by James Picksley » Wed May 11, 2022 3:01 pm
I've got a 66i.
In reply to the previous message, I don't think the 64 does the tracking/SOS/messaging functionality that the
InReach and 66i both do. If you want that functionality then from a Garmin point of view I think it has to be one of those two. I don't know what else is out there that offer that level of functionality.
I like the 66i. I got it as I also do a lot of solo walking and I think the tracking functionality is useful. You can set it off tracking at the beginning of a walk and then just leave it alone for the rest of the walk if you want no interaction with it. I just use the basic subscription but I know that you can change subscriptions easily if you so choose (check the Garmin website for plans). I went for the 66i over the InReach as I wanted decent redundancy on the map/compass/altimeter/etc point of view and I wasn't worried about weight. I don't notice the weight at all. I don't use it as my primary navigational tool. I have tried it but, for reasons I won't bore you with, I didn't like it. I think that is more to do with me than the 66i as my reasons are nothing to do with the 66i specifically but using a GPS in general and I would do the same with whatever GPS I had. There's an argument to say that I'm not using the GPS as it should be used, i.e. for actual navigation (if you can call what you do with a GPS in this context actual navigation) and I suspect the place I bought it from would say this, but I had very specific reasons for buying it and it fits those reasons.
I've found it pretty easy to setup, link into my laptop and Garmin Basecamp and to use and now that it's setup I do very little with it on an ongoing basis (recharging, transferring routes to Basecamp, removing routes off it occasionally). I never plan routes on Basecamp and then load them onto it as I don't use it that way but that's pretty easy to do (I did it once to see).
It's given my partner a lot of peace of mind and that in itself makes it worthwhile.
Yes, it is expensive especially if you get a bundle of 1:50k OS maps with it but I think it's worth the money. Whether it is too expensive for you only you can answer.