Garmin’s New GPSMAP 67 and 67i Will Take You Deep Into the Woods

Who’s ready to get lost?

byJonathon Klein|
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Leaving the civilized world behind for the serenity of the woods, desert, or backcountry is one of my all-time favorite things to do, as it allows me the chance to catch my breath. But that time alone can be fraught with challenges or dangers, and my wife would rather enjoy still being in contact with me. There's just one problem. Cell service isn't a thing where I go.

Lately, I've been using Garmin's inReach Mini 2 to keep in contact and alleviate the stress of my forest disappearances. And it's been a solid little unit, but it's limited in its overall function as it's strictly a communicator and SOS beacon. Garmin's new GPSMAP 67 and 67i units, however, well those offer the full banana.

Garmin

The new rugged handheld unit is based on Garmin's already killer GPSMAP 66 units, which offers a suite of capabilities that any off-roader, motorcyclist, or avid outdoorsman would love. The 67, however, ups the ante. The new model features a 3-inch sunlight-readable color display, and it comes with an internal lithium-ion battery that's good for up to seven and a half days in GPS mode or a staggering 35 days in power saver mode. That's five times the battery as the previous model if you're keeping score at home.

The pair also have active topographic mapping and satellite imagery, plus it is the first inReach device to be equipped with Multi-Band GNSS (global navigation satellite system) technology for improved positioning accuracy. In lamen's terms, it's way more accurate than prior models, which helps both in navigating yourself around, as well as navigating search and rescue to you in case of emergency.

The upgraded GPSMAP 67i comes equipped with Garmin's inReach SOS tech, which features 24/7 monitoring by Garmin's Response Center if you need it. You'll also enjoy active weather on your route or in the area you're operating in when paired with your smartphone.

Further, the GPSMAP 67 and 67i are also compatible with the brand's Outdoor Maps+ subscription, which offers a host of select information available to help better navigate the outdoors, as these downloadable layers include off-road trails, hunting maps, hiking areas, and more topographic data.

Garmin

As for price, it's definitely a step up from the inReach Mini 2's $399.99 price tag, with the GPSMAP 67 costing $499.99, and the 67i $599.99. But I can't help but see that you're getting a lot more out of each. And the two seem like they might make better companions when I'm exploring the deep woods atop a motorcycle or in my family's Can-Am.

I'm planning on getting my hands on the 67i in the near future to see whether or not they're worth the price jump from the little inReach Mini 2. For those worried that it won't be as rugged as the Mini 2, don't worry, I'm going to test it just as vigorously as I did the smaller unit. Maybe more so? I'll just say "stay tuned."

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