![[Backorder] Garmin GPSMAP 66s Handheld GPS $468.85 + Delivery @ Ryda](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/82/695282.jpg?h=cd2b4a23)
For those of us who do multi-day hiking trips and don't want to rely on phone gps, this is a decent unit that's now on sale. Not in stock but Ryda is offering back orders.
[Backorder] Garmin GPSMAP 66s Handheld GPS $468.85 + Delivery @ Ryda
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7effect on 18/04/2022 - 13:54 ryda.com.au (319 clicks)
Last edited 19/04/2022 - 17:16 by 1 other user
Last edited 19/04/2022 - 17:16 by 1 other user
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Do we not just take a external battery ? and recharge with that ? I do this with Komoot track logging for me, or I use my Suunto watch (and recharge that with the battery if needs be)
For casual users, yup that's definitely an option. GPSes like these are for more users who need the durability and reliability of a standalone device with long battery life.
It's the same reason why digital cameras are still being sold today. Plenty of people use their phones for casual photos, but professionals will still use an actual digital camera for a multitude of reasons.
An extra set of lithium AAs will last longer than a larger heavier power bank that isn't water resistant. Yes there are rugged power banks - they're even larger and heavier. There is also no need to wait for a phone to recharge - just swap the batteries and you're at 100%.
Anther option is the Samsung Xcover Pro, it has click in batteries, take as many as you want/need
The Xcover Pro costs more than this GPS. I have one and wouldn't want to use it as my main phone. Compared to e.g. an S22, the screen and camera aren't as good and it's slower.
Proprietary batteries are expensive and not available everywhere. You'll also need to buy a standalone charger for the battery and recharge them one by one. If you've just come off a 4-day hike with a day to prepare for your second 4-day hike, the last thing you want to do is remember to recharge your 8 spare batteries one after another.
I'd recommend the Motorola G9+ if you're looking for a phone with the best battery life, that's the one I have and I've managed to get 3 days out of it without needing a charge (albeit not heavy usage on those occasions). With very heavy use (>8 hours of streaming over wifi) it should comfortably last a day but will need a charge for the next one
Just in case some people aren't aware, when out in the bush where there's zero or poor reception, switching the phone to flight mode so it doesn't keep searching for a signal will extend battery life.
Using an eTrex 22x for my hikes. Safety in mapping waypoints and then backup of just using AA batteries. Useful when hiking back at night when your phone batteries may be close to low and you don’t have a powerbank.
Also nice insurance policy in case your phone GPS doesn’t work for whatever reason.
They are a dying breed mainly used for specialist reasons now. But never underestimate the usefulness of such a device especially when hiking.
I own a few of these - the places I go bush walking and do SES land search rescue often don't have mobile phone coverage.
I've hacked the firmware on mine so I don't have to buy Garmins expensive maps for each one, and can fit multiple maps on one sd card.
I also use one as a map display for APRS vehicle tracking with a Yaesu FTM-400XDR.
You can also use OSM maps for free.
I recommend the 66i. It's essentially the same unit with an in built inreach satellite comms unit as well. Great for the extra peace of mind beyond just GPS. Otherwise I'd probably just use my phone and a battery.
Inreach is nice but the plans are a little pricey. The startup costs are low if you're already buying a GPS though.
If emergency use is the sole purpose, a satellite phone without a SIM is one option. You can still make calls to 112 without a SIM on both Iridium and Thuraya. A PLB is even cheaper but you won't be able to communicate the nature of the emergency like you can with Inreach over text or a sat phone.
It voice calls are preferred, you can get a used Thuraya phone with a casual $16.50/month Pivotel plan. That gives you a local 04xxxxxxxx mobile number; receiving calls is free within Australia. That way you can give your contact a missed call and they can ring you back and talk for free.
Interesting - I didn't know sat phones worked for 112 without a service plan, thanks @eug!
Yup, and with Iridium phones you can also dial 000. If the phone is from before 2015/2016 you have to install a firmware update.
Personally I'd recommend a Fenix instead of this, with a phone for backup. I have a much-loved gpsmap 60csx which I no longer carry. The benefits over a phone in aeroplane mode are so marginal that these have become niche devices.
Just make sure it's the Fenix 7! The 6's non-touchscreen UI is painful to navigate around a map with.
I use a Fenix 5X to navigate the map and I get by. A touch screen is not a deal breaker for how I would use the Fenix. When navigating a map, I usually only need to zoom in or out.
For day hikes, I use the Fenix. For multiple day hikes, I bring my old GPSMAP62
Do we not just take a external battery ? and recharge with that ? I do this with Komoot track logging for me, or I use my Suunto watch (and recharge that with the battery if needs be)
Anther option is the Samsung Xcover Pro, it has click in batteries, take as many as you want/need
That said I'd love a phone with longer battery life :) I have never owned a smart phone that goes through the day.