Garmin GPSMap 60C - A compact, sunlight-readable handheld GPS (legacy model)

The Garmin GPSMap 60C is a mid-2000s handheld GPS focused on core navigation: a sunlight-readable color display, internal map storage, USB map uploads, water resistance, long battery life, and pocketable weight. It remains useful for basic outdoor navigation but is a legacy model; modern Garmin units add wireless features, multi-constellation GNSS, and satellite messaging. Verify specs and software support before relying on a used unit.

Overview

The Garmin GPSMap 60C is a handheld GPS unit designed for outdoor navigation: hiking, camping, boating, and basic car navigation. It was positioned as a compact, sunlight-readable color-mapped device with on-board memory for storing waypoints and routes, and basic map-upload capability via USB.

Key features

• Sunlight-readable color display for map and heading information.

• Internal map storage (commonly cited as 56 MB) for basemaps and saved data .

• Connects to a computer over USB to upload maps and transfer waypoints.

• Lightweight and pocketable design (often listed around 7.5 ounces) ¹.

• Long battery life suitable for multi-day outings (advertised at up to 30 hours in some literature) ².

• Water-resistant construction for use in rainy or wet environments ³.

What it does well

The 60C was built for people who want a straightforward, durable GPS that shows maps and tracks under bright daylight. Its interface focuses on waypoints, routes, and basic topographic/road/map overlays. For users who simply want to avoid getting lost and to mark campsites, trails, or fishing spots, the 60C delivers those core navigation functions without modern extras like smartphone pairing or two-way satellite messaging.

Considerations and modern alternatives

The GPSMap 60C is a legacy model. If you need up-to-date topo maps, wireless map downloads, satellite communications, or multi-constellation GNSS (GPS + GLONASS/Galileo), consider newer Garmin models such as the GPSMAP/etrex/instinct/edge families, or devices with inReach messaging. Newer units also offer rechargeable batteries and higher-resolution displays.

If you already own a 60C, it can still be useful for basic navigation in areas where accurate maps and live routing are not required. For any long-term or safety-critical use, verify the device condition and that maps and software you plan to use are still supported on your computer.

Getting maps and updates

The 60C accepts uploaded maps via USB; historically Garmin provided mapping tools such as MapSource/BaseCamp for managing maps and waypoints. Support and available map formats for this model may be limited today; check Garmin's support pages or community archives for compatible map files and software versions ⁴.

Final note

The GPSMap 60C remains a clear example of mid-2000s handheld GPS: straightforward, durable, and focused on basic navigation. For modern conveniences and current satellite features, look to Garmin's recent handhelds. If you are evaluating a used 60C, verify the exact specifications and support status before buying or relying on it for safety-critical trips.

1. Confirm internal memory size for Garmin GPSMap 60C (commonly cited as 56 MB).
2. Verify listed weight of the GPSMap 60C (often quoted around 7.5 ounces).
3. Confirm advertised battery life figure (sources reference up to ~30 hours).
4. Verify water-resistance rating/specification for the GPSMap 60C.
5. Confirm release year and discontinued/support status and current compatibility with Garmin map software (MapSource/BaseCamp) and USB map upload formats.