When it comes to handheld GPS units, Garmin is the clear market winner, holding some 70% of the market share, when last analyzed by independent market researchers. The Garmin Montana series with its user- and glove-friendly touchscreen interface first debuted in 2011 with the 600. From the very beginning, Montana was designed and built for off-road adventures. It could be used as a GPS handheld for hikers, hunters, and geocachers and as a mountable GPS unit on ATVs, boats, bicycles, motorcycles, and cars.
The 700 series is the latest trio of GPS handhelds to bear the legendary Montana badge. It still appeals to the same user base of adventure seekers while sporting improved, more robust technology.
The touchscreen in the Montana 700 series is HUGE! Previous models have a 4-inch diagonal screen with a resolution of 272 x 480 pixels. The Montana 700, 700i, and 750i all have a 5-inch diagonal screen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. That size isn’t that far off from some smartphones!
Like all Montanas, the 700 series’ screen is also transflective. This means that during the day, it uses incoming sunlight to reflect the pixels, making the screen highly readable in bright sunlight. In low light, a backlight shines on the pixels. The screens are also dual orientation for easier map reading.
Montanas have always been IPX7 waterproof. But the 700s kick things up to the next level. Not only are they waterproof, but they also meet MIL-STD-810G specs. This means they are also thermal-proof, shock-proof, and vibration-proof. The screens are made from Corning Gorilla Glass for extra durability.
We won’t go so far as to say they are indestructible, but their hardiness is impressive.
Earlier Montanas had 3 GB of built-in memory plus external storage capacity in the form of a microSD Card slot with a 32 GB max capacity. The Garmin Montana 700 series has 16 GB of memory—more than 5x that of earlier models—as well as the 32 GB available via microSD Card. This provides more internal storage space for maps, etc. like City Navigator and BlueChart g3.
The Montana 600 had a rechargeable Li-Ion pack or could be run on AA batteries. The battery pack offered up to 16 hours while AA batteries provided up to 22 hours. The 700 series also have the same two power options, although the AA battery pack is now an optional accessory. The rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack is easily removable and swappable. Battery life is defined by which mode is selected. GPS mode offers up to 18 hours while Expedition mode extends battery life up to 330 hours. Expedition is an ultralow-power GPS reference mode that checks satellite positioning less frequently and turns off the screen.
The original Montanas had a USB port and could connect to Garmin’s ANT+ wireless sensors. The 700s sport ANT+ and a high-speed USB port plus add in Bluetooth and WiFi.
The Montana 700i and Montana 750i also include inReach technology to access the Iridium satellite network (paid subscription). This enables two-way messaging, interactive SOS alerts, location tracking, and weather updates.
Thanks to the variety of maps held in storage, plus the ability to download more, all three Montana 700 series devices can be used for both trails and road navigation.
All Montana 700 series handhelds have Federal Lands maps, US maps, and TopoActive North America maps. TopoActive maps are optimized for outdoor activities and are compiled from the community-generated OpenStreetMap database. They include summits, national and local parks, coastlines, lakes and rivers, natural features, and more. It also displays thousands of POIs including geographic labels, shops, restaurants and bars, parking, schools and community features, and accommodations.
And all come with a lifetime subscription to Garmin Birdseye satellite imagery with a direct-to-device download.
Where they differ:
With Montana, it’s easy to go far with no fear. ABC sensors and multiple GNSS networks provide excellent coverage. The QWERTY keyboard makes typing easy. And thanks to routable mapping for roads and trails, the Montana 700 handhelds bring advanced outdoor features into a sturdy 5-in. format that’s ideal for navigation on foot, bike, kayak, ATV, and more. A variety of Montana-compatible vehicle mounts are available to ensure a secure, rugged mounting.
Unlike the GPSMAP series, Montanas use a touchscreen instead of buttons for a bigger screen area, sleeker look, and easier navigation. Montana is also compatible with Garmin Astro or Alpha series handhelds to help track sporting dogs in the field. They even come with a preloaded Wikiloc trails app and a free 60-day Wikiloc Premium trial and other exclusive features.
The Montanas are also compatible with the Garmin Explore app so users can plan, map, track, sync, and share their treks from anywhere. It also allows use of the device with or without WiFi or cellular service.
So, for outdoor enthusiasts who are into off-road adventures and want a big, bright, and extraordinarily rugged touchscreen GPS handheld, the Garmin Montana 700 series is the clear choice.
“No matter where your trips may take you, the new Montana handhelds will give you the confidence and security that you’ll stay connected in every sense of the word,” says Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “We are excited to bring inReach satellite technology into a touchscreen product in our outdoor handheld device series, and with the versatility to bring it from the road to the trail to the water and everywhere in-between, the Montana 700 series is the perfect outdoor companion.”
Retailers, purchase the Montana 700 series for your outdoor enthusiasts today!