Navigation artifact Garmin GPSMAP 64st evaluation details

Garmin GPSMAP 64st is an easy-to-use handheld GPS system with detailed maps, reliable signals and durable batteries, suitable for avid hikers.

Although most people’s impression of Garmin is still in the past as a navigation artifact, the dedicated GPS has been enthusiastically sought after by enthusiastic hikers. GPSMAP 64st is such a device suitable for hikers because it is easy to use. Operational interface and long battery life.

Professional testers took Garmin GPSMAP 64st to the Pacific Northwest to test this powerful handheld device on the scenic hillside of Tualatin.

Design: more than just a return of functionality

GPSMAP 64st is 6 inches long and 2.4 inches wide. It weighs more than half a pound when fully charged. It is heavy and heavy, but it has the retro beauty of an old-fashioned walkie-talkie. GPSMAP 64st is ergonomic, with a rubber outer layer and non-slip texture, which is comfortable to hold. GPSMAP 64st is equipped with carabiner, which can be attached to the back pocket of backpack or trousers when not in use.

Garmin GPSMAP 64st is very suitable for outdoor use, IPX7 waterproof is suitable for rain and snow, and can even withstand immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

The keyboard is simple and easy to use, you can use the arrow keys and other buttons to operate the GPSMAP 64st.

Garmin's GPSMAP 64st sacrifices screen size to make room for the keyboard and buttons. The screen is only 1.43 inches x 2.15 inches, but it's good enough.

Setup process: a long process

Perhaps many people have used Garmin GPS. From the perspective of user experience, GPSMAP 64st is a nostalgic journey. It has almost the same platform as the classic Garmin GPS system, including iconic icons. Garmin adheres to the concept of "no damage, no repair ", and it is easy to use.

The setup process of GPSMAP 64st is quite simple. It only takes a few minutes to start up and running. The device can be powered by a pair of AA batteries or a rechargeable NiMH (nickel-metal hybrid) battery pack. However, these two are sold separately.

Software and navigation: outdated but more choices

In order to stand out in the GPS world, Garmin is fully committed to its BaseCamp software and BirdsEye satellite imagery capabilities. Sometimes, GPSMAP 64st seems to be just a way to impose BaseCamp software on users, but it is a necessary means to make the most of the device. Fortunately, the Garmin support page has a series of tutorial videos that can help users install outdoor maps and transfer data to the device.

Although outdated, BaseCamp provides adventurers with high-resolution color maps (TOPO 100K, TOPO 24K, etc.) as well as travel planning tools and outdoor features. However, computer access is required to download these high-resolution color maps. After installing the BaseCamp program, you can crop the area and select the quality of the map. High-quality maps have more data than low-quality maps.

After downloading these maps, you can import the data into the GPSMAP 64st 8 GB internal memory or drag the files to a microSD card (sold separately). GPSMAP 64st provides a one-year free subscription to BirdsEye. After the free period ends, the renewal price is $29.

You can also synchronize GPSMAP 64st with your mobile phone via Bluetooth, so that you can share location information, read text messages, and receive Instagram notifications without taking your mobile phone from your backpack during the journey.

Computer access is required to download high-resolution color maps.

Battery: strong signal, long use time

For handheld GPS, the most important indicators are: signal, battery life and accuracy.

The official battery life standard for GPSMAP 64st is 16 hours. In the actual test, the GPS has been in continuous use. Various updates have exhausted about half of the battery power in about 7 hours. The GPS signal has never been lower than three bars (even at higher altitudes). It is pre-installed. The TOPO 100K map is clear and clear.

Features: There are a lot of extra enjoyment

GPSMAP 64st also provides some valuable additional functions. The Tracks function acts as a series of digital breadcrumbs stored in each adventure, allowing users to easily trace their steps. BaseCamp allows users to check the elevation of specific points and retroactively change their favorite hikes and share this information with friends.

For some reason, Garmin did promote the included treasure hunt function, and saw testers in Oregon, the state where the treasure hunt started, involuntarily participating in this unnecessary but pleasant reward function. GPSMAP 64st is pre-installed with more than 250,000 treasures. With just a few clicks, you can visit the local treasures around the Portland metropolitan area. The names include JC Pennies III, Bus Stop 4, Big Gulp Cup and Kenny's Sacrifice.

GPSMAP 64st and Montana 680t

The so-called suitable product is the balance of price and function. Do I need a car camera and a touch screen monitor, or a basic GPS on foot?

To facilitate navigation, the 8G Montana 680t touch screen with an 8 megapixel camera is currently priced at US$599. The Montana 680t has a larger screen, 2 inches wide and 3.5 inches high, which is 64 heavier than the 12-ounce heavier with three AA batteries. The price is relatively affordable, the current price of 4GB GPSMAP 64 is 250 US dollars.