Sports Watch Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Outdoor Watch
A suitable outdoor watch makes traveling easier and more flexible.
My whole family has always loved outdoor sports. We enjoy hiking, camping, and kayaking, and are always looking for new adventures to embark on together. However, we have always struggled with finding a watch that can keep up with our active lifestyle. We have gone through multiple watches that have broken or malfunctioned due to exposure to the elements or water damage.
Until we discovered Garmin Instinct outdoor watch, our family now swears by this outdoor watche and can’t imagine going on any outdoor adventure without it.
I can’t wait to introduce it to more people who love the outdoors.
In my experience, most watches have become symbols of status, with the exception of outdoor watches. For me, the biggest appeal of buying an outdoor watch is not about luxury, beauty, or fashion, but solely about durability and functionality. I need a watch that can withstand the rigors of my outdoor activities and provide me with the necessary features, such as water resistance and GPS tracking.
What is an outdoor watch?
An outdoor watch is equipment specifically designed for various sports, which can provide detailed data on the surrounding environment and provide auxiliary guidance for athletes.
Compared with ordinary watches, outdoor watches often have a lower aesthetic value, but they have a more durable body and diverse functions. They are both durable and can easily provide key information such as current altitude, temperature, heart rate, and direction when you are in the mountains and wilderness.
In addition, outdoor watches have many practical value-added functions, such as storm warnings, miniature maps, tide chart displays, computer operations, and even photography.
In short, a suitable outdoor watch is a mini mobile computer that you wear on your wrist.
The Structure of Outdoor Watch
The basic structure and functions that an outdoor watch can support are as follows:
The appearance of outdoor watches is not much different from ordinary watches. They are generally composed of dials, cases and straps, but they are more particular about the materials used:
Outdoor Watch Strap
There are roughly three types: rubber, metal and leather. Their advantages and disadvantages are as follows:
- Stainless steel (metal): very wear-resistant, but heavy, not suitable for low temperature and long-term wear, sweat easily embedded in the strap gap is not easy to clean, may be injured in case of accidents;
- leather: spring and autumn wear will be very comfortable; but poor strength, not wear-resistant, easy to damage and dirty, afraid of water and mildew.
- Rubber: easy to punch holes, heat dissipation and sweat removal, light weight, good toughness and so on, but low temperature elasticity is poor, will become brittle, and easy to age and damage;
I love my Garmin outdoor watch because the strap is made of silicone. Silicone is a synthetic rubber material that is durable, flexible, and resistant to water and heat. The silicone strap is very comfortable to wear and lightweight, which makes it perfect for various outdoor activities.
I don’t have to worry about sweat or dirt because the silicone is hypoallergenic and easy to clean. The best part is that the strap is adjustable, so it fits perfectly on my wrist and doesn’t move around during activities. I know I can rely on the high-quality silicone strap to withstand exposure to the elements and last a long time.
I really appreciate the fully vented silicone bands on my outdoor watch. They come with two independent, removable keeper loops that keep the watch securely in place and prevent it from getting caught on things. It’s a great feature that adds to my peace of mind when I’m out and about.
Outdoor Watch Dial
The dial of outdoor watches is larger than ordinary watches, because it needs to display more content, and in the outdoor wide environment, objects mostly appear small.
The most important part of the dial is the mirror surface, mostly using plastic or glass materials. The former is not very wear-resistant, but has good toughness. The latter has many extended models, and each manufacturer has unique glass materials, such as “mineral glass”, etc., which have the advantage of being more wear-resistant.
The dial of this Garmin 010-02064-00 outdoor watch is 1.27 Inches. It is big enough for you to see the various data displayed by the watch。
Outdoor Watch Case
Garmin’s outdoor watch cases is made of a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) material that is very durable, lightweight, and resistant to wear and tear. I love how strong and lightweight my watch is, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, running, and swimming.
I don’t have to worry about damaging or breaking it because it’s made to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. The FRP material is also corrosion-resistant and maintains its shape and size even under stress, which is important to me because I want my watch to last for a long time.
I think the use of FRP in Garmin outdoor watch cases is a smart choice.
Does Heart Rate Monitoring is Important?
I have heard from many people who have used Garmin outdoor watches with heart rate monitoring that they are impressed with the accuracy and reliability of the heart rate data. The watches use optical sensors to measure your heart rate from your wrist, which eliminates the need for a chest strap.
