Garmin 66i Review - Best of both worlds! Garmin InReach and GPSMAP

So I recently grabbed this Garmin 66i on a killer deal from Amazon and I've been wanting to get this since they released it in 2019. I have been very impressed with this device so far. Initial reviews talked about buggy software and I haven't had an issue with that. Yes, it is annoying to connect to both Garmin Connect AND Garmin Explore....but, just get over it. You'll be fine. Once the initial setup is done you shouldn't have to mess with it again.

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I love this unit because it combines the functionality of the GPSMAP 64st which I have used for the last 5 years as well as all the functionality of their InReach satellite communicators. The bottom line is it works very, very well. I also have an InReach mini and my wife and I will use the two of them to communicate with each other when we are doing our own thing in the backcountry. Stay tuned for a long-term update once I get to truly put it through its paces.

Here are just a few things that I love:
1. Actual activity tracking. Hit start and stop to record.
2. Turn by turn directions. Awesome!
3. Connectivity. The ability to utilize gpx files via the bluetooth connection is amazing. I love how simple it is to get routes and tracks onto it .
4. Screen. The screen is a delight to read. It is bright and easy to see
5. Speed. This thing is fast and I've not experienced any lag. When outside it connects to the satellite network almost right away.

So that's about it!

Here is one more thing I'm excited about. I recently got some new microphones and my audio quality should improve a ton in future videos. This is the first video with the new set up and I think the audio came through much better than past videos using just my phones internal mic.