Garmin GPSMAP 66i

Overview

Includes free Gold Support Package

- GPS Training review on the Garmin GPSMAP 66i - the expert's view -

The Garmin GPSMAP 66i is the top-end buttoned four-season GPS unit from Garmin, with built-in two-way satellite communication built-in (Garmin inReach).

I am going to say I am biased a bit here, as this is the unit I use, click on the video tab above and let me take you on a walk and talk with my Garmin GPSMAP 66i.

The built-in battery gives a stunning 35 hours of power and with the built-in Topo Active mapping (click on FAQ's tab to see map options) you have built-in mapping if you choose to head overseas.

If using in the UK please make sure your purchase the Ordnance Survey mapping alongside your unit and you have one device covering your two main needs, navigation and communication.

A great piece of kit!

Overview of Garmin GPSMAP 66i

 Precise navigation meets global communication in the rugged GPSMAP® 66i. Using inReach technology, the button-operated GPS handheld and satellite communicator1 lets you trigger an interactive SOS to GEOS and enables two-way messaging and location tracking via the 100% global Iridium® satellite network.

Navigate confidently with preloaded Garmin TOPO mapping, direct-to-device BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads, multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) support, navigation sensors, and LiveTrack capabilities. Wireless connectivity lets you access Active Weather forecasts and Geocaching Live right on your device.

With a satellite subscription, you can get basic weather updates offline. Pair with the Garmin Explore™ website and app to help you plan trips and manage routes, collections and waypoints, use tracks and review trip data from the field.

During extended activities, turn on Expedition mode for up to 200 hours of battery life in 30-minute tracking mode.

- Rugged GPS handheld and inReach satellite communicator with Garmin TopoActive Europe mapping

- Large 3" sunlight-readable colour display for easy viewing

- Trigger an interactive SOS to the GEOS 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center; two-way messaging via the 100% global Iridium® satellite network (satellite subscription required)

- Preloaded Garmin TopoActive Europe mapping (See FAQ's tab) with direct-to-device BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads (no annual subscription); includes multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) support and navigation sensors

- Cellular connectivity lets you access Active Weather forecasts and Geocaching Live

- Compatible with the Garmin Explore™ website and app to help you manage waypoints, routes, activities and collections, use tracks and review trip data from the field.

- Precise navigation meets global communication in the rugged GPSMAP® 66i. Using inReach® technology, the button-operated GPS handheld and satellite communicator1 lets you trigger an interactive SOS to GEOS and enables two-way messaging and location tracking via the 100% global Iridium® satellite network.

N.B. InReach subscription required for Satellite messaging & SOS function, please see our FAQ's tab.

----- ONLY AVAILABLE WHEN YOU PURCHASE YOUR GPS FROM GPS TRAINING -----

PLUS - We don't just sell you a box with a GPS unit in. In with the price we teach you how to use it via our online training course (online resource), give you free factsheets and training manuals (in with your unit) and are only ever an email or telephone call away if you ever need any help.

PLUS - All GPS units are kept in stock and are sent out Royal Mail Special Delivery, so it will be with you the next working day.

PLUS - We also will take your old GPS as a trade-in, to get a value for your GPS unit please click here.

Buy and Learn from the experts - GPS Training.

With this GPS purchase, you get our 'gold' support package for 1 year at no extra cost (see below) - worth £145.00

Features

Built for Tough Treks

The sturdy, button-operated GPSMAP 66i features a large 3" colour display you can see even in bright sunlight. If you're out in the field for long stretches of time, you can turn on Expedition mode and get up to 200 hours of battery life while using inReach technology. In the default tracking mode, you get up to 35 hours of battery life, and your device will save your location every 10 minutes.

inReach Satellite Communication

Staying in touch is vital, even on less challenging trips. Using inReach technology (subscription required), this handheld lets you trigger an SOS to the GEOS 24/7 emergency response team for interactive support in an emergency. It also enables two-way messaging and LiveTrack location sharing via the 100% global Iridium satellite network, so you can stay in contact with loved ones, teammates, headquarters and more.

