GPS Training

In this month’s episode, Jon and Andy wrap up 2025 with a bumper winter edition of the GPS Training Podcast. They discuss the sudden end of the Garmin GPSMAP 67, compare the best units for winter use, dive into watches vs handhelds for multi-day adventures, and explore what people are asking the GPS Training AI Support Bot. They finish with their Christmas gear wish-lists and Andy’s shortcut tips.

Garmin have quietly stopped supplying new GPSMAP 67 stock — despite saying in October that there were “no plans to discontinue” it when the new GPSMAP H1 series launched.

No more GPSMAP 67 units on order from Garmin — stock is now extremely limited.

The 67 has been hugely popular thanks to:

A massive jump in battery life (way beyond 100 hours).

Its robust build and reliability.

Button-only control, ideal for poor weather.

Second-hand 67 and 67i units are selling fast — proving the demand is still strong.

The 67i is still incoming for now — but Jon expects it may also disappear in the near future.

Many people prefer the 67i over the H1i+ because:

It’s £350 cheaper.

Some users don’t want picture messaging or voice memos.

It still offers excellent battery life and proven inReach SOS.

You don’t need to activate an inReach subscription to use the 67i as a normal GPS.

Verdict: If you’ve been thinking about a 67 or 67i, now is the moment — stock won’t last long.

Cold weather affects batteries, touchscreens, and usability. Jon and Andy break it down into budget, mid-range, and large-screen options.

Around ~£200.

Uses AA batteries (ideal for cold temps if kept warm in a pocket).

Joystick + button control = excellent with gloves.

Basic but extremely reliable.

Brilliant as:

A backup navigation tool.

A device for quick grid references.

A simple, safe winter companion.

Andy calls this “an undersold gem”.

Good size screen with joystick + button control.

36-hour battery life.

Battery is removable (spare available), plus optional AA battery pack.

With OS 1:25k maps, around £579.

Includes Garmin H1, H1i+, GPSMAP 67i, and Montana 700 / 710 / 760 series.

Buttons and touchscreen.

Touchscreen performs extremely well in the rain.

Bigger, clearer input buttons than a smartphone.

Around 60–70 hours battery life.

Over 100 hours battery.

Buttons only.

Still one of Andy’s all-time favourite units.

Pure touchscreen, but excellent glove performance.

Rain & glove modes in Settings > Accessibility.

Removable big battery, plus AA pack for non-“i” versions.

Winter rule: If you wear gloves a lot, buttons (or a mixed interface like the H1) are your friend.

Andy gives an honest look at how he uses watches and GPS units across events like the Montane Spine, Winter Lakes events, and long DIY challenges.

In 2015, the Fenix 3 gave ~20 hours battery life.

In 2025:

Fenix 8 Solar: up to 149 hours GPS.

Fenix 8 AMOLED: ~84 hours GPS.

Suunto Race 2: ~55 hours (all systems).

Suunto Vertical 2 AMOLED: ~65 hours.

These battery gains mean a watch can now last most ultra events without daily charging.

Quick glances without removing gloves or stopping.

Instant stats (distance left, current pace, ascent).

Vibrations every mile help with pacing and morale.

Perfect when using poles.

Bigger OS map for tricky nav decisions.

inReach SOS & satellite communication.

Night navigation in poor visibility.

If forced: 67i, purely because of inReach safety.

But realistically?
→ Watch for recording + stats, GPS for tricky nav is the perfect pairing.

A brilliant low-cost combination:

Suunto Race 2 (~£300+).

TwoNav Roc handheld for OS maps and emergency navigation.

Cheaper than a single high-end Garmin unit.

Some events (e.g., the Montane Spine) require a handheld GPS at kit check.
Jon is doing kit checks this winter — so brush up!

The GPS Training AI Support Bot now runs on 6,776 indexed pages of training videos, guides, and troubleshooting steps.

A few questions from the last 24 hours:

Bot linked directly to the correct downloadable setup sheets.

Bot recommended calibrating:

At the start of a walk (when height is known).

After big weather changes.

Or leave auto-calibration on for general use.

Bot correctly answered:
→ No. The H1 uses courses, which can’t yet be reversed.
Workaround: reverse the route in BaseCamp or the GPS Training Route Planner before sending it.

