Best GPS, Satellite Communicator, Outdoors Watch 2024
Here are the top picks for handheld GPS, satellite communicator, and hiking smartwatch this year. With the help of my friend Rick from @outdooremergencytech , we’ve decided on our top picks for handheld GPS, satellite communicator, and outdoors watch. We’ll show you why we love these outdoor devices and let you know who exactly they’re for.
GPSMAP 67i: https://amzn.to/3UgLHd0
inReach Mini 2: https://amzn.to/3S9AyIt
Messenger: https://amzn.to/48HCM94
Montana: https://amzn.to/3O94sve
iPhone 15: https://amzn.to/493g3nD
Motorola Defy: https://amzn.to/3tYN9Gv
PLB1: https://amzn.to/3vBWDrt
Epix Pro: https://amzn.to/3Sr3e0Z
Fenix 7 Solar: https://amzn.to/4b7uoBu
Battery Widget: https://bit.ly/3PpGwW3
Messenger Case: https://amzn.to/3OdRBrA
00:00 Best Handheld GPS
01:28 Best GPS & Sat Comm Combo
01:50 Best Satellite Communicator
02:40 Rick’s Pick For Sat Comm
03:12 Best ATV GPS
03:48 Best for Casual Users
04:46 Best No Subscription
06:09 Best Smartwatch
06:25 Rick’s Best Smartwatch
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@GarminInt @Apple
In my recent video, “Best GPS, Satellite Communicator, Outdoors Watch 2024,” I dive into the latest and greatest in outdoor navigation and communication technology, focusing on devices that blend rugged functionality with innovative features. This comprehensive guide is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts who demand reliability and precision in their gear.
The highlight of the video is the Garmin GPS map 67 Series, which sets the standard for handheld mapping GPS units. This device boasts top-notch multi-GNSS and multiband positioning systems, providing accurate tracking within 6 feet, even in challenging environments like slot canyons. It’s built to endure tough conditions, being waterproof, drop-proof, and operable in rain with gloves on. The 67 Series comes pre-loaded with Garmin TopoActive maps, offering elevation data, points of interest, and trails right out of the box.
For those needing a combination of handheld GPS and satellite communication, the Garmin GPS map 67i model includes InReach technology, which facilitates weather updates, messaging, and emergency SOS features, boasting one of the highest transmit powers among InReach models.
I also review the Garmin InReach Mini 2, an excellent choice for a compact satellite communicator. This device is notable for its portability, robust build, and the invaluable “track back” feature, which provides navigational guidance back to your starting point with visual and audible cues if you stray off course.
Further enhancing the lineup, the Garmin InReach Messenger offers seamless integration of Wi-Fi, cell service, and satellite communication, making it a versatile companion for various outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the Montana 750i stands out by allowing users to geotag photos, turning them into waypoints for easy navigation, particularly useful for activities like fishing where location marking is essential.
For those who prefer smart devices, I suggest the iPhone 14 and 15 models for fair-weather hikers. These phones provide emergency SOS over satellite and allow location sharing. When combined with an affordable satellite link service, they offer a comprehensive communication solution without the ruggedness of dedicated GPS devices.
Lastly, I discuss the Garmin Epix Pro and the Garmin Fenix 7X Adventure watches. These devices nearly match handheld GPS units in functionality, with the Epix Pro featuring a colorful AMOLED display and the Fenix 7X boasting solar charging capabilities, extending battery life significantly in sunlight.
This video serves as a detailed guide for selecting the best GPS, satellite communicator, and outdoor watch in 2024, helping outdoor enthusiasts choose the right technology to enhance their adventure experiences while ensuring safety and connectivity in the wilderness. Whether you’re trekking, biking, or engaged in any outdoor activity, these tools offer the reliability and features necessary to navigate and communicate effectively in the great outdoors.
Bought the 67i. Since then I’ve been going out hiking and mountaineering as much as possible. It’s literally become my go to excuse for hiking more than ever before. It’s just so cool to use!
Great overview. I’m still waiting for your field test report on the new Garmin eTrex Solar Handheld GPS. The last time you mentioned it was when you said you were waiting for your device to arrive. Meanwhile, thanks for all your videos, they’re always interesting.
Would you say the upgrade to the Fenix pro s worth the money? I’m about to purchase the 7 and am torn between the pro and standard. I want a fitness tracker along with a hiking/maps options. Wasn’t sure if you had any experience with the 7 pro yet.
There are some issues with gpsmap series which made me buy Montana 700 despite its weight and size. (1) planning or modifying a route in gpsmap really sucks; (2) screen quality makes it unusable for raster maps which are much more detailed; (3) panning to look around is very uncomfortable; best use for gpsmap is when you plan a route ahead on laptop; in Montana 700 you can really make it all on the device and looking around just to change a route when hiking or biking is very comfortable; also raster maps really shine on Montana
Would you suggest upgrading the inReach SE to the inReach Messager and why? There is a 40% off upgrade available until end of 2024.
I’ve watched a few videos comparing this and several other GPS devices vs the iPhone, Apple Watch Ultra, and various Android phones. All of these showed that the Apple Watch Ultra did as good, and in many cases better than all these devices. Combine that with your iPhone, or other phone that can navigate and communicate, you have all of this on a bigger and better screen.
I might sound like an Apple fanboy, and to a degree I am, is because it’s never failed me so far and I continue to struggle with purchasing anything else simply because it all just works. Maybe these are more durable than a phone, but after years and years of using my iPhone and now the Ultra watch, I’ve never cracked or broken a screen or had issue with rain or anything else.
I simply think these GPS devices need to up their game in a massive way to compete.
