Garmin released new handhelds in march 2023 and one of the them was the refreshed eTrex SE, which is a big update to the eTrex 10 handheld. This would be a basic no maps but fully loaded GPS device meant for beginners, minimalist or used in group learning or activities like geocaching since it is low cost, long battery life and simple to use.
We have bluetooth and USB-C and an insane bump with battery life. With the bluetooth connectivity, you have now the ability to sync with your smartphone or tablet and sync up your Garmin Explore collections, view phone notifications, download geocaches, transfer software software updates and get weather forecast of your current location.
The first updated handheld is the new GPSMAP 67 series GPS device. If you watched my GPSMAP 66 series playlist, you’d probably hear me complain about it despite being slow to handle the new radios and smartphone connected features. Basically if you had a operational GPSMAP 62 or even a 64, the price tag did not warrant it at the time.
It looks like the GPSMAP 67 series offers actual improvements and keeping up with features found in the off-road devices.
Notable Garmin GPSMAP 67 Hardware Updates
When reading over the spec list, you can see that we have some decent improvements or updates in this version compared to the GPSMAP 66, notably:
USB-C charging port
up to 180 hours of normal GPS battery life using the internal rechargeable battery
Other than the above list, the external hardware specs of the GPSMAP 67 compared to the GPSMAP 66 are virtually identical.
Notable Garmin GPSMAP 67 Software Updates
The big question with the GPSMAP 67 is whether or not there would be some UI updates or would it be the same look & feel since the GPSMAP 62.
Well, from the product page screenshots, you won’t have that worry, as the UI looks to the same as with GPSMAP 66 series. What is new however are the integration with inReach Messenger and Garmin Explore.
Garmin Messenger is the recent smartphone app that copies ZOLEO in terms of sending messages over wifi, cellular or via the Iridium Satellites using the GPSMAP 67i or paired with a standalone inReach. You’ll be able to use the GPSMAP 67 more to respond to messages.
Specific new app on the GPSMAP 67 is the integration of inReach weather to the device. Currently you have the basic weather app on the device which uses your smartphone connection to pull weather. Now if you have the GPSMAP 67i, you can pull weather via inReach without needed to open up your smartphone to view the forecast.
A downside is that Garmin Explore is not baked into the device software unlike as opposed to the Tread series. You still need to use the smartphone app to sync and manage your collections. Being able to use a basic UI on the device for Garmin Explore as seen on Tread would have been nice.
Final Thoughts About Garmin GPSMAP 67
For those who have been waiting to update their GPSMAP 6x series GPS will like this one. The form factor has not changed in nearly 20 years, so you know it’s a winner.
The hardware improvements and battery breakthrough will be a game changer for many who manage AA batteries and with USB-C charging port, I expect flexible and quick charging times.
Other than the incremental inReach integration and messaging, everything stays the same as with the GPSMAP 66 series. You have your electronic compass, download birdseye satellite images, load custom maps, do geocaching, everything you want to see in a GPSMAP device.
Coming in a $649.99 CAD for the base GPSMAP 67, it is not a cheap device. That being said the GPSMAP 66st is currently at $599.99 CAD. So for the extra 50 dollars, might as well get the latest hardware.
Garmin eTrex SE Updated Entry Level Device
The eTrex series has been around for a while, it is your entry level GPS device with bare bones functionality. Which makes it perfect for kids, learning GPS navigation and for classrooms due to the low price, long battery life and built like a tank.
The last update in the eTrex series was the 22x/32x which I swear was only a different color trim, with no real updates. However, the base model, the eTrex 10 remained unchanged for years.
The eTrex SE is the next generation from the eTrex 10 as the size, weight, screen are virtually identical. However, just like the GPSMAP 67, we do see some updates.
Notable eTrex SE Hardware Updates
the list of major hardware updates are few but are in the right direction, you still don’t have an electronic compass with this model:
USB-C charging port
168 hours normal battery life using AA batteries
Bluetooth
multi GPS netwrok sensors: GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BEIDOU
That’s right, you saw this with the release of the Garmin inReach Messenger last fall, Garmin seemed to have cracked the code to get even more battery life out of its devices while packing in more radios. But sadly, this is about it in terms of notable hardware update , well the new form factor design is nice.
