This week Garmin introduced the fēnix 8 Pro with inReach technology, as well as the GPSMAP H1i premium GPS handheld. This new flagship GPS handheld navigator boasts higher-bandwidth inReach® Plus technology to give users more ways to stay in touch beyond cellular coverage. With an active inReach plan, hikers, backpackers, mountaineers and passionate adventurers who go off-grid can snap and share photos directly from the device as well as exchange voice memos and texts. Users are also able to trigger an interactive SOS message in the event of an emergency. Reimagined with a bright, sunlight-readable 3.5-inch touchscreen and physical buttons for increased flexibility, the GPSMAP H1i Plus boasts up to 145 hours of battery life and extensive preloaded maps with the option to purchase an Outdoor Maps+ plan for access to premium mapping content.

“When your journey takes you off the grid, the new GPSMAP H1i Plus lets you connect with loved ones through a photo, a text message or a voice memo where cell phones do not work. Now, you can share your adventures in real-time, sending photos when you’re at the mountain summit or communicate with friends and family from the trail. The inReach Plus capabilities also give users peace of mind when exploring, allowing them to trigger an SOS message to Garmin Response and provide loved ones back home the ability to track their location during the expedition.”

— Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales & Marketing

Other exciting features include:

Rugged design: Bright, sunlight-readable 3.5-inch color touchscreen has chemically strengthened glass to resist scratching, while physical buttons also provide extra versatility in all weather conditions and while wearing gloves. Plus, with an IP67 dust and water rating, it can withstand harsh outdoor environments.
Detailed maps and navigation: View terrain contours, elevations, geographical points and more with preloaded TopoActive maps. Users can also access high-resolution satellite imagery with direct-to-device downloads over Wi-Fi®.
Outdoor Maps+:Add an Outdoor Maps+ plan (sold separately) to access current premium mapping content, including elevation contours, land boundaries, wildlife areas and more.
Helpful tools: Alert others in an emergency with a loud built-in siren and utilize the integrated flashlight as a beacon to signal for help or as a torch to light the way in the dark.
Plan ahead: Get seamless trip planning, real-time weather forecast and route sharing capabilities with the Garmin Explore™ smartphone app.
Garmin Weather: Explorers can receive real-time weather information in their current location and route destinations via satellite1 when off-the-grid.
Voice control: Conveniently operate the device hands-free, withsimple voice commands2, such as “send check in,” “start tracking,” or “take photo”.

Available now, the premium GPSMAP H1i Plus handheld GPS navigator has a suggested retail price of $1449.99 CAD. A model without inReach Plus technology, the GPSMAP H1, is also available with a suggested retail price of $979.99.