Garmin Montana 700, 700i, 750i – First Impressions Review

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Garmin Montana 700, Garmin Montana 700i, Garmin Montana 750i – The Next Generation!

Garmin announced a new Montana series! The three outdoor navigation devices share (almost) only the name with the "oldies" of the previous series – which are on the market since 2015! Garmin has extensively reworked technology and functions in the new edition – especially the increase in the display size from 4 to 5 inches associates the slogan:

DO WHAT YOU LOVE. BIGGER.

Garmin Montana 7×0 series – these are robust outdoor GPS handheld devices for a wide range of applications. For which activities? I will dive into this in more detail in the review section.

Garmin Montana 700i – up in the mountains – the 5“ display is incredible!
Garmin Montana 700i – up in the mountains – the 5“ display is incredible!

Major Improvements – Montana 700, 700i, 750i

(in brackets, italic: Montana 610/680/680t)

  • GPS / Iridium antenna: Quad-Helix, external antenna possible** (patch type, ext. antenna)
  • GNSS: GPS / GLONASS* / GALILEO (GPS / GLONASS)
  • Display size: 5", 6,4 x 10,8 cm (4″, 5,0 x 8,9 cm)
  • Display type: WVGA, transflective, capacitive (resistive)
  • Display resolution: 480 x 800 pixels (272 x 480 pixels)
  • Dimensions: 8,7 x 18,3 x 3,2 cm (700), 9,1 x 18,3 x 3,2 cm (700i, 750i) (7,4 x 14,4 x 3,6 cm)
  • Weight: 397 g (700), 410 g (700i, 750i) (289 g)
  • Memory: 16 GB + microSD (32 GB) (3 GB + microSD)
  • Connectivity: ANT+, Bluetooth, High-speed USB, Wi-Fi (ANT+, USB)
  • Standards: IPX7, MIL-STD-810G (thermal, shock, water, vibe) (IPX7)
  • Battery: Lithium-ion (interchangeable), AA batteries* (Lithium-ion, AA batteries)
  • Battery life: Up to 18 hours., up to 2 weeks in expedition mode (up to 16 hours)

*Montana 700 only, **not Montana 700

In addition:

  • Montana 700, Montana 700i, Montana 750i: Barometric altimeter, 3-axis compass, preinstalled maps (Garmin TopoActive, depending on your country), smartphone connectivity, compatible with Garmin Connect & Garmin Explore App … and all features of the Garmin GPSMAP 66 series with some Montana specific functions.
  • Montana 700i, Montana 750i: inReach technology (Iridium satellite network, 2-way-messaging, exchange text messages, SOS alerts, location sharing, active weather), preinstalled CityNavigator maps.
  • Montana 750i: 8 MP camera

Note: The Montana 700 has no connection for an external antenna and no CityNavigator maps, but it can be operated with AA batteries and is slightly smaller and lighter.

What do you pay for the new Montana devices?

  • Montana 700: $599,99
  • Montana 700i: $699,99
  • Montana 750i: $799,99
DO WHAT YOU LOVE. BIGGER - Montana 700i vs. GPSMAP 66s (100% backlight)
DO WHAT YOU LOVE. BIGGER – Montana 700i vs. GPSMAP 66s (100% backlight)

Garmin Montana 700i – Review

The Montana 700i weighs 410 g and with dimensions of 9.1 x 18.3 x 3.2 cm it is anything but handy – I can still hold it well with a "normal-sized" hand, but I prefer to operate the touch screen with the second hand.

Weight and size reflect the possible types of activities. Garmin probably designed the Montana 7×0 series primarily for activities such as 4×4 (off-road vehicles, off-road motor homes, …), quading, motorcycling and marine among others.

And non-motorized outdoor activities? Examples are geocachers, touring cyclists and hikers who value a really large display and accept weight and size. After all, there is a robust mount for cyclists. Hikers can get a larger bag to attach the Montana 700 to the backpack shoulder strap – and as my tours with the Montana 700i show: The weight is then no longer so noticeable!