Bot explained the unit limit (~250 points).
Anything beyond the limit may cause the end of the route to truncate.

Bot provided a full, step-by-step guide and linked directly to Andy’s video.

A theme this month: shortcuts and action buttons on watches and GPS units.

Settings > Customise

Top button = Torch

Bottom button = Messages

Middle button = Instant Map (“pin widget”)

Hold middle left > Watch Settings > System > Hotkeys

Andy uses:

Torch

Music

Timers

Quick “Save Location” for an instant grid reference

Main Menu > Settings > Action Button
New update added loads more options:

Single tap / double tap / hold

Torch

Mark waypoint

Lock device

Check-in message

Launch camera (H1i+)

GPS Unit: Garmin 67i
Watch: Suunto Race 2
Bonus: Suunto Wing 2 bone-conduction headphones

GPS Unit: Garmin H1 / H1i+
Watch: Suunto Vertical 2 AMOLED
(“Lots of watch for £529, incredible brightness.”)

A big thank you from Jon, Andy and all the GPS Training team.

2025 has been a huge year of courses, new products, long drives, and helping thousands of walkers get confident with their kit.

A genuine thank-you to everyone who bought from us, booked courses, subscribed to the online resource, and kept the community thriving.

Have a brilliant Christmas and New Year — stay safe on the hills, pack well in winter, and enjoy a cold crisp walk when you can.

Welcome to the GPS Training Podcast, where we explore the latest outdoor navigation kit, training opportunities, and tools to make your time on the hills easier and safer.

In this month’s episode, Jon and Andy dive into a packed line-up –

After several weeks of walking with the Garmin eTrex Touch, including filming a new Walk & Talk video, Jon and Andy share their real-world impressions.
They cover:

Battery life and handling in the field

The lack of a micro-SD card slot (and how that affects TalkyToaster map compatibility)

Who it’s best suited for — whether you’re a day walker, family user, or new to GPS navigation

Andy has also added new walkthroughs, setup guides and practical tips to the Garmin eTrex Touch online training resource, available via the GPS Training website.

They finish by asking — is the eTrex Touch still one of the best entry-level GPS units on the market?

The 2026 GPS Training course calendar is now live, with more locations than ever before.
The two-day Garmin GPS courses are running in:

South Downs

Northamptonshire

Gloucestershire

Peak District

Lake District

Northumberland

These courses take you from “I’ve got a GPS” to “I actually know how to use it properly”. Early booking is recommended — places are already filling up!

New for 2026, GPS Training is launching TwoNav One-Day Courses in the South Downs and Northumberland, helping new TwoNav users get up and running with setup, mapping, and our free OS route planner.

And for those who’ve already completed the two-day Garmin course, there’s GPS in the Hills, an advanced one-day course focused on real-world route planning, on-hill navigation, and problem-solving.

View all Garmin GPS Training Courses for 2026

If you plan your routes in apps like OS Maps or OS Explore, then export a GPX for use on a GPS device, you’ll know how messy those files can get — with thousands of points, gaps, or strange spikes.

To fix that, GPS Training has launched a Free GPX File Cleaner — a quick, easy-to-use online tool that:

Removes excess data points

Fixes formatting errors

Ensures compatibility with Garmin, TwoNav, and Suunto devices

Simply upload your GPX, let it process, and download a cleaner version ready for your next adventure.

Andy shares his first-hand impressions of the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, the latest evolution of Garmin’s flagship adventure watch.
Discussion includes:

Key upgrades from the Fenix 8

The introduction of LTE-M and inReach messaging directly from the watch

Improved battery life and brighter AMOLED screen

If you’re thinking about upgrading your outdoor watch, this one’s worth listening to.

The GPS Training AI Support Bot has had a busy month — helping users get to grips with Garmin, TwoNav, and Suunto devices.

In this episode, Jon and Andy highlight some of the most common questions, including:

How do I delete a track from my Garmin Montana 700?

Can I navigate to a saved location on my Fenix 7X while still recording an activity?

How do I open topo maps from an SD card in Garmin BaseCamp?

What software should I use with a TwoNav device on my computer?

Why does my Suunto watch show only a basic clock until I press a button?

