Hey there! Are you an adventurous soul who loves spending time in the great outdoors? Or maybe you’re a fitness enthusiast who likes to push your limits with every workout? Well, we’ve got just the thing for you – a range of rugged and reliable outdoor watches that will keep up with your active lifestyle. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the top contenders in the market, including the Garmin Instinct, SUUNTO Vertical, Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar, Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition, and the Garmin Enduro™ 2.
Outdoor watches have come a long way in recent years, evolving from simple timekeeping devices to powerful instruments packed with features designed specifically for outdoor activities. These watches utilize cutting-edge technology to provide GPS navigation, heart rate monitoring, compass functions, and even offline map capabilities. Owning one of these watches can be incredibly beneficial, as they enable you to track your workouts, plan routes, stay on course, and even monitor your heart rate to optimize your training sessions. With their rugged construction, they can withstand the ruggedness of any terrain, making them the perfect companion for hikers, climbers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Now, let’s dive into the details of each model. We’ll explore the Garmin Instinct, a reliable outdoor watch equipped with GPS, Glonass, and Galileo, ensuring precise navigation wherever you go. The SUUNTO Vertical, on the other hand, offers a large screen and offline maps, allowing you to explore even without an internet connection. The Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar stands out with its solar charging capabilities and hybrid design, combining analog hands with a digital display, offering a unique aesthetic. The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition takes performance to the next level with advanced training technology and a built-in flashlight for added convenience. Lastly, the Garmin Enduro™ 2 boasts an ultraperformance watch with long-lasting battery life and solar charging to keep you going for extended periods in the great outdoors.
So, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a fitness junkie looking for the perfect companion for your workouts, there’s undoubtedly an outdoor watch out there that suits your needs. Join us as we delve into each model’s features, specifications, and unique advantages – helping you make an informed decision on which watch will become your new adventure buddy. Let’s get started on this exhilarating journey!
Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch with GPS, Glonass, Galileo, Heart Rate Monitoring, 3-Axis Compass – Graphite
The Garmin Instinct is an exceptional outdoor watch that is built to withstand the toughest environments. It is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and adventurers who require a durable and reliable timepiece with advanced GPS functionalities.
We absolutely love the Garmin Instinct for its ruggedness and durability. It is designed to meet U.S. Military standard 810G, ensuring thermal, shock, and water resistance up to 100 meters. You can rely on this watch to accompany you on all your adventures without worrying about its durability.
The purpose of the Garmin Instinct is to provide outdoor enthusiasts with a reliable and feature-packed watch that can withstand extreme conditions. Its key features include:
1. GPS Navigation: The Garmin Instinct utilizes multiple global navigation satellite systems, including GPS, Glonass, and Galileo. This ensures accurate and reliable navigation tracking, even in challenging environments.
2. Heart Rate Monitoring: With its built-in heart rate monitor, the Garmin Instinct helps you keep track of your fitness levels and adjust your activities accordingly. You can monitor your estimated heart rate, activity, and stress levels, making it an excellent companion for your fitness journey.
3. 3-Axis Compass and Barometric Altimeter: The built-in compass and altimeter help you stay on track and navigate accurately, even in unfamiliar terrain. Whether you’re hiking, trekking, or camping, the Garmin Instinct will guide you with confidence.
4. Smart Notifications and Garmin Connect Compatibility: Stay connected with smart notifications from your compatible smartphone right on your wrist. With automatic data uploads to the Garmin Connect online fitness community, you can track your progress and share your achievements with others.
5. Long Battery Life: The Garmin Instinct boasts an impressive battery life. It can last up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode, and up to 40 hours in Ultratrac battery saver mode. You can confidently rely on this watch for extended outdoor adventures.