Montana 700i - back side
Garmin Montana 700i – rear side (top left: MCX connector; bottom left: micro USB port)

Garmin Montana 700i Review – Housing

How is the Garmin Montana 700i constructed?

First of all: There is only one button, on the left side of the screen. It is used – analogous to the GPSMAP 66s/st – to switch on/off or to call up a status page (controlling the display backlight, access to Bluetooth, WLAN, flashlight, widgets, etc.).

Further elements are:

  • Micro USB port
  • Various holders for the car / marine / cycle / motorcycle brackets incl. contacts for electrical connections
  • inReach SOS button
  • Lens for the flashlight
  • MCX antenna connector
  • Eyelet for threading a stable safety cord

The battery compartment is opened with a twist lock via a glove friendly wing. The slot for the microSD card is located under the battery, which is firmly connected to the lid. Important: The 3,100 mAh battery can only be replaced with AA batteries in the Montana 700.

All in all, the IPX7 waterproof and MIL-STD-810G tested Garmin Montana 700i leaves a really stable, robust and reliable impression.

Garmin Montana 700, 700i, 750i Review – Technology

inReach – For safety on tour

Like the Montana 750i, the Montana 700i comes with inReach technology for a worldwide 2-way communication independent of the cellular network. You can send and receive text messages, trigger interactive SOS messages, transmit live tracking positions and read weather reports.

Trying it out was not possible during the Montana 700i review, but I have already written enough articles about inReach for that. Furthermore, inReach devices have proven themselves on numerous outdoor tours for many years! And as users have told me: When a helicopter of the Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg or Alaska National Guard lands after triggering an inReach SOS, it is a tremendous & calming feeling … !

However, the question must be asked whether two devices – a handheld device in combination with an inReach Mini – are not more sensible. If one device fails, at least the other will still work.

Memory – All you need

Garmin specifies 16 GB as storage capacity, under Windows 14.3 GB is displayed, available are 2.42 GB. The pre-installed cards take up the largest part. The Montana 700 comes without the CityNavigator maps, you get about 7 GB for data. Since all three models can be equipped with a microSD card, there is no lack of memory capacity.

The Montana devices can save:

  • Waypoints: 10,000
  • Geocaches: no limit
  • GPX files: 2,000
  • Track log: 20,000 points, 250 saved GPX tracks, 300 saved FIT activities
  • Archived GPX tracks: 2,000
  • Routes: 250 (250 points per route, 50 points when auto routing)
  • Map segments: 15,000
  • Custom maps tiles: 500
  • BirdsEye images: 250

Display – The super large 5" display is the Montana 7×0 highlight!

The new Montana devices with their 5" displays not only have a unique selling point among outdoor handhelds, the size also competes with many smartphones. The Montana display has one advantage over smartphones: The readability is excellent in all light conditions and at least on Oregon 700 or GPSMAP 66s level!

The capacitive and sensitive display allows two-finger multi-touch operation of the map, e.g. rotating, zooming in and out. There is a separate entry for touchscreen sensitivity in the settings, where the "Glove" option can be selected; the following information is displayed: "For use with non e-tip gloves. Use flat part of finger for best results".

Long mountain bike gloves works fine – but honestly, for biking I’d like a user key à la Oregon 700 that allows quick page changes. With the Montana 7×0, switching pages can only be done via the favorites bar at the bottom of the screen.

Speed – Fast thanks to an improved processor

Speed, another important issue. In this respect, the Montana 700i can be compared with the smartphone world. The pre-installed TopoActive map can be moved and zoomed practically instantaneously in the settings "Map Speed: Fast" and "Detail: Normal", POI lists are quickly available and the route calculation is fast.

Interfaces – Communication talent

You get ANT+, Bluetooth LE, USB and Wi-Fi.

At the time of testing, I haven’t been able to play through all the possibilities, but I can see a range of functions similar to the GPSMAP 66 series – plus Montana specialties such as connecting audio devices. Special marine functions are left out of the review because I am not familiar with them.