Notable eTrex SE Software Updates
There’s not much new you can pack into the bare bones screen. it is not meant to display topo maps, or satellite imagery. But Garmin still found a few things to add since they added the Bluetooth radio, which means connectivity to your smartphone.
Smartphone notifications
Weather forecast
Geocaching
Garmin Explore integration
Final Thoughts About Garmin eTrex SE
Coming in at $199.99 CAD, this will be the new entry GPS device for kids or adults who want the bare bones experience. Garmin has kept the clip attachment on this unit, meaning that you can find all sorts of mounts or interchange them from other devices.
For the minimalist, this device paired with a portable battery bank, Garmin inReach Messenger and a good topo map is about all you need for a multi day excursion.
If we can expect to see these minor updates further down the eTrex lineup, it will provide a more cost effective option for those who want a bit more features but can’t justify the sticker price of a GPSMAP 67.
Finally over 18cm (7 inches) of snow in this winter season, Which is great as I’ve been waiting to use my plow kit up to this point.
You will see me making a bunch of mistakes, trying to adjust the blade height and figuring out the best way to clear my driveway which is on an incline. Another challenge is that I’m in Nova Scotia Canada, so it is important for me to get the driveway as close to the gravel as possible as we go from freeze to thaw and I don’t want to have a pure ice driveway.
If I had a flat driveway, I would be building up a layer in order to glide over the snow better. Overall, I was really happy with the 64 inch can-am promount steel plow mounted on my Can-am defender hd7. It made the job faster as opposed to using a snowblower.
While I’m still dragging gravel here and there, I am not throwing it with the blower. My driveway is gravel, with the 11 degree slope and there’s a new section we extended this year, so lots of uneven and un packed gravel so I knew that I would be dragging rocks this time. Add to the face we did not freeze over yet so the ground is very soft.
Finally a Nor’Easter in March
Ironic that in early march, we finally get a good winter storm after a mild winter with very little of the white stuff on the ground. We got about 28cm of good East Coast snow with snow drifts after a windy evening.
So that meant that I finally will give the side by side and new snow plow kit a good workout. I always wondered how it would do with our steep driveway and deep snow. Using my Can-Am Defender with 66 inch Promount snow plow kit, I had the machine on 4-low with the differential lock on and after shovelling the front decks, it was time to clear out the rest of the driveway.
ZOLEO Inc. and Global Rescue Companies have partnered to provide a cutting-edge emergency communication and rescue service. Their innovative technology and expertise have resulted in an unparalleled system that enables individuals and organizations to communicate and receive emergency assistance from anywhere in the world. This article will delve into the unique features of the ZOLEO Inc. and Global Rescue Companies partnership, highlighting their benefits and impact on the emergency communications and rescue industry.
Background
The need for reliable and effective emergency communication and rescue services cannot be overstated. Accidents, natural disasters, and emergencies can occur at any time and in any location. In such cases, having a communication system that can send and receive messages even in remote and off-grid areas can be a matter of life and death. ZOLEO Inc. and Global Rescue Companies recognized this need and have come up with a solution that can provide assistance and rescue services in even the most remote and hostile environments.
The ZOLEO Inc. and Global Rescue Companies partnership offers a comprehensive set of features that can make a significant difference in emergency communication and rescue operations. The ZOLEO device provides satellite-based messaging and location services, allowing users to send and receive messages, including SOS alerts, even in areas with no cellular coverage. The device also has a long battery life and is built to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environments. Moreover, Global Rescue’s emergency response team is available 24/7 to provide assistance and evacuation services in case of emergencies. They have extensive experience in remote rescue operations and have a network of medical and security specialists worldwide. The combination of ZOLEO’s communication technology and Global Rescue’s expertise makes this partnership a game-changer in the emergency communications and rescue industry.
The impact of ZOLEO Inc. and Global Rescue Companies’ partnership extends beyond emergency communications and rescue operations. It can have a significant impact on various industries such as outdoor recreation, aviation, maritime, and oil and gas. For instance, hikers, climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts can rely on the ZOLEO device to stay connected even in areas with no cell coverage. Pilots and sailors can use the device to communicate with their ground support teams, improving safety and efficiency. Oil and gas companies can use the device to keep their remote workers connected and safe in hazardous environments. The possibilities are endless, and the impact of this partnership can be far-reaching.
