Hello friends! Today, I’m going to tell you all about two super cool GPS devices from Garmin that are great for anyone who loves adventure—whether you’re hiking, camping, or exploring the outdoors. We’re going to compare the Garmin 62s vs 67i to help you decide which one might be the best for your next adventure. Both of these devices are from Garmin, a brand that’s trusted for making excellent outdoor tech. So, let’s jump right in!
What are Garmin 62s and 67i?
First, let me give you a quick overview of what these two devices are all about. Both the Garmin 62s and Garmin 67i are handheld GPS devices. These are gadgets that help you find your way even if you’re deep in the forest, on a mountain, or in any wild outdoor space where there are no roads or signposts.
The Garmin 62s is part of the older GPSMAP 62 series, which has been around for a while. It’s known for being reliable and rugged, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. The Garmin 67i is a more recent model in the GPSMAP series. One big difference between the two is that the 67i also comes with inReach technology, which allows you to send messages and even SOS alerts if you’re in trouble!
Garmin 62s vs 67i: Which One is Better for Adventure?
This is the big question, right? Let’s break down some important features to figure it out. I’m going to talk about navigation features, build quality, battery life, communication, and pricing. We’ll see how the Garmin 62s and 67i compare in each of these categories. Ready?
Both the Garmin 62s and 67i are really good when it comes to helping you navigate in the outdoors. They both come with GPS, so you can always track where you are, and both allow you to save and follow routes.
- The Garmin 62s has basic GPS and a 3-axis compass, which means it can tell which direction you’re facing, even if you’re not moving. It also has a barometric altimeter that can help you track changes in elevation, which is great for hikers and climbers.
- The Garmin 67i does everything the 62s does, but also has GLONASS and Galileo satellite support. This means it can connect to more satellites and give you better accuracy, especially in tricky areas like deep forests or canyons where regular GPS might struggle.
Verdict: The 67i wins here because of its advanced satellite support. If you need super accurate navigation, especially in tough environments, the 67i is going to be more reliable. But the 62s still gets the job done for most outdoor activities!
2. Build Quality and Design
When you’re out in nature, your GPS device needs to be tough. Both the Garmin 62s and 67i are built to be rugged and water-resistant, so they can handle rain, splashes, and even being dropped (though not too much dropping, okay?).
- The Garmin 62s has a classic design with physical buttons, which some people really love. It feels solid in your hand, and you can use it easily even if you’re wearing gloves.
- The Garmin 67i also has physical buttons but feels a bit more modern. It has a slightly sleeker design, but it’s just as tough as the 62s. Plus, it has a color display that looks great even in bright sunlight.
Verdict: Both are durable and reliable, but the 67i feels a little more modern and is easier to read in direct sunlight. The design of the 62s is still great, especially if you like the classic look and feel of older Garmin devices.
3. Battery Life – Garmin 62s vs 67i: Which Lasts Longer?
Battery life is super important when you’re out on a long trip, right? You don’t want your GPS device to die in the middle of your hike.
- The Garmin 62s has a decent battery life of up to 20 hours on 2 AA batteries. This is good because you can always carry spare batteries and swap them out when needed. Easy peasy!
- The Garmin 67i, on the other hand, has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 165 hours in expedition mode (which is a mode that saves battery) and 35 hours in standard mode. That’s pretty awesome! Plus, it means you don’t have to keep buying new batteries.
Verdict: The 67i definitely has better battery life, especially in expedition mode. If you’re going on a long trip and don’t want to worry about changing batteries, the 67i is the clear winner here.
4. Communication and inReach Technology
Now, this is where the Garmin 67i really shines. The 67i comes with inReach technology, which is a game changer for staying safe in the wild. This feature lets you send and receive text messages from almost anywhere in the world using satellites! It also has an SOS button, which connects you to a 24/7 search and rescue center in case of emergencies.
The Garmin 62s doesn’t have this feature, so you can’t send messages or call for help if you’re out of cell service.
Verdict: If you want the extra security of being able to communicate no matter where you are, the Garmin 67i is the clear choice. The inReach technology is perfect for solo adventurers or anyone heading into remote areas.
5. Pricing
Let’s talk about price because that’s a big factor for most of us.
- The Garmin 62s is generally cheaper since it’s an older model and doesn’t have the fancy inReach communication features. You can often find it for around $300 to $400, depending on where you look.
- The Garmin 67i is more expensive, usually costing around $600 to $700. The price reflects the extra features like inReach messaging and the longer battery life.
Verdict: If you’re on a budget, the Garmin 62s is a solid choice that gives you great navigation features without breaking the bank. But if you want those advanced communication features and extra battery life, the 67i is worth the investment.
Garmin 62s vs 67i: Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve compared both devices, which one is better for you?
- If you want basic, reliable navigation and don’t need extra features like messaging, the Garmin 62s is still a great choice. It’s tough, it works well, and it’s affordable.
- But if you’re the type of person who loves exploring remote places and wants that extra peace of mind with inReach messaging, the Garmin 67i is the way to go. The extra satellite support, longer battery life, and ability to send SOS alerts make it a fantastic choice for serious adventurers.
Garmin 62s vs 67i: Which One Should YOU Get?
Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for—my personal take on which one you should get!
If you’re someone who’s new to hiking or exploring and you want a solid GPS device without all the extra bells and whistles, the Garmin 62s is honestly great. It has all the basic features you need to keep you on track, and it’s pretty easy to use too! Plus, because it’s cheaper, you can save some cash for other gear.
However, if you’re planning to go off the beaten path or spend a lot of time in places where there’s no cell service, you should definitely go for the Garmin 67i. The inReach technology could be a lifesaver, literally! And even though it’s more expensive, it’s totally worth it if safety and extra communication are important to you. I mean, who doesn’t like the idea of sending a text from the top of a mountain?
So there you have it! The Garmin 62s vs 67i comparison. I hope this helped clear up some of the differences between the two, and now you have a better idea of which one might be the perfect fit for your adventures. Whether you choose the trusty 62s or the feature-packed 67i, you’re in for an awesome time exploring the great outdoors!