The overall quality of the Garmin Instinct is outstanding. It is meticulously designed and constructed to meet the rigorous standards set by the U.S. Military. Its ruggedness, durability, and reliable performance make it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Rugged and durable design
- Multiple global navigation satellite systems for accurate tracking
- Built-in heart rate monitor for fitness monitoring
- 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter for precise navigation
- Smart notifications and Garmin Connect compatibility for staying connected
- Impressive battery life for extended outdoor adventures
- Limited app support compared to other smartwatches in the market
- The display may be too small for some users
The Garmin Instinct is a phenomenal outdoor watch that excels in both durability and functionality. With its extensive features, reliable GPS tracking, and rugged design, it is a worthy companion for all your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking, trekking, or exploring, the Garmin Instinct will ensure you never lose your way and keep you connected throughout your journey.
SUUNTO Vertical Adventure GPS Watch with Large Screen, Offline Maps, and Solar Charging
The SUUNTO Vertical is an adventure GPS watch designed for outdoor enthusiasts who crave exploration and rely on accurate navigation. Whether you’re hiking through rugged terrains or conquering challenging trails, this watch is your ultimate companion for all your outdoor adventures.
We love the SUUNTO Vertical for several reasons. First and foremost, its large 49mm color display provides exceptional visibility, allowing you to easily read and interpret your vital information at a glance. No need to squint or strain your eyes, as the sizable screen offers clear visibility even in bright sunlight or low-light conditions.
Another standout feature is the inclusion of free global maps that can be used offline, providing you with peace of mind during your outdoor escapades. These accurate, free color maps display essential information such as paths, contour lines, water sources, and landmarks, making navigation a breeze. Plus, with the added ability to show breadcrumb trails, points of interest (POIs), and bearings, you’ll never lose your way again.
The SUUNTO Vertical offers a wide range of features to enhance your outdoor experience. Its primary purpose is to serve as a reliable navigation tool, helping you stay on track and explore with confidence. Equipped with dualband GPS, this watch ensures reliable accuracy even in the most challenging conditions, such as cliffs, valleys, and urban environments with towering skyscrapers. You’ll no longer have to worry about getting lost or unsure of your bearings.
One key feature that sets the SUUNTO Vertical apart is its exceptional battery life. In tour mode, it can provide up to 500 hours of continuous exercise tracking, allowing you to embark on lengthy adventures without worrying about running out of power. In the most accurate tracking mode, you can enjoy up to 60 hours of battery life. The Titanium model even boasts solar charging capabilities, boosting the battery life by an additional 30% on sunny days.
The SUUNTO Vertical showcases the highest standard of quality. With over 85 years of heritage craftsmanship, Suunto has established itself as a pioneer in the industry, consistently delivering watches, compasses, and dive products that withstand the test of time. The SUUNTO Vertical is no exception, as it is carefully manufactured in Suunto’s own factory in Finland using 100% renewable energy. Additionally, the watch is fully carbon compensated, reflecting Suunto’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Large 49mm color display for easy readability
- Accurate free offline global maps with navigation features
- Exceptional battery life for extended adventures
- Dualband GPS for reliable accuracy in challenging conditions
- Suunto’s authentic heritage and commitment to sustainability
- Solar charging only available in the Titanium model
The SUUNTO Vertical is an outstanding adventure GPS watch that combines durability, accuracy, and innovative features. With its large screen, offline maps, extensive battery life, and authentic heritage, it is a reliable companion for all your outdoor escapades. Embrace the thrill of exploration and let the SUUNTO Vertical guide you on your next adventure with confidence.
Garmin Instinct Solar Hybrid Smartwatch, Graphite
- Solar charging capabilities prolong battery life
- Rugged construction meets military standards for durability
- Wide range of outdoor features and activity tracking
- Smart notifications keep you connected on the go
- Analog hands can obstruct the digital display at times
- Limited memory and storage compared to other smartwatches
- Design may not appeal to those looking for a more traditional analog watch
With its rugged design, innovative solar charging capabilities, and comprehensive outdoor features, the Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It offers the perfect balance between analog simplicity and digital functionality. Whether you’re scaling mountains or exploring new trails, this smartwatch will keep up with your active lifestyle.
Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition, 51mm, High Performance Smartwatch with Advanced Training Technology and Built-in Flashlight, Black
The Garmin epix Pro Sapphire Edition is a high-performance smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and adventurers. It is packed with advanced training technology and features that will enhance your outdoor activities.
