When you’re an avid hunter, you know that losing track of time and getting lost in the middle of nowhere may happen sooner or later. Luckily for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of gadgets to get you safe and sound back home every single time.
Modern hunters want to focus better at their game, so they’re not afraid to use all the hunting gear that it’s out there. The GPS devices will give you input on your location, but the models made for hunting will also keep track of your sites and help you plan a future hunt.
See also: Must-Have Features on Handheld GPS Devices for Hunting
A GPS device, as such, almost doesn’t need a detailed description, as its popularity speaks volumes. However, we’ll give you all the details and some on Garmin GPSMAP 64st, TOPO U.S. 100K.
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Page Contents
Why are Garmin gadgets so popular?
If this isn’t the first time you’re looking for a GPS device, you know that one of the most reliable brands is Garmin. Established at the end of the 80s by Gary Burrell and Min Kao (hence, the name), Garmin has slowly become the equivalent for the high-quality GPS technology and integration. The company has been designing and creating devices for energetic customers who always know their location and dare traveling into the unknown.
Created for outdoor enthusiasts, Garmin GPS devices impress with the ease of use, reliability, comfort, and versatility. Some manage to stand out, winning the appreciation of customers all over the world. Garmin GPSMAP 64st is the one making the topic today. See also our Garmin Rino 755t review.
What’s to say about the Garmin GPSMAP 64st in a nutshell?
Garmin GPSMAP 64st was made to be the most reliable tool for orientation while hunting. The GPS device lets you imagine, save, and even share with your fellow hunters your tracks, waypoints, routes, and geocaches. It comes with Bluetooth and ANT+ wireless connectivity, and hunters interested in their health may also rely on the health and activity functions.
The mid-priced GPS unit manages to be one of the most advanced within its category, and the tool is a lot more than meets the eye. Full of pleasant surprises, Garmin GPSMAP 64st is a significant investment to make on any given day.
What are the best features to highlight?
There are many good things that Garmin GPSMAP 64st brings to the table, and overall build and value, considering the price, could be the selling point.
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As it’s a GPS device, you want the tool to provide the most accurate data on location without collecting the data. Having said that, we should highlight that Garmin GPSMAP 64st features both high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS. It features a quad-helix antenna so that the signaling is secure, and the results are fast. There’s also a 3-axis electronic compass with a barometer altimeter, so you get to find out about your altitude and prepare for the weather changes. You will obtain accurate data on your location even if you’re not on the go, thanks to the built-in tilt-compensated electronic compass. The barometric altimeter will identify the pressure changes so that it can show your accurate altitude.
The GPS signal is strong, but the device will also identify your location fast and accurately, even in deep canyons or heavy cover. You will not worry about not getting a signal even around tall trees, as Garmin GPSMAP 64st will get the signals and tell you where you are.
Moreover, the GPS device comes with Preloaded TOPO U.S. 100K maps so that you can access more maps. The GPS unit also comprises a worldwide base map with shaded relief, covering the entire U.S. the map also states local, state, and national parks and forests, but also elevation data, points of interest, and such. The 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription will come in handy as it provides data about rivers, lakes, trails, and points of interest. If that’s still not enough for you, you will be able to add more maps, road and marine maps, with topographic details. The 8GB of onboard memory and the microSD card slot lets you download TOPO24K maps, as you’re plugging the Bluehart g2 preloaded cards when on the water. For the roads, you will access the City Navigator NT map. It’s also possible to utilize Garmin GPSMAP 64st with Garmin Custom Maps, a map format that allows users to turn electronic/paper maps into downloadable versions.
Paperless geocaching with detailed 250,000 preloaded caches and suggestions from Geocaching. com will be also doable with Garmin GPSMAP 64st. When you use the paperless feature, you increase your efficiency while protecting the environment too.
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Basecamp will let you check and organize your maps, routes, and tracks, planning your next adventures. Garmin Adventures may be shared with fellow hunters and family. Basecamp shows topographic map data in both 2D or 3D on a computer screen, with elevation profiles and contour lines.
When it comes to GPS devices, not being able to read them in bright sunlight is one of the common challenges. It’s not the case of Garmin GPSMAP 64st, which comes with a 2.6″ easy to read in sunlight color screen.
Staying in touch with your hunter friends will also be possible as the Garmin GPSMAP 64st allows you to share the routes, tracks, waypoints wirelessly, and geocaches with compatible unis. You only need to press “send” to share your data with another Garmin device.
Garmin GPSMAP 64st can connect with other compatible Garmin devices, accessory sensors, VIRBTM, foot pot, and heart rate monitor. Don’t forget about the Smart notification allowing you a chance to wirelessly receive texts, alerts, and even emails from iPhone 4s or later or later. You won’t have to reach for your phone anymore, as the Garmin GPSMAP 64st will keep you posted about the latest messages at all times.
The list of features continues with the dual battery system of the unit. You may use 2 A.A. batteries or the NiMH battery pack that you can charge right inside the unit.
As for the build, Garmin GPSMAP 64st sure doesn’t disappoint. It’s a robust GPS unit, handheld with a sturdy and comfortable grip. Despite the rough build, Garmin GPSMAP 64st has a rather sleek profile, without the bulky feel you may encounter at the opponents.
What do we like the most? What do we want less?
Summarizing the list of pros is a challenge, but here are our top advantages:
- It features both GPS and GLONASS
- It also comes with a 3-axis compass with barometric altimeter and tilt-compensated electronic compass.
- It provides accurate information, even around tall trees.
- It can receive Smart notifications.
- It comes with preloaded maps, TOPO 100K, but you may also add more maps.
- It’s possible to share your locations with other friends and family members.
- The colored display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
- The menu is user friendly, and most customers won’t have difficulties operating it.
- It’s rugged and durable, yet lightweight and comfortable to hold
The downsides aren’t significant, but it’s fair to list them too:
- Some users find it tricky to download other maps.
- The preloaded maps aren’t useful for all customers.
- The build could be improved.
What’s our verdict?
Should you be determined to become a better hunter, you will need technology for improving your shooting skills. Garmin GPSMAP 64st will not make you aim correctly, but it will lift the weight of getting lost while hunting off your shoulders. And once you’re relaxed as you know where you are and how to get back home, you will be able to breathe it and… shoot. See the price and user reviews on Amazon.
