GPS Training Podcast #114 – GPX Files, Suunto Insights & Long-Distance GPS Choices

Welcome to another packed episode of the GPS Training Podcast!

This month, Jon is joined by Andy from GPS Training to cover:

🔁 1. Reflections on the Suunto Interview (Podcast #113)

Andy shares his key takeaways from the mid-month chat with Dan Southam, Suunto’s UK Marketing Manager.

👉 Watch the full video interview with Dan Southam here »

What stood out?

• Suunto’s long heritage in navigation, starting with their liquid-filled compasses in the 1930s


• Why Suunto watches are sports watches – not smartwatches


• Focus on simple, accurate, fast-to-orient navigation


• Designed for people who want brilliant mapping and fitness features without the distraction of unnecessary “smart” tech

Explore the Suunto range we stock here:

👉 Suunto Watches at GPS Training »

🧭 2. GPX Files – What Are They and Why Should You Care?

We break down:

• What a GPX file is (it’s a route, track, or collection of waypoints in one handy file)


• Why GPX files help with day walks and long-distance trails


• How to use them with your GPS watch or handheld


• The difference between a route, track, and course on Garmin and other devices

🛠️ Watch tutorials and import GPX files easily in the GPS Training Online Resource »

🔗 Recommended GPX download sites:

See our updated list:

👉 Top Sites for Free GPX Walks & Routes »

🥾 3. Best GPS Units for Long-Distance Trails

Andy shares what to look for:

• Long battery life


• Larger screen for clear mapping


• Built-in OS Maps (or worldwide mapping if you’re heading overseas)


• Satellite communication (e.g. Garmin inReach)

💥 Top Picks:

• Garmin GPSMAP 67i – Long battery life + built-in satellite communication


• Garmin Montana 700/700i/750i – Large screen and touchscreen mapping


• TwoNav Adventurer/Terra – Great for planning on-the-go with live tracking

👉 Compare GPS Units for Long-Distance Walking »

📦 All GPS units from GPS Training come with:

• Free setup


• Full UK OS maps


• 1 year’s access to our Online Resource


• Support from real humans who walk the walk

🧠 4. Andy’s Top Tip – Why You Should Use Garmin BaseCamp (Even if You Hate It)

Even if you plan your walks in another app, BaseCamp is your friend when:

• Checking if a GPX file is a route or a track


• Making sure it’s got the right number of points


• Cutting down long-distance trails into day-by-day walks


• Renaming files and adding proximity alarms

🎥 Learn how in the Online Resource – Module 3 »

(You’ll find full BaseCamp guides for both Mac and PC.)

🤖 5. Questions to the GPS Training AI Bot – What You’ve Been Asking This Month

Some of your top questions this month:

• How do I adjust the screen brightness on a Garmin GPSMAP 67?


• How do I remove waypoints from a planned route in OS software?


• How do I create escape routes on my Garmin GPS?

Try it out:

👉 Ask the GPS Training AI Bot (Online Resource) »

🧠 The bot is trained on our own GPS videos, manuals, course notes, and real customer FAQs – so you’re getting our expertise, 24/7.

If you enjoyed this episode, please:

👍 Leave us a review on your podcast platform

📣 Share it with a walking or running friend

🎧 Catch up on past episodes at here.

Until next time, happy navigating from all of us at GPS Training – learn from the experts.