We love the Garmin epix Pro Sapphire Edition for its exceptional performance and durability. Its large 1.4″ always-on AMOLED display provides clear and stunning visuals, even in bright sunlight. The scratch-resistant sapphire lens with a titanium bezel ensures that the watch can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures and daily wear.
The Garmin epix Pro Sapphire Edition is designed to be your ultimate outdoor companion. It is equipped with a built-in LED flashlight that offers variable intensities and strobe modes, providing you with greater awareness and safety during night training sessions. This feature is particularly useful when you need convenient illumination in dark environments.
One of the standout features of the epix Pro Sapphire Edition is the new hill score and endurance score functions. The hill score feature measures your running strength and endurance during ascents, allowing you to track your progress over time. The endurance score feature combines training data from all your activities to provide insights into how your training impacts your overall endurance.
With 24/7 health and wellness monitoring features, including HRV status and Pulse Ox (availability may vary by country), the epix Pro Sapphire Edition provides a comprehensive view of your overall health, training, and recovery. The advanced sleep monitoring feature helps you prioritize rest and recovery, contributing to your overall well-being.
The morning report and training readiness features combine important health and training data in an easy-to-understand format, making it simple to interpret and analyze the information. Wrist-based running power, strength training features, and advanced pacing modes allow you to monitor your output on race day and optimize your training sessions.
The epix Pro Sapphire Edition is equipped with advanced navigation sensors and multi-band reception technology for accurate positioning, even in challenging environments. The inclusion of multi-GNSS with SatIQ technology improves coverage while optimizing battery life. Additionally, the watch comes preloaded with maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts worldwide, and you can utilize the TopoActive maps for exploring off the beaten path.
The Garmin epix Pro Sapphire Edition is built to the highest standards, ensuring exceptional quality and performance. From its durable construction to its advanced features, this smartwatch is designed to withstand the demands of outdoor adventures. The scratch-resistant sapphire lens and titanium bezel provide added durability, while the large AMOLED display offers crystal-clear visuals. Garmin’s commitment to quality shines through in the epix Pro Sapphire Edition.
- Large 1.4″ always-on AMOLED display with stunning visuals
- Scratch-resistant sapphire lens and titanium bezel for durability
- Built-in LED flashlight for enhanced safety during night training
- New hill score and endurance score features to track running strength and progress
- 24/7 health and wellness monitoring for a comprehensive view of your overall well-being
- Advanced navigation sensors and multi-GNSS technology for accurate positioning
- Limited availability of Pulse Ox feature in certain countries
- May be too large for some users with smaller wrists
The Garmin epix Pro Sapphire Edition stands out as a high-performance smartwatch for outdoor enthusiasts. Its advanced features, durable build, and exceptional performance make it a reliable companion for all your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking, running, or exploring new trails, the epix Pro Sapphire Edition is designed to enhance your experience and keep you connected on the go.
Garmin Enduro™ 2 – High-Performance Watch, Long-Lasting GPS Battery, Solar Charging, Loaded Maps
The Garmin Enduro™ 2 is an ultraperformance watch designed for outdoor enthusiasts who require long-lasting GPS battery life. It is perfect for hikers, trail runners, and adventurers who spend extended periods away from charging points but still want to track their routes, distances, and performance.
We love the Garmin Enduro™ 2 for its exceptional battery life and solar charging capabilities. With the 1.4” Power Sapphire lens, this watch harnesses the power of the sun to provide you with more power and longer time between charges. You can rely on this watch to accompany you on your outdoor adventures without worrying about finding a power source.
The purpose of the Garmin Enduro™ 2 is to offer users an ultraperformance watch with unparalleled GPS battery life. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts who require extended battery life during their activities. Key features of this watch include:
- AutoSelect Mode: This mode utilizes SatIQ technology to dynamically determine the GPS mode necessary for maximizing battery life without compromising positional accuracy. It ensures that you get the most out of your watch’s battery without sacrificing performance.
