If you are an avid hiker, a GPS navigation device is one of the essential equipment that you ought to carry along. But with so many devices doing the rounds, each consisting of an array of features, you can easily get carried away.
The decision to choose the most appropriate device gets confusing with so many options. But rest assured that we will help you to choose the best device as per your requirements. Our in-depth analysis of the features and functioning of devices will give you an insight if the device suits your needs.
Well, you can sit back and relax because this Garmin GPSMAP 64st review will surely assist you in making the best choice.
- Sunlight Readable 2.6 inches color display. Display size : 1.43 x 2.15 inches and 2.6 inch diag (6.6 centimeter). Battery life : 16 hours. Water rating IPX7.Control Method:Touch.Special Feature:bluetooth.
- Expanded Internal Memory 8GB.Display resolution 160 x 240 pixels. Interface: high speed USB and NMEA 0183 compatible
- DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM Use with 2 traditional AA batteries (best with Polaroid AA batteries), or the optional rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be charged while inside the device.Weight 8.1 ounce (230 grams) with batteries
- Receive Smart Notifications* and pair with optional ANT+ sensors, such as heart rate monitor, Tempe temperature sensor, speed/cadence, or use to control your VIRB action camera (64s/64st only)
- Wirelessly upload data to Garmin Connect and view on smartphone, plus share activities as they happen with Live Track (64s/64st only). 3 axis compass with barometric altimeter.Routes:200
Garmin GPSMAP 64st Review
Brief Overview
The Garmin GPSMAP 64st is well-known as the rugged handheld GPS with full features. It is one of the most accurate navigation devices as per the customers and the critics too. It offers advanced tools to adventure lovers and hikers, along with some of the most advanced sensors and wireless connectivity.
This handheld device is closely identical to its ancestral 62 model but loaded with a host of new and smart features. You will find fewer bugs and more accuracy in this Garmin hiking GPS. Keep reading to know more and more about this device.
Specifications
| Display resolution | 160 x 240 pixels |
| Weight | 8.1 oz (230 gms) |
| Dimensions | 2.4”W x 6.3” H x 1.4” D |
| Ability to add maps | Yes |
| Compass | Yes (tilt-compensated 3-axis) |
| Built-in memory | 8 GB |
| Waypoints | 5000 |
| Routes | 200 |
| Display type | 65-K Color TFT, transflective |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Basemap | Yes |
| Preloaded maps | TOPO maps (Yes) |
| Tracklog | 10,000 points, 200 saved tracks |
| Sun & moon information | Yes |
| Picture Viewer | Yes |
| Live tracking | Yes-Garmin Connect mobile |
| Battery life | Up to 16 hours |
| Battery type | 2 AA batteries (NiMH or Lithium) |
| Garmin Connect compatible | Yes |
| Geocaching friendly | Yes |
| Hunt and fish calendar | Yes |
| Automatic routing | Yes |
| Water rating | IPX7 |
Garmin GPSMAP 64st Review: Key Features and Benefits
GLONASS Receiver
This Garmin device is a great option if you are looking for a dependable GPS device. Additionally, it is a wonderful choice if you want a GLONASS receiver too. The device features a Russian constellation type of receiver which works wonderfully in canyon-like environments and northern latitudes.
Thus you can never get lost with this device as the GLONASS helps in better satellite reception and makes your adventure a memorable one.
Wireless Sharing and Smart Notification
One of the most intrinsic features of this GPSMAP 64st hiking GPS is its connectivity. You can easily connect the gadget to other GPS devices or Smartphones, and share any kind of data that you wish to.
For instance, you can share the waypoints and geocaches with other Garmin users, or you can even receive texts and emails on your GPS device instead of the Smartphone. All this can be done, thanks to the ability of the device to connect wirelessly.
Easy to use
Retaining the traditional push-button design, handhold GPS is easy to use and operate. All the buttons on the gadget are easy to use, and users face no problems whatsoever in navigating through the device.
Physical buttons are one of the most convenient to use when engaging in activities like hiking, biking, and hunting. Since you need to have your eyes on the track, physical buttons come in very handy.
The Maps
The Garmin GPSMAP 64st comes with an in-built worldwide base map. It consists of shaded relief and a 1-year free subscription of Birdseye Satellite Imagery. Also, you can take advantage of the 8GB in-built memory and the expandable memory slot to add as many maps as you would like to.
This device is also compatible with Garmin Custom Maps. Thus, you have all the freedom to transfer maps from other devices that you may own.
Paperless Geocaching
Going paperless is one of the best ways to save our environment. And with this Garmin device, you can do your bit easily. The Garmin 64st supports paperless geocaching and consists of 250, 000 preloaded caches with descriptions and hints from geocaching.com.
You can also store essential information like difficulty, terrain, locations, etc. Thus, you no more need any physical or paper copies of maps, and you can also do away with manually entering coordinates.
The Battery Life
The battery life of any handheld GPS device is the most crucial feature. Since you are going to use the device in harsh outdoor environments, appropriate battery life is an essential requirement.