ANT+ connects sensors and devices (see below) and allows you to exchange data with a compatible Garmin GPS devices. Waypoints, routes, tracks and geocaches can be shared, and via Bluetooth additional photos and user-defined maps ("Custom Maps").

Bluetooth is used for

  • Connecting to sensors (e.g. a heart rate chest strap),
  • Pairing with a smartphone and thus exchanging data with the Garmin Connect App and the Garmin Explore App. The apps offer extensive functions like live track, data upload & exchange to Connect & Explore, live geocaching, weather, phone notifications, import of tracks, routes & waypoints and other functions.
  • Connection of audio devices.

High-speed USB for charging and data exchange with PC & Mac and other devices (incl. NMEA data).

Wi-Fi for downloading BirdsEye satellite images, retrieving weather data, uploading activities to Garmin Connect, performing software updates, importing EPO data and retrieving live geocaching data.

Possible sensors and external devices (sensors menu):

  • tempe temperature
  • XERO
  • DogTrack
  • inReach remote control
  • Heart rate monitor
  • Speed sensor
  • Cadence sensor
  • Speed/cadence sensor combined
  • VIRB remote control
Garmin Montana 700i review – satellite page, GPS + GALILEO birds
Garmin Montana 700i review – satellite page, GPS + GALILEO birds

Voice output – external only

The Montana 7×0 series has "only" a beeper ("buzzer") to output sounds, e.g. turn-by-turn directions.

In interaction with the route navigation – e.g. when used as a car navigation system or when biking – there are voice announcements, the output is via a car mount with integrated speaker or via an audio device connected via Bluetooth (headset, bicycle helmet with audio system).

GPS – Fast & precise

GPS or GPS + GALILEO settings are available. For Montana 700, GLONASS is also available. GLONASS is probably missing on the 700i and 750i due to interference with the Iridium signal. Another option is WAAS/EGNOS.

As expected: The position is available almost immediately after switching on and starting up, tracks are super accurate.

The map shows the tracks of two hiking trips in partly challenging GPS terrain; every reader can form his own opinion (Montana 700i and GPSMAP 66s in GPS + GALILEO mode).

Recording: handhelds > auto / more often; wearables > 1s Colors: To display the color coding, move the mouse pointer to "Tracks"; individual tracks can also be hidden there.
Altitude

Garmin Montana 700, 700i, 750i – Menu & Setup

The user interface offers:

  • status page with access to backlight control / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / flashlight, mark waypoint, lock the display, activity control, Connect IQ widgets. Access is via the on/off button or by wiping the display from top to bottom.
  • The main menu with access to all applications including setup.
  • An individually configurable favorites bar at the bottom of the screen, which can hold up to six elements (five are changeable) and can be used to switch from the map to the main menu to the travel computer, for example.

As usual with Garmin, the menu is extensively customizable. For example, you can display only the applications you really need for a particular activity (hike, mountain bike, hunt, geocache, driving, …) or add multiple pages to your trip computer.

You get the possibility to configure the power key; "single tap" and "double tap" can be customized with different functions.

Overall, the Montana 700 proves to be very user-friendly and quick to operate, provided it is optimally adapted to your personal requirements and all Garmin functions are internalized.

There are also small weak points: As already mentioned, page changes – e.g. from the map to the elevation profile – can only be performed via the favorites bar. An additional user button would be helpful, especially when the display is locked. It is also noticeable that the display lock can be automatically released when navigating with routes.

The first two pictures show some applications in the main menu, the next two screenshots show the settings menu.

Garmin Montana 700i Review - Main Menu (1)
Garmin Montana 700i Review – Main Menu (1)
Garmin Montana 700i Review - Main Menu (2)
Garmin Montana 700i Review – Main Menu (2)
Garmin Montana 700i Review - Setup Menu (1)
Garmin Montana 700i Review – Setup Menu (1)
Garmin Montana 700i Review - Setup Menu (2)
Garmin Montana 700i Review – Setup Menu (2)

Settings menu – Garmin users can see it immediately: There are many similarities with the GPSMAP 66 series, supplemented by specific Montana functions like:

  • Connect an audio device via Bluetooth (e.g wireless headsets)
  • Map drawing speed
  • LiveTrack & inReach configuration
  • Tones output ("auto" or "internal only" via beeper)
  • Touch sensitivity

Garmin Montana 700i – First impressions

As an outdoor enthusiast close to the Alps I immediately inserted the microSD card with the Garmin maps of the Austrian and German alpine club: WOW!

