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Garmin Montana 650t review

Jonathan Bray March 6, 2012

£479

Price when reviewed

Now modern smartphones all have GPS and associated fitness apps, a dedicated hiking device might seem redundant, but the Montana 650t still has plenty going for it.

The 4in touchscreen is magnificent: it may be resistive, but it’s sensitive and can be operated comfortably even with a thick pair of gloves, while transflective technology ensures that it’s completely readable in bright sunlight.

There’s also an altimeter and digital compass on board and the unit comes preinstalled with OS maps (at a scale of 1:50,000) of the whole of Great Britain. The equivalent paper maps would cost over £1,400 alone.

Garmin Montana 650t

The feature list is impressive: it’s waterproof and shockproof (rated to IPX7); there’s compatibility with Garmin’s wireless heart-rate chest belts, and ANT+ devices; there are marine functions for sailors and anglers, and you can even employ it as a driving satnav. Shove it into the optional mount and it will issue turn-by-turn instructions, just like a TomTom.

Battery life, meanwhile, is astounding. A single charge will easily get you a full eight-hour day with the GPS running solidly, and in emergencies it will run from three standard AA alkaline cells.

It’s a little disappointing the driving mount costs extra, but when you consider how much this device can do, that’s just about justifiable. As a do-it-all GPS device and an encouragement to get outdoors and be healthy, it’s simply superb.