GPS Watches

Joined
Nov 25, 2016
Messages
3,721
Location
Utah
I have set all my electronics up to be rechargeable with battery packs that are 24000 mah
Makes it convenient and simple

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Blandry

WKR
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
463
Location
Colorado
I daily wear a Garmin fenix 5 tactix bravo. It's great for activity tracking/fitness but I carry my garmin gpsmap 64st in the outdoors for gps tracking and mapping purposes. The watch doesn't work as well as a good rugged handheld for mapping purposes imo.


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bcopley1116

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
170
Location
West Virginia
I used my garmin tactix bravo and onx maps on my phone in Colorado this year and had zero issues. Paired those with a portable battery charger and it was great
 

Blandry

WKR
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
463
Location
Colorado
I used my garmin tactix bravo and onx maps on my phone in Colorado this year and had zero issues. Paired those with a portable battery charger and it was great

I just downloaded the OnX hunting app for my phone. 7 days free with a one year/one state $29 yr. You're right, it is great.

Thanks!

I've been sitting here playing with it a bit. The only thing with these phone app gps is they're reliant on cell signal but cool app nonetheless.
 
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bcopley1116

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
170
Location
West Virginia
I just downloaded the OnX hunting app for my phone. 7 days free with a one year/one state $29 yr. You're right, it is great.

Thanks!

I've been sitting here playing with it a bit. The only thing with these phone app gps is they're reliant on cell signal but cool app nonetheless.

I used onx on my phone in airplane mode for a week and it worked perfectly. I used my tactix bravo as a backup gps, but really never needed a backup.
 

Blandry

WKR
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
463
Location
Colorado
Yeah it appears you can use the gps switched in airline mode. I'm wondering if you have to pre-cache the maps. I'm going to play around a lot with this app!

Sorry about going off topic a bit. Carry on.


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OP
T

Texguy02

FNG
Joined
Oct 7, 2017
Messages
32
Location
TX
Just found out that I can get a Garmin with my flyer miles so that might swing my choice for me. Thanks for all the feedback.
 

boom

WKR
Joined
Sep 11, 2013
Messages
3,185
I daily wear a Garmin fenix 5 tactix bravo. It's great for activity tracking/fitness but I carry my garmin gpsmap 64st in the outdoors for gps tracking and mapping purposes. The watch doesn't work as well as a good rugged handheld for mapping purposes imo.


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how is this watch different from the 5x.?
 

Blandry

WKR
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
463
