Thread: Garmin GPS Map 66i

Right, so I finally splashed out and bought a 66i. It has the topoactive maps on it (which are shite) and I have been hearing that I may be able to get NZ topo 50 maps loaded instead of the $220 full topo maps from Garmin… anyone able to shed any light on whether:
1. This is actually possible?
2. Will it function like the garmin topos?

Yes I have Topo50 on my phone. Wanted the 66i for the weather, SOS function and messaging.

Help appreciated!

Try these

Thanks HJ. How do these compare detail-wise with the Garmin full topo map set? $40as opposed to $230 is pretty attractive!

Most Garmin units can take the free topomaps (google OpenGPS and Mr Purples maps), but I'm not sure about the i units. The early Inreach models couldn't.

The new Garmins can take any maps that are Garmin compatible unlike the older Inreaches. I have tried the open GPS maps and didn't find them very good. The ones I linked I have heard good things about although I'm using an older set of Garmin maps on my 64s that I obtained.

Yep those are the ones l have , Topo4GPS: Garmin ready topo maps , the shop put them on for me .I only use mine as a back up to my main GPS unit though ,the messaging system is the real winner for them ,saved us a bad time on the Tops last year on a Tahr hunt ,when l got the missus's regular multi source weather map forecast & we had a gale force wind front heading straight for us, chopper got in on the only patch of clear sky we saw & second attempt .

I have an Alpha200i and just run the Topoactive maps and download birdseye for specific areas I'm going to be in

Thanks for the feedback. Think I might just bite the bullet and purchase the garmin maps. Makes the gps investment an expensive one but (hopefully) a long term one!

The 66i is a great unit especially with a birdseye subscription.