As ever, expect a few light-hearted exchanges with the bot voice along the way!

We wrap up with Andy’s tried-and-tested navigation tips:

Garmin Fenix 8: Turning off auto-lap for activities other than ultra mode, setting useful watch-face shortcuts, and holding ‘Back’ for quick access.

TwoNav: Understanding the new “cross” icon on map screens and managing overlapping map layers (like British Isles vs GB Topo).

These are small tweaks that make a big difference when using your GPS devices in the field.

That’s it for this month’s episode! We’ve covered:

The Garmin eTrex Touch field test

The 2026 GPS Training Course Calendar

The Free GPX File Cleaner

A hands-on Garmin Fenix 8 Pro review

This month’s Ask the Bot

And of course, Andy’s Top Tips

As always, you can find more info, videos, and free tools at GPSTraining.co.uk.
Stay safe on the trails, and we’ll see you next month!

In this month’s GPS Training Podcast, Jon and Andy are back together — and there’s plenty to talk about!

First thoughts on the Garmin GPSMAP H1 / H1i Plus

Andy’s Windermere Lap adventure

New launch: Suunto Vertical 2

New launch: Garmin eTrex Touch

Andy’s Top Tips

How to lock buttons on your Suunto Race or Vertical so you don’t stop recording by mistake.

Managing voice alerts and Bluetooth audio on the new Garmin GPSMAP H1.

Garmin GPSMAP H1

Suunto Vertical 2 and other Suunto watches

Garmin eTrex Touch

Welcome back to the GPS Training Podcast! This month Jon sits down with adventurer Ian Hughes, whose journey has taken him from leaving school with no qualifications to serving in the Royal Green Jackets, working as a deep-sea saturation diver, and now aiming for one of the biggest challenges on earth — the Explorers Grand Slam.

Tomorrow, Ian begins his GPS Training course ahead of attempting a solo, unsupported ski to the South Pole. In this episode, we hear his story so far, how he’s preparing, and what keeps him motivated to take on such extreme adventures.

Ian’s early years – from school to the army and beyond

Life underwater – his time as a commercial diver and running diving companies

Becoming an explorer – why he’s drawn to big challenges

The Explorers Grand Slam – what it is, and why he’s chasing it

South Pole prep – training, kit, and mindset for skiing solo and unsupported

Using GPS in polar expeditions – how tech plays a vital safety role

Motivation & resilience – lessons from pushing the limits

Support Ian’s Explorers Grand Slam attempt: GiveWheel page

Ian’s Instagram page

In this month’s episode, Jon flies solo while Andy enjoys a well-earned holiday. We’ve packed a lot in — from brand-new GPS tools to the latest watch launches. Here’s what you can expect:

Satellite Messenger Plan Calculator – Compare real-world costs of Garmin, ZOLEO, and Spot devices.

Garmin inReach Cost Calculator – Work out the ongoing costs of owning an “i” series GPS unit.

COROS NOMAD GPS Watch – Adventure-first design with journaling features, but will GPS Training stock it?

Garmin Running Metrics – New Running Tolerance and Running Economy tools to help prevent injuries.

We sit down with Simon to talk about the brand-new Suunto Race 2 and Suunto Wing 2 Headphones.

Design updates: slimmer profile, titanium vs steel, and sapphire glass

New sensors: heart rate, blood oxygen, VO₂ max

Navigation: 32GB memory, offline maps, safety features

Everyday use: AMOLED display, touchscreen + scroll wheel

Battery life: 50 hours in all-satellite mode

Plus: what sets the Race 2 apart from the competition

Find the Suunto Race 2, Race S, and Vertical at GPSTraining.co.uk.

A brand-new free tool from GPS Training!

Convert postcodes, grid references, eastings/northings, lat/long, and even What3Words

Download GPX files to load straight into your GPS
Perfect for finding car parks or planning routes. Try it at: GPSTraining.co.uk > More > Grid Reference Finder

We put your best AI support bot questions under the spotlight, including:

What’s the difference between a check-in message and a normal message on Garmin inReach?