Navigate With Confidence

GPSMAP 66i is fitted with the best in Garmin navigation. Preloaded Garmin TopoActive Europe mapping provides detailed views of topographic elevations, summits, parks, coastlines, rivers, lakes and geographical points. Direct-to-device downloads of BirdsEye Satellite Imagery provide high-resolution photo-realistic views of your route, trailheads, clearings and more — without an annual subscription. Support for multi-GNSS combined with altimeter, barometer and compass navigation sensors lets you track and navigate in challenging environments.

Weather Anywhere

Wireless cellular connectivity lets you access Active Weather for up-to-date forecasts, including predictive maps for temperature, wind, precipitation and clouds — right on the handheld when connected to Garmin Connect Mobile.

Pair with Your Mobile Device

The free Garmin Explore mobile app lets you plan, review and sync data, including waypoints, routes, activities and collections. Review completed activities while still in the field, even when you're off the grid. The app also lets you sync your GPSMAP 66i with your compatible mobile device so you can access unlimited maps, aerial imagery and U.S. NOAA charts. You can even use all of the inReach features on your paired mobile device. For easier messaging, you can access your phone's contact list from the Garmin Explore app to connect with fewer keystrokes. Plan for future trips and review previous activities from the Garmin Explore website. 

Specs

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS	6.6 x 16.3 x 3.5 cm
DISPLAY SIZE	3.8 x 6.3 cm; 3" diag (7.6 cm)
DISPLAY RESOLUTION	240 x 400 pixels
DISPLAY TYPE	Transflective colour TFT
WEIGHT	241 g
BATTERY	Rechargeable lithium-ion
BATTERY LIFE	Up to 35 hours at 10-minute tracking; up to 200 hours at 30-minute tracking (power save mode)
WATER RATING	IPX7
MEMORY/HISTORY	16GB
HIGH-SENSITIVITY RECEIVER
INTERFACE	High-speed USB and NMEA 0183 compatible

Maps & memory
PRELOADED MAPS	Yes (topographic)
ABILITY TO ADD MAPS
BASEMAP
STORAGE AND POWER CAPACITY	microSD™ card (not included)
WAYPOINTS/FAVOURITES/LOCATIONS	10,000
ROUTES	250
TRACK LOG	20,000 points, 250 saved gpx tracks, 300 saved fit archives

Sensors
BAROMETRIC ALTIMETER
COMPASS	Yes (tilt-compensated 3-axis)

Outdoor recreation features
AREA CALCULATION
AUTOMATIC ROUTING (TURN BY TURN ROUTING ON ROADS)
GEOCACHING-FRIENDLY	Yes (paperless)
CUSTOM MAPS COMPATIBLE
HUNT/FISH CALENDAR
SUN AND MOON INFORMATION
PICTURE VIEWER

Garmin Connect™
GARMIN CONNECT™ COMPATIBLE (ONLINE COMMUNITY WHERE YOU ANALYSE, CATEGORISE AND SHARE DATA)

Additional

ADDITIONAL

Trigger an interactive SOS with 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center: Yes Send and receive text messages to SMS and email: Yes Send and receive messages with other inReach® users, exchange locations: Yes Track and share location with friends and family on web-based MapShare® portal: Yes Virtual keyboard for custom text messaging: Yes Garmin Explore™ compatible: Yes Garmin Connect™ IQ compatible: Yes Wireless compatible: Yes (Wi-Fi®, BLUETOOTH® and ANT+®) Map segments: 15,000 Active weather: Yes Request weather forecasts for current location and planned destination: Yes Smart Notifications: Yes Live Tracking: Yes (with Garmin Explore) BirdsEye direct to device: Yes (no annual subscription required) MIL STD 810G ruggedness for thermal, shock and water performance RINEX Logging: Yes

 In the box

In the Box

 - GPSMAP 66i

 - Access to Birdseye Satellite Imagery

 - Charging/data cable

 - Carabiner clip

 - Documentation

Only from GPS Training you also get in the box -

 - GPS Training getting started guide

 - Getting started with Garmin BaseCamp factsheet

 - Our 'gold' support package at no extra cost for 1 year - worth £145.00

Video

FAQ'S

1. How much are the service plans for Garmin inReach to work on the GPSMAP66i?

You can find these online here.