I well done summary.
Getting a bit confused. I’ve watched videos where you say you only use the watch as a back up for GPS and mainly use the phone on airplane mode (whilst taking paper maps and compass of course) and others not. I’ve recently had a bit of a nightmare scenario in the mountains where I got injured, losing both my phone and paper maps in the fall (it was a long fall). The only thing I had left was my compass. Stayed up over night (-10) thanks to my emergency equipment, but that feeling of completely losing electronic assistance was not good (apart from the InReach of course). Had I not had the experience and kept my wits about me things could have been super bad. So, now I’m looking for a secondary electronic backup, assuming like me you primarily use the mobile on airplane mode as a GPS device. It needs to be super light (since I backpack a lot). The watch seems the obvious choice. Then we disappear down the rabbit hole of battery life, touch screens etc etc and whether it will make the coffee in the morning etc. I’m thinking just record the track as I go up the mountain and use the phone to look at the GPS then trackback using the phone in an emergency, but then it seems an awful lot of money to pay for an Epix/Fenix just to do that. Am I missing something here, is there an overwhelming reason why I must go out and get the Epix so that I can trackback in an emergency. Love the look of the watch. Mmmmmm
Love my GPSMAP 78 + InReach Mini 2 combo! Also pair it with the Fenix 7 SS.
Great video, always loving watching these overview/review/comparison video!
Thanks!
I dont’t like you! You made me buy 67i 😊
Great video!
Garmin inreach mini is the best. Recently I went backpacking in 90% humidity and my phone died because of liquid damage. Thanks to garmin I still could text.
I’m still using my old etrex 35t and have been looking to upgrade. I think in one of your videos you mentioned the new garmins don’t easily communicate with Basecamp and there is a work around? Do you remember the video so i can rewatch that part?
Good video. I would just add the search and rescue folks would much rather you have something that allows for two way communication. The personal locator beacon doesn’t. Not knowing details about the emergency they are responding to is frustrating. Help them help you.
I really love my Zoleo. Having a dedicated text number that doesn’t change is great, and I love the option of having their 24/7 medical assist service for non-emergency medical advice on trail. Of course I need to ensure I keep my phone battery charged, but the Zoleo app is so easy to use. Really great!
Absolutely bull crap that battery is not user replaceable. Yes battery life is awesome but life of the unit ends when battery craps out.
i have the 66i is it still good to use if you dont get a subscription? what would be a reason i would want to get the subscription besides the texting part?
Great video! What sat device would you recommend for kids going off to college? I’d just like to have something our family can all use to communicate should there be an emergency situation where cell service is down. Thank you!
Any market for my old gps Garmins I’ve wasted my money on? Garmin should allow trade ins!!
I want something simple and inexpensive. All I want it to do is mark my beginning point and then have it get me back to that beginning point. What is out there that meets these criteria?
I’m still running the 66i. I am happy with the performance, but generally leave it off most of the time on longer backpacking trips. I wouldn’t mind the longer battery on the 67i.
Can you use this on a motorcycle ?
👏👌🇳🇴🤠
InReach Messenger was the winner for me. I used it in 2023 for solo day hikes and it worked perfectly at keeping me in touch with my family. I’ll be pairing it with the Garmin Instinct 2X that I got for Christmas this year.
Great video.. I’ll be choosing the 67 model for local hiking this year.
Excellent and helpful overview!
A great review, this looks very impressive. I think at this stage, I’ll keep my focus on the inreach mini 2.
Hi. You do a really great job for all the people that go hiking by creating those videos, and I wander if you could give an advice to someone like me. I enjoy watching your videos explaining how satellite navigation works, describing how navigation devices work, but cannot really find a device that I need. What I need is a device that would show me, when traveling on an airplane, information where I am on a map, at what altitude, which direction I am heading, at what speed and coordinates.
I recently purchased an inReach Mini 2 and also purchased the “middle” subscription plan. If I purchase a 67i, would I need to purchase a separate subscription for it also?
Not a big surprise that the GPSMap 67 is on top of the list — Garmin doesn’t have any competition in handheld GPS for hiking unfortunately. I feel like I time travel to 1998 when using my GPSMap user interface and outdated screen/graphics (the rugged built and long battery life on the 67 are good though). At least there’s plenty of Garmin alternatives now when it comes to GPS watches and satellite communicators. I hope someone gets into the handheld GPS market, too.
I recently bought the inreach mini 2 😊I’ll be getting a subscription for a trip coming up. Just wondering if the tracback works without the subscription? I wouldn’t mind testing it out on trails I know well and see how well it works in the meantime
👍👍👍Thanks !!!!!
Another excellent video, yours and Ricks channels are the best on U Tube 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Good job
The price would be fine if there wasn’t the extra costs of insurance, activation, subscription costs.
With all the other costs to backpack, the price tag on this piece of gear is prohibitive for many of us.
I just bought a new iPhone 14 for a good price and with my waterproof sleeve that allows touch control, i think this is my best option.
Thank you for the comprehensive review on these devices—and reminding people to always bring a paper map and compass as back up. 🌿
great ! i love your videos !!!!
What exactly is the advantage / difference if the "Safire" versions of Garmins watches???
I’ve been using Gaia for 4 years. Airplane mode. No mistakes.
What would be your choice for boating in Inland rivers and Coastal regions.
Treat yourself!
I plan to go into deep dense rainforest will it work absolutely anywhere ?
Just bought a 67i, looking forward to getting out with it. I am having problems pairing it with Garmin Connect and Connect IQ though. It wont pair with my Fenix 6 Pro either. Thanks for the video guys.