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GPS Training PodcastKeeping you up to date with everything in the world of outdoor GPS navigation Author: Jon Monks, GPS Training and reviews
Keeping you up to date with everything going on in the world of outdoor GPS navigation Language: en-gb Genres: Hobbies, Leisure, Sports, Wilderness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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GPS Training Podcast – number 119
Episode 119
Monday, 1 December, 2025
The final episode of the year – winter GPS tips, end of an era for the 67, multi-day adventures, Christmas wish-lists, and the AI Bot in action. Episode Overview In this month’s episode, Jon and Andy wrap up 2025 with a bumper winter edition of the GPS Training Podcast. They discuss the sudden end of the Garmin GPSMAP 67, compare the best units for winter use, dive into watches vs handhelds for multi-day adventures, and explore what people are asking the GPS Training AI Support Bot. They finish with their Christmas gear wish-lists and Andy’s shortcut tips. 1. Is This the End of the Garmin GPSMAP 67? Garmin have quietly stopped supplying new GPSMAP 67 stock — despite saying in October that there were “no plans to discontinue” it when the new GPSMAP H1 series launched. Key points No more GPSMAP 67 units on order from Garmin — stock is now extremely limited. The 67 has been hugely popular thanks to: A massive jump in battery life (way beyond 100 hours). Its robust build and reliability. Button-only control, ideal for poor weather. Second-hand 67 and 67i units are selling fast — proving the demand is still strong. What about the 67i? The 67i is still incoming for now — but Jon expects it may also disappear in the near future. Many people prefer the 67i over the H1i+ because: It’s £350 cheaper. Some users don’t want picture messaging or voice memos. It still offers excellent battery life and proven inReach SOS. You don’t need to activate an inReach subscription to use the 67i as a normal GPS. Verdict: If you’ve been thinking about a 67 or 67i, now is the moment — stock won’t last long. 2. Best GPS Units for Winter Walking Cold weather affects batteries, touchscreens, and usability. Jon and Andy break it down into budget, mid-range, and large-screen options. 💷 Budget: Garmin eTrex 32x Around ~£200. Uses AA batteries (ideal for cold temps if kept warm in a pocket). Joystick + button control = excellent with gloves. Basic but extremely reliable. Brilliant as: A backup navigation tool. A device for quick grid references. A simple, safe winter companion. 💷 Mid-Range: TwoNav Aventura 2 Plus Andy calls this “an undersold gem”. Good size screen with joystick + button control. 36-hour battery life. Battery is removable (spare available), plus optional AA battery pack. With OS 1:25k maps, around £579. 💷 Large Screen / Premium Units Includes Garmin H1, H1i+, GPSMAP 67i, and Montana 700 / 710 / 760 series. Garmin H1 / H1i+ Buttons and touchscreen. Touchscreen performs extremely well in the rain. Bigger, clearer input buttons than a smartphone. Around 60–70 hours battery life. Garmin GPSMAP 67i Over 100 hours battery. Buttons only. Still one of Andy’s all-time favourite units. Garmin Montana 700 series Pure touchscreen, but excellent glove performance. Rain & glove modes in Settings > Accessibility. Removable big battery, plus AA pack for non-“i” versions. Winter rule: If you wear gloves a lot, buttons (or a mixed interface like the H1) are your friend. 3. Multi-Day Adventures – Watch, GPS Unit, or Both? Andy gives an honest look at how he uses watches and GPS units across events like the Montane Spine, Winter Lakes events, and long DIY challenges. How watches have changed In 2015, the Fenix 3 gave ~20 hours battery life. In 2025: Fenix 8 Solar: up to 149 hours GPS. Fenix 8 AMOLED: ~84 hours GPS. Suunto Race 2: ~55 hours (all systems). Suunto Vertical 2 AMOLED: ~65 hours. These battery gains mean a watch can now last most ultra events without daily charging. Why Andy still uses a watch Quick glances without removing gloves or stopping. Instant stats (distance left, current pace, ascent). Vibrations every mile help with pacing and morale. Perfect when using poles. Why he still carries a handheld Bigger OS map for tricky nav decisions. inReach SOS & satellite communication. Night navigation in poor visibility. If he had to choose only one… If forced: 67i, purely because of inReach safety. But realistically?→ Watch for recording + stats, GPS for tricky nav is the perfect pairing. Best budget pairing A brilliant low-cost combination: Suunto Race 2 (~£300+). TwoNav Roc handheld for OS maps and emergency navigation. Cheaper than a single high-end Garmin unit. Event rule reminder Some events (e.g., the Montane Spine) require a handheld GPS at kit check.Jon is doing kit checks this winter — so brush up! 4. Ask the Bot – December Questions The GPS Training AI Support Bot now runs on 6,776 indexed pages of training videos, guides, and troubleshooting steps. A few questions from the last 24 hours: • “Where are the setup sheets for the Garmin GPSMAP 67?” Bot linked directly to the correct downloadable setup sheets. • “How often should I calibrate my altimeter?” Bot recommended calibrating: At the start of a walk (when height is known). After big weather changes. Or leave auto-calibration on for general use. • “Can I reverse a route on the Garmin H1?” Bot correctly answered:→ No. The H1 uses courses, which can’t yet be reversed.Workaround: reverse the route in BaseCamp or the GPS Training Route Planner before sending it. • “My BaseCamp route has 284 points – will it transfer to my 67i?” Bot explained the unit limit (~250 points).Anything beyond the limit may cause the end of the route to truncate. • “How do I get a GPX file onto BaseCamp and then into my 67i using a Mac?” Bot provided a full, step-by-step guide and linked directly to Andy’s video. 5. Andy’s Top Tips – Shortcut Buttons A theme this month: shortcuts and action buttons on watches and GPS units. Suunto (Race 2, Vertical) Settings > Customise Top button = Torch Bottom button = Messages Middle button = Instant Map (“pin widget”) Garmin Fenix / Epix / Fenix 8 Hold middle left > Watch Settings > System > Hotkeys Andy uses: Torch Music Timers Quick “Save Location” for an instant grid reference Garmin H1 / H1i+ Main Menu > Settings > Action ButtonNew update added loads more options: Single tap / double tap / hold Torch Mark waypoint Lock device Check-in message Launch camera (H1i+) 6. Christmas Tech Wish-List Andy’s Picks GPS Unit: Garmin 67iWatch: Suunto Race 2Bonus: Suunto Wing 2 bone-conduction headphones Jon’s Picks GPS Unit: Garmin H1 / H1i+Watch: Suunto Vertical 2 AMOLED(“Lots of watch for £529, incredible brightness.”) 7. Festive Wrap-Up A big thank you from Jon, Andy and all the GPS Training team. 2025 has been a huge year of courses, new products, long drives, and helping thousands of walkers get confident with their kit. A genuine thank-you to everyone who bought from us, booked courses, subscribed to the online resource, and kept the community thriving. Have a brilliant Christmas and New Year — stay safe on the hills, pack well in winter, and enjoy a cold crisp walk when you can.
