The screen is not touch active. The unit is heavy and bulky. The battery lasts less than a day. It requires more than one app to manage the maps and routes.
The Iphone and soon other phones are ok for casual hiking and being able to use Satellites to send an SOS if you get lost in the woods or hurt. However, there are some major advantages to owning a quality handheld GPS/Satellite Communicator.
First, the Iphone is not built for rugged conditions. Although phones have come a long way and many are now waterproof to a degree, they can still be fragile in extreme conditions.
For example, your hiking and take a bad fall. Your phone screen could be smashed and broken, thus limiting your ability to see the text and answer the SOS questions, etc. Whereas GPS units are built for rugged and extreme conditions. Ice, snow, river rafting, jungle heat, etc.
Second, battery life on our phones is not bad, but even then, they do not compare to the life some handheld GPS units can achieve. My emergency GPS unit can last double the time my phone can. Also, I carry a small solar charger on camping trips that is capable of charging my phone or GPS unit.
I live in a very rural area and camp and go off-roading often. My wife and I were 12 miles deep into the woods on ATV's one weekend when we got turned around and could not find our way out. The area we were in was very remote and if you chose the wrong direction, you could go 100 miles and still be in the woods. We had no cell service and back then, our phones had no GPS. Luckily we found our way back to the trail but it took about 3 hours and at times we were very scared as the sun continued to go down and we did not want to be stuck there overnight. It taught me a valuable lesson and we immediately bought a GPS unit to keep with us on all trips.
I would never trust my phone in many of the conditions we go through on our trips. My phone has never failed or been broken, but I'm not putting my life on the line for it either. Again, if your a casual hiker or outdoorsman, your phone might be just fine. If you really travel off the beaten path or to very remote areas, I'd highly suggest the best GPS/communicator you can afford. You can always make more money, but you can't bring yourself back from the dead.
For the communicator, yes; gps, no.
I had one of these a couple of years back. For me, a smartphone with OsmAnd is a much better mapping solution. If you need the satellite function, the Garmin Inreach Mini is a better choice IMO. If you absolutely have to have a 66i, then this is a great price.
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No. You can install OsmAnd~ using F-Droid or Droidify. It's completely free including all world maps.
Note that if you install it via the Google Play Store, there are in-app charges (I think to unlock a limit on the number of concurrent maps downloaded). But it's mainly a way to help out the developers, as they freely release the full version on f-Droid as mentioned above. The app is fully open source, and the map data is as well.
The maps are based on openstreetmap.org, which has maps for the entire world and can be user-edited, similar to Wikipedia. They also use government survey data. It doesn't always have house numbers, but it's on par with Google maps when it comes to roads and trails, and it's even better than them in some countries outside the US.
The new iPhones have the capability of connecting directly to satellites, no cell towers required. As long as you have open sky above you and you aren't at the north or south poles, you'll basically always be able to connect to a sattelite in the array for simple emergency SOS texts.
Just came across the Garmin GPSMAP 66i deal. Looks like a solid handheld GPS and communicator combo. Could be handy for outdoor trips where cell service is spotty. Worth considering for those who enjoy off-grid adventures.
For me, a smartphone with OsmAnd is a much better mapping solution
Wow, that is some cool stuff. Thanks for sharing!!!
I have been looking for a budget offgrid option and this might be about perfect. Especially with a couple of older, but still very serviceable water resistant Android phones I have laying around.
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04-13-2024 at 11:38 AM.
Quote
from FairNest1755
:
I was told iphones can SOS. If that's true, are some androids also capable? Why would someone buy this if that's true?
The Iphone and soon other phones are ok for casual hiking and being able to use Satellites to send an SOS if you get lost in the woods or hurt. However, there are some major advantages to owning a quality handheld GPS/Satellite Communicator.
First, the Iphone is not built for rugged conditions. Although phones have come a long way and many are now waterproof to a degree, they can still be fragile in extreme conditions.
For example, your hiking and take a bad fall. Your phone screen could be smashed and broken, thus limiting your ability to see the text and answer the SOS questions, etc. Whereas GPS units are built for rugged and extreme conditions. Ice, snow, river rafting, jungle heat, etc.
Second, battery life on our phones is not bad, but even then, they do not compare to the life some handheld GPS units can achieve. My emergency GPS unit can last double the time my phone can. Also, I carry a small solar charger on camping trips that is capable of charging my phone or GPS unit.
