Replacing GPS with a watch

[Ben]

I've been looking at getting a new watch and with the REI dividends and 20% off sale I'm thinking of spending a bit more than my usual $15 dollar drug store watch. Seeing how the garmin watches have altimeters, barometers, and GPS that can track over 1000 waypoints I am thinking of spending the extra bucks so I don't have to carry my Garmin 62Maps anymore. I do like being able to track my hunts but at the same time, I don't want to be looking at a screen. I do always carry paper maps.

Has anyone replaced their GPS unit with a watch? If so, how was the experience? Would you recommend it?

I am looking at the Garmin Tactix watch specifically.

Thank you in advance.

 

[muleman]

I would like to try a fenix 3, but don't think it could replace BackCountry Navigator on my phone.

I guess it really depends on what GPS features you need or want. I utilize land ownership info that can't be reproduced on a watch yet.

 

[Ben]

I only really hunt wilderness areas and don't need land ownership info. However, I did just move to CA so that could all change.

 

[luke moffat]

Personally, I don't wear a watch, but if I did this could be a very cool option if you aren't into major navigation and such with it.

For now I will continue to use my Garmin eTrex 20 at only 5 oz. You could cut nearly cut your GPS weight in half by going from the Garmin 62 at 9 oz to the eTrex 20 at 5 oz and still maintain a pretty good map to work off of if needed and such. The Fenix 3 mentioned above is 3 oz and $500, which for me seems pretty spendy over the eTrex 20 which is anywhere from a 1/3 to a 1/4 of the price. Again just depends on your using certainly, but doesn't compute for me.

 

[good2eat]

I use the Fenix 2. Works very well for training and also as a get back device. Just make waypoints for whatever you want to mark - truck, camp, wallow or whatever.

I do carry a second gps but may eliminate that given the smartphone apps available and ease with which a phone can be recharged these days.

 

[MattB]

How is the battery life on the GPS watches? I was looking at those a couple of years ago, and the battery life was a deal breaker.

 

[muleman]

How is the battery life on the GPS watches? I was looking at those a couple of years ago, and the battery life was a deal breaker.

Below is the battery info on the Garmin fēnix 3:

The actual battery life depends on the features enabled on your device, such as activity tracking, smartphone notifications, GPS, internal sensors, and connected ANT*+® sensors.

Battery Life

16 hr. Normal GPS mode

50 hr. UltraTrac GPS mode with one-minute polling interval

Up to 5 wk. Watch mode


UltraTrac

The UltraTrac feature is a GPS setting that records track points and sensor data less frequently. Enabling the UltraTrac feature increases battery life but decreases the quality of recorded activities. You should use the UltraTrac feature for activities that demand longer battery life and for which frequent sensor data updates are less important.

 

[deadwolf]

I have a Suunto Ambit 2 (my second one) and use it primarily as a backup when I'm out hunting. If you are using the watch often for navigational purposes it will only last so long. So unless you have a way to charge it (goal zero, or battery backup to charge) I wouldn't recommend it as your primary option. It is however comforting to know that it's there in case for some reason I lose my Rino down the river or over the side of a cliff.

 

[Ben]

Thanks for all the replies! Still exploring the option and deciding how much I'm willing to spend. I have a few other things that rank higher on the list of needs (by needs I mean wants).

Thank you again.

 

[kickemall]

I have a Fenix that I have had since shortly after they came out so I believe its the first model and this is at least the third winter I've used it, maybe more. There is no way that I would trust it for a backcountry hunt. I also have a 62s and it is a much better unit then the Fenix. The screen is small with very limited detail to the point you need good eyes to read the screen. It works great for what I use it for, and I use it almost everyday in the fall and winter but I wouldn't want to depend on it for anything but limited day use. It takes a little time, sometimes a lot of time to acquire a signal and can drop it pretty easily in thick cover. I don't think I could get over a full day of use out of a full charge. A minor point is that its a big watch and if you have small wrists its a little cumbersome. Good luck but I'd save my money and continue to use your handheld.

 

[GibsonKuenzi]

Correct me if I'm wrong but the rei 20% discount excludes any gps items

 

[muleman]

I ran across this video on how to use an external battery pack with a fēnix 3 . Looks like the fēnix 3 handles an external battery better than previous models.

[video]https://youtu.be/S9haDnwIuSQ[/video]

 

[dihardhunter]

For me, a good topo map and compass is enough if you can also know WITH CERTAINTY what elevation you're at. An altimeter watch feature really completes the navigation package for me.