Garmin’s New GPSMAP H1i Plus Handheld Satellite Communicator Brings Touchscreen Interface and Built-In Camera

I’ve used Garmin’s GPSMAP handheld inReach devices all over the world. From hiking in Iceland to overlanding around the Baltic Sea, communicating via satellite can be key—especially in case of an emergency.

In fact, Garmin’s SOS feature is one of the main reason we carry these devices. The new Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus is the company’s latest iteration.

This unit has many new upgrades and features compared to earlier models like the GPSMAP 67i GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator. I put the H1i Plus to the test to find out if this new bit of kit is worth its hefty price tag.

Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus Specs

The GPSMAP H1i Plus is bigger in size and heavier than the previous GPSMAP 67i or 66i models, but the oodles of additional features make up for that. The H1i Plus measures in at 2.6” x 7.0” x 1.3” (6.7 cm x 17.9 cm x 3.3cm) and includes a colorful and easy-to-use 3.5” diagonal touchscreen (8.9 cm).

The screen has 282 x 470 pixels and features chemically strengthened glass. This handheld unit is 10.2 oz (290 g), and comes with a Garmin-emblazed carabiner for hooking onto things, same as its predecessors. The H1i Plus has 64 GB of memory, too.

The H1i Plus is IP67 rated so it provides high-level water and dust protection when the elements change for the worse. Garmin’s H1i Plus has the United States Military Standard’s MIL-STD-810 rating, too, which means it was tested to adequately withstands thermal issues, shock, and water during its normal service life.

I’ve only had this unit for a few months, but during that time it easily handled traveling across the country, tossing it in my backpack while flying, and more.

Battery Life and Maps

Garmin’s H1i Plus device has an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery and is chargeable via a short, supplied USB-C cable. An AC wall plug end is not included.

Per Garmin, the H1i Plus device boasts the following battery life:

• · All Satellite Systems and Multi-band: Up to 145 hours*
• · Expedition mode: Up to 840 hours
• · Performance messaging mode with 10-min inReach tracking: Up to 48 hours*
• · Expedition mode with 10-min inReach tracking: Up to 425 hours
• · Low-power mode with 10-min inReach tracking: Up to 135 hours

*Assuming typical use with SatIQ technology.

The new Garmin GMSMAP H1i Plus comes with preloaded TopoActive maps (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Wi-Fi satellite imagery downloads, and has an optional Outdoor Maps+ subscription.

The H1i Plus has the ability to upload maps, too. It also has turn-by-turn routing on roads for outdoor excursions and includes detailed features like shorelines, wetlands, coastlines, and more.

Garmin’s device also includes searchable points of interest like campgrounds and parks as you travel remotely. It also displays national, state, and local parks, forests, forests, and different wilderness areas.

The H1i Plus has the capacity to accept a 1 TB microSD card for added storage if you need it, too.

GPSMAP H1i Plus Smartphone Similarities

Not only does the Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus include many of the features its predecessors had, but it also boasts friendlier usability, faster speed, and has a similar nature to a smartphone. You can swipe up to access open apps.

You can swipe left or right to access different screens. You can swipe up whatever parts you want to close. With today’s smartphone-savvy users, it’s just more intuitive than the non-touchscreen 67i.

This device also has a flashlight, siren, and it can give you weather or barometer updates, sun and moon phases, and other things, too (like a smartphone, but that has to have internet service, however). The H1i Plus can also send voice messages, photos (it has a built-in camera), and texts like a smartphone.

However, unlike a smartphone, H1i Plus users can send emergency messages, texts, voice memos, and photos straight from the device no matter if you had cell service or not.

This is because it goes via Garmin’s inReach Plus satellite service (if the user is subscribed to it). There is also LiveTrack location sharing, physical buttons, and much more—think of this as a glorified and refined Garmin unit that’s a cross between a smartphone and a greatly enhanced multi-band GPSMAP device.

It’s leaps and bounds more advanced than the GPSMAP series’ last rendition. But again, you’ll need to have an inReach subscription to access SOS and messaging capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Integrating a touchscreen (finally!) has made the Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus much easier to use, quicker to change functions, and well, fun to use. I can switch between physical buttons and the screen effortlessly.

I was able to send messages, voice notes, and photos with relative ease (even with gloves on), so long as the unit had clear view of the sky.

Garmin says the H1i Plus’ battery should last up to 145 hours in multi-band mode with SatIQ managing satellite use. That’s longer than previous GPSMAP iterations. I’ve used the H1i while driving across the country and it never needed a charge.

Although the H1i Plus is a heavyweight. However, with all its new functions, camera, and increased battery life, it’s not a deal breaker.

It’s more robust and has tons of features. And when that’s coupled with a friendlier interface, it’s a winning combination for anyone who loves the outdoors, but it does come with a hefty cost. Price: $999.99

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