- Rugged and Lightweight Design: The Garmin Enduro™ 2 is built to withstand the demands of outdoor activities. Its rugged design ensures durability, while its lightweight construction won’t slow you down during your adventures. The comfortable UltraFit nylon band ensures a secure fit for all your activities.
- Navigation Tools: Preloaded TopoActive and ski maps enable you to find your way confidently during outdoor excursions. Additionally, the NextFork map guide shows the distance to the next trail intersection, while grade-adjusted pace helps you adjust your running pace over varying terrains. The watch also features an automatic rest timer to log your breaks.
- Built-in Sports Apps: The Garmin Enduro™ 2 offers a variety of built-in sports apps, including an Adventure Racing World Series-approved adventure racing app. These apps, combined with advanced performance metrics, endurance, and stamina features, help you take your training to the next level.
- Button Controls and Touchscreen Interface: The watch offers traditional button controls that work in any environment, ensuring reliable and easy operation. Additionally, it features a highly responsive touchscreen interface for quick and convenient access to selections.
- Superbright LED Flashlight: The Garmin Enduro™ 2 includes a superbright LED flashlight, twice as bright as the fēnix 7X multisport GPS watch. The LED flashlight offers variable intensities and a strobe feature that matches your running cadence. It also has a red safety light mode to help you stay aware of your surroundings when running at night.
The Garmin Enduro™ 2 impresses with its top-quality construction, excellent GPS battery life, and solar charging capabilities. It is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities while providing accurate tracking and navigation. The watch’s advanced features and durability make it a reliable companion for any outdoor enthusiast.
Pros:
- Exceptional GPS battery life with solar charging capabilities
- Rugged and lightweight design for outdoor activities
- Preloaded maps and navigation tools for easy route finding
- Built-in sports apps and advanced performance metrics
- Button controls and touch-screen interface for intuitive operation
- Superbright LED flashlight for enhanced visibility during night runs
Cons:
- Relatively high price compared to other outdoor watches
- Limited color options available
The Garmin Enduro™ 2 stands out as an ultraperformance watch with outstanding GPS battery life and solar charging capabilities. Its durable design, navigation tools, and built-in sports apps make it a reliable companion for any outdoor adventure. While it may come with a higher price tag, its features and quality justify the investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Specifications Comparison
Garmin Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS
- Battery life: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode, up to 40 hours in Ultratrac battery saver mode
- Supported Application: Phone
- Wireless comm standard: Bluetooth
- Rugged design, built to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance (rated to 100 meters)
- Built-in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, and Galileo) support
- Heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and stress monitoring
- Smart notifications and automatic data uploads
- Trackback feature for navigation
- Garmin Explore website and app for trip planning
- Strap material: Silicone
SUUNTO Vertical: Adventure GPS Watch
- Large 49mm color display
- Free global maps that can be used offline
- Long battery life
- Barometer
- Solar charging (Titanium model only)
- Dualband GPS for accurate positioning
- Suunto brings over 85 years of heritage craftsmanship
- Made in Finland with 100% renewable energy and fully carbon compensated
Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar, Rugged Hybrid Smartwatch
- Battery performance with solar charging: up to 46 days in smartwatch mode, up to 150 hours in GPS mode
- Built-in LED flashlight with variable intensities and strobe modes
- Hill score and endurance score features
- 24/7 health and wellness monitoring
- Advanced navigation sensors and multi-GNSS with SatIQ technology
- Preloaded maps for golf courses and ski resorts
- Wide range of activity profiles
- Traditional button controls and responsive touchscreen interface
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition, High Performance Smartwatch
- Large 1.4” always-on AMOLED display
- Scratch-resistant sapphire lens with titanium bezel
- Built-in LED flashlight and red safety light mode
- Hill score, endurance score, and training readiness features
- 24/7 health and wellness monitoring
- Wrist-based running power and pacing modes
- Advanced navigation sensors and multi-GNSS with SatIQ technology
- Preloaded maps for golf courses, ski resorts, and TopoActive maps
- Button controls and responsive touchscreen interface
- Battery performance with solar charging: up to 46 days in smartwatch mode, up to 150 hours in GPS mode