With the 64st, Garmin provides you with two options. Firstly, you can use two standard AA batteries. These will last longer and not run out ahead of time. Secondly, you can also use rechargeable batteries that last even longer. And the best part is that you don’t have to remove the batteries to charge them. You can simply connect the device to any AC adaptor or USB cord and get going.
More: Garmin eTrex 30x Review
Built-in Compass & Barometric altimeter
The built-in compass and barometric altimeter make this gadget highly accurate and assist you to navigate through terrains very smoothly. The compass being 3-axis reduces the chances of any error.
With the help of the altimeter, you can get a feel of the altitude that you will be traveling across. If you don’t mind sneaking into the mountains for rock climbing and hiking adventure, then you will love this feature.
The barometric feature will keep you updated about the changes in the pressure and let you know the exact elevation. You can plot the barometric pressure over a period of time and see the weather conditions throughout your adventurous journey.
Stay Safe
Featuring a quad-helix antenna and high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receiver, the Garmin 64st will quickly find you. Whether you are deep inside the woods, or hidden in deep canyon covers, you can find your way out with this device, when you need it the most.
Plan your Trip
With the help of Basecamp software, you can be in complete control of your next adventure trip. It helps you to organize waypoints, maps, routes, and tracks of the upcoming trips.
The free-trip planning software lets you create Garmin Adventures that you can share with your adventure fellows, friends, and family too.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Trusted brand
- Advanced features and sensors
- Sleek and rugged design
- Micro-SD card slot for memory expansion
- 2.6” sunlight-readable screen
- Suited for use in rain, snow, and water(up to 1 meter)
Cons:
- Some users found the screen to be small
- Lacks LED buttons
- Plastic screen
Garmin GPSMAP 64st Vs. Others
GPSMAP 64st vs. Garmin eTrex 20x
- UPGRADED DISPLAY – Features a 2.2” 65K color sunglight readable display offering…
- LOAD MORE MAPS – Large 3.7 GB of internal memory and microSD card slot lets you load…
- PRELOADED BASEMAP – Includes a worldwide basemap with shaded relief. Display size:1.4…
- KEEP YOUR FIX – With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, HotFix…
- Included Components: Documentation
Garmin eTrex 20x is a cheaper GPS device and has a battery life of around 25 hours. This extended battery life is a big plus point for this device. It is also water-resistant and highly accurate.
However, the downside of this handheld device is that it misses out on built-in compass and barometric altimeter.
Talking about the GPSMAP 64st, it a device with all the advanced features that are aptly fused in. The device features preloaded Topo maps, waypoints, and routes for the user. The users are provided with two battery options- first is the AA batteries, and second is the rechargeable battery pack.
It has a built-in compass and barometric altimeter that gives it an edge over the eTrex 20x.
More: https://outdoorwithj.com/garmin-etrex-10-review
Garmin GPSMAP 64st Vs. Garmin GPSMAP 64s
- Sunlight Readable 2.6 inch color display; Expanded Internal Memory 4GB
- Display type is transflective, 65k color tft; Display resolution is 160 x 240 pixels
- DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM Use with 2 traditional AA batteries, or the optional rechargeable…
- Receive Smart Notifications* and pair with optional ANT+ sensors, such as heart rate…
- Wireless upload data to Garmin Connect and view on smartphone, plus share activities…
Garmin GPSMAP 64st and 64s both have access to similar features, which include Basecamp software, Geocaching, etc.
However, there are considerable differences too. The built-in memory of the 64st is 8GB, whereas with the 64s you will have access to only 4GB. The battery life of both the device comes to 16 hours approx.
Both the devices are fully capable of providing you with what you exactly want. But the 64st comes with a few more advances. Price-wise, the Garmin 64s is a bit cheaper. But you have to sacrifice half the space on the device too.
More: Garmin GPSMAP 66i Review
Customer Reviews
The users said that this Garmin 64st is perfect for an adventure enthusiast and who is searching for an appropriate device. This device is an ideal choice if you love to undertake adventures in the mountains.
The batteries of this device last long enough to accompany you through the journey. The 100k Topo maps are just perfect for the kind of device you wish for. All in all, it is worth every penny with its wonderful features and advanced sensors.
The most wonderful thing about this gadget is the ease of use. Even if you are not a tech-savvy person getting the hang of this gadget will be a breeze. The device acquires signals really fast.
One downside of this device was the issue faced by some users with the Birdseye View subscription.
Final Word
In our honest opinion, the Garmin 64st is a wonderful gadget for adventure lovers. All the features on this device are great and quite advanced. The device is a GPS device, and it does its job efficiently.
There are preloaded Topo maps that are detailed with an option to add even more. There is a wireless connection, GLONASS satellite receptor, and much more in the goody.
However, on the downside, you will find a small screen which is often not liked by users. Also, the device would have been a big hit if there was some kind of an SOS signal built into it.
Like any other thing, the Garmin GPSMAP 64st has its own set of ups and downs. But it is one of the best options out there that can be relied upon.
So what are you waiting for? Get this fantastic device and make your adventures memorable ones for all the right reasons.