The map can be zoomed and shifted with only slight delays, the raster map appears pin sharp, moreover the giant display allows a good overview – so the paper maps can stay at home.

The pre-installed CityNavigator map is the ideal partner for street navigation, the pre-installed TopoActive map is a good companion on outdoor tours, especially when navigating with tracks, but also for routing.

The Montana 700, Montana 700i and Montana 750i are therefore not only navigation and safety devices, but also mobile map screens!

You get a new function in the map settings, namely an automatic map recognition ("Automatic Maps"). Depending on the activity selected, the system activates the appropriate map – e.g. in the "Drive" activity the CityNavigator road map.

The four screenshots show different maps (same position & same scale), left to right:

  • Garmin Alpine raster map
  • Garmin TopoActive map
  • Garmin TopoActive map with shaded relief
  • Garmin BirdsEye satellite imagery
Garmin Alpine map
Garmin Alpine map
Garmin TopoActive map
Garmin TopoActive map
Garmin TopoActive map with shaded relief
Garmin TopoActive map with shaded relief
Garmin BirdsEye Satellitenbilder
Garmin BirdsEye Satellitenbilder

A layer icon on the map page allows a quick switch between different map types (satellite images, road map, topo map). However, this should only be really interesting for a few users, e.g. when switching from road navigation to hiking.

On the other hand, the transparent data fields that can be displayed in the corners are practical.

Montana 700 - switch between maps, transparent data fields
switch between maps, transparent data fields
Garmin GPS-Gerät Montana 750i schwarz (200) 000
669,00 €
(Stand von: 2024/03/24 5:54 am - Details)
View on Amazon *
  • ZweiWegeMessaging: Senden Sie Textnachrichten an Freunde, Familie und Kollegen oder posten Sie sie in sozialen Medien.
  • Tracking: Senden Sie Ihren GPSStandort an Ihre webbasierte MapShareSeite, damit die daheimgebliebenen Ihre Reise verfolgen können.
  • SOS: Verwenden Sie im Notfall die seitliche SOSTaste, um eine Rettung mit GEOS Emergency Response einzuleiten. GEOS ist ein rund um die Uhr verfügbares globales Überwachungs und Reaktionszentrum – dieser ist in Ihrem monatlichen inReachAbonnement enthalten.
  • inReach Weather: Holen Sie sich genaue Wettervorhersagen für unterwegs direkt auf Ihr MontanaGerät oder auf Ihr gekoppeltes Gerät, um Ihnen bei der Planung Ihrer Route zu helfen.
  • Diese Dienste erfordern ein aktives inReachSatellitenabonnement.
(* = affiliate link / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases / image source: Amazon partner program)
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Produktpreise und -verfügbarkeit sind zum angegebenen Datum / Uhrzeit korrekt und können sich ändern. Alle Preis- und Verfügbarkeitsinformationen auf https://www.amazon.de/ zum Zeitpunkt des Kaufs gelten für den Kauf dieses Produkts.

Garmin Montana 700i Review – First verdict

The readers have certainly already noticed: The Garmin Montana 700i wowed me!

This is mainly due to the 5 display, as (raster) maps not only appear pin sharp, can be zoomed and moved quickly and easily, but also offer a great overview of the wider surroundings – paper maps can now stay at home for some shorter tours!

But there’s more: super-accurate track recordings, extensive connectivity, all Garmin outdoor functions, downloading tracks from your smartphone … only weight and size might be a problem – especially for all outdoor enthusiasts on foot!

And outdoor enthusiasts with motor vehicles? The Montana 700, 700i and 750i could be more successful than its predecessors and, thanks to their unique features, will be seen in many 4×4 cockpits or attached to motorcycle handlebars!

