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First Look: Garmin GPSMAP 66i

Two powerful technologies come together in a new backcountry tool
Ebony Roberts|

Today, Garmin announced the launch of its GPSMAP 66i, a first-of-its-kind backcountry tool that bundles high-detail mapping and navigation with two-way satellite communication in a single handheld device.

With the GPSMAP 66i, you can send and receive messages through the Iridium® satellite network; trigger an interactive SOS; track and share your location; navigate with highly detailed, preloaded TOPO maps; and download BirdsEye Satellite Imagery directly to the device. You can also create new tracks, drop waypoints, receive updated weather forecasts, and calculate road and trail mileages. Whether you’re a professional guide or you frequently travel out of cell phone range (hiking, skiing, mountain biking, geocaching or kayaking), the GPSMAP 66i offers greater peace of mind for anyone adventuring outdoors.

A detail shot of the Garmin GPSMAP 66i home screen

The GPSMAP 66i combines high-detail GPS mapping and inReach satellite messaging capabilities, allowing you to communicate with loved ones as you navigate the backcountry.

  • Weight: 8.5 ounces
  • Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches
  • Display: 3-inch, sunlight-readable color display

inReach technology offers two-way satellite communication with global coverage.

The GPSMAP 66i operates on the Iridium satellite network for the best coverage available. It allows you to send and receive text messages and emails around the world—in theory, it’d even work if you were sailing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean or trekking to the top of Mount Everest. (Note: Some locations regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. Know and follow all applicable laws in the place where you’re traveling.)

Like other Garmin inReach devices, the GPSMAP 66i can talk to cell phones, email addresses and other inReach devices. It uses a similar keyboard to the one found on the Garmin inReach Explorer+ satellite messenger, with auto-suggest and auto-complete word options that make communicating easier and faster. (This is an improvement over models like the GPSMAP 64, GPSMAP 66s and GPSMAP 66st, which don’t use shortcuts for entering long text strings.) The GPSMAP 66i also allows for customizable, preset texts, and can also automatically ping or send preloaded messages at preset intervals—so you can let family and friends know you’re okay. Here, you can see what it looks like to receive an incoming message while accessing a topographic map:

A detail shot of 2-way messaging combined with high-detail maps on the new Garmin GPSMAP 66i

Much like texting, communication happens in near-real time. If you’re back-and-forth messaging, texts will come in immediately. If you go idle, the device will back off and stop checking for responses to save power (if operating in default mode, it will check for new messages every 10 minutes). The GPSMAP 66i is also Bluetooth-enabled, so you can pair it with your smartphone and use the Garmin Explore app to read and compose messages. (The app also lets you pair your inReach with your mobile device’s contact list to make communication even easier.)

High-detail tracking lets loved ones know where you are.

The GPSMAP 66i has live location tracking, so every 10 minutes your location is sent to the MapShare tracking page, where friends and family can follow your adventures, ping you, and send messages in near real time. (You can embed your MapShare page on your social media accounts or website.) Like most features on the GPSMAP 66i, you can customize the tracking settings to suit your needs, so if you’d like longer intervals to conserve battery life, you can use Expedition mode and and choose a LiveTrack interval that’s appropriate for your activity, for example.

Trigger an interactive SOS with the push of a button. 

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, the Garmin GPSMAP 66i allows you to use the Iridium satellite network to trigger an SOS to GEOS, a 24-7 emergency monitoring-and-response center. Someone will respond to your message, track your device and dispatch local search and rescue to your exact location. You’ll be able to text with emergency-response personnel and receive confirmation that help is on the way with real-time updates while you wait. (Once you’ve deployed an SOS, the device cannot be turned off unless the SOS is canceled, but the GPSMAP 66i will activate power-saving controls in order to maintain battery life for as long as possible.)

Get the most out of top-notch mapping and navigation.

A detail shot of the satellite imagery on the Garmin GPSMAP 66i

High-resolution color satellite imagery makes finding trailheads and campsites easier.

