect with the Garmin ResponseSM center for assistance. Depending on the plan you choose, SAR insurance can reimburse you for eligible rescue expenses, providing peace of mind on your adventures.
Comparing the GPSMAP 67i with Other Devices
Compared to my previous Garmin Explorer+, the GPSMAP® 67i is a clear step up in terms of functionality and modernity. While the Explorer+ was still available to purchase in April 2023 when I was on the market for a new device, the real choice for me was between GPSMAP® 67i and Garmin inReach Mini 2.
While the GPSMAP® 67i retains some of the clunkiness of the Explorer+, and I would not have upgraded had my Explorer+ not been stolen, I am very happy with my choice. The decision to opt for the 67i over the Garmin inReach Mini 2 was driven by my desire to avoid over-reliance on my phone’s battery, and I’m glad I made that choice.
| Feature | Garmin GPSMAP® 67i | inReach Mini 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Weight | Larger (2.5″ x 6.4″ x 1.4″), 8.1 oz (230 g) | Ultra-compact (2.04″ x 3.90″ x 1.03″), 3.5 oz (100 g) |
| Display | 3” color display, high resolution (240 x 400 px) | Small monochrome display (0.9″ x 0.9″, 176 x 176 px) |
| Battery Life | 425 hrs in Expedition Mode, 180 hrs in GPS Mode | 30 days at 30-min tracking, 14 days at 10-min tracking |
| Maps & Navigation | Preloaded topo maps, 16 GB storage, detailed maps | Maps via Garmin Explore app (requires phone) |
| SOS & Messaging | Interactive SOS, 2-way messaging, group messaging | Interactive SOS, 2-way messaging, group messaging |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810 (rugged, shockproof, waterproof) | IPX7 (waterproof, rugged) |
| Additional Features | Advanced navigation tools (altimeter, compass), weather, more | Simple, compact design, easy communication features |
| Ideal Use Case | Multi-day hiking, backcountry navigation, off-grid adventures | Shorter hikes, light backpacking, basic communication |
| Best For | Serious adventurers, long trips, detailed mapping | Lightweight trips, essential messaging, compactness |
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Pros and Cons of the Garmin GPSMAP® 67i
Here’s a high-level overview of the key pros and cons of the Garmin GPSMAP 67i, summarizing its standout features and potential drawbacks.
Pros
- Accurate Positioning
- Rugged and Durable Design
- Not reliant on Phone
- InReach Satellite Communication
- Enhanced Navigation
- Long Battery Life
- MapShare, Messenger & Explore apps
- Flashlight App
Cons
- Overkill for Casual Users
- Dated Text Interface
Decision Summary: Is the Garmin GPSMAP 67i Right for You?
Choose the Garmin GPSMAP® 67i if you want advanced mapping, a larger screen, and more comprehensive navigation tools for longer trips. It’s ideal for those who need a more robust device with detailed maps, reliable satellite communication, and the ability to manage multiple outdoor activities in remote locations. Its durability, extensive battery life, and inReach® satellite technology make it perfect for explorers who want to stay connected even in the most challenging environments.
On the other hand, if portability and simplicity are your top priorities, and you mainly need reliable SOS and messaging capabilities without needing detailed maps, the inReach Mini 2 may be a better fit. It’s lighter and more compact, offering essential communication tools, but lacks the advanced navigation features of the GPSMAP 67i.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
What I Wish Was Available on the Garmin GPSMAP 67i
One experience that highlighted a potential gap in the Garmin GPSMAP 67i’s functionality occurred during a trip in the Sierra at 10,000 feet. I woke up to smoke in the air, the smell of burning wood, and the sound of helicopters flying overhead, all signs pointing to a nearby wildfire. However, it was incredibly difficult to figure out exactly where the fire was or how to assess the situation.
In this case, I had to text people back home, asking them to research the wildfire’s location and send me updates. While Garmin and other satellite communication companies track our location with these devices, I wish there were a feature that would allow users to receive alerts about wildfires or other emergencies in real time, similar to how we can receive weather updates. It would be reassuring to have that kind of safety feature for situations like this, where it’s about staying connected and informed about the dangers nearby. If this already exists, please comment below as I definitely need to get that widget!
Final Thoughts on Garmin GPSMAP 67i
The Garmin GPSMAP® 67i Satellite Phone is a versatile and reliable communication tool designed for adventurers, explorers, and those who need to stay connected in remote or emergencies. Its robust build, extensive battery life, and global satellite connectivity make it a top choice in the satellite phone market.
While it may offer more features than casual users require, for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize communication and safety, the GPSMAP® 67i is an excellent investment. Whether navigating snow-covered trails, driving through long desert stretches with no service, or simply exploring the great outdoors, this device provides peace of mind and essential connectivity.
With its powerful combination of satellite communication, mapping, and safety features, the Garmin GPSMAP® 67i is a valuable companion for any off-grid journey. It’s more than just a GPS device; it’s a reliable partner that ensures you stay connected, no matter where your adventures take you.
