I use the 67i currently as my main device for long range day hikes. Smartphones are great but even with all battery saving options on, hiking apps like Komoot or Outdooactive, drain my Phone twice a hike. I tryed different phones and powerbank configurations but all results where kinda the same. Now with the 67i I can do 31 + mile hikes without having a charging cable all over me. The battery life on the device is insane.
Sounds like fun. The 67i has a lot more features then most satellite communicators so it's smart of you to get out and test it. Let me know if you have any questions after you start testing it. Rick
@@outdooremergencytech SOOOO I got my 67i updated, played with it a bit, and as I had hoped, it linked up with my iPad using the Explore app. So instead of looking at the small screen I’ve got a 9.7” screen to follow my progress when I’m off roading. A few more tricks to learn but this is going to be a great piece of equipment!
I am torturing myself over which one of these to get. I am no hardcore back-country guy, but I do get out and do SOTA (Summits on the Air) ham radio stuff, so have to bushwhack on rare occasions. I need a communicator/tracker to keep my wife at ease when I am out on my adventures. It seems that for $200 more you get a whole lot more features, but I've never had either so I am not sure if I need them. I am always carrying ham radio gear with me so I have to be a bit mindful of the extra bulk, but it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. I'm suffering analysis paralysis!
I'll do my best to help you out. 1st, if you're a ham radio operator, you're good with high tech, so the 67i wouldn't be to much for you. 2nd, do you really need an all-in-one device like the 67i or do you like the convenience of using your larger phone, paired with the Mini 2, so it's easier to see maps, weather and 2-way message, like you would if you were texting? 3rd, this is a real personal decision and we may think completely different, however, the most important thing is to be able to use SOS and 2-way message when you're in trouble, plus MapShare so your friends and family can see where you're at, which will help your wife to relax when she can see where you're at and that you're okay. Both the Mini 2 and the 67i will take care of this easily. 4th, is my gut reaction and recommendation. Unless you need the power of the 67i for navigation, I would lean more toward the Mini 2, as it is so small, you won't even realize it's on your pack, plus you have the convenience of using your smartphone, which I personally almost always like to use. Lastly, did I say this is a personal decision? I would be happy to answer more questions and continue to help you with this decision, so let me know if I can help any more. Rick
@@outdooremergencytech, @whippersnappercc I'm a ham and frequently hike backcountry areas for day hikes and SOA. I purchased the 67i yesterday and quickly set it up and have it working. It's another piece of mind for comms. We have a robust ham radio repeater system in SE AZ and is easy to contact someone when I am out of cell phone signal.
I have been getting several emails recently from other ham operators, and it's always been something I have been interested in. Thanks for letting me know and don't hesitate to ask questions if you have any. Rick
Picking up my 67i tomorrow, can’t wait. I had an old Delorme yellow 1st generation inreach and still have a Garmin 64st. The thing about using your cellphone is in sunlight the screen is nowhere near as readable as a Garmin screen. Decided on the 67i as it’s a fully functional gps and a satellite communication tool, and has what seems like great battery life. Thanks for your great review.
Glad to help. The 67i has become my favorite satellite communicator. Great choice. Let me know if you have any questions when you get it or if there is anything you would like me to research in more detail. Rick
Hey everyone I’d love some opinions. I already have the original mini and I plan on doing a 2 day trip on horse back with my family and won’t have much cell phone reception. Would you think the original mini would be fine or should I just buy the fancy 67i. Safety is top priority in case we needed help. Just trying to figure out what to do. Thanks for any advice.