One of the benefits of the heart rate monitoring feature on Garmin watches is that it allows you to track your heart rate during a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, and swimming. This can help you optimize your workouts and ensure that you’re working out in the right heart rate zones.
This Garmin outdoor watches also offer advanced heart rate monitoring features, such as VO2 max estimates, which provide an estimate of your maximal oxygen uptake. This can help you understand your overall fitness level and track your progress over time.
Another benefit of Garmin watches is that they offer personalized heart rate zones based on your fitness level and goals. This allows you to tailor your workouts to your individual needs and optimize your training.
What You Should Know About Air pressure
Air pressure – by using a built-in metal vacuum box (a kind of strong pressure sensor), according to the law of different air pressure deformation size of thin-walled box, measure the instantaneous atmospheric pressure.
Schematic diagram of barometer
As an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, I have found that barometric sensors in outdoor watches are an incredibly useful feature. These sensors measure changes in atmospheric pressure, which can be an indication of changes in weather patterns.
By using an outdoor watch with a barometric sensor, I am able to stay informed about weather changes in real-time, allowing me to make informed decisions about my outdoor activities. Additionally, this watch use barometric data to provide other useful features, such as altimeter readings, which have been particularly helpful during my hikes and mountain climbs.
To use the barometric feature on my outdoor watch, I needed to calibrate the watch to the current atmospheric pressure at sea level. Once calibrated, the watch measures changes in air pressure and displays the results on the watch face or through a connected mobile app. I have also found that the trend indicator, which shows how the atmospheric pressure is changing over time, provides an indication of future weather conditions.
What is Activity Tracker?
In my personal experience, activity tracking is a really useful feature to have in this outdoor watch. I love being able to monitor my physical activity and track my progress over time. My outdoor watch has sensors that detect motion and measure various aspects of my physical activity, such as steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. It also has a heart rate monitor, which helps me keep track of my fitness level.
One of the things I love about having an activity tracker in my outdoor watch is that it provides reminders to move throughout the day. This is really helpful for me, as I have a desk job and sometimes forget to get up and move around. It also helps me set and achieve fitness goals by tracking my activity levels and giving me a clear picture of my progress.
Another great feature of my outdoor watch is the GPS technology, which allows me to track my routes and monitor my pace and speed during outdoor activities like hiking and biking. This is really helpful for me, as I like to challenge myself and see how far and how fast I can go.
Finally, my outdoor watch has a mobile app that syncs with the watch to provide more detailed information on my physical activity and fitness metrics. It also includes sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and guided breathing exercises to help me improve my overall health and wellness. Overall, having an outdoor watch with an activity tracker has been a game-changer for me and has helped me take my fitness and wellness to the next level.
The Importance of GPS for Outdoor Watch
GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a feature that is commonly found in outdoor watches. It allows the watch to determine its location and track the wearer’s movements using a network of satellites. I find this feature particularly useful when I’m hiking or exploring unfamiliar terrain. I can easily track my route and ensure that I don’t get lost.
My outdoor watch includes additional GPS features, such as distance tracking, pace monitoring, and elevation tracking. These features help me set and achieve fitness goals by providing real-time information on my location and route. I also appreciate the mapping and navigation tools, which allow me to plan and follow custom routes during my outdoor activities.
Having GPS in my outdoor watch has enhanced my outdoor experiences by providing me with real-time information and allowing me to navigate with ease.
This outdoor watch has multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) support which helps track in more challenging environments than GPS alone. It’s great!
Garmin Waterproof Watch
Refers to the waterproof performance of the watch dial (excluding the strap). Usually, there is a waterproof value marked on the back of the watch, which represents the waterproof depth under standard conditions (which is almost impossible to achieve in reality). Here it should be noted that waterproof depth does not mean the depth in water. For example, 100 meters waterproof does not mean that it can be used in 100 meters deep water.
Outdoor watches have more excellent waterproof performance
Generally, there are five types of waterproof specifications for outdoor watches: 30 meters, 50 meters, 100 meters, 300 meters and 500 meters. The first three types are more commonly used outdoors. The usage environments corresponding to each specification are as follows:
- 30 meters, 50 meters: There is not much difference between the two, both are suitable for when there is light rain falling, but the time should not be too long.
- 100 meters: Can withstand moderate to heavy rain or running water, but cannot be soaked.
- 300 meters: Can be worn while swimming, but only suitable for shallow swimming.