I live in a very rural area and camp and go off-roading often. My wife and I were 12 miles deep into the woods on ATV's one weekend when we got turned around and could not find our way out. The area we were in was very remote and if you chose the wrong direction, you could go 100 miles and still be in the woods. We had no cell service and back then, our phones had no GPS. Luckily we found our way back to the trail but it took about 3 hours and at times we were very scared as the sun continued to go down and we did not want to be stuck there overnight. It taught me a valuable lesson and we immediately bought a GPS unit to keep with us on all trips.
I would never trust my phone in many of the conditions we go through on our trips. My phone has never failed or been broken, but I'm not putting my life on the line for it either. Again, if your a casual hiker or outdoorsman, your phone might be just fine. If you really travel off the beaten path or to very remote areas, I'd highly suggest the best GPS/communicator you can afford. You can always make more money, but you can't bring yourself back from the dead.
I would never trust my phone in many of the conditions we go through on our trips. My phone has never failed or been broken, but I'm not putting my life on the line for it either. Again, if your a casual hiker or outdoorsman, your phone might be just fine. If you really travel off the beaten path or to very remote areas, I'd highly suggest the best GPS/communicator you can afford. You can always make more money, but you can't bring yourself back from the dead.
If I go on a multi-day backpack I just take a power bank for my phone. You'd still need a power bank for the 66i. There's really no good argument for these anymore from a GPS perspective. The Garmin Inreach Mini might be worth the money if you are a hard core adventurer and you have appropriate rescue insurance.
The Iphone and soon other phones are ok for casual hiking and being able to use Satellites to send an SOS if you get lost in the woods or hurt. However, there are some major advantages to owning a quality handheld GPS/Satellite Communicator.
First, the Iphone is not built for rugged conditions. Although phones have come a long way and many are now waterproof to a degree, they can still be fragile in extreme conditions.
For example, your hiking and take a bad fall. Your phone screen could be smashed and broken, thus limiting your ability to see the text and answer the SOS questions, etc. Whereas GPS units are built for rugged and extreme conditions. Ice, snow, river rafting, jungle heat, etc.
.
I think their time has passed outside of niche use for the very hardcore. If you slam your body on a rock with the unit in the middle, it may fare batter than a phone, but in the end you can still break it. You would probably not wear your $1200 iPhone in your back pocket on a serious hike. As far as waterproof, I routinely take underwater photos in the pool with my phone, cannot really get any more waterproof than that for non diving-related uses.
Is there an absolute best hiking GPS with satellite?
It depends on what type of hiking you do, i.e. length, where etc.
Most people should go with the Garmin inreach mini, a 2nd version was released not too long ago. I am still rocking the 1st Gen.
I think their time has passed outside of niche use for the very hardcore. If you slam your body on a rock with the unit in the middle, it may fare batter than a phone, but in the end you can still break it. You would probably not wear your $1200 iPhone in your back pocket on a serious hike. As far as waterproof, I routinely take underwater photos in the pool with my phone, cannot really get any more waterproof than that for non diving-related uses.
You aren't going to break an inreach mini from falling. And you would be smart enough to have it in reach of yourself so you can set off an SOS at ease.
as a matter of survival, you should have one device that can transmit voice/txt and one device that only receives. depending on if the authorities are after you or not.
Seeing some good points here.
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Quote
from swgfanforlife
:
... there are some major advantages to owning a quality handheld GPS/Satellite Communicator...
My phone died during one trip. Fortunately, second GPS device helped us to get back on track before it got too dark.
Quote
from izzzi
:
I think their time has passed outside of niche use for the very hardcore…
I like Garmin maps and watches, but consumer outdoor and vehicle navigation hardware tend to be glitchy, outdated, overpriced. Apparently, they aren't interested in dedicating resources for certain product lines. That's why I don't want buy new Garmin handheld.
... For me, a smartphone with OsmAnd is a much better mapping solution...
Quote
from ChadC4361
:
I just use the Garmin Explore app on my phone. It is free and uses the phones GPS.
Right, phones offer more flexibility. Besides maps and track recorders you can download a lot of useful stuff:
Astronomy Apps (Stellarium, LunaSolCal)
Animal / Plant identifiers
Guides on first aid, cooking, knot tying, etc.
Companion apps for dedicated cameras like GoPro or DJI
Games, Books, Music, Anime…
P.S.
Quote
from fewlio
:
... depending on if the authorities are after you or not.
… and Ballistics Calculator if someone chasing after you
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First, the Iphone is not built for rugged conditions. Although phones have come a long way and many are now waterproof to a degree, they can still be fragile in extreme conditions.
For example, your hiking and take a bad fall. Your phone screen could be smashed and broken, thus limiting your ability to see the text and answer the SOS questions, etc. Whereas GPS units are built for rugged and extreme conditions. Ice, snow, river rafting, jungle heat, etc.