Analysis & Conclusion
This is a good move for ZOLEO as previously they were using the GEOS or IERCC service for 24/7 monitoring previously but since Garmin acquired it in January 5, 2021, there was wonder as to how the non-inReach devices out there would cope with the change how the ecosystem would change now that Garmin essentially owns the inReach and primary monitoring service since its inception.
The new alignment also seems to be a good fit as Global Rescue Companies offer additional services such as travel insurance for individuals or on enterprise level. This seems to be very good as those who own satellite devices are in remote locations, or the type of work requires additional protection if something goes wrong.
It will interesting to see how many of the other Iridium based communication devices that offers SOS will be making the switch to alternative providers. For example Bivy Stick uses Global Rescue Companies for their SOS monitoring services as of Feb 2023.
Garmin Explore is a popular platform used by outdoor enthusiasts to plan and track their adventures. However, some Garmin Explore users, especially InReach users, face a common issue where they are unable to view or sync their tracks to their devices. This can be frustrating, especially if you want to track your progress or share your adventures with others. Fortunately, there is a way to resolve this issue. In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide to help you sync tracks on Garmin Explore, specifically for InReach users who are facing syncing issues.
For some Garmin Explore users, you may run into an issue where you are unable to view or sync tracks to your other devices via Garmin Explore. We see this mostly for inReach tracks being sent to MapShare as opposed to tracks uploaded via other Garmin GPS devices or manually via upload. A way to help you in this situation is to go to Garmin Explore and go to the map page where you will find your library. Garmin made a change where tracks will have either a circle or triangle to denote if a track is set up to be synced to other devices on Garmin Explore.
How to Sync Tracks on Garmin Explore
Step 1: Go to your Garmin Explore Library
To begin syncing your tracks, you need to go to your Garmin Explore Library. This is where all your tracks are stored, and where you can manage and organize them. Open Garmin Explore on your device and navigate to the map page, where you will see your library.
Step 2: Check the Track Icon
In Garmin Explore, tracks are denoted by either a circle or a triangle icon. The circle icon indicates that the track is not set up for syncing, while the triangle icon indicates that the track is set up for syncing. For InReach users, it’s likely that your tracks have a circle icon, which is why you’re facing syncing issues.
Step 3: Convert the Track
To enable syncing, you need to convert the track from a circle to a triangle icon. To do this, select the track with the circle icon and click on the “Convert” option. This will bring up a menu that allows you to convert the track to a triangle icon either as a track or a route.
Step 4: Sync the Track to Your Devices
Once you have converted the track, you can proceed to sync it to your devices as normal. If you have a specific device that you want to sync the track to, you can move it to a collection that you use for that device. To do this, use the Garmin Explore mobile app and navigate to the “All” section of the library. Find the track you want to move, and then reassign the collection to the device you want to sync it with.
Step 5: Share the Track
Once you have synced the track to your devices, you can share it with others. You can do this by exporting the track as a GPS file and sharing it with other Garmin users. Alternatively, you can import the track into a program like GaiaGPS to view it on a different device.
FAQs:
Q: Why can’t I sync my InReach tracks on Garmin Explore?
In our series of deep dive comparison between ZOLEO and Garmin inReach Messenger; we will be comparing Mapshare vs Location Share+
Both features allows you to enable tracking of your ZOLEO or nReach Messenger that your contacts can follow without the need of sending messages. The main use case is that you are on a long journey without service and you want specific contacts to see your progress without waiting for you to send a message. For example, if you were attempting the Appalachian Trail or travelling to remote locations. Both will allow you to specify the timing interval when to send a tracking or location point. These tracks are not meant to be as accurate as a GPS track.
For inReach, this feature uses the TRACKING function along with the MAPSHARE website that you will share the URL to those who want to view your location. Keep in mind that MAPSHARE is a publically accessible website so you need to make sure you have the settings on it defined the way you want, otherwise anybody could look at your tracks, send you messages (counts against your plan) and even request your location when you are not tracking or sharing to Mapshare.
In order to adjust MAPSHARE settings you will log into the Garmin Explore website and go to the SOCIAL tab or you can use the Garmin Messenger smartphone app to adjust the settings.