- 500 meters: Can be worn underwater, but the limit that can be withstood is also about 200 meters.
In my personal experience, water resistance is a crucial feature to have in an outdoor watch. I enjoy water sports like swimming and kayaking, so I need a watch that can withstand exposure to water without damage. The water resistance of an outdoor watch is usually indicated by a water resistance rating, which is measured in meters or atmospheres (ATM). For example, my watch has a water resistance rating of 100 meters, which means it can withstand exposure to water up to a depth of 100 meters.
It’s important to note that water resistance ratings are based on laboratory testing under controlled conditions and may not reflect real-world conditions. Exposure to water at high pressure, such as during diving or snorkeling, can exceed the water resistance rating of the watch and cause damage. Additionally, exposure to chemicals such as chlorine or saltwater can also damage the watch.
To maintain the water resistance of my outdoor watch, I make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance. This includes avoiding exposure to high-pressure water, rinsing the watch with fresh water after exposure to saltwater or chemicals, and having the watch tested and serviced regularly.
Compatible Device with Smartphone
From my personal experience, compatible devices are crucial for making the most out of an outdoor watch. I purchased an outdoor watch with Bluetooth connectivity, which allowed me to sync it with my smartphone and access additional features through a dedicated mobile app. This included receiving notifications, controlling music playback, and tracking my daily activities and GPS data.
Before purchasing an outdoor watch, it is essential to check its compatibility with your device. This can have a significant impact on the overall functionality and user experience of the watch. Most manufacturers provide a list of compatible devices on their website or product specifications.
Syncing an outdoor watch with compatible devices enhances its features and functionality. By checking for compatibility before purchasing, you can ensure that your watch will work seamlessly with your device and provide the best user experience possible.
Display Type of Outdoor Watch
I love how the display of my outdoor watch is chemically-strengthened and scratch-resistant. It’s so easy to read even in bright sunlight which makes it perfect for my adventurous lifestyle. I can take it with me wherever I go without worrying about it getting damaged.
This Garmin Istinct outdoor watch has three display types, monochrome, sunlight-visible and transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Monochrome display
In my experience, a monochrome display is a type of screen that only displays one color, usually black or gray. I own this outdoor watch that uses a monochrome display, and I find that it provides a clear and easy-to-read display even in bright sunlight or low-light conditions.
One of the benefits of having a monochrome display on my watch is that it requires less power than a color display. This is especially important for outdoor watches that rely on battery power, as it helps to conserve energy. Additionally, the monochrome display on my watch offers better visibility in certain lighting conditions. It is designed to reduce glare and improve contrast, which makes it easier for me to read the information on the screen.
In conclusion, based on my personal experience, I believe that a monochrome display is a practical and useful choice for outdoor watches. It provides reliable and clear information in a variety of lighting conditions, which is essential for outdoor activities.
Sunlight-visible display
Sunlight-Visible Display is a technology that makes outdoor watches easy to read under direct sunlight. I love this feature because it allows me to quickly glance at my watch face and see the time, altitude, temperature, and other important information without any glare from the sun. This feature is especially useful when I’m out hiking or camping and need to know the time or my current altitude. This watch with Sunlight-Visible Display has greatly improved my outdoor experience.
Transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display
As an outdoor enthusiast, I really appreciate my watch’s Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display. It’s so easy to read in bright sunlight, which is great for all my outdoor activities. I also love how low power it is, since I don’t need to worry about charging it all the time. Plus, the durability of the MIP display means I don’t have to worry about it getting damaged while I’m out hiking or camping.
What is the use of Bluetooth function of outdoor watch
With this Bluetooth-enabled outdoor watch, I can easily connect to other Bluetooth device like my smartphone. This means I can transfer data, receive notifications, and control music playback without having to physically connect my watch to another device.
When I’m out hiking or exploring, the Bluetooth technology in my watch can connect to GPS devices and fitness trackers, giving me additional data like my location, distance traveled, and heart rate. This is especially useful for me because I like to track my progress and make sure I’m staying healthy during long treks in the wilderness.
This Garmin outdoor watche even comes with Bluetooth-enabled sensors that can measure temperature, altitude, and barometric pressure. This data can be sent to my smartphone, allowing me to analyze the information and make informed decisions about my outdoor activities.
Meets Strict U.S. Military Standards
As an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, I have been using this Garmin outdoor watch that is constructed to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance (rated to 100 meters). This watch has proven to be an excellent choice for my outdoor adventures.
