GarminGPSMAP 65s, Button-Operated Handheld with Altimeter and Compass, Expanded Satellite Support and Multi-Band Technology, 2.6" Color Display

We went hiking in Big Bend NP over Christmas. I picked this up so I had a back up to my phone for those times we may get disoriented on some of the long trails. It worked fantastically.

While I normally use my phone to navigate, I decided that it was time to add a dedicated GPS receiver to my kit and I'm glad I did. Having a dedicated GPS saves my phone's battery for emergencies, plus it's always good to have multiple navigation items (GPS units, Map and Compass)when you are relying on them for life and death situations.The accuracy of this unit is outstanding, normally around 6ft, and satellite acquisition is very quick. This unit feature multi-band support and multi-GNSS, which supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS. There won't be many situations where you will have difficulty getting a satellite lock. I've even been impressed by the accuracy indoors, a feat I would never have attempted with the GPS units of yore.The interface is a little dated, but intuitive enough and easy to read. This unit has dedicated buttons, which is vastly superior to using a touch screen in bad weather and/or with gloves. The build quality is rugged and weather resistant, I have no doubt it will survive tough outdoor use.Battery life has been great for me, even using alkaline batteries. I like having the option to use standard AA batteries. Integrated Li-Ions have a finite life, with AA's I can replace the batteries and extend the life of the unit. This was a selling point to me.Be sure to perform a firmware update before using the unit. This can either be done via the mobile app or on a computer via USB with the Garmin Express app. The built in Garmin active topo maps are pretty good. You can upload your own custom maps as well.I'm looking forward to using this unit on many upcoming backcountry adventures, it fits all of my needs and is relatively affordable. If you compare it to the cost of a subscription based GPS phone app, it will pay for itself in a few years.

consumption went on a buying consolidation in the past. But still the original Garmin is the best ones. multi channel dedicated gps. Better then phones. low power consumption high performance great maps.. The best. Could benefit from more maps. Add easier way to keep storage clean and free. Again stop using your phone for outdoor or car guidance. Get the dedicated focus purpose. A gps device.

Despite the ancient UI (It's really not that different than my decade-old 60CSx), the accuracy is appreciably better -- it really is plus/minus 6feet accuracy. And I like replaceable batteries -- one of the reasons I didn't purchase the 67i, as it has a non-replaceable and rechargeable battery. As other reviewers on youtube and other places have noted, this handheld device is as accurate as the more expensive ( Bad Elf, GPSMap 67i, etc) devices.

The software is a little tricky to use. You have to use Base Camp. But I was able to plan hikes, import them into Base Camp from All Trails (gpx format), and then use the 65s to route us to and from our destination accurately. Great Unit. The best part is that it has removable batteries. So take extra. The battery life is great on this as well.

Let’s get dislikes out of the way: </br>Garmin gets and F- at applications good Lord takes 4 apps on my Mac just to update and add free maps and plot routes plus two on my cell phone. There’s very little workflow on why and which to use for what. The default non-paid topo maps are not set to have map details set to “more” or “most” which are buried deeeeeeeeeeep in map settings. This single default setting I think causes massive poor feedback by Garmin first time owners. Loading free maps is a nightmare at best, using base camp if a pain in the penis best case. Base camp crashed on me 3 times to add a future hiking route about 7mi long. It’s just… bad. UI of the unit itself really needs a complete overhaul this company need a more Apple like approach, take a look at their source code APIs it’s terrible and you can tell that they are hardware folks trying to do good hardware with crappy softy on top.The good is also very prevalent, laser accuracy with multi band. People don’t seem to realize multi band gets you on avg 6’ of accuracy (that’s the width of ur arms stretched out) from L1 and L5 bands that have accuracy validation. Routing once done works great. Free maps are pretty awesome once you spend a lot of time figuring them out. Text notifications from ur mobile device is pretty sweet. Compass and multi axis sensors get u very good elevation precision. I have major piece of mind once I took 4-6hrs to install and google searches to figure it all out. I’d challenge Garmin to get better senior level software developers and get their act together with multi apps to handle one device. Once that comes about with better and small tech, I’d be very excited to see what happens!

Multi constellation, very accurate, made finding the corners of my property super easy.