Garmin GPSMAP 65s

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The Garmin GPSMAP 65s is the first Garmin to offer multi-band GNSS and is a solid performer for a handheld GPS.

The included Garmin TopoActive maps are a solid map set for hiking and the outdoors. Since Garmin started using Open Street Maps (OSM) as a base, there have been many more trails than on older versions of the TopoActive maps. The maps are updated fairly frequently, and buying a GPSMAP 65 entitles you to free lifetime updates.

Since this is a new technology, it will help to understand the basics of what’s new before we dive into the actual tests. First off, GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, or in practical terms a country’s set of satellites that the public can use for positioning. Two new features on the GPSMAP 65 enhance positioning: extended GNSS support, and multiple band reception within a GNSS system.

On two normal (alkaline) AA batteries, you can get between 14-16 hours of life. To extend the battery life, Use “battery save” mode, which turns the screen off when the backlight times out (15 or 30 seconds is a good setting). Additionally, turn off Bluetooth when not syncing with your phone.

The GPSMAP 65 can use alkaline, lithium, or NiMH batteries. You can choose between the battery type in your settings. Garmin uses the battery type to guesstimate how much battery is left (based on each type of battery’s voltage). In general, you want to look for a battery with the highest mAh (milliamps hour).

a) Trip Computer- The trip computer screen is where you can view stats from your current track. The data fields are customizable. From here you can reset the trip and current track by hitting the MENU key, which you would do when you start a new hike.

b) Waypoints- Hitting the MARK button allows you to add a waypoint using your current location quickly. If you go into the Waypoint Manager, you’ll get a list of waypoints that you can edit or navigate to. You can edit all the aspects of the waypoint, including its position. You can also perform waypoint averaging when you need a very precise location saved. The GPSMAP 65 will take multiple waypoint readings and then average them.

Hitting the FIND button brings up a list of destination types that you can route yourself to. Note that you cannot just type in a name and have it find matches. You have to search by type and then drill down. Within each destination, the type is generally a sub-menu. The items within that category are then listed in order of distance away from your current position. Selecting a destination shows it on the map and lets you navigate to it using the GO button. You can see a list of your route’s turns and import points under the “Active Track’ menu item.

You can see your track line on the map, which is handy if you want to retrace your steps. Going into the “Track Manager” will list all your saved tracks. These are tracks created on the device or ones that you’ve synced or loaded onto the unit. If you want to save your current track, you click on the current track and then save. Within each track, you can do things like edit it, copy a reversed version, and look at an elevation plot of the trip. To navigate a track, you view it on the map (an option under the track) and then hit GO here.

One of the new features is that you can now connect the GPSMAP 65 to a smartphone using Bluetooth, and then transfer navigation information (waypoints, routes, and tracks) from the Garmin Explore app. This means that you don’t have to connect the unit with a USB cable to a desktop computer in order to transfer data.

Even if you don’t care about syncing with Garmin Explore, I do recommend getting the latest firmware and map updates.

Install Garmin Express on your computer and connect your GPSMAP 65 to the computer with the USB cable. Add the GPSMAP to Garmin Express. Finally, Update the firmware and map data.

If you want to pair with your smartphone, the setup is a bit convoluted and involves a few apps.

Load the Garmin Connect and Garmin Explore apps on your phone. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone. Go to the settings on the GPSMAP 65, and add a new phone. Open Garmin Connect and add a new device. Select the GSPMAP 65. Let them pair. Once paired, open Garmin Explore on your phone and add a device. Select the GPSMAP 65. Use Garmin Explore to sync your navigation items.