Garmin GPSMAP H1/ H1 Plus vs GPSMAP 67/ 67i – should you upgrade?
Garmin’s GPSMAP 67 and 67i have been our go‑to handhelds over the past couple of years. They’re rugged, reliable and offer long battery life with global multi‑GNSS support. With the launch of the Garmin GPSMAP H1 and Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus in September 2025, some customers are wondering whether it’s time to trade in their trusty 67 series.
Below we break down what’s new and offer our thoughts on whether the upgrade is worth it for different types of outdoor enthusiasts.
Bigger display and hybrid controls
The first thing you’ll notice is the size difference. The 67/67i feature a 3 inch transflective screen operated entirely by physical buttons. This old‑school interface is bomb‑proof in wet and cold conditions and helps preserve battery life. By contrast, the new H1/H1 Plus models have a 3.5 inch colour touchscreen paired with physical buttons. You can tap and swipe just like a smartphone or revert to buttons when you’re wearing gloves. The hybrid control scheme makes menu navigation faster and more intuitive, although the larger screen and touch panel do add a few grams – the H1 units weigh about 276 g compared with 230 g for the 67 series.
We like the bigger display for map detail and ease of use, especially when zooming in on satellite imagery. However, if you prefer the tactile certainty of buttons and can live with a smaller screen, the 67 series is still very usable.
Navigation and mapping enhancements
Under the bonnet, all four models offer multi‑band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou and IRNSS) for precise positioning even under dense canopy or in steep valleys. Both generations come pre‑loaded with TopoActive maps and allow you to download high‑resolution satellite imagery over Wi‑Fi. A subscription to Garmin’s Outdoor Maps+ service unlocks additional topographic layers and fresh water features.
Where the H1 units pull ahead is in memory. They have 64 GB of internal storage versus 16 GB on the 67/67i, and they accept micro‑SD cards up to 1 TB (the 67 series tops out at 32 GB). More memory means you can store detailed maps and more satellite imagery without juggling data.
Garmin has also added a few quality‑of‑life features on the H1, such as ascent planning, which shows upcoming climbs on your route, and easier integration with the Garmin Explore app for trip planning.
Communication and safety – what’s the difference between H1 and H1i Plus?
The biggest reason to consider an upgrade is communication. Here’s how the models stack up:
- GPSMAP 67 – A pure navigator. You get mapping, waypoints and track recording but no satellite messaging. You’ll need a paired smartphone for sharing location or messaging.
- GPSMAP 67i – Adds inReach satellite messaging. You can send and receive two‑way text messages, share your live location and trigger an SOS via the Iridium network. Battery life is slightly shorter (around 165 hours in 10‑minute tracking mode) but still impressive. The 67i remains one of the best all‑round handheld GPS/messaging devices on the market.
- GPSMAP H1 – Like the 67, this is a navigation‑only unit. There’s no messaging, but you do get more memory, a larger screen, hybrid controls and some handy safety tools – namely a bright LED flashlight and a loud siren built into the device. These extras can be lifesavers if you’re separated from your group or need to signal for help.
- GPSMAP H1i Plus – This model introduces inReach Plus. It does everything the 67i does and then some. Thanks to an integrated camera and microphone, you can send photos and voice memos along with text messages from deep in the hills. It also supports voice control, allowing you to set waypoints or request weather updates hands‑free. Off‑grid weather forecasts are available via satellite. Battery life is rated at about 145 hours in GPS mode – respectable, but shorter than the 67 series.
Our view on communications
If all you need is two‑way texting and an emergency SOS, the 67i remains the sweet spot. It’s lighter, lasts longer and costs significantly less than the new H1i Plus. The H1i Plus is aimed at expedition leaders and professionals who genuinely need to send visual or audio information from the field. For the average walker or climber, those extras may be nice to have but not essential.
Battery life and performance
Long battery life is one of the reasons many hikers prefer standalone GPS devices over smartphones. The 67 series shines here: the 67 offers up to 180 hours of run time in standard GPS mode and a staggering 840 hours in expedition mode. The 67i manages around 165 hours in 10‑minute tracking mode and 425 hours in expedition mode with messaging enabled.
The H1 and H1i Plus are more power‑hungry due to the larger touchscreen and advanced processor. Garmin rates them at 145 hours in GPS mode. That’s still plenty for multi‑day trips, especially if you carry a power bank, but it’s something to consider if you routinely venture off‑grid for weeks at a time.
Which one should you choose?
- For UK hillwalkers and general outdoor use: The GPSMAP 67 remains an excellent choice. It’s tough, light and has superb battery life. If you often go solo or want a backup communication channel when your phone has no signal, the 67i offers peace of mind at a reasonable premium.
Below - Walk and talk with Garmin GPSMAP67
- For professionals and serious adventurers: If you guide groups, work in remote areas or need the ability to share images and audio with colleagues, the Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus is a game‑changer. The integrated camera, voice memos and voice control can save time and deliver crucial information during emergencies. Just be prepared to pay for the privilege and carry a spare power bank.
- For those wanting the latest tech without messaging: The standard Garmin GPSMAP H1 gives you a bigger screen, more storage and handy tools like the siren and flashlight. It’s a good fit if you value ease of use and advanced mapping features but don’t require satellite messaging.
Final thoughts
Garmin’s new H1 series shows there’s still innovation to be found in handheld GPS devices. The larger display, hybrid controls and improved memory make navigation more pleasurable, while the H1i Plus pushes the boundaries of off‑grid communication. That said, the GPSMAP 67 and 67i are far from obsolete. Their robust build, outstanding battery life and (in the case of the 67i) reliable inReach messaging mean they still deserve a place in your kit bag.
In the end, your choice should reflect the adventures you undertake. For most UK walkers, the 67/67i will continue to serve admirably. If you need the absolute cutting edge of mapping and communication – and don’t mind the higher price – the Garmin H1i Plus is waiting for you.
Below - Garmin's in-depth walk-through of the new Garmin GPSMAP H1/ H1i plus
More info
1. Garmin GPSMAP 67
2. Garmin GPSMAP67i
3. Garmin GPSMAP H1
4. Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus