Detailed Evaluation of Garmin GPSMAP 67i Device
Buzzing Through the Trails: A Deep Dive into the Garmin GPSMAP 67i
Hey there, trailblazer! I guarantee this handheld GPS will leave you smitten, but hang on, there's a lot to process. Whether you're upgrading from an older device or taking your very first step into the wilderness, strap in as we delve into the nitty-gritty of the GPSMAP 67i. A word of warning: I bought the GPSMAP 67i with my hard-earned cash, and this review is my honest take. If you appreciate independent reviews like this one (and you should!), please consider using my affiliate link for the lowest price, found nowhere else.
Now, let's get right to it!
What's the Deal with the 67i?
My bet is that the GPSMAP 67i is like Frankenstein's monster, a blend of the 66i's body and its battery, but with the high-powered chipset from the Fenix 7. It's a peculiar mix, but trust me; it works. The specs line up, and thanks to updates in GPS capabilities and battery life, the 67i almost feels like a Fenix 7 with a smaller screen.
Juice Up Your Adventures
Battery life is complicated, with factors like Wi-Fi, multi-GNSS, and your obsession with zooming in and out of maps playing a part. But I've run tests, and with 10-minute send intervals, multi-GNSS, and multi-band on, I managed to squeeze around 140 hours of battery life, with GPS-only mode pushing that upwards of 200 hours. Enough to keep you going for days! Now, if you're running low on power, there's no need to stress—the 67i charges up swiftly, usually within an hour or two.
Dead on Arrival
When pinpointing your location, the GPSMAP 67i never misses the mark, with an accuracy of six feet even under tricky conditions. Say goodbye to those days where your GPS went haywire, messing up your tracks. Now you'll have error-free track recordings, usually close to the expected distances.
Ye Olde UI
Adventurers familiar with older Garmin GPSMAP models will find themselves right at home with the 67i. The user interface (UI) is straightforward and easy to navigate. But I do wish Garmin would give this beast a bit more TLC. There's not much change, but additions like the plus sign to the bottom of the screen for menu icons and a new map layers option are welcome.
Garmin dropped support for USB mass storage mode and NMEA protocol and replaced it with MTP. If you're on Mac, use the OpenMTP tool, and you'll be good to go. Basecamp works on Mac, but you must maintain only one MTP connection at a time.
The device now wakes with a flick of any front-facing button, not just the power one.
InReach or GPSMAP?
For those who rely on phones for maps, opt for the Mini 2 and pair it with your phone or watch. Lighter and equipped with all the SOS and tracking features you require, it's a perfect companion for your phone or smartwatch.
As for me, the GPSMAP 67i is my trusty companion when I demand accurate GPS and detailed navigation on a handheld device. But if the expenses seem steep, think twice; this might not be the device you need if you're satisfied with using your smartphone for maps.
- As an addition to your adventure gear, the GPSMAP 67i will be a valuable gadget to have, combining the features of older devices with advanced high-powered technology.
- For those who prefer navigating with detailed maps, the GPSMAP 67i's long battery life will allow you to spend countless hours outdoors without worrying about charge, making it a perfect map gadget for your hiking trips.
- The GPSMAP 67i Smartphone edition, when paired with your phone or smartwatch, will ensure you never lose your way using your existing navigation apps, making use of technology to enhance your outdoor experiences.
- With its user-friendly interface and new features like quick wake-up and map layers, updating from older Garmin GPSMAP models will feel like a smooth transition, allowing you to focus on the excitement of the adventure at hand.