The GPSMAP 66i comes preloaded with TOPO maps of the U.S. and Canada, which are similar in resolution to the maps on the inReach Explorer+ (other inReach devices don’t come with any). With a microSD card, you can load the device with additional maps for flexibility. (The GPSMAP 66i comes with 16GB of built-in memory.) You can also download high-resolution BirdsEye aerial imagery directly to the device using the built-in Wi-Fi, with no subscription required (the earlier GPSMAP 64 came with a free 1-year  subscription for this feature).

The GPSMAP 66i lets you calculate precise road and trail routes, as well as leave a breadcrumb trail (which would allow you to safely navigate back the way you came). Use the Garmin Explore website and app as a companion to help you manage waypoints, routes and activities, review trip data from the field, and sync info across devices.

Save battery by adjusting performance. 

The Garmin GPSMAP 66i uses a rechargeable internal lithium-ion battery and comes with a standard micro-USB charging cable. In the default setting, battery life tops out at 35 hours with 10-minute tracking, but you can extend battery life to up to 200 hours with 30-minute tracking by switching to Expedition mode. In this mode, Bluetooth is disabled and the level of map detail is reduced (from 1-second tracking to 1-minute tracking in default mode). Users of the Garmin inReach Explorer+ will notice that the battery life of the GPSMAP 66i is significantly shorter than the inReach series, but that’s due largely to the detailed tracks and more frequent location-sharing intervals.

When the battery is low, there are several points when the device notifies you with warnings and active steps to help maximize the length of time the device can remain powered on.

Other cool features and navigation aids:

  • Equipped with ANT+ wireless technology, the device pairs with Garmin-compatible devices (like the Garmin Fenix 5 series watches or the Forerunner 935 GPS watch), from which you can send and receive inReach messages, or even trigger an SOS.

Active weather forecasts and maps let you see the weather where you are on the new Garmin GPSMAP 66i

  • Maps for temperature, precipitation (see image above), wind and clouds; basic, premium and premium marine satellite weather forecasts provided via inReach capabilities (rates depend on your subscription plan)
  • Sun and moon feature for sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset information based on your positioning
  • Built-in navigation sensors like an electronic compass, a barometric altimeter and an accelerometer
  • Multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) support and navigation sensors
  • LED flashlight and SOS beacon
  • Photo-viewing ability via a microSD card
  • 250,000 preloaded geocaches (and the ability to download even more)
  • Ability to post updates to social media through the Explore website and app
  • Shock- and impact-resistant
  • Water-resistant up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes

Size and Weight

Users of Garmin’s GPSMAP 66s, GPSMAP 66st, and inReach Explorer+ won’t notice a significant difference when comparing the weight and dimensions of the GPSMAP 66i, which is roughly the same size at 6.4 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches, and just a hair heavier at 8.5 ounces (compared to the 8.1 ounces of the 66s and 66st and 7.5 ounces for the Explorer+). For all its functionality, the GPSMAP 66i, isn’t cumbersome to hold, and the interface is straightforward to operate. The GPSMAP 66i stows easily inside a backpack, and since it’s weather resistant, you can hang it from your pack or body, allowing quick access it without getting in the way.

The Garmin GPSMAP 66i beside a smartphone for size comparison.

At 6.4 inches tall, the Garmin GPSMAP 66i is comparable in size with most smartphones.

Accessing the Iridium satellite network requires a data plan.

In order to take full advantage of the device’s inReach capabilities—in particular, two-way messaging, interactive SOS, live tracking and location sharing, as well as satellite weather updates—an active satellite subscription is required. Garmin offers a number of options to suit most users. Choose between the monthly Freedom Plan, which allows you to press pause on your subscription in between adventures, or the Annual Plan, best suited to those who require year-round satellite access.