ZOLEO on the other hand leverages the ZOLEO smartphone app, so that only those who download the app and part of the 5 contacts you’ve defined to receive Location Share+ locations will receive it. This allows you to save time as you are not sharing a URL or adjust any other settings as the feature starts out as being private and you decide who to share your location to. ZOLEO Location Share+ also has the option to allow you to display when you are not moving.
While inReach will stop sending your location is you have not moved within a certain radius for an interval, ZOLEO offers more information about your stops. This helps viewers of your track to see when and how long you stopped. This can be valuable information if people expect you to reach certain milestones but can see on the map that you have not moved.
Also ZOLEO Location Share+ is an add-on feature, meaning that you will need to login into the ZOLEO portal and add this to your plan. You can remove it anytime.
After Christmas, the weather got cold for a few days, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to get out and do two days of riding with the side by side up in the Mersey Bowater.
Day one – Pipeline Road Side Trails
Went solo up on pipeline road, starting from Mersey bowater road off of route 3. Here I spent a few hours adding waypoints to the GPS, mainly the stone fire rings people have setup over the years. Also checked out side trails since the trails were muddy before it froze.
Gave me a good idea if something was used recently. Plus the off reading crowd are also up in here, so anytime I saw truck tire tracks, then I’d follow it. Crossed a pack of riders and found a spot to make some lunch. I hauled out the OG firebox stove to cook up a foil pack meal (Taco Taters) and some tea to warm me up.
Day two – Yamaha Viking Joins A New Route
Had a riding partner this day, this time we opted for new route where we started from the same spot as Day one, but followed the rails to trails to Hubbard and took the trail under the 103 and up towards the Ellerhouse windmills.
The trail was had sections of rock and sand, which made it interesting. I cracked my right fender flare while crossing the bridge, I forget that I’m a few inches wider than the 60” now with them on. We found a fantastic camp site for lunch, and I guess it is the only spot as a group of none machines came to join us. We had a fire going, so a few came over to chat and warm up for a bit. They were doing a 100km loop, we did a 65km loop on that day.
The little bit of snow made the trail a bit smoother so we could make up any lost time in the rough sections. This loop I prefer doing in winter as during normal times, it looked to be fairly muddy.
One area that I do the most of my Side by Side riding is within the Mersey Bowater woodlands. The vast network of logging roads around the dozens of lakes make it perfect for primitives camping while overlanding.
So I decided to search out some campsites that I was seeing on my Garmin Tread as it contains iOverlander waypoints along with pubic track information on Gaia GPS, I got out for the day to check things out.
🧭GPX OF THE RIDE 🧭 https://www.gaiagps.com/public/n8PB1eg5jQGP3112v9Bi8BKe
I’ll covering the 3 Day ATV riding that I and father did in summer of 2022 with our Can-AM Defender Side by Sides. We had three routes planned out as my father just got delivery of his rig, so we wanted to go long easy trails. Luckily these three routes are about as easy as you can get.
Both of us were ATV permit holders, my Nova Scotia ATV pass is valid in New Brunswick.
Day 1 – Siegas Lake Ain’t That Great
We decided to take to the trails and head up towards Siegas Lake, deep in the backroads near Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska
We start the ride by following Route 10 at Chemin Thibodeau which are old government roads, we take a right which will become Route 5401 and we follow the road until we hit Chemin Martin. We cross over to Chemin Clark. We crossed a number of logging operations, some work to the road was done in certain sections and we came up to an active logging section.
Along the way there was a turn off to go towards the Forest Experimentale and the Chutes de Quisibis.
As we approach the turn off to Siegas Lake, the trail becomes narrow and rocky where we had to cross a few water holes. Also from the QuadNB map, the trail past the lake entrance was marked closed during the summer. It is a short distance from the main trail to the lake.
On the return, we took Route 10 towards Siegas where we took Route 12 to finish our ride close to Exit 53 along the Trans-Canada Highway
Day 2 – The Long Haul to Veneer and Back
We are off on the trails with the Can-am defender side by sides and riding along ATV Route 10 in New Brunswick. This section we start is in the St-Leonard, Siegas area and will be along old CN rail bed.
We’ll be travelling in the area known as “Flemming” and get pretty close to Route 17 which is the main highway to get to St-Quentin.
Our goal was to get as far as Veneer and turn around. We had other plans which we will cover in another video, but we’ll focus on this segment of trail.
