Garmin GPSMAP 64 Review

Updated: March 27, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 64

Claiming the title of “good overall GPS” is the Garmin GPSMAP 64. This versatile GPS is hardy and functional and offers great coverage, even in thick forest or deep valleys. Meaning that no matter where you are this device should have you covered.

The GPS’s 2.6" colour display makes it readable in all types of sunlight, and having a water rating of IPX7 means that no matter the weather you can rely on the Garmin.  

This in combination with excellent reception, thanks to the devices high sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receiver, makes it clear why the device earned the title of best overall GPS.

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Garmin GPSMAP 64

Manufacturer: Garmin

Pros

  • High sensitivity tracking with GPS/GLONASS receiver
  • 4GB of internal memory
  • Display that can easily be read in sunlight
  • BirdsEye Satellite Imagery software and compatible with Custom maps
  • Durable

Cons

  • Shorter battery life
  • Doesn’t have wireless connectivity
  • Lack of compatibility with other devices
  • Not touch screen

Conclusion

Coming preloaded with a worldwide basemap and the ability to download additional maps, as well as a track log that can store 10,000 points and 200 saved tracks, you can be sure that you will be able to navigate your way with ease.

The Garmin GPSMAP 64 also supports BirdsEye Satellite Imagery software, which means that you can integrate satellite images with your maps. 

Other features that we liked was the fact the device is compatible with Custom maps, which lets your turn paper maps into free, downloadable maps for your device, and the GPS supports paperless geocaching, with 250 000 preloaded caches that comes with hints and descriptions.

On the whole, the Garmin GPSMAP 64 is eliminating the need papers map, which is more environmentally friendly.

It is clear that the GPS is designed with the hiker in mind. While it may not have some of the bells and whistles that some of the fancier GPS have, it is durable, yet slightly bulkier mean that you can get lots of use out of the device without having to worry about it breaking.

All in all, the Garmin 64 provides you with all the features needed to navigate any terrain. 

See Other Hiking GPS

Finding yourself the right GPS for the job can be a tricky task, especially with the overwhelming number of models, makes and reviews out there. To make things easier, check out our expert review on the best hiking GPS here.

Key Features 

Reception quality 

The Garmin GPSMAP 64 uses a high sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receiver with a quad helix antenna to accurately find your position. GPS that use GLONASS technology lock onto your position 20% quicker than those that don’t, and the Garmin 64 maintains its location even in heavy cover or deep canyons. 

Preloaded Maps and Mapping Software

This all terrain GPS comes preloaded with a worldwide basemap with the built in map having a fair amount of detail, even showing the names of back country roads.

If want to add additional maps, you can easily add more to the GPS by downloading any of Garmin’s array of detailed topographic, road and marine maps.  
The Garmin GSPMAP 64 memory space means that downloading additional maps won’t be an issue.

The device supports BirdsEye Satellite imagery and is compatible with Custom Maps, which allows you to easily transform paper maps into downloadable ones for free, eliminating the need for paper maps - which in turn is more environmentally friendly. 

As of 10 May 2022, BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, BirdsEye Select (various countries) and BirdsEye TOPO, U.S. and Canada subscriptions have been discontinued and are no longer available for purchase and/or renewal. For more info on how to continue using previously purchased subscriptions prior to the discontinuation date, please click here.

Memory

Coming with 4GB of on-board memory and space for a micro SD card, the Garmin 64 has the most memory space of the devices that we put to the test.

This means that you have lots of space for additional map downloads, collection of various waypoints and other information. 

Compatibility with Devices

Unlike the Garmin GPSMAP 64s, the 64 does not have wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and ANT+.

The lack of compatibility with other devices is a bit of a drawback. However, the overall functioning of GPS is not affected by the lack of connectivity - it is just means that you can’t easily share you trips and statistics with others.

Battery Life

With 16 hours of battery life, the Garmin 64 has a shorter battery life than previous models and the other GPS tested. The device is powered by 2 AA batteries, which are not included in the purchase.

However, as they are powered by standard batteries, it is easy to take extras with you if you are worried about being out and about for longer than this.

Touchscreen vs Buttons

The Garmin GPSMAP 64 opts for buttons as opposed being touch screen. While this makes the device slightly bulkier and slower, it’s useful for all weather conditions as the device can still function even if you are wearing thick gloves.

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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