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GPS Training Podcast

GPS Training Podcast

By: Jon Monks GPS Training and reviews
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 Keeping you up to date with everything going on in the world of outdoor GPS navigation Politics & Government
Episodes
  • GPS Training Podcast – number 121

    GPS Training Podcast – number 121
    Feb 4 2026
    Big news from Suunto, updated UK Grid reference finder, the end of the Garmin GPSMAP67 and Andy’s top tips. 1. 90 Years of Suunto Suunto was founded in 1936, celebrating 90 years in 2026Anniversary marked with the Suunto Vertical Titanium Limited EditionOnly 1,936 units worldwideJust 22 coming to the UKGPS Training is expecting at least 6 units What makes it special Titanium buildBased on Suunto’s flagship outdoor watchA nod to Suunto’s expedition and navigation heritage, not fashion or hypeThis is a watch for people who actually go outside and use their kit This is one of the most meaningful limited editions Suunto have ever released. Proper heritage, proper scarcity, and a watch that’s actually designed to be used. More information about Suunto’s anniversary can be found here. 2. GPS Training Website Update: UK Grid Reference Finder Improvements What’s changed Nearest postcode now shown, not just exact matchesDistance to nearest postcode displayedShareable link that opens the map at the exact selected location Why it’s useful Convert between: Grid referencesPostcodesLat/longEastings and northingsWhat3Words Ideal for: Finding car park grid refsSharing locations with friendsDropping accurate points into a GPS You can look at the UK Grid Reference Finder online here. 3. The Last GPSMAP 67 Sold: A Handheld GPS Milestone GPS Training has now sold the last GPSMAP 67Marks the end of a hugely important handheld range Brief history GPSMAP 66s October 2018First appearance of this case design GPSMAP 66i InReach satellite communication added GPSMAP 66sr Multi-band GNSS for improved accuracy GPSMAP 67 / 67i Refinement rather than reinvention Why this range mattered Rock-solid reliabilityPhysical buttonsBig improvement in screen and battery over older modelsTrusted by walkers, mountaineers, and professionals Garmin GPSMAP67i – more here 4. Andy’s Top Tips Suunto Web Based Route planner: Did you know Suunto have a web-based Route Planner routeplanner.suunto.com Rather than the App you can plan on your computer, bigger screen, use a mouse for easeRoutes you plan can be synced to the mobile app with one click of the mouse so that when you open the mobile app they are there to quickly send to your watchOf you plan routes on other software’s on your computer i.e. OS, GPS Training route planner etc or downloaded from websites, rather than email them to yourself to then open and import to app simply import them into web planner and select the upload syncYou can view routes you have planned on the app within the Web planner Online resource – Multi Activity Watches – Suunto Race or Vertical – Module 3 unit 5 Using the Suunto Web browser Route planner Garmin FENIX 8 Pro tip using LTE tracking only £7.99 a month unlimited LTE tracking Using Live Track on Garmin devices in connect app will pull down phone battery, With the new Fenix 8 pro from Garmin you can use LTE tracking on the watch standalone, will use more watch battery but not your phone Make sure in the Connect App More menu – Safety & Tracking – Live Track – Auto start on, you can have show course & spectator messagingThen on the connectivity settings on your watch turn of phone connection and then also in Connectivity settings make sure Garmin Share enabled and on LTE & Satellite Status does include an option with LTE & LTE Mode AutoTested using Fenix 8 Pro 51mm with route navigation and LTE Tracking, Satellites Auto, screen on gesture and would have achieved approx. 28 hrs 16-mile hike only a couple of very small parts, loss of LTE , LTE 4g signal will depend on area
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    34 mins
  • GPS Training Podcast – number 120

    GPS Training Podcast – number 120
    Jan 1 2026
    Getting to Grips with Your GPS in 2026

    In this New Year’s Day episode, we look at one simple question many walkers and runners ask at the start of the year:

    “How do I actually get confident using my GPS?”

    Rather than talking tech for tech’s sake, this episode walks through the practical training options available through GPS Training, helping you choose the right level of support for how you use your GPS.

    What’s covered in this episode

    1. The GPS Training Online Resource – more here

    • 24/7 access to step-by-step training videos
    • Covers current GPS units and older models
    • Ideal if you like learning at your own pace
    • A single GPS unit can have 50+ dedicated videos

    2. One-to-One GPS Training (Zoom or In-Person) – more here

    • Tailored entirely to how you walk, run or navigate
    • Perfect if you want focused help on specific issues
    • Ideal for people short on time or lacking confidence

    3. Two-Day GPS Training Courses (Nationwide) – more here

    • Hands-on, outdoor, practical GPS training
    • Learn route planning, following routes, trackback, and emergency scenarios
    • Designed to build real confidence, not just button-pressing knowledge

    4. Follow-On & Refresher Training, GPS in the hills – more here

    • Options for those who already own a GPS but want to go further
    • Particularly useful if you’ve never fully used your device’s features

    5. Choosing the Right Training for You

    • Advice on matching training options to your experience level
    • Why there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to GPS learning

    Key takeaway

    Getting the most from your GPS in 2026 isn’t about buying new kit — it’s about understanding the kit you already have. With the right training, a GPS becomes a genuine confidence tool rather than a frustration.

    If you’ve ever thought “I know my GPS does more than I use it for”, this episode is a great place to start.
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    39 mins
  • GPS Training Podcast – number 119

    GPS Training Podcast – number 119
    Dec 1 2025
    The final episode of the year – winter GPS tips, end of an era for the 67, multi-day adventures, Christmas wish-lists, and the AI Bot in action. Episode Overview 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. 1. Is This the End of the Garmin GPSMAP 67? 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. Key points 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. What about the 67i? 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. 2. Best GPS Units for Winter Walking Cold weather affects batteries, touchscreens, and usability. Jon and Andy break it down into budget, mid-range, and large-screen options. 💷 Budget: Garmin eTrex 32x 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. 💷 Mid-Range: TwoNav Aventura 2 Plus 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. 💷 Large Screen / Premium Units Includes Garmin H1, H1i+, GPSMAP 67i, and Montana 700 / 710 / 760 series. Garmin H1 / H1i+ Buttons and touchscreen. Touchscreen performs extremely well in the rain. Bigger, clearer input buttons than a smartphone. Around 60–70 hours battery life. Garmin GPSMAP 67i Over 100 hours battery. Buttons only. Still one of Andy’s all-time favourite units. Garmin Montana 700 series 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. 3. Multi-Day Adventures – Watch, GPS Unit, or Both? 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. How watches have changed 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. Why Andy still uses a watch 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. Why he still carries a handheld Bigger OS map for tricky nav decisions. inReach SOS & satellite communication. Night navigation in poor visibility. If he had to choose only one… If forced: 67i, purely because of inReach safety. But realistically?→ Watch for recording + stats, GPS for tricky nav is the perfect pairing. Best budget 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. Event rule reminder Some events (e.g., the Montane Spine) require a handheld GPS at kit check.Jon is doing kit checks this winter — so brush up! 4. Ask the Bot – December Questions 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: • “Where are the setup sheets for the Garmin GPSMAP 67?” Bot linked directly to the correct downloadable setup sheets. • “How often should I calibrate my altimeter?” Bot recommended calibrating: At the start of a walk (when height is known). After big weather changes. Or leave ...
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    53 mins
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