Garmin GPS-Gerät Montana 750i schwarz (200) 000
669,00 €
(Stand von: 2024/03/24 5:54 am - Details)
View on Amazon *
  • ZweiWegeMessaging: Senden Sie Textnachrichten an Freunde, Familie und Kollegen oder posten Sie sie in sozialen Medien.
  • Tracking: Senden Sie Ihren GPSStandort an Ihre webbasierte MapShareSeite, damit die daheimgebliebenen Ihre Reise verfolgen können.
  • SOS: Verwenden Sie im Notfall die seitliche SOSTaste, um eine Rettung mit GEOS Emergency Response einzuleiten. GEOS ist ein rund um die Uhr verfügbares globales Überwachungs und Reaktionszentrum – dieser ist in Ihrem monatlichen inReachAbonnement enthalten.
  • inReach Weather: Holen Sie sich genaue Wettervorhersagen für unterwegs direkt auf Ihr MontanaGerät oder auf Ihr gekoppeltes Gerät, um Ihnen bei der Planung Ihrer Route zu helfen.
  • Diese Dienste erfordern ein aktives inReachSatellitenabonnement.
(* = affiliate link / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases / image source: Amazon partner program)
×
Produktpreise und -verfügbarkeit sind zum angegebenen Datum / Uhrzeit korrekt und können sich ändern. Alle Preis- und Verfügbarkeitsinformationen auf https://www.amazon.de/ zum Zeitpunkt des Kaufs gelten für den Kauf dieses Produkts.
Note: The articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links I will receive a commission; thus you support the continuation of this website. There are no additional costs for you.

Leave a Comment

42 thoughts on “Garmin Montana 700, 700i, 750i – First Impressions Review”

  1. is it possible to pair 2 different montana units to display each others location…dirt bike riders keeping track of each other?

    Reply
  2. I bought a Montana 700i recently and I’ve not had any gps units prior to this. My frustration in getting acquainted to it is that it is very hard to find out what applications DO!
    It would help if you reviewers would start your reviews by saying things like, “expedition mode enables you to DO this and this and this”. Then tell us how to operate it to accomplish those things. Then tell us how well or not it does them.
    I would like to see a list of all the unit can do in the field in common language.
    Then listed next to those which apps perform those tasks.
    Then practical, jargon less directions on how to make the unit do those things on their respective apps.
    PLEASE!

    Reply
  3. I’m a long time Garmin user mostly for backcountry motorcycle camping/tours and found your review quite helpful. I find the integrated inReach messaging on the Montana 700i to be easier to use than my inReach explorer. I was not aware of the touch screen "glove" setting you described, so thanks for that! I tried the Garmin Zumo XT and really liked it but found the PC/Droid interface cumbersome. Also the mount connection to the XT failed and required a new cable within a few weeks. The Montana rugged mount connection appears to be more robust for my use. Thanks again, C. von Kleist

    Reply
  4. In your opinion, how does it compare in track precision/Drift against GPSMAP 66SR?

    Will Garmin release a dual band version of the Montana 700?

    Reply
    • Hi Luigi,
      I guess Garmin will not release a dual band Montana in the near term – however, only Garmin knows this.

      I did not compare the Montana 700 vs. the GPSMAP 66sr; since the accuracy differences between 66s and 66sr are really small and only occur under very poor conditions, it is likely the same with 700 vs. 66sr (also, Montana might have some drift compared to 66sr).

      Ciao!

      Reply
  5. I have had a Garmin Montana 700 for about two weeks. Up until the last time I used it it worked fine and I was about to post a glowing review. I use it for plotting trees and being able to type in the species name and details such as the tree diameter is fantastic. When I downloaded my data today, the first 35 trees were plotted correctly then the next 70 or so trees had the same GPS coordinates, even though they had different species names (the correct data) and accurate recording times. When you plot these data some 70 trees are aligned on the one GPS point. I called Garmin and was put on hold or in the queue for over half an hour then I gave up. Pretty disappointing as am sure that Garmin would want to know if they have a software bug. The sales team at Johnny Appleseed couldn’t help either, they just gave me the Garmin contact number. Just in case you have this GPS be aware as I need to drive back to the site and do the work again, 5 hours wasted!