How to change data boxes on a TwoNav Cross Plus

Sending tracks to a TwoNav Terra from your phone

Changing your GPS Training online resource password

Locking the screen on a TwoNav Terra

Switching Garmin GPSMAP66i to hiking mode

Exporting GPX files from Garmin Connect to Strava

Want to try the Support Bot yourself? Log in to our online resource: GPSTraining.co.uk > Online Resource > Support Bot.

That’s a wrap for Episode 115!

New Garmin features, COROS NOMAD launch, and a deep dive with Suunto

Check out the new UK Grid Reference Finder and Satellite Messenger calculators on our website

Andy will be back next month — plus we’ll hopefully spill the beans on Garmin’s mystery webinar

Thanks for tuning in, and safe walking until next time!

Welcome to another packed episode of the GPS Training Podcast!

This month, Jon is joined by Andy from GPS Training to cover:

Andy shares his key takeaways from the mid-month chat with Dan Southam, Suunto’s UK Marketing Manager.

Explore the Suunto range we stock here:

We break down:

Watch tutorials and import GPX files easily in the GPS Training Online Resource »

Recommended GPX download sites:

Andy shares what to look for:

Top Picks:

Compare GPS Units for Long-Distance Walking »

All GPS units from GPS Training come with:

Even if you plan your walks in another app, BaseCamp is your friend when:

Learn how in the Online Resource – Module 3 »

Some of your top questions this month:

Try it out:

The bot is trained on our own GPS videos, manuals, course notes, and real customer FAQs – so you’re getting our expertise, 24/7.

If you enjoyed this episode, please:

Until next time, happy navigating from all of us at GPS Training – learn from the experts.

GPS Training Interview with Dan Southam – Suunto Marketing Manager – Special mid-month podcast.

In the 113th episode of the GPS Training Podcast, John interviews Dan Southam, the UK Marketing Manager for Suunto, a Finnish outdoor brand with a rich heritage dating back to 1936. Dan outlines Suunto’s journey from inventing the liquid-filled compass to developing advanced GPS watches designed specifically for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Suunto’s core mission is to inspire people to get outside and explore mountainous terrains and trails safely, providing reliable technology tailored for activities like trail running, hiking, bikepacking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Dan highlights Suunto’s distinct approach in focusing on specialist outdoor sports watches rather than broad-spectrum smartwatches. Their products emphasise navigation, safety, and durability with features such as free worldwide mapping, heat mapping, altimeter, barometer, compass, storm warnings, and ‘return to home’ navigation. The discussion compares Suunto’s offerings—particularly the Race, Race S, and Vertical models, explaining their suitability for different user needs, with the Race S emerging as the best-seller due to its compact size, sleek design, and affordability.

The podcast also explores Suunto’s bone conduction headphones, which allow users to listen to audio while staying aware of their surroundings, a perfect fit for outdoor activities. Dan shares insights into Suunto’s recent partnership with the UTMB World Series, a prestigious ultra-trail running event, which bolsters brand visibility within the trail running community.

Dan emphasises Suunto’s commitment to affordability, longevity, and user experience, contrasting it against competitors who often push frequent upgrades. Suunto delivers regular software updates and supports older models to keep customers satisfied over many years. Key technological innovations like Climb Guidance and ZoneSense offer advanced training and race-day advantages, enhancing user performance and safety.

The episode concludes with Dan encouraging listeners, including beginners, to embrace Suunto products for both outdoor adventure and everyday fitness tracking, underscoring how the devices can improve safety, motivation, and self-awareness. Dan also highlights the small but dedicated UK team and the company’s flexibility in supporting retailers and customers. Finally, he teases upcoming product refreshes and innovations while reaffirming Suunto’s passion for the outdoors and commitment to quality.

Highlights

– Suunto’s heritage dates back to 1936, originating with the invention of the liquid-filled compass.

Key Insights

– **Specialisation Over Generalisation:** By positioning their watches as “sports watches” rather than “smartwatches,” Suunto appeals to serious outdoor users who prioritise durability, battery life, and navigation over smart features like phone notifications. This niche focus allows Suunto to offer a product that meets specific needs better than more generalised competitors.

– **Free Worldwide Mapping as a Unique Selling Point:** Many GPS watch brands charge subscriptions for maps or navigation features, but Suunto provides free worldwide mapping and heat map data through its app. This removes barriers for international users and eliminates ongoing costs, making Suunto attractive for explorers who travel or participate in diverse outdoor activities globally.