SAFETY RECREATION EXPEDITION EXTREME
SOS Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Text messages* 10 40 Unlimited Unlimited
Preset messages Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Tracking intervals 10 minutes + 10 minutes + 10 minutes + 2 minutes +
Tracking points $0.10 each Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Location pings $0.10 each Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Basic weather 1 text message each 1 text message each Unlimited Unlimited
Premium weather $1.00 each $1.00 each $1.00 each $1.00 each
Premium marine weather $1.00 each $1.00 each $1.00 each $1.00 each

MONTHLY CHARGES
ANNUAL CONTRACT $11.95/mo. $24.95/mo. $49.95/mo. $79.95/mo.
FREEDOM PLAN $14.95/mo. $34.95/mo. $64.95/mo. $99.95/mo.

*Limited to 160 characters

Tiers within both plans range from the basic Safety level to Recreation, Expedition and Extreme. Plans are billed monthly and subject to an activation fee (one-time $19.95 for the Annual Plan; $24.95 annually for the Freedom Plan). Without a subscription plan, you’ll still be able to use all the mapping and navigation functionality of the GPSMAP 66i, but you won’t be able to communicate.

The Garmin GPSMAP 66i is available exclusively at REI, now through July 6, 2019.

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Ebony Roberts

Ebony Roberts is a freelance writer and editor covering the outdoors, travel and the environment. As a gear reviewer, she’s hiked, camped, paddled and more to find the best stuff to help people get outside. Now, with a toddler in tow, she still does all that—only slower. When not crafting stories about life outdoors, she’s looking for the next adventure, whether exploring trails with her family in their home base of Squamish, British Columbia, or planning her next Tofino camping trip. REI member since 2019.

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25 Comments

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  1. Dan

    Please elaborate on the battery question. You say “largely to the detailed tracks and more frequent location-sharing intervals.” But surely you can adjust the intervals? Just as you have always been able to do with InReach devices? Or are you saying there are now different minimum rates of tracking? Because that would also affect spending on some of the data plans, too.

    Reply
  2. Leifur

    I have quite a few Garmin receivers including an inReach Explorer, an eTrex 30, a Montana 650, GPSMap 64 and a GPSMap 66s. This new device would be absolutely GREAT if it supported replaceable AA batteries (I usually go on week+ treks carrying lots of batteries) – limited to an internal battery it’s useless as far as I am concerned. When you are outside phone range, what’s the likelihood you can charge your receivers (I carry 2 or 3 for redundancy)? The fall-back mode is a non-starter, I track at 5-second intervals ALWAYS – I don’t mind carrying the batteries that make this possible (basically a new set for each morning).

    Reply
    • Perry

      You can buy various battery, solar or kinetic charging devices these days. A solar DC to DC charge is very efficient and would likely take less than an hour of sun. I suggest cutting back on the disposable battery use; they are not cost effective and leave a huge environmental footprint.

      Reply
    • Anders

      Why not just carry a small powerbank?? they are more weight effective than carrying 2 devices like you are and are much more environmentally friendly.

      Is it really necessary to track at 5 second intervals? How far can you actually walk in 5 seconds? maybe about 6 meters, the accuracy of the device in perfect conditions is only rated to 3 meters. Basically you are wasting your battery there. I use my device on unmarked trails and have never had an issue with tracking back should I have to.

      Reply
    • Adam

      you carry two or three devices for redundancy, but can’t carry a USB battery pack instead? Ok. I’d rather carry a battery pack that can charge my phone, my gps, and my headlamp instead of a handful of batteries that are destined for the landfill.

      Reply
      • Enrico

        Adam, it’s a different point of view. If you do bikepacking events (eg in Europe tuscany trail, Carso Trail, Highlands 550, etc) you ride all day, sleep in the wild in your tent, hammock or bivy and stop at villages/towns to buy food and NEW BATTERIES for the gps. You don’t have time to recharge a usb battery pack (or you don’t want to add time to recharge an extra pack for the gps) I guess it is more or less the same if you do backpacking trails.