I have put this watch to the test under various environmental conditions, and it has never disappointed me. The MIL-STD-810G standard ensures that the watch can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, and shock. I have accidentally dropped the watch a few times, but it still works flawlessly.
The water resistance rating of 100 meters is also a significant advantage for me. I love swimming, and this watch has never let me down. I have taken it snorkeling, and it has still functioned correctly even after being exposed to water at depths of up to 100 meters.
What is 3 Axis Compass
When I’m out hiking or exploring new areas, my outdoor watch is essential to help me navigate through different terrains. One of the features I rely on the most is the 3-axis compass. This digital compass uses three sensors to determine the direction I’m facing, and unlike a traditional compass, it’s much more precise and reliable. The three sensors used in the 3-axis compass are the magnetometer, accelerometer, and gyroscope.
The magnetometer sensor detects the earth’s magnetic field and accurately determines the direction I’m facing. The accelerometer measures the acceleration of the watch and determines its orientation. The gyroscope measures the angular velocity of the watch and determines the direction of its movement.
Thanks to these three sensors, the 3-axis compass provides accurate and reliable direction readings, even if the watch is tilted or moved. This feature is essential for me when navigating through challenging terrains and unfamiliar territories.
Train with Preloaded Activity Profiles is a Great Function
This Garmin outdoor watch is really been great for tracking my outdoor activities. It comes with preloaded activity profiles for different types of activities such as running, hiking, swimming and more.
When I’m planning to do a specific activity, I select the corresponding profile and it tracks all the relevant metrics such as distance, pace, heart rate and more. The preloaded activity profiles are designed to provide accurate data and insights for each activity, and I can even customize them to meet my specific needs.
I can set custom alerts for pace, distance or heart rate, and choose which data fields to display on the watch face. Using the preloaded activity profiles, I can track my progress, set goals and monitor my performance over time. It’s been really helpful in improving my fitness and achieving my outdoor adventure goals.
Smart Notifications is Very Necessary
I really love the Smart Notifications feature on my Garmin outdoor watch. With this feature, I can receive notifications from my smartphone directly on my watch via Bluetooth connection.
This is really helpful when I’m out hiking or cycling and I don’t want to constantly check my phone. I can receive alerts for incoming calls, text messages, emails, social media updates, and other app notifications, and even read the message content or respond to notifications directly from my watch.
I can also customize which apps send notifications to my watch, so I can limit the number of distractions while still staying informed of important information.
Automatic Data Upload is Great
My Garmin outdoor watch can automatically uploads my workout details, GPS data, heart rate information, and other metrics to the Garmin Connect app and other fitness apps without me having to do it manually.
This makes it so easy for me to track my progress, set goals, and share my achievements with friends and family. It’s especially helpful for keeping a record of my outdoor activities and monitoring my fitness progress over time.
I also appreciate that my watch supports a wide range of fitness apps, including Strava, MyFitnessPal, and TrainingPeaks. The Garmin Connect platform provides me with detailed insights, personalized coaching, and community features that help me stay motivated and achieve my fitness goals.
What is Trackback Feature
The Trackback feature on my Garmin outdoor watch is a helpful tool that lets me navigate back to my starting point or a specific location on my route using GPS technology.
Whenever I go on a hike or a walk, the watch records my path and stores it as a track with waypoints. If I ever need to find my way back, I can activate the Trackback feature, and the watch will guide me along the recorded track using visual cues and alerts. This feature is particularly valuable when I’m exploring new terrain or going off the beaten path.
It gives me a sense of direction and control, even when I’m unsure of my surroundings. With the Trackback feature, I can confidently explore new areas and enjoy my outdoor adventures with greater ease and security.
Battery Life of Outdoor Watch
In my experience, Garmin outdoor watches are designed to have a long battery life to keep up with outdoor activities.
I have found that the watch can last up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, but the battery life varies depending on usage. When I use GPS, the battery life lasts for 16 hours, and when I switch to Ultratrac battery saver mode, it can last up to 40 hours.
Garmin outdoor watches are designed to optimize battery life by using features such as Power Save mode and UltraTrac mode. These features reduce the frequency of GPS tracking or other power-intensive features and help extend the battery life. This is important to consider if you plan to spend extended periods of time outdoors without access to a power source.
