Which Garmin Setup?

[ianpadron]

I'm going to upgrade my GPS collar setup this off-season from the Pathfinder Mini I've been using. I want a standalone unit I can have on my vest at all times, and also has watch compatibility. Sick of digging out my phone constantly when I get a point notification, draining the phone battery on day long hunts, and the general glitch-iness of the Pathfinder app.

Collar will be used almost exclusively for hunting, although I'd like the ability to train the next pup with the same unit if possible and run multiple dogs on the same controller. Main focus is reliable point notifications and compass, and simple operation.

Ready to make the switch to Garmin, and the last post on this is a few years old.

What are you guys using going into 2026, and how do you like it?

 

[birdhunter]

Im using the alpha and have it connected to my fenix5 but if I had to do it over I would go wiyh 550 plus.Its more than enough if u have a close working dog.I think they are on sale right now at Gun Dog Supply.My 2cents.

 

[Hoghead]

I use a alpha 200I for hog hunting. it works with my Garmin watch and works a long ways out. I have thought about upgrading to the 300 but don't see enough difference to justify the cost.

 

[Tilzbow]

I’m using an Alpha 300i paired with a Fenix 7. Really like the setup and since I chukar hunt remote places with no cell service solo I’m able to send my location using inReach to my wife at the start of the hunt and let her know when I’m headed back home. The on point notifications seem reliable and since my young dog likes to range 150-250 yards it’s come in really handy and saved me a lost dog many times. It’s got capability for several dogs and the ability to have three stimulation functions immediately available is really handy. I’ve settled on a high level continuous (used for deer, coyote chasing and similar situations), the lowest level continuous the pup feels and vibrate.

I have the unit on a lanyard and keep it in my left shell pocket since I’m right handed and hold my gun with that hand when approaching the dog on point. My KUIU vest has pockets behind both the left and right shell pockets that the unit will fit in but it’s not easy to get out of those pockets and the shell pocket works better.


The Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Pro is, and has been, on sale for a few weeks and it’s way more watch than I need. I do like the heart rate function and that’s about the only feature I use other than the dog tracking.