In the Video below we go through all of the inReach service plans:

2. When do I choose and activate my inReach service plan?

You do this online with Garmin as you register and set up your inReach Satellite Communicator.

3. Does the Garmin inReach work using mobile phone signal?

No, and communication (text messages and e-mail) is done using the global Iridium satellite coverage.

4. What are each of the map options available with Garmin GPSMAP 66i?
  

This unit has Topoactive mapping on the internal memory and so this option comes as standard with any option you purchase. (Eg, if you purchase TOPO Great Britain Pro 1:50k, you will also get Topoactive mapping on the internal memory)

– Garmin GPSMAP 66i with Western Europe TOPO ACTIVE Mapping

Garmin TOPO ACTIVE mapping is a proper digital map, as you zoom in you get more information and as you zoom out you get less. BUT, it is not an Ordnance Survey map, therefore it does not differentiate between Bridleways and Footpaths, it just marks them as paths. 

It covers 47 European countries, compiled using the community-generated OpenStreetMap (OSM) database. Coverage for: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia (Kaliningrad only), San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the Vatican City.


– Garmin GPSMAP 66i with TOPO Great Britain Pro 1:50k (2021 edition - most recent)

This is full GB at 1:50k mapping on a map card, which sits in the back of the GPS unit.

The TOPO PRO means that it is the latest map card from Garmin, giving you off road turn by turn routing within the National Parks, this means you can select a location many miles ahead and the GPS will route you via the footpaths to get to that location (like a car sat nav does).

Outside National Parks the GPS will navigate you in a straight line from waypoint to waypoint.

Don’t worry, here at the GPS Training we set the unit up for you so you can easily use these features and we even include a quick start guide so you can quickly get up and running with your GPS unit.

– Garmin GPSMAP 66i with TOPO Great Britain PRO 1:25k, 1:50k and 1:250k Ordnance Survey Map Card - latest edition

This is full GB at 1:25k, 1:50k and 1:250k mapping on a map card, which sits in the back of the GPS unit. As you zoom in and out you pass through each of these three map sets.

The TOPO PRO means that it is the latest map card from Garmin, giving you off-road turn by turn routing within the National Parks, this means you can select a location many miles ahead and the GPS will route you via the footpaths to get to that location (like a car sat nav does).

Outside National Parks, the GPS will navigate you in a straight line from waypoint to waypoint.

Don’t worry, here at the GPS Training we set the unit up for you so you can easily use these features and we even include a quick start guide so you can quickly get up and running with your GPS unit.

5. What battery charge options are available for the Garmin GPSMAP 66i?

You can see the battery options available for the Garmin GPSMAP 66i.

6. Can you change the replace the battery on the GPSMap66i?

7. Does the Garmin GPSMap 66i display a temperature reading ?
The Garmin GPSMap 66i will display a temperature reading if paired with the Garmin Tempe Sensor , you then change one of the data box fields to display temperature.

8. Does the inReach work in every country?

inReach devices operate on the Iridium satellite network, which provides 100% global coverage. However, some countries require prior permission for the authorized use of a satellite communication device and some countries have banned the use of satellite communications devices. In addition, United States embargoes prohibit providing satellite communications products and services in some countries.

The list below provides our best understanding of countries that may regulate or prohibit the use of a satellite communicator or are on a list of U.S. embargoed countries:

• Taliban controlled Afghanistan
• Crimea region of the Ukraine
• Cuba
• Georgia (SMS)
• India
• Iran
• North Korea
• Myanmar
• Sudan
• Syria
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• China
• Russia

Regulations and the list above may change without notice.