When selecting a watch, it’s recommended to research the specific battery life of each model and factor in usage patterns and needs. I have also found that adjusting settings and features, such as brightness levels and notifications, can help conserve battery life. Overall, having a long battery life is crucial when using an outdoor watch for extended periods of time.
Multiple Features
In addition to the four characteristics of resisting harsh environments, the biggest highlight of outdoor watches is multifunctionality. The clock is the most basic equipment, and it can also read data such as altitude, air pressure, temperature, etc., and can do compasses, display walking routes, etc. The most important thing is that all data can be saved and uploaded to the computer for processing.
Time of Outdoor Watch
This outdoor watch’s time function includes alarm clock, timing, calendar, countdown, etc., which is convenient for making or adjusting marching itinerary when hiking or climbing in uninhabited areas.
Unlike most ordinary watches, many high-quality outdoor watches have radio timing function, that is, adding an antenna that can receive radio waves in the watch, automatically receiving the standard time signal transmitted by the national time center by radio long wave every day, and then automatically calibrating the timer’s travel time. The error is one second in 100000 years.
Outdoor Watch Altitude
Whether it’s hiking or climbing, the altitude of your location is a very important data that can directly guide your next trip. Although handheld GPS can also give this data, but in terms of use, a watch that you can see with a lift of your hand is more convenient.
The working principle of outdoor watch altimeter is: altitude is inversely proportional to air pressure, that is, using the pressure difference between inside and outside to calculate the height value. Near sea level 1000 hPa, height every 10 meters rise, air pressure drop 100 Pa.
Atmospheric pressure not only varies with altitude, sunshine, weather, even earthquakes will affect it, so the height calculated by air pressure is not accurate, sometimes measured out is not elevation, just relative height.
If you want to get more accurate elevation, one aspect is continuous calibration; second is to choose a watch with GPS function, achieve real-time positioning. In addition, there are some products using empty box barometer design, rainy days through built-in computer chip, after temperature compensation and then calculate, increase accuracy.
Shockproof of Outdoor Watch
To avoid the core components of the watch from breaking due to collisions during exercise, a shock absorber will be added inside the movement. Its working principle is to equip a shock absorber at the upper and lower bearings of the balance wheel of the movement, so as to absorb the violent impact or vibration suffered by the watch.
The earliest shock absorber was born in 1927, designed by Swiss watchmaker Paul Wyler and named “Incaflex”.
Paul designed the “Incaflex” shock absorber
Shock resistance is a key feature of this outdoor watches that are designed to withstand rough conditions and intense physical activities. Outdoor watches with shock resistance are built to withstand impact from drops, bumps, and other sudden movements that can occur during outdoor activities.
To make an outdoor watch shock-resistant, manufacturers use durable materials and advanced technology to protect the watch’s internal components from damage. They use materials such as silicone to protect the watch’s internal movement and circuitry from jolts and vibrations. They also use advanced shock-resistant mechanisms such as springs or shock-absorbing gels to protect the watch’s internal components from sudden impacts.
Anti-collision Function of Outdoor Watch
Outdoor watch shockproof is a relative concept, the principle is to add shock bars or shock pads in the movement, and use higher hardness dial and case material to increase impact resistance. However, watches are ultimately a fairly precise instrument that cannot withstand any impact.
Wear-Resistant of Outdoor Watch
It is very depressing to think that the watch mirror has scratches or the dial has dents after using it a few times. Outdoor watches will choose materials with high wear resistance and increase coating to enhance wear resistance.
What’s Included
- Instinctive
- Charging / Data Cable
- Instructions for use document
What Others Are Saying
This outdoor watch has received rave reviews from most consumers on the net with an average of 4.7 out of 5 from most reviewers on Amazon and the Garmin website itself.
Here are some of the comments to date:
- “The Instinct just “checked all the boxes” for me…”
- “Awesome”
- “What a frustrating activity tracker/smart watch journey I have been on”
- “I got it to track fitness, but it’s been great for lots of other reasons too”
- “So far I’ve been very happy with the purchase and impressed with the device”
- “I’ve worn this watch almost daily for 2 years. It’s been in mud, salt water, & covered in paint & sawdust from home projects – it’s a beast.”
Where Can I Read More Reviews for the Garmin Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch?
The best place for reviews from people who actually use the product is Amazon. Click here to read more.
How Much About This Outdoor Watch?
You shouldn’t really pay any more than $200 for this Garmin Outdoor Watch.