So i took the plunge and bought a new GPS for my adventures.
Thought i would share a few first thoughts in case anyone else is thinking of getting one or similar.
I bought the "i" version which i presume stands for "InReach" as it has the SOS button on it you need a subscription for, meaning you can request weather information, send and receive messages, update maps and obviously call for help all while having no network coverage and use satellites instead.
If you need none of the above you could buy the Garmin GSMAP 67 which does all the mapping and navigation without the above and save some money.
The device is very well built, the battery lasts 185 hours, its water proof and will take some knocking when out, it has an operating temperature from -20 to +60C. Any temp outside that range and I'm not going out lol
It also has a torch on it and a SD card slot.
First time switching on i was charged a £40 Inreach activation fee and then a £7.99 a month subscription.
I also subscribed to Maps plus (£4.99pm) which after checking out im not sure i need. it has extra features to add to the free base maps such as buildings, property borders, popular routes and a few other overlays im not sure i would use.
On first opening the menu it seems a little overwhelming, and there is a lot to click on.
The included maps which are all on the device and no signal needed are ok to be honest, as i have used OS maps all my life i may decide to add them at a later date at another cost of about £150 for the whole of the UK in 1:50 and 1:25 versions
Connectivity.
The device connects to your home WIFI and can update maps directly itself as well as software updates and other things which is great and so easy.
It also Bluetooth to your phone and connects directly with Garmin messenger which you can type and send messages over satellite through the GPS and your phone can also put normal phone notifications such as WhatsApp, etc through to your GPS screen.
There is also an app called Garmin Explore which you plan routes on and they are shared with the device which make planning routes really easy and can be done out in the hills.
I have the OS Maps app on my phone and watch too, and i found i can create routes with OS maps and then share the GPX file it creates very easily by sending direct the the device and it works flawlessly.
So without actually having OS maps on the device its a good workaround.
There is probably a lot more than i have discovered so far, but all in all im happy with it and its going to make rout planning and following trails much easier.
Thought i would share a few first thoughts in case anyone else is thinking of getting one or similar.
I bought the "i" version which i presume stands for "InReach" as it has the SOS button on it you need a subscription for, meaning you can request weather information, send and receive messages, update maps and obviously call for help all while having no network coverage and use satellites instead.
If you need none of the above you could buy the Garmin GSMAP 67 which does all the mapping and navigation without the above and save some money.
The device is very well built, the battery lasts 185 hours, its water proof and will take some knocking when out, it has an operating temperature from -20 to +60C. Any temp outside that range and I'm not going out lol
It also has a torch on it and a SD card slot.
First time switching on i was charged a £40 Inreach activation fee and then a £7.99 a month subscription.
I also subscribed to Maps plus (£4.99pm) which after checking out im not sure i need. it has extra features to add to the free base maps such as buildings, property borders, popular routes and a few other overlays im not sure i would use.
On first opening the menu it seems a little overwhelming, and there is a lot to click on.
The included maps which are all on the device and no signal needed are ok to be honest, as i have used OS maps all my life i may decide to add them at a later date at another cost of about £150 for the whole of the UK in 1:50 and 1:25 versions
Connectivity.
The device connects to your home WIFI and can update maps directly itself as well as software updates and other things which is great and so easy.
It also Bluetooth to your phone and connects directly with Garmin messenger which you can type and send messages over satellite through the GPS and your phone can also put normal phone notifications such as WhatsApp, etc through to your GPS screen.
There is also an app called Garmin Explore which you plan routes on and they are shared with the device which make planning routes really easy and can be done out in the hills.
I have the OS Maps app on my phone and watch too, and i found i can create routes with OS maps and then share the GPX file it creates very easily by sending direct the the device and it works flawlessly.
So without actually having OS maps on the device its a good workaround.
There is probably a lot more than i have discovered so far, but all in all im happy with it and its going to make rout planning and following trails much easier.