– **Product Range Tailored to Use Case:** Suunto’s clear segmentation between the Vertical (adventure, mountaineering) and Race/Race S (performance, trail running) means customers can choose a device that matches their activity profile. The Vertical’s long battery life suits multi-day expeditions, whereas the Race S’s bright AMOLED screen and compact size cater to fast-paced trail runners needing quick navigation.

– **Bone Conduction Headphones Enhance Safety and Experience:** These headphones are an innovative complement to Suunto’s outdoor portfolio, enabling users to listen to audio while maintaining environmental awareness—a crucial safety factor for runners and cyclists on roads or trails. Their lightweight design and long battery life make them practical for extended use.

– **Strategic Partnerships Drive Brand Credibility:** Suunto’s sponsorship of the UTMB World Series connects the brand directly with elite trail runners and the broader running community. This partnership not only increases brand visibility but also validates Suunto’s products as trusted by top endurance athletes, encouraging adoption among serious amateurs and enthusiasts.

– **Longevity and Customer-Centric Software Updates:** Suunto’s commitment to supporting older devices with updates contrasts with many tech brands’ push for rapid product refresh cycles. This strategy builds customer loyalty by maximising product lifespan, reducing waste, and providing value over years, important in a market where affordability and sustainability are growing concerns.

– **Advanced Features like Climb Guidance and ZoneSense Demonstrate Innovation:** Climb Guidance helps athletes manage pacing and energy efficiently during challenging terrain, while ZoneSense provides live lactate threshold readings using heart rate variability. These features highlight Suunto’s focus on delivering actionable data that can improve performance and safety during endurance events, appealing to data-driven athletes.

– **User Safety and Navigation Are Paramount:** Features like the ‘return to home’ button and detailed mapping are not just conveniences but potentially life-saving tools in mountainous or remote environments. Suunto’s focus on simplicity and reliability, especially in adverse weather conditions, addresses a critical need for outdoor enthusiasts who may face rapidly changing environments.

– **Small, Agile Team Enables Personalised Support:** With only six staff in the UK, Suunto maintains close relationships with retailers and customers, providing tailored training, demos, and quick service turnaround. This agility fosters a community feel and responsiveness that larger organisations may struggle to match, enhancing brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.

– **Product Design Balances Style and Function:** The Race S model’s sleek design, interchangeable straps, and wearable size make it suitable for everyday use beyond just sports, appealing to a broader audience who want a watch that looks good off the trail but delivers robust outdoor functionality.

– **Motivational Benefits Extend Beyond Adventure:** Suunto watches also serve as daily fitness motivators, encouraging users to meet step goals and monitor sleep and calorie burn. This dual functionality helps integrate outdoor activity into everyday life, supporting overall health and wellness.

– **Exciting Product Developments on the Horizon:** While details are limited, Dan hints at upcoming refreshes in both the watch and headphone categories, signaling ongoing innovation and a commitment to evolving technology to meet the needs of outdoor athletes and enthusiasts.

Conclusion

This podcast episode provides a comprehensive overview of Suunto’s brand ethos, product range, unique features, and market positioning. Dan Southam’s insights reveal a company deeply rooted in outdoor heritage, committed to specialist innovation, and focused on delivering value, safety, and performance to its customers. Suunto’s products blend durability, smart technology, and user-centric design, helping adventurers navigate and enjoy the outdoors confidently while maintaining affordability and longevity. The company’s strategic partnerships and dedicated support infrastructure further strengthen its presence in the competitive GPS watch market, making it a compelling choice for both novice and elite outdoor athletes.

New Inreach subscriptions, Post Spine Race catch-up, Suunto Wing Bone conductor headphones and Suunto summer deals

In this month’s podcast

1.   New inReach subscriptions

1. New inReach Subscriptions


Talking Points:

– What are Garmin inReach products?

Enabled – NEW! Emergency-ready, low-cost, pay-as-you-go

No more activation fees or penalties for switching plans or pausing your plan.