The Garmin inReach Mini will be just fine, and you still have the ability to sync with your smartphone so you can message everyone with convenience, plus see your trail and TracBack on your phone. The Mini 2 is better and has more information displayed on the screen as far as seeing your course and tracks, plus there is more information displayed when using the TracBack feature, but you would be find with the Mini. I would only go with the 67i if you want the larger screen with the ability to see topo maps and satellite imagery on the device itself and if you really want the all-in-one device. The 67i is my favorite satellite communicator but I have both the Mini and Mini 2, but you will do well with the Mini, unless you really want some of the new features or want the all-in-one device. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
Personally, I would go with the 67i because in cold conditions with a lot of snow, I don't want to rely on my cell phone for many of the features that are improved with the Mini 2 when it is synced. Plus, the buttons and larger screen on the 67i make it easier to send messages, which is more important with gloves and cold conditions. I hope that helps. Let me me know if you have any other questions. Rick
@@outdooremergencytech no, it helps a lot, and I appreciate you. I was on the rope between the in-reach 2 mini or GPS 67i for snowboarding conditions. Now, I just need to find which of the clips, you are using, to attach it to a bag strap. How durable is the GPS 67i? Do you think it can handle some abuse if I caught an edge? I am planning to take it with me. I going pow-surfing in Japan this coming New Years, 2025. I wanted to purchase one of the two units for safety, tracking, and God forbid if that Mega-Earthquake occurs after New Years day. I plan to have it on me at all times, charge it when i sleep, and I am going to pay for the annual contract with the consumer expedition plan. Thanks again!
Sounds like fun and it's nice to know you're going to be prepared. I use the Garmin Backpack Tether. Here is a link below if you would like to purchase it. Garmin Backpack Tether: amzn.to/3Z8i5Bo I have four of them and it's the only way I use them. I have tried others and nothing compares to how good they are and how convenient they are. My one concern would be in rugged conditions like you're going to be in. I would consider having the 67i attached on an exterior strap under normal conditions, but when I jumped off that helicopter, or over the cliff, I would recommend having the 67i inside a jacked pocket. Then if I needed it, I could take it out to hit the SOS button or communicate with someone. It would be great to have it on an external strap so it would be constantly tracking your location if you were sharing it with family or friends. This could be a critical decision for you so I would play around with it and see what you like the best and what makes sense in your extreme conditions. Another idea is to contact Garmin directly and see what they recommend. Let me know if you have any other questions or what you decide to do. Rick
Good choice. They're both good, but the 67i is now my go-to satellite communicator. Also, don't be tempted with the older 66i. It has a bad battery and the 67i has better maps and a faster processor. Rick
That may be a better question for Garmin but I don't think it works if buried under snow. You must have a clear view of the sky to send and receive tracks and messages. If I said beacon, I meant a strobe that is visible from miles away. Rick
@@outdooremergencytech: I'm trying to figure out which device to go with, for backcountry Snowmobiling, in the mountains. I keep my phone in my handlebar bag, off, to save battery, and sometimes when I turn it on it'll have lost most of the battery, just from the cold. Which device is a better cold weather, stand alone, with gloves, to use. Also mounts to handlebar, or guage cluster/dash, to keep away from my on body Avy beacon, in case of avalanche? Oh, and are they durable enough, to handle a sled roll over, in soft snow? Cuz we do that allot!
I know a lot about satellite messengers but I also know when to keep my mouth shut and recommend you talk to Garmin directly about this. I have used my GPSMAP 67i and my Mini 2 in a lot of extreme cold weather here in Colorado and they hold up really well, including the battery. If I were going to take a shot at this, I would give you the same advice I would give to someone on ATVs and that is to take a hard look at the Garmin Montana 700i or 750i, however, due to the snowmobiling sport you're in and that I have not been a part of, I really would reach out to Garmin. I would like to help more, but as I said at the start of this, sometimes I know when to stay silent. Rick
I see why you're so enthusiastic about the 67i. It costs about $200 more, but the features are worth more than that for most users. One of the best is that it reduces dependence on a smartphone whose battery may be kaput.
Hey Rick - if I already have a Fenix 7 watch that I use for navigation, do you think getting the 67i would be an overkill? Main reason for getting one of these is the messaging and SOS, wondering if the navigation on the 67i is worth it if I already have a Fenix? Thanks!