        Reply
        • Subhro

          I agree with folk suggesting a solar charged power bank. Can do the same while bikepacking. Just strap it to your bike and let it soak all the energy to recharge 🙂 No need to wait 😉 Plus it’s environment friends and long run less cost.

          Reply
  3. Norris

    I need a more detailed discussion of the differences between this new device and the inReach Explorer+. Is this device like a 64s or 66st with satellite messaging added? I used a 64s for years and became very familiar with the mapping and navigation features. Then I bought the inReach Explorer+. While I like the satellite messaging features of the inReach, I have never liked the device as much as my old 64s as a mapping GPS. Is this new 66i more like a 64s or 66st from a mapping and navigation standpoint, but with the acquired inReach satellite messaging technology added? In other words, is this what I should have waited for before buying the inReach Explorer+?

    Reply
  4. Lee

    If Garmin is charging me per track point and location ping, how much is it charging advertisers for that personal and competitive information? Pass.

    Reply
  5. Marcelo

    I like the USB rechargeable like my camera and tablet
    , perhaps they can sell an extra battery. How much is this beast ? Let me guess, 699 ?

    Reply
  6. Ron

    Companies need to come clean with what they do with data collected, especially if they are going to charge for me to use the device! Nice device, but I’m not willing to give up more privacy. Pass.

    Reply
  7. Jay Gourley

    This looks like what I’ve wanted for 10 years. A half-pound, power-stingy, rugged handheld that navigates as well as any Garmin receiver and communicates as well as any InReach communicator. It’s less than one-fourth the weight of the equipment it replaces in my pack on multi-week hikes. And it needs less user attention than separate devices.

    I don’t see any exaggeration in Ebony’s review. In one important way she even underrates. She says to use the Explore web site to manage navigation data. She’s right, you can do that. But in addition, there’s a more versatile way for most people. And it’s a feature unavailable on any other InReach communication device. Namely, when you attach the 66i to a Windows computer (and I think the same is true of a Mac), the device is recognized as a storage device. Garmin Basecamp also sees the device as a regular Garmin GPS receiver. So you don’t need an Internet connection to manage navigation dats on hte 66i. In my opinion, that’s an important feature worthy of consideration if you ever end up going some place you didn’t plan on when you left home. And Basecamp is a much more powerful and slightly more intuitive tool for managing nav data than is the Map tab of the Explore web site. From Basecamp you can drag and drop whatever you want to or from the 66i. I’ve done it. It’s seamless. You don’t have to define special filters just to transfer a track or a waypoint (as with the Explore web site). And no Internet is needed.

    Reply
    • Scott

      Hi there. I have a question. I currently own the Garmin Explorer +. I enjoy using it but I’m looking at upgrading to the 66i for the advanced GPS and mapping functionality. Currently I have the Explorer+ paired with the earthmate app on my iPhone and I use the app the compose and read my InReach messages. Before I commit to purchasing the 66i I want to make sure that I will be able to use this same functionality on the new device. Can someone confirm ability to compose & send and view messages from an iOS app to a 66i. I don’t see any mention of the earthmate app when reading through the 66i material. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Ray in Oregon

        In last week’s webinar on the 66i the presenter said that the 66i uses the Garmin Explore app not the Earthmate. He said that the 66i uses a different Bluetooth technology than the InReach Explorers. Yes, you’ll be able to pair the 66i with your smart phone/tablet. Check out the demo of the Garmin Explorer App. (I have the InReach Explorer+ so I was thinking along the same lines as you)

        Reply
  8. Bill

    Li-ion batteries are smaller and lighter than having a AA battery compartment with 2 AA batteries in it. Also, li-ion batteries are more capable to hold full voltage when partially discharged as would be required when transmitting to a satellite. With AA batteries, the designer may be forced to require at least 4 AA batteries and that would add a few ounces to this unit. Same is true with cell phones, AA batteries that are not fresh out of the box would not allow the transmitter to work. With this unit on long backpacking trips, you could carry a 10,000mah $20 li-ion power box that is made to charge cell phones. If this unit can be charged through a USB port, it should work. 10,000mah should recharge this device up to about 3 full deep cycle times. Or get a 30,000mah for $40 and get to recharge from empty to full 9 times. If a device can be charged through a USB port, then one of these small bricks will most likely work for recharging when camping or backpacking and no electricity is available.