Highlight the two big changes:

– Enabled Plan:

Suspending Plans Now Free:

– Suspend any plan (excluding annual contracts) for up to 12 months

Quick tip to listeners:

To find out more about Garmin inReach products – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Two-way satellite communication

2. Spine Race 2025 – Post-race chat

Mention these GPS Training customers who took part this year:

– Full Spine

– Challenger North

– Challenger South

– Northern Sprint

– Initial impressions: comfort, sound quality, battery

To find out more about Suunto Headphones – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > Accessories and Filter By (top right) – Suunto

Also unboxing video – GPSTraining.co.uk > Product reviews

4. What’s Hot This Month – Suunto Summer Deal – finishes 3rd August

– Mention the summer offer – which Suunto models are included

To find out more about Suunto GPS watches – GPSTraining.co.uk > GPS Store > GPS watches and Filter By (top right) – Suunto

5. Andy’s Top Tips

– Suunto App does not need internet for some functions, when you download offline maps to your watch also in app
You cannot create snap to path road but can create point to point route
Also great if you would like to change something on route to re-sync
I.e reverse route, in device start walking opposite way after short distance will change but main elevation plot in reverse on app goto Map icon far right – select folder icon – select route – 3 dots top right to edit – 3 dots reverse route – tick to save and untick use in watch and reselect

– Garmin Data boxes trip computer remember you can change them to suit activities / events that you are doing:

Customers doing the spine as an example were asking me what I used, all personal but on my GPSMap67 I have distance to destination, eta , speed, overall avg speed, time out and trip odometer,
Used menu button once selected less data a couple of time to make to large boxes and 4 x boxes as dashboard (small data fields) then menu button once change data fields move over one to change and enter to get menu options and then select required quit when finished.

6. New Segment: Tech Questions to the GPS Training AI Bot

– Just over 250 questions asked to the GPS training AI bot over the past month

– 1 or 2 real questions from recent users

– Can I lock the screen on the TwoNav?

Yes, you can lock the screen on TwoNav devices such as the Cross Plus, Terra, and Roc models. Typically, the default button action is to tap the power button once to turn the screen off and lock it. The GPS will continue to record while the screen is off. To wake the screen, simply tap the power button again.

– Can I put a start-up wecome message on my Garmin GPSMAP67?

It gave an 8-point step-by-step guide on how to do this

How do you access the GPS Training AI bot? – GPSTraining.co.uk > Online resource > Login and – Support Bot (top right)

AI support bot, Goal Zero, 1:1 training and Andy’s top tips

In this month’s podcast

Solution for 24/ 7 support

Sits within online resource – links to videos etc

Training the bot – 3,218 pages of information – an internal bot (no incorrect info_

GPSTraining.co.uk > Online resource > Login and – Support Bot – (right-hand side at top)

– Goal Zero been taken over by Biolite

In a major development for off-grid energy enthusiasts, BioLite has officially acquired Goal Zero, combining two of the leading innovators in portable power. For fans of outdoor tech, this is big news—and as a stockist of both brands, GPS Training is excited about what this means for our customers.

More here

– 1:1 training in Northumberland

– Andy’s Top Tips

Suunto

Make display setting bespoke for activities,

i.e for normal use I have my watch set for Not always on gesture control

For my hiking, Trail running the same but can have different brightness if required

But for the Gym where I sometimes need to look at data without being able to tilt I have set to always be on

Also set button lock from here

GPSMap66/67 series

Remember about button lock

Tap power button once – select lock keys – tap power button to unlock

Montana 700 tap power button once padlock icon

TwoNav

By default single tap of power button takes screen off to save battery and lock

Settings – system – Keys – Power Short press lock (or lock screen on)

Harvey Maps is a specialist British mapmaker known for producing highly detailed, award-winning walking and outdoor maps. Founded in 1977, the company focuses on creating maps designed by walkers, for walkers, with clarity and accuracy at the heart of everything they do.

Their maps are trusted by mountain rescue teams, event organisers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, especially for challenging terrain like the Munros, Lake District, and national trails such as the Pennine Way. Printed on tough, waterproof paper and built to withstand the British weather, Harvey Maps are the go-to choice for serious navigators.

In this podcast, Jon, from GPS Training, chats with Adam King, the CEO of Harvey.

Learn more at: www.harveymaps.co.uk