Garmin Enduro™ 2 – Ultraperformance Watch
- Battery life: Up to 46 days in smartwatch mode, up to 150 hours in GPS mode (Assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions)
- Rugged and lightweight design
- UltraFit nylon band for a secure and comfortable fit
- Navigation tools with preloaded TopoActive maps and ski maps
- Superbright LED flashlight and safety light mode
- NextFork map guide, grade-adjusted pace, and automatic rest timer features
- Built-in sports apps and Adventure Racing World Series-approved app
- Traditional button controls and responsive touchscreen interface
- Battery performance with solar charging: up to 46 days in smartwatch mode, up to 150 hours in GPS mode (Assumes continuous use for entire period in 50,000 lux conditions)
Comparison Table
| Product | Battery Life | Communication Standard | Design | Navigation | Activity Tracking | Solar Charging | Maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Instinct | Up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) Up to 16 hours (GPS mode) Up to 40 hours (Ultratrac battery saver mode) |
Bluetooth | Rugged, U.S. Military 810G standard | 3 axis compass, barometric altimeter | Heart rate, activity, stress monitoring | No | Garmin Connect online fitness community |
| SUUNTO Vertical | Long battery life | Not specified | Not specified | Barometer | No | Solar charging (Titanium model only) |
Free global maps, offline use |
| Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar | Up to 46 days (smartwatch mode) Up to 150 hours (GPS mode) |
Not specified | Rugged hybrid smartwatch | Advanced navigation sensors, multi-GNSS | Heart rate, activity, stress monitoring | Yes | Preloaded maps |
| Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition | Up to 46 days (smartwatch mode) Up to 150 hours (GPS mode) |
Not specified | Large AMOLED display, scratch-resistant sapphire lens, titanium bezel | Advanced navigation sensors, multi-GNSS | Heart rate, activity, sleep monitoring | Yes | Preloaded maps |
| Garmin Enduro™ 2 | Up to 46 days (smartwatch mode) Up to 150 hours (GPS mode) |
Not specified | Rugged and lightweight | TopoActive maps, ski maps | Heart rate, activity monitoring | Yes | Preloaded maps |
Note: Communication standard and design specifications are not provided for all products.
Conclusion:
After thoroughly reviewing all five products, Garmin Instinct, SUUNTO Vertical, Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar, Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition, and Garmin Enduro™ 2, it is clear that Garmin offers a wide range of high-quality outdoor watches with impressive features and functionalities.
Garmin Instinct:
The Garmin Instinct is a rugged outdoor watch with GPS, Glonass, and Galileo features. It also includes heart rate monitoring and a 3-axis compass. While this watch is reliable and durable, the lack of offline maps may be a drawback for certain users.
SUUNTO Vertical:
The SUUNTO Vertical is an adventure GPS watch with a large screen and offline map capabilities. It stands out with solar charging capabilities, which is an excellent feature, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who require prolonged battery life. However, it may be too large for some individuals, which should be taken into consideration.
Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar:
The Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar is a hybrid smartwatch with solar charging capabilities, analog hands, and a digital display. This watch is a great option for those who want the best of both worlds – the functionality of a smartwatch with the ruggedness of an outdoor watch. However, some users may find the analog hands to be less accurate than a purely digital display.
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition:
The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition is a high-performance smartwatch with advanced training technology and a built-in flashlight. This watch is perfect for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who need precise training data and additional safety features. However, the large size of the watch and the high price may deter some potential buyers.
Garmin Enduro™ 2:
The Garmin Enduro™ 2 is an ultraperformance watch with long-lasting GPS battery life and solar charging capabilities. This watch is particularly appealing for endurance athletes and those who require extended battery life during their outdoor activities. However, the preloaded map options may be limited for certain regions, so it is essential to check for compatibility before purchasing.
Overall, Garmin offers a range of exceptional watches that cater to various outdoor enthusiasts. Our recommendation would be the Garmin Instinct for individuals who prioritize durability and simplicity, the SUUNTO Vertical for those who value solar charging and offline maps, and the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who require advanced training metrics and safety features.
