Hands-On Review: Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus – Tested in the Field by SatComms South Africa

When Garmin announced the new Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus, we knew we had to put it to the test. As South Africa’s go-to specialists in satellite communication and rugged outdoor tech, we rely on Garmin gear every day — from tracking overland routes in Namibia to testing SOS coverage in the Drakensberg.

So we spent the past few weeks testing the H1i Plus in real-world conditions — dusty trails, mountain ridges, and even deep valleys with no cell coverage. Here’s what we found.

First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus feels like a serious piece of kit. It’s roughly the same size as the old GPSMAP 67i, but noticeably more refined. The housing feels rugged and grippy, with a mix of matte and textured finishes that make it comfortable to hold even with gloves.

The 3.5-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen immediately stands out — it’s sharp, bright, and readable even under the harsh midday sun. The best part? You still have physical buttons, which makes all the difference when you’re on the move or when your fingers are wet or dusty.

Satellite Messaging – Now with Photos and Voice

The biggest upgrade is Garmin’s new inReach Plus technology. We’ve been using inReach devices for years, but this one changes the game.

You can now send short voice messages and even photos over the Iridium satellite network. During one of our field tests near the Cederberg, we sent a quick voice memo back to the office — crystal clear, no delay. The photo feature worked perfectly for sending a quick location shot to confirm we’d reached our planned checkpoint.

Messages go out fast, and even incoming replies from phones and emails were received in minutes. That kind of speed, reliability, and two-way communication can make all the difference when you’re working or adventuring off-grid.

Battery & Power

Battery life is always a big question for field devices. Garmin claims up to 145 hours of runtime in GPS mode with SatIQ enabled, and in our real-world testing, we got just under six days of active use before needing a recharge — that’s with messaging, tracking, and Bluetooth syncing running most of the time.

When using the device heavily for maps and messaging, expect around 3–4 days of solid operation. That’s still very impressive considering the size of the screen and the satellite functions.

Mapping and Navigation

Garmin’s TopoActive Africa maps come preloaded, and they’re excellent. Roads, tracks, rivers, and terrain contours are all sharp and detailed. We especially appreciated the multi-band GNSS support, which means you get faster lock-on and greater accuracy — even in the canyons or under thick tree cover.

Switching between map pages and waypoints feels snappy — faster than the 67i, which we’ve used extensively. The touchscreen + button combo makes navigating menus much easier than before.

Ruggedness & Reliability

We deliberately gave this device a rough time — dropped it on gravel, splashed it with muddy water, and used it in light rain. The IP67 rating isn’t just marketing; it held up perfectly. The casing doesn’t flex, the buttons never jammed, and the screen remained responsive after hours of exposure to dust and sun.

This is exactly the kind of build quality we expect from Garmin, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Connectivity and Apps

The Garmin Explore app and Garmin Messenger paired seamlessly. Once synced, we could check messages, download weather forecasts, and view tracking data directly from our phones. The Messenger app also made replying from the office side incredibly easy — no more juggling multiple platforms to stay in touch with someone in the field.

Real-World Use Case

During a recent weekend off-grid test near the Richtersveld, we used the H1i Plus as our main navigator and comms device. With zero cell coverage for 200 km, the Garmin handled everything — navigation, check-ins, weather, even sending a quick “arrived safe” message home.

For anyone doing 4×4 overlanding, bush travel, remote research, or field engineering, this device is a lifesaver. It combines the confidence of Garmin mapping with the security of global satellite connectivity — all in one rugged handheld.

⚠️ A Few Notes

• It’s not a small device, and while that’s fine for a vehicle or backpack mount, it’s bulky if you’re a minimalist hiker.

• The price is on the premium side — especially once you add the inReach Plus subscription — but considering what it replaces (GPS, sat messenger, emergency beacon), it’s worth it.

• Early firmware had a few small quirks (like screen sleep settings resetting after power-off), but Garmin has already pushed out an update that fixed them.

The Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus is the most capable outdoor handheld we’ve ever tested. It’s a serious upgrade for professionals, explorers, or anyone who wants one device to handle both navigation and satellite communication — with photos, voice, and text.

This is not a casual hiker’s toy — it’s a field-grade communicator that could genuinely save lives when things go wrong.

We’ve officially added it to our recommended lineup at SatComms, and it’s available now while stock lasts.

👉 Available now at SatComms.co.za R21 999 | Includes full Garmin warranty and South African support.