    Reply
  6. Nice review thank you. It would be even better if you provided your thoughts on battery life in more detail.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  7. Hello
    The montana 700i will work as a standard GPS receiver, without activating the In Reach function/account?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Hi Joaquim,

      yes, you can, you are able to use the Montana without inReach functionality and without an inReach submission!
      Cheers!

      Reply
  8. A very good review. Thank you. I am trying to figure out if/why I should replace my InReach Mini (love the size but it can be very slow accessing satellite) combined with Earthmate on the iPhone 11. I am primarily a mountain biker in the Appalachian Mountains, where cell service is nearly always non-existent. Would the Montana 700i also be something I could use in place of the Garmin Edge devices (which I have considered adding to my arsenal)? Vielen dank!

    Reply
    • Hi,
      I guess the Montana is not a replacement for an Edge devices – apart from it’s size it lacks some of the Edge cycling features like the fitness & training stuff, ClimbPro, popularity routing, the ability to load courses via Garmin Connect (but the Montana can be used with the Explore app) … – but it is depending on your use case – the Montana 700 is just too big and heavy for me.

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Thank you Joachim. I agree – in which case I will look at the Edge for mountain biking and keep the InReach Mini for its SOS feature.

        Reply
    • Hi,
      I never used the zumo XT, so I can not compare, but I guess these are completely different devices.
      Cheers

      Reply
  9. Thanks for you review! Have they cured the old 680 issue where every time you touched the screen it would drop a pin when you didn’t mean to? Drives me insane!

    Reply
    • I do not remember the the montana 680 behavior, but, yes, when touching the screen you get a red needle marking the location, but it is only temporarily and disappears when going back!

      Montana 700 - pin on the map Montana 700 – pin on the map

      Reply
      • Sorry to hear that. Having to 'go back' to remove the pin is a PIA as any zooming/scrolling is lost requiring you to re-zoom/scroll and repeat the likelihood of an accidental Push-Pin…repeat for infinity. That’s the one thing I hate most on my Oregon.

        Reply
  10. What a shame garmin STILL cannot understand tge need to now have USB-C port.
    (micro usb is delicate and fails after awhile)
    Nice screen no doubt.
    Software seems to be the same year in year out …
    Increased memory is good, processor…..don’t get me started on what garmin considers a 'fast' processor, compass is ok but switch on cdi mode and it still cannot offer a better accuracy that a 250M deviation from track.
    It was the same back in 2004 so… so much for development.
    As was said about the 276cx, nice screen but no more innovation. Save your money.

    Reply
  11. Looks really good. For me I use all sorts of Garmin GPS units, the Edge 830 on the bike, Fenix 6X Sapphire in the hills and, the 66S on the sea in my Kayak.

    I guess this would be a good replacement for the 66S for Kayaking, (though I still like real buttons on the sea!)

    It seems pretty standard apart from the great screen size. Wondering will it connect properly to Mac computers with the USB lead?? The Fenix 6X can’t do this very well at all due to the USB being Windows Media orientated…!!

    Also, my 66S still won’t connect with Garmin Connect on my iPhone to upload trips, what a pain! Will this be any different?

    Reply
    • Hi,
      I used the Montana 700i with an Android smartphone – the upload to Connect works without issues; I guess using the Montana for kayaking is no good idea, I would prefer a device with real buttons!
      Cheers

      Reply
      • Just checked, and the 66S does now upload saved tracks to Garmin Connect with the iPhone app and then onto Stava automatically. It didn’t used to do this.

        The iPhone 'Explore' app is (or was when 1st released) just too temperamental for anything useful. I guess this may have improved a little by now?

        I’ll try the Montana 700 on the deck of my Kayak, ordered one today. I think the large screen might just outweigh the lack of physical buttons, we shall see!