Well, I have both and I originally thought I wouldn't need the 67i, but after using it extensively, it has become my favorite satellite communicator. The navigation and course creation features on the 67i are incredible. If you have a way to navigate, then you can get away with using something like the Garmin Messenger for SOS and messaging. I prefer to use the Mini 2 or the 67i, along with my watch, plus you can set up your watch to trigger an SOS if you were separated from your pack and you satellite communicator is attached to it. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
I have created multiple videos testing the battery on both the 67i and the Mini 2. You can see the GPSMAP 67i Battery Tests here th-cam.com/play/PLinHuRHy8OYcd_GBs-P4sBQW4_wnK6WZ7.html, and the Mini 2 Battery Tests here th-cam.com/play/PLinHuRHy8OYfS227ns2HoSiMHYJC26uuT.html. I'll add this to my list to do a side by side comparison video on the battery life. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
There were a few tests where I had the devices just sitting in the window, then someone mentioned that I should run the tests while moving, either hiking or driving, so some of my later tests were run while moving. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
You need to create waypoints. It's easy to do and you can see a video on waypoints here for the Garmin inReach Mini 2. th-cam.com/video/v76S1izjyUs/w-d-xo.html I don't have a video on creating waypoints for the Garmin GPSMAP 67i but I can create that if you need it. Let me know. Rick
I think the 67i is slightly more powerful and capable, but yes, the Alpha 300i does everything important that the 67i does, and it will track your dogs. Here is the field test I created on the 200i, which is very similar to the 300i. th-cam.com/video/NBU3910Nzpo/w-d-xo.html Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
I use the 67i currently as my main device for long range day hikes.
Smartphones are great but even with all battery saving options on, hiking apps like Komoot or Outdooactive, drain my Phone twice a hike.
I tryed different phones and powerbank configurations but all results where kinda the same.
Now with the 67i I can do 31 + mile hikes without having a charging cable all over me. The battery life on the device is insane.
Agreed. The 66i's battery was horrible, but the new 67i's battery is great.
Rick
I just picked up my 67i today.
Looking forward to downloading all the updates and playing with it at Big Bend.
Sounds like fun. The 67i has a lot more features then most satellite communicators so it's smart of you to get out and test it.
Let me know if you have any questions after you start testing it.
Rick
@@outdooremergencytech I will absolutely do that!
@@outdooremergencytech
SOOOO I got my 67i updated, played with it a bit, and as I had hoped, it linked up with my iPad using the Explore app.
So instead of looking at the small screen I’ve got a 9.7” screen to follow my progress when I’m off roading.
A few more tricks to learn but this is going to be a great piece of equipment!
It's great you got that figured out.
Being able to sync it to a larger phone or tablet makes it more convenient to use.
Rick
I am torturing myself over which one of these to get. I am no hardcore back-country guy, but I do get out and do SOTA (Summits on the Air) ham radio stuff, so have to bushwhack on rare occasions. I need a communicator/tracker to keep my wife at ease when I am out on my adventures. It seems that for $200 more you get a whole lot more features, but I've never had either so I am not sure if I need them. I am always carrying ham radio gear with me so I have to be a bit mindful of the extra bulk, but it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. I'm suffering analysis paralysis!
I'll do my best to help you out.
1st, if you're a ham radio operator, you're good with high tech, so the 67i wouldn't be to much for you.
2nd, do you really need an all-in-one device like the 67i or do you like the convenience of using your larger phone, paired with the Mini 2, so it's easier to see maps, weather and 2-way message, like you would if you were texting?
3rd, this is a real personal decision and we may think completely different, however, the most important thing is to be able to use SOS and 2-way message when you're in trouble, plus MapShare so your friends and family can see where you're at, which will help your wife to relax when she can see where you're at and that you're okay. Both the Mini 2 and the 67i will take care of this easily.
4th, is my gut reaction and recommendation. Unless you need the power of the 67i for navigation, I would lean more toward the Mini 2, as it is so small, you won't even realize it's on your pack, plus you have the convenience of using your smartphone, which I personally almost always like to use.
Lastly, did I say this is a personal decision? I would be happy to answer more questions and continue to help you with this decision, so let me know if I can help any more.
Rick
@@outdooremergencytech, @whippersnappercc I'm a ham and frequently hike backcountry areas for day hikes and SOA. I purchased the 67i yesterday and quickly set it up and have it working. It's another piece of mind for comms. We have a robust ham radio repeater system in SE AZ and is easy to contact someone when I am out of cell phone signal.
I have been getting several emails recently from other ham operators, and it's always been something I have been interested in.
Thanks for letting me know and don't hesitate to ask questions if you have any.
