Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
If you want more maps on your Garmin device, here's a way to do it for free.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
Garmin's Maps Plus subscription costs money for satellite and USGS topo maps, but you can load similar maps for free using custom map files. This works on any Garmin device that supports mapping, Fenix watches, GPSMAP handhelds, inReach devices. The process takes three steps: create a georeferenced PDF in CalTopo (free, no account needed), convert it to KMZ using a free online tool, then transfer it to your Garmin. You control the map area, layer type, and level of detail. The tradeoff is manual updates and no automatic routing, but for backcountry navigation where you're following a GPX track, custom maps give you the same visual reference without the subscription.
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
If you want more maps on your Garmin device, here's a way to do it for free.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
Garmin's Maps Plus subscription costs money for satellite and USGS topo maps, but you can load similar maps for free using custom map files. This works on any Garmin device that supports mapping, Fenix watches, GPSMAP handhelds, inReach devices. The process takes three steps: create a georeferenced PDF in CalTopo (free, no account needed), convert it to KMZ using a free online tool, then transfer it to your Garmin. You control the map area, layer type, and level of detail. The tradeoff is manual updates and no automatic routing, but for backcountry navigation where you're following a GPX track, custom maps give you the same visual reference without the subscription.
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