Second, battery life on our phones is not bad, but even then, they do not compare to the life some handheld GPS units can achieve. My emergency GPS unit can last double the time my phone can. Also, I carry a small solar charger on camping trips that is capable of charging my phone or GPS unit.
I live in a very rural area and camp and go off-roading often. My wife and I were 12 miles deep into the woods on ATV's one weekend when we got turned around and could not find our way out. The area we were in was very remote and if you chose the wrong direction, you could go 100 miles and still be in the woods. We had no cell service and back then, our phones had no GPS. Luckily we found our way back to the trail but it took about 3 hours and at times we were very scared as the sun continued to go down and we did not want to be stuck there overnight. It taught me a valuable lesson and we immediately bought a GPS unit to keep with us on all trips.
I would never trust my phone in many of the conditions we go through on our trips. My phone has never failed or been broken, but I'm not putting my life on the line for it either. Again, if your a casual hiker or outdoorsman, your phone might be just fine. If you really travel off the beaten path or to very remote areas, I'd highly suggest the best GPS/communicator you can afford. You can always make more money, but you can't bring yourself back from the dead.
I had one of these a couple of years back. For me, a smartphone with OsmAnd is a much better mapping solution. If you need the satellite function, the Garmin Inreach Mini is a better choice IMO. If you absolutely have to have a 66i, then this is a great price.
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how can they do it if there is no reception?
The maps are based on openstreetmap.org, which has maps for the entire world and can be user-edited, similar to Wikipedia. They also use government survey data. It doesn't always have house numbers, but it's on par with Google maps when it comes to roads and trails, and it's even better than them in some countries outside the US.
I am a solo hiker/backpacker. The battery life on this thing is concerning versus the mini
https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-...h-t-mobile
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I have been looking for a budget offgrid option and this might be about perfect. Especially with a couple of older, but still very serviceable water resistant Android phones I have laying around.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank swgfanforlife
First, the Iphone is not built for rugged conditions. Although phones have come a long way and many are now waterproof to a degree, they can still be fragile in extreme conditions.
For example, your hiking and take a bad fall. Your phone screen could be smashed and broken, thus limiting your ability to see the text and answer the SOS questions, etc. Whereas GPS units are built for rugged and extreme conditions. Ice, snow, river rafting, jungle heat, etc.
Second, battery life on our phones is not bad, but even then, they do not compare to the life some handheld GPS units can achieve. My emergency GPS unit can last double the time my phone can. Also, I carry a small solar charger on camping trips that is capable of charging my phone or GPS unit.
I live in a very rural area and camp and go off-roading often. My wife and I were 12 miles deep into the woods on ATV's one weekend when we got turned around and could not find our way out. The area we were in was very remote and if you chose the wrong direction, you could go 100 miles and still be in the woods. We had no cell service and back then, our phones had no GPS. Luckily we found our way back to the trail but it took about 3 hours and at times we were very scared as the sun continued to go down and we did not want to be stuck there overnight. It taught me a valuable lesson and we immediately bought a GPS unit to keep with us on all trips.
I would never trust my phone in many of the conditions we go through on our trips. My phone has never failed or been broken, but I'm not putting my life on the line for it either. Again, if your a casual hiker or outdoorsman, your phone might be just fine. If you really travel off the beaten path or to very remote areas, I'd highly suggest the best GPS/communicator you can afford. You can always make more money, but you can't bring yourself back from the dead.
First, the Iphone is not built for rugged conditions. Although phones have come a long way and many are now waterproof to a degree, they can still be fragile in extreme conditions.
For example, your hiking and take a bad fall. Your phone screen could be smashed and broken, thus limiting your ability to see the text and answer the SOS questions, etc. Whereas GPS units are built for rugged and extreme conditions. Ice, snow, river rafting, jungle heat, etc.
.
It depends on what type of hiking you do, i.e. length, where etc.
Most people should go with the Garmin inreach mini, a 2nd version was released not too long ago. I am still rocking the 1st Gen.
You aren't going to break an inreach mini from falling. And you would be smart enough to have it in reach of yourself so you can set off an SOS at ease.
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There is another option. Get case with higher level of protection (like Otterbox) for main phone and/or rugged phone with satellite SOS as backup. For example:
Motorola Defy 2 (https://www.gsmarena.co
Cat S75 (https://www.gsmarena.co
Ulefone Armor 23 Ultra (https://www.gsmarena.co
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-------------------------------------------------------
Astronomy Apps (Stellarium, LunaSolCal)
Animal / Plant identifiers
Guides on first aid, cooking, knot tying, etc.
Companion apps for dedicated cameras like GoPro or DJI
Games, Books, Music, Anime…
P.S.