Rick
Picking up my 67i tomorrow, can’t wait. I had an old Delorme yellow 1st generation inreach and still have a Garmin 64st. The thing about using your cellphone is in sunlight the screen is nowhere near as readable as a Garmin screen. Decided on the 67i as it’s a fully functional gps and a satellite communication tool, and has what seems like great battery life. Thanks for your great review.
Glad to help. The 67i has become my favorite satellite communicator. Great choice.
Let me know if you have any questions when you get it or if there is anything you would like me to research in more detail.
Rick
Hey everyone I’d love some opinions. I already have the original mini and I plan on doing a 2 day trip on horse back with my family and won’t have much cell phone reception. Would you think the original mini would be fine or should I just buy the fancy 67i. Safety is top priority in case we needed help. Just trying to figure out what to do. Thanks for any advice.
The Garmin inReach Mini will be just fine, and you still have the ability to sync with your smartphone so you can message everyone with convenience, plus see your trail and TracBack on your phone.
The Mini 2 is better and has more information displayed on the screen as far as seeing your course and tracks, plus there is more information displayed when using the TracBack feature, but you would be find with the Mini.
I would only go with the 67i if you want the larger screen with the ability to see topo maps and satellite imagery on the device itself and if you really want the all-in-one device.
The 67i is my favorite satellite communicator but I have both the Mini and Mini 2, but you will do well with the Mini, unless you really want some of the new features or want the all-in-one device.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Rick
@@outdooremergencytech thank you so much for your feedback.
Great video. I've been waiting patiently for a sale and finally REI has $100 off Mini 2 and $100 off 67i. Sale ends November 27th.
Sounds like a good deal. Let me know if you end up getting one of these.
Rick
It’s on sale on Garmin as well. $100 off
Perfect! Thanks for the heads up.
Rick
Which would you say is more ideal for snowboarding? Especially back country.
Ty.
Personally, I would go with the 67i because in cold conditions with a lot of snow, I don't want to rely on my cell phone for many of the features that are improved with the Mini 2 when it is synced.
Plus, the buttons and larger screen on the 67i make it easier to send messages, which is more important with gloves and cold conditions.
I hope that helps. Let me me know if you have any other questions.
Rick
@@outdooremergencytech no, it helps a lot, and I appreciate you. I was on the rope between the in-reach 2 mini or GPS 67i for snowboarding conditions. Now, I just need to find which of the clips, you are using, to attach it to a bag strap.
How durable is the GPS 67i? Do you think it can handle some abuse if I caught an edge? I am planning to take it with me. I going pow-surfing in Japan this coming New Years, 2025. I wanted to purchase one of the two units for safety, tracking, and God forbid if that Mega-Earthquake occurs after New Years day. I plan to have it on me at all times, charge it when i sleep, and I am going to pay for the annual contract with the consumer expedition plan.
Thanks again!
Sounds like fun and it's nice to know you're going to be prepared.
I use the Garmin Backpack Tether. Here is a link below if you would like to purchase it.
Garmin Backpack Tether: amzn.to/3Z8i5Bo
I have four of them and it's the only way I use them. I have tried others and nothing compares to how good they are and how convenient they are.
My one concern would be in rugged conditions like you're going to be in. I would consider having the 67i attached on an exterior strap under normal conditions, but when I jumped off that helicopter, or over the cliff, I would recommend having the 67i inside a jacked pocket. Then if I needed it, I could take it out to hit the SOS button or communicate with someone.
It would be great to have it on an external strap so it would be constantly tracking your location if you were sharing it with family or friends. This could be a critical decision for you so I would play around with it and see what you like the best and what makes sense in your extreme conditions.
Another idea is to contact Garmin directly and see what they recommend.
Let me know if you have any other questions or what you decide to do.
Rick
I'm saving up for a Garmin GPSMAP 67i
Good choice. They're both good, but the 67i is now my go-to satellite communicator. Also, don't be tempted with the older 66i. It has a bad battery and the 67i has better maps and a faster processor.
Rick
So it does have a beacon that would work good for like snowmachining if you get buried in an avalanche?
That may be a better question for Garmin but I don't think it works if buried under snow. You must have a clear view of the sky to send and receive tracks and messages. If I said beacon, I meant a strobe that is visible from miles away.
Rick
Thanks!
