In 2025, the GPSMAP H1 opened a new chapter. It arrived with a completely new design, a 3.5" color display, and added a touchscreen alongside the buttons, plus a camera, photo and voice message sending, two-way satellite communication, and an SOS function. In terms of GPS reception, it didn’t introduce radically new technology, but with the new antenna and modern hardware it finds position much faster and more stably, even during a cold start. The new mounting system also allows more versatile attachment on a backpack, bike, or elsewhere.
The device marks a new era, with the display increasing from 2.8" diameter to 3.5", which is 1.7× larger in area and uses 3× as many pixels, while also adding a touchscreen alongside the physical buttons. The action button has become multifunctional, preconfigured to access the following functions — fully customizable, of course:
- Tap (short press) → e.g. save waypoint
- Hold (long press) → e.g. siren
- Double tap (two presses) → e.g. flashlight or compass
MOUNTING UPDATE. From 2010 to 2025 Garmin used the Spine Mount (v1) system; now it has moved to the Spine Mount 2 system, Garmin’s proprietary design, which is very convincing in person. Notably, MOLLE-compatible backpack mounting is available — a military standard of horizontal webbing to which pouches, cases, and holders can be attached modularly — and the GPSMAP H1 is compatible with it.
BATTERY LIFE SO HIGH THAT THERE’S ROOM FOR EXTRA FUNCTIONS.
Up to 48 hours in GPS mode (INREACH enabled, 10-minute tracking), 145 hours in GPS mode, and up to 840 hours in Expedition Mode — among the strongest values in its category. The long runtime and efficient power management allowed the GPSMAP H1i Plus to include extra functions such as a built-in flashlight and an emergency siren.
- Flashlight: always at hand, one-button activation, 4 brightness levels and multiple strobe patterns. More practical than a phone light because the device is always with you.
- Emergency siren: instantly activated with the action button; in emergencies it can attract attention, signal your partner, or even deter animals — a practical alternative to a whistle, with a loud, high-pitched tone.
GARMIN MESSENGER. It doesn’t get much attention, so here’s the simple logic:
- If you have mobile data or WiFi → it works like Messenger, WhatsApp, or Viber. You type on your phone and messages go out over the internet.
- If there’s no mobile data but you have an inReach module and subscription → it sends messages via the Iridium satellite network.
- If there’s no internet and no inReach → no messaging.
How do the two devices send messages?
| GPSMAP H1 |
GPSMAP H1i Plus |
- No built-in INREACH module.
- Without a phone, it cannot send messages.
- It only works via satellite if paired with a separate inReach device.
- So the H1 is a navigator only by itself; messaging always requires a phone or a separate inReach.
|
- Has a built-in inReach satellite communicator.
- Can send and receive messages via satellite without a phone.
- Thanks to the built-in camera and microphone, you can send/receive text, photos, and voice messages.
- A phone is useful if you prefer typing in the Messenger app or if internet/WiFi is available → then messages go for free over the internet instead of your satellite plan.
|
Short examples
- In the city: phone + Messenger app → free via WiFi/mobile data.
- In the mountains with no coverage: Messenger app → GPSMAP H1i Plus relays via satellite → deducted from your INREACH subscription.
- If you don’t have your phone: you can type, take photos, and send voice messages directly from the GPSMAP H1i Plus → goes via satellite.
- The GPSMAP H1 cannot do this on its own; it’s for navigation only.
In the simplest terms:
- GPSMAP H1 = professional GPS navigator; it cannot send messages by itself.
- GPSMAP H1i Plus = GPS navigator + built-in satellite communicator; standalone messaging (text, images, voice)
ECOSYSTEM – part of Garmin’s complete system
The GPSMAP H1 and H1i Plus are not only standalone handheld GPS units but also part of Garmin’s full outdoor ecosystem. This means you’re not just getting a device but a complete backend for planning, communication, and mapping.
- Garmin Explore app & web – manage your routes, tracks, and POIs here. Plan your trip on a computer or phone before departure and the device will display it immediately after syncing. One of Explore’s biggest advantages is that it works without coverage: the phone and GPSMAP communicate over Bluetooth, so the track is clear, can be edited or redrawn anytime. You can use your own large database, and every change syncs to the device instantly.
- Garmin Messenger – automatically chooses the best available channel: internet when available, otherwise the inReach satellite network (Iridium). The H1i Plus advantage is its built-in inReach communicator, so it can send text, photos, and voice messages independently — without a phone.
- Outdoor Maps+ subscription – adds extra map layers, e.g., hunting boundaries, waterway charts, forestry roads. Availability varies by country, but it’s available in Hungary and is especially useful for fieldwork, hunting, or watersports.
- Open system – the device can handle dual coordinate systems (e.g., WGS84 and EOV simultaneously) and allows loading community maps such as Turistautak.hu. This is a huge advantage because it lets you complement Garmin’s maps with detailed local datasets.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INREACH FUNCTIONS
In 2025, two flagship devices use inReach: the Fēnix 8 PRO watch and the GPSMAP H1i Plus. What are the differences and similarities?
The GPSMAP H1i Plus offers noticeably more reliable inReach communication than the Fēnix 8 Pro.
The difference isn’t whether both support messaging and SOS<span style="font-family: Lato, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI
.png)
ZERGE’S OPINION IN BLACK AND WHITE ABOUT THE GARMIN GPSMAP H1.