    Reply
  9. Mike O

    Does the GPSMAP 66i use the GLONASS satellites for position fixing? I do not see reference to GLONASS in the user manual. This could be a dealbreaker for me, as GLONASS significantly improves position in NWT and Alaska.

    Reply
  10. Timothy Emery

    The 66i is absolute trash. Do NOT buy It. Spent two hours trying to download a map onto the 66i from my laptop, but the 66i powers down when it’s plugged in, so the laptop can’t see that the 66i is connected. Such poor engineering.

    Reply
  11. Lily

    Bought the 66i October 5, 2019 from REI, setup and activated the Inreach service. Was able to use it on a few trips and realized I needed an easier way to download maps that were usefull on the trail…the topo maps do not show common trails.
    October 16th – Bought Huntview Maps Plus Download. Tried unsuccessfully to download the Huntview maps for several days, and realized somehow Garmin Express deleted the topo maps. Contacted October 18th – Contacted Garmin CS and spoke to a very pleasant and knowledgeable CS Rep who helped troubleshoot and since I had a trip planned he offered to send the Huntview maps plus SD card and set up a replacement 66i to be sent to me and should arrive the following week, with the SD card or separately.
    October 23rd – I received the Huntview Map SD and did not receive the replacement Garmin. And realized I had not received an email confirming the 66i shipment. I reread the email confirming the replacement order… I trusted what the CS said and did not realize I had to send mine back first. I sent my 66i back October 23 the same day I received the Huntview Maps Plus SD card. So I have the map program and no 66i to take on my trip.
    October 28th – I called Garmin CS to check to see if they received my Garmin…I was told its probably sitting on the dock waiting to be checked in and it can take a few days before its entered into the system. Most businesses give you a refund or send a replacement when they receive UPS notification you dropped off the item to be shipped back…not Garmin.
    October 30th – I receive an email acknowledgement that Garmin received my 66i and my replacement is on its way.
    November 2nd – Checked the tracking number, the replacement Garmin was not shipped until November 1st and won’t arrive until November 5th. As excited as I was to speak to a great Garmin CS Rep there are some Garmin communication and logistic issues. As a customer who bought their product in good faith, I don’t think I should be without my Garmin 66i for at least 18 days waiting for a replacement especially since I lost out on 18 days of Inreach service. I like the 66i…I’ll have to see how Huntview Maps Plus works for me before I decide to keep it or return it.

    Reply
    • h.cirilo

      Wonder if anybody are happy with Delorme maps and the functionality (earthmate)of into the Garmin explorer Plus versus the Garmin 66i and its topo maps and its Gamin Explorer ?
      want to upgrade because of the screen size. why the garmin explorer is still a good product if it was a prototype to lunch a Delorme maps and not upgrade it?

      Reply
    • Aman Jha

      The 66i is absolute trash. Do NOT buy It. Spent two hours trying to download a map onto the 66i from my laptop, but the 66i powers down when it’s plugged in, so the laptop can’t see that the 66i is connected. Such poor engineering. RBI Grade B 2021

      Reply
  13. Jonas Tegenfeldt

    Note that the term message also includes the address field, which is not how the word is commonly understood. Therefore, for the GPSMAPS66i, your actual message never reaches 160 characters and may be much shorter than the maximum 160 characters if you send to multiple recipients or to long email addresses. This was implemented during 2020 as far as I understand. Before that, you could send messages where the actual message was up to 160 characters. Read about the character limit here:
    https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=9bB68XG1Gp3UKBySUjCN08

    Reply