You need an actual avy beacon, like ortovox, for that. These are for navigating, communication, and search, and rescue.
@@outdooremergencytech: I'm trying to figure out which device to go with, for backcountry Snowmobiling, in the mountains. I keep my phone in my handlebar bag, off, to save battery, and sometimes when I turn it on it'll have lost most of the battery, just from the cold. Which device is a better cold weather, stand alone, with gloves, to use. Also mounts to handlebar, or guage cluster/dash, to keep away from my on body Avy beacon, in case of avalanche? Oh, and are they durable enough, to handle a sled roll over, in soft snow? Cuz we do that allot!
I know a lot about satellite messengers but I also know when to keep my mouth shut and recommend you talk to Garmin directly about this.
I have used my GPSMAP 67i and my Mini 2 in a lot of extreme cold weather here in Colorado and they hold up really well, including the battery.
If I were going to take a shot at this, I would give you the same advice I would give to someone on ATVs and that is to take a hard look at the Garmin Montana 700i or 750i, however, due to the snowmobiling sport you're in and that I have not been a part of, I really would reach out to Garmin.
I would like to help more, but as I said at the start of this, sometimes I know when to stay silent.
Rick
I see why you're so enthusiastic about the 67i. It costs about $200 more, but the features are worth more than that for most users. One of the best is that it reduces dependence on a smartphone whose battery may be kaput.
You're exactly right. The cell phone is convenient, but not when you can't use it due to the battery or some other tech reason.
Rick
Hey Rick - if I already have a Fenix 7 watch that I use for navigation, do you think getting the 67i would be an overkill? Main reason for getting one of these is the messaging and SOS, wondering if the navigation on the 67i is worth it if I already have a Fenix? Thanks!
Well, I have both and I originally thought I wouldn't need the 67i, but after using it extensively, it has become my favorite satellite communicator.
The navigation and course creation features on the 67i are incredible.
If you have a way to navigate, then you can get away with using something like the Garmin Messenger for SOS and messaging.
I prefer to use the Mini 2 or the 67i, along with my watch, plus you can set up your watch to trigger an SOS if you were separated from your pack and you satellite communicator is attached to it.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Rick
Love to see a battery test 67i vs mini 2
I have created multiple videos testing the battery on both the 67i and the Mini 2. You can see the GPSMAP 67i Battery Tests here th-cam.com/play/PLinHuRHy8OYcd_GBs-P4sBQW4_wnK6WZ7.html, and the Mini 2 Battery Tests here th-cam.com/play/PLinHuRHy8OYfS227ns2HoSiMHYJC26uuT.html.
I'll add this to my list to do a side by side comparison video on the battery life. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Rick
@@outdooremergencytech awesome watching them now. thanks for the time you do in them. was the inreach active in all the test?
There were a few tests where I had the devices just sitting in the window, then someone mentioned that I should run the tests while moving, either hiking or driving, so some of my later tests were run while moving.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Rick
Excellent video mate, thanks for the informative review. Being less reliant on your phone is good, I think the 67i in the device for me.
I completely agree. Thanks for the thumbs up.
Rick
I need a video on trapping with gps and marking traps and waypoints and making trails to them
I could have up to 150 traps on small farm
You need to create waypoints. It's easy to do and you can see a video on waypoints here for the Garmin inReach Mini 2. th-cam.com/video/v76S1izjyUs/w-d-xo.html
I don't have a video on creating waypoints for the Garmin GPSMAP 67i but I can create that if you need it. Let me know.
Rick
@hikingemergencybeacon OK one more question, will the alpha 300 do everything the 67i will do plus track dogs. I'm trying to figure out what to get.
I think the 67i is slightly more powerful and capable, but yes, the Alpha 300i does everything important that the 67i does, and it will track your dogs.
Here is the field test I created on the 200i, which is very similar to the 300i. th-cam.com/video/NBU3910Nzpo/w-d-xo.html
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Rick
The inreach mini 2 has a far better battery than the 67i.
I agree, but the 67i's battery life isn't bad for all that it offers.
Rick
Pretty pointless to have precipitation radar that needs cell connectivity.
Yep. Hopefully Garmin will come up with a fix on this one, because I can get that information faster on my cell phone.
Rick