Cell phone coverage is spotty at best, so having a satellite communicator like a ZOLEO or inReach is recommended. Since you will be travelling along a rail bed, it is fairly easy to simply walk back to St-Leonard or up to Veneer. Veneer is the hard wood wood mill owned by Irving, which has been there for ages.
Veneer is also about half-way to St-Quentin and the trail gets in better shape around Black Brook so that you can make up any lost time. In winter, the locals will call trail conditions like a highway, very easy riding to make it up to St-Quentin.
Along the way we found a picnic site, a trailhead to the riverbed and junction to other ATV trails which gets us to Saint-André / Grand Falls area. You can make a loop but expect a full day of riding even though you are following rail bed, logging roads and potato fields.
This section we start at the Route 10 / 28 Junction where we are heading towards St-André and eventually to the Irving Big Stop along the Trans Canada highway in Grand Falls.
We’ll be crossing Highway 17 and following ATV trail 28 5301 25. Route 5301 is actually on pavement along Ennishone Road. It was a bit confusing but the Route 25 junction is right after the airport amongst the potato fields.
The trails are along Irving woodlot service roads and generally pretty good condition.
Day 3 – Easy Ride To The Big Stop
Last video in this series of rides along the ATV trails in Madawaska county in New Brunswick. Here we’re leaving from Exit 53 along the trans canada highway and follow the trails along Route 10 and Route 25 which is the main drag from St-Leonard all the way to Grand Falls running parallel to the highway.
This is an easy ride you can attempt on a ATV or side by side. The signage is very good and surprisingly a few spots where cell coverage was a bit tough.
The interesting to note when passing through St-Leonard are the various snowmobile signs that will come into play in the winter, you’ll run into trails to cross over into Maine into Van Buren and alternative routes to make it up towards Saint Quentin.
Our goal today was to make it to the Irving Big Stop in Grand Falls to fuel up (both in gas but food as well) Also you’ll find that the last km to the Big Stop you’ll end up on Route 5306 down to the old rail bridge but I don’t think you can cross it. Better to stay on Route 25 where you can cross the bridge on Broadway and cross town as that section of trail is on pavement and machines are allowed.
In our series of comparison posts between the ZOLEO satellite communicator and Garmin inReach Messenger, I’ll be going over some of the design and specification aspects that might interest you based on the outdoor activities you may be undertaking where having a satellite communicator is useful.
Before we get going, I will acknowledge two points where Garmin inReach messenger wins over ZOLEO: smaller size & battery life. Now, onto areas where I think it matters more to consider.
Using Gloves
I have to say trying to use the inReach messenger with one hand, with gloves is not the best experience. The button and screen location makes it hard to operate and see the screen. Using gloves makes it harder to feel which button you are pressing and if you were using thicker winter gloves, good luck. ZOLEO keeps it simple by having a single Check-in button to press. Both can be powered on/off easy enough with gloves.
Also accessing the SOS button is easy with gloves using ZOLEO, inReach messenger may be difficult since you need to dig in your finger nail to pull up the cover.
Portability
Since both devices are so small and portable, they are made to be clipped onto your body, pack or mounted on a vehicle.ZOLEO comes with a webbed loop integrated to the device body and a carabiner clip.
Garmin inReach Messenger has no such loop and only provides the lanyard loop that you see with their outdoor devices for like the last 10 years. Unfortunately Garmin does not prodige a lanyard in the box and sells one for 40$. The port is too small that you cannot get a key ring in there. Your only option is to make a toggle with string and hope for the best.
Unless you lookup what IP68 vs IPX7 means, you think they would be close in terms of water & dust resistance.
ZOLEO – IP68, means that it is dust tight and ca be immersed in water. inReach Messenger – IPX7, means that there is no dust rating and can be in 6 in to 3 feet of water for 30 min.
ZOLEO has in addition to MIL-810 Shock rating, meaning that the ZOLEO is more rugged than the messenger. This is an important factor based on your outdoor activities.
ZOLEO Better Suited For Rugged Outdoor Activities
ZOLEO design, availability of mounting accessories and ruggedness makes it, at least to me the choice for the types of outdoor activities I undertake up here along the coast of Nova Scotia Where water, mud, snow, dust and vibrations are present.
Being able to simply clip the ZOLEO onto your pack or belt loop out of the box is a big plus, rather than me digging into a bin to find an old Motorola Razr case.