        Reply
        • The Explore app needs some time get used to, however, the app is getting better with each update!

      • if you are talking about "real buttons" rather than a touch screen, I would say the touch screen is far better. for example when entering text real buttons suck! Up two, three to the left , enter, down one, four to the right, enter–etc-ect…

        Reply
  12. comment to: "– paper maps can now definitely stay at home!" if you have a technical problem abroad (that happens sometimes..), better having a paper map as a backup!
    I own several garmins since inception, had no technical issues, but lost one in the desert.

    Reply
    • right – when crossing the highlands of Iceland by foot I would take paper maps with me, but not for the usual tours in the Alps.

      Thanks for your comment!

      Reply
  13. With the GPSMap 66 series Garmin started mixing fitness and outdoor functions. I am not a big fan of being forced to start an "activity" in order to get my safety devices to work – but neither the altimeter nor the tracking function work until you do that. Basically the altimeter doesn’t auto-calibrate itself, all elevations continue to be reported using the pressure when you last finished an activity. The current manual correctly documents this – the first two versions claimed that the 66 – like previous GPSMap receivers – auto-calibrated on STARTUP. I note that the Montana 7xx manual correctly indicates that starting an activity is needed to get the altimeter to calibrate itself.

    On the GPSMap 66 series tracking simply doesn’t start at all until you commence an activity – but I note that the "inReach" portion of the Montana manual describes "auto-tracking" which may or may not refer equally to the internal track log and the transmission of inReach data. It would be interesting to know more about this.

    With the 66 series we lost the "track manager" from the menu (we had lost the ability to log to SD cards with the 62 series), everything is now a "route". Somewhat ominously the manual states that routes can only have 250 points – the 500 point maximum of previous GPS receivers was bad enough. More information on this would be appreciated.

    Finally, both the manuals for the 66 series and the new Montana manual claim that there is a "continuous" altimeter auto-calibration mode. I have even found a description of how this is supposed to work on Garmin’s site. What I have NOT found is any indication (when using my 66s) that this has actually been implemented – it is as if they feel documenting the imaginary function is sufficient. Could you please test this? The easiest way is to set one of two receivers to "calibrate once" and the other to "calibrate continuously" and watch their altimeter readouts diverge over time (good) – or not (bad).

    It seems a bit sad that of the various Garmin receivers I have owned (multiple eTrexes, GPSMap 60CSx, 62st, 64st and 66s, Montana 650st, lots of Nüvis, vivoActive 3) the best in terms of software was the 60CSx. It allowed track logs to be saved directly to SD card and seemed to have a much better logic to figure out distance remaining to destination when you hadn’t "cut" the track you were following for a while. Subsequent receivers seem to simply assume you are going to turn back to the last point they saw you pass ….. until you cut the track the distance remaining increases!

    You could argue that they are suffering from the same disease as Intel – lack of competition. If that is the case then you reviewers are our only hope – you need to be critical in your approach to their gadgets, take nothing at face value. It was only after I told them that they fixed the 66s manual’s description of auto-calibration which had obviously been copied from the 64 manual without any thought.

    Reply
    • Hi Leifur,

      I always hope that Garmin will publish white papers regarding some functions like the altimeter calibration … but I guess it will never happen!

      Here are the altimeter ascent / descent values from the tracks (examples as in the map):

      Activity 1

      Montana 700i: 928 / 899
      GPSMAP 66s: 941 / 921
      fenix 6X: 915 / 894

      Activity 2

      Montana 700i: 1.171/1.152
      GPSMAP 66s: 1.208 / 1.161
      fenix 6X: 1.181 / 1.183

      All devices are manually calibrated at home, when hiking I used continuous auto calibration.

      Regards

      Reply
    • one born every day….. but it makes the sales go up…. but expect to be disappointed. :0(
      Why oh why does it need a phone, with a network connected, plus an app just to get the weather forecast?????
      It seems the garmin software writers ( from the 1990’s … don’t get out much and certainly not off grid.

      Reply
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