This is not meant to tell you everything about Garmin, or other watches, rather it is a brief summary of what I’ve learned about hiking watches.

There are two main watch brands that hikers consider to be very good. Garmin and Suunto. Both are considered to be very good based on their mapping and battery life. I don’t have much experience with Suunto and will most likely stay with Garmin without ever trying Suunto. That is primarily because Garmin are very good, have a lower entry cost and their tech is very good. Other watches that claim to be for “adventure” etc (like Samsung Galaxy and Apple) usually significantly fail with battery life which makes them unsuited to multi-day treks (ie: what we do). I also know many people with Garmin and very few with Suunto.

Garmin watches have lots of features and lots of different models. The primary feature that we recommend is the visible maps although they do a lot more than that. The main model that I’ve always chosen comes from the Garmin Fenix series of watches. The Fenix series are multisport so the watches get used during the year as well as providing excellent tools during the hikes. There are other Garmin models that show maps but I haven’t used them at this stage (Epix/Instinct/Forerunner and possibly others).

Garmin’s website is a bit annoying to help you find a watch that matches the features you need so be careful when choosing one. As an example, a Garmin Fenix with “Pro” in the name (eg: Garmin Fenix 6X Pro) has mapping but one without “Pro” doesn’t have mapping (eg: Garmin 6X). I say again, check thoroughly before spending.

Garmin as a brand follow release patterns and sales typically follow that. Every couple of years, the models change numbers (my first Garmin five years ago was a Garmin 5X Plus, and this year I replaced it with a Garmin 6X Pro, although they have had the 7 series out for at least 6 months). When Garmin are about to change models, you can often find older models available for close to 50% off recommended price. When I bought my 5X it was in a sale for $800 instead of $1299 retail. When I bought the 6X, it was in a sale and it was for $600(ish) when they retailed for $1200 (ish). JBHiFi offer periodic sales so it is worth working out which watch you want, then watching them as it can save you hundreds. Sometimes Amazon have similar level sales.

From personal experience, my 6X watch is far better than my 5X watch. From a warranty perspective, when my 5X watch was failing this year, 4-5 years after purchase and out of warranty, Garmin offered a factory refurbished replacement free of charge. When they couldn’t find a similar model, they offered a much newer model for free (a watch currently selling for around $1700 retail). Good value after years of use with a near new replacement for free!

I forgot to mention glass. Some of the models use Sapphire glass, which is considered to be very strong. Others don’t and I think they use Amoled, although I am not certain. My 5X had Sapphire and I didn’t manage to scratch it at all. My 6X doesn’t have Sapphire but I’ve had no issues with it. Some people buy screen protectors for their Garmin’s although I probably will never do that.

Also, some Garmin models have Solar (which boosts the battery life). I’ve never used one and I don’t know what Glass surface they use (ie: Sapphire or not?). I like the idea of solar but can’t comment on it yet. Battery life on my watch gave be 3.5 days of tracking hiking without the need to recharge. Recharging Garmin’s requires a special cable and has not been a problem for me.

Garmin watch bands are silicone usually. Mine lasted about 2.5 years before needing replacement. They also have steel and titanium options. The titanium ones are very light and should last a very long time, but come at an expensive price. Even silicone ones aren’t cheap. I’ve only used the silicone ones and they work okay. You can get non Garmin watch bands if you look around.

A couple of our trek group use Garmin watches without maps. They are still good watches. Their watches have elevation data but no maps to view. They still love their watches.

I am more than happy to help you if you find one you think has what you need. ie: I’m happy to check for features and discuss with you.

At this point it is worth also noting, that you don’t need a hiking watch with maps for navigation. Personally, I like them and use them but I also use a paper map alongside and knowing the time is not as important whilst on the trail. Yes, I really like the data they provide (heart rate, pace, elevation, navigation, temperature, etc) but most of that is not necessary to most hikers. I guess my summary is, this is a really great tool but it is also an expensive luxury item.