Garmin GPSMAP 64

[LosDosSloFolks]

This unit is on sale @Costco through today only. (9-11-2020) Would like to know thoughts from members on the pros and cons of this model vs the s and st version.
I know the GB is 4 vs 8 which shouldn't matter for our day hikes but I don't understand the map differences and subscription details or even if they are needed for what we do. Thanks in advance for your time and responses. Sincerely, The Determined Luddites

[chumley]

@LosDosSloFolks
There are only two benefits to having a dedicated GPS device anymore. First is battery life, and second is weather resistance/durability.

For tracking, maps, usability, function, interface, etc. a phone app such as Route Scout is far superior to what a Garmin provides and works on a device you probably already carry. If you do multiday backpacking trips in poor weather, or do canyoneering in water, etc. and you can't solve the battery life and durability problems that a phone presents, then a dedicated device is a good option.

The only other reason to get a separate device is if it features two-way communication where it can be used as a rescue beacon, or drop breadcrumbs for folks at home to look up your location online, or send an occasional text message to loved ones or rescue personnel. But the 64 doesn't have two-way communication functions.

[LindaAnn]

@LosDosSloFolks If you’re just wanting to record your tracks and have some preloaded maps, the 64 is awesome. It’ll last you forever too. I had a 64st and loved it, I sold it to Lee when I got the 66st, but honestly, I liked my 64 better. I can’t remember to technical differences, I think the st has bluetooth, which didn’t work for crap anyway. The 64 should be more than sufficient for you. 4gb is plenty, but it has a microSD slot behind the batteries, so you can add way more memory anyway. No subscription needed unless you want satellite imagery—not worth the money, in my opinion. I never use basecamp, it annoys me, I just directly import everything between the garmin, my PC, and HAZ. These days, I only use my 66st as a backup to RouteScout when I’m in unfamiliar territory, mainly because it’s a lot easier to break a phone than that garmin. Basically I’m saying, get it if you like the price, lol.

Edit: I didn’t realize the base 64 doesn’t gave preloaded maps. The s and st apparently do though. Still, that Costco price is pretty good, even if you do purchase a map download.

[LosDosSloFolks]

@LindaAnn @chumley
Thank you both for the quick reply. Todd, as you should know, my days of multi day trips are over so battery life isn't an issue but what you don't know is that we still use flip phones or I would have had RS already and wouldn't be asking these questions. A final question to you both...the 64 looks large and heavy . Costco also has the Oregon 700 at a steal. Any advantage with that other than weight or the fact that it is touchscreen? Thanks again. Oh, BTW Linda...camo won't help. Cathy has a monster spotting scope from her Olympic shooting days. You can't hide!

[chumley]

we still use flip phones

I think I've seen that alluded to elsewhere. In that case take Linda's advice. Maybe @grasshopper will pipe in. I think he has all of them!
But really, if you're intent on living the flip phone lifestyle, nothing beats a paper map with a compass.

[LindaAnn]

@LosDosSloFolks I’ve never used the 700, so I don’t know much about it. I’m guessing the functionality is quite similar to the 64, so looking at maps, recording, etc will probably be similar. That larger screen is a plus. I have heard anecdotal comments about the accuracy of the 700 not being as good as the 64 and others in that series, but I have no idea how true that is—maybe compare the online reviews on Amazon or REI. Personally, I don’t find the 64 or 66 to be clunky, I just clip it to my pack with a caribiner. Definitely not the lightest though, at least 8 oz as a guess??? I think either device will more than meet your needs. You can always upgrade the maps to a more detailed regional map, although the preloaded ones are pretty decent.

[LindaAnn]

Also, I’m not 100% certain, but for some reason (Joe can confirm) I think RouteScout can run on an iPod Touch. If so, that would be your smallest and lightest option. You’d just have to be on wifi to upload your routes to/from HAZ. And you can blast some music while you’re hiking ;-)

[LosDosSloFolks]

@chumley
You say "flip phone lifestyle" like it's a bad thing. There is much more to it than that....see attachment.

[Grasshopper]

@LosDosSloFolks The vanilla GPSMAP 64 does not come with any topo maps installed:
"Adding more maps to GPSMAP 64 is easy with our array of detailed topographic*, marine and road maps. With 4 GB of onboard memory and microSD card slot, you can conveniently download TOPO 24K and 100K maps and hit the trail". This unit does come with the additional GLONASS (Russian) Satellites which is good for better accuracy having the additional satellites.
* = you will need to buy these Garmin DVD Maps (24k or 100k) to install into the MAP64 memory and/or into a purchased Micro SD Card.

Here are the details from the Garmin website for all the different GPSMAP 64 Models:
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/search/?query=gpsmap%2064

[chumley]

@LindaAnn
iPod Touch does not have a GPS receiver. It provides map locations using nearby wifi networks. This is not a good solution for most hiking applications.

[chumley]

@LosDosSloFolks
Why'd you have to go find photos from @alston_neal 's modeling days?

[LindaAnn]

@chumley I couldn’t remember. I knew I had put RS on one of my son’s apple devices and it worked, but it must have been an old iphone and not the touch.

[AZClaimjumper]

@LosDosSloFolks
How much is Costco asking for the 64?

[Pivo]

@AZClaimjumper https://www.costco.com/.product.1004915 ... rDayEnding

Ends today

[LindaAnn]

If the 700 comes with preloaded maps, then that might make the choice a whole lot easier!

[LosDosSloFolks]

@AZClaimjumper
$139 and $189 for the 700

[chumley]

you will need to buy these Garmin DVD Maps

Good FSM that's highway rapery! $99 for the 24k topos by region? Arizona is SW, but Cali and Nevada are West, so if you plan to travel out of state you'll need to spend $200 on maps? How is this company still in business?

[LosDosSloFolks]

@Grasshopper
Thank you for the response. I'm having trouble ascertaining which model doesn't require the $100-$200 additional cost for maps. Their website is very vague. Which one is good to go as-is in your opinion? For day hiking is the map that comes with the base model 64 not adequate? Thanks again.

[chumley]

I recommend an android phone.

For less money you get a larger screen. You can download all the maps you want for free. Plus it comes with a camera! You can play music too. Plus other useful apps.

You don't need to activate it as a phone.

I spent 3 seconds researching, this looks great. I'm sure there are other/better options if you put time into looking.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/verizon-pr ... Id=6360411

[LindaAnn]

@LosDosSloFolks It doesn’t look like the base 64 nor the 700 comes preloaded with maps. If you search Free Maps for Garmin online, you can find lots of free topo maps that can be downloaded. A few websites had concise directions of how to do that. I recall there were some free Garmin maps on HAZ once upon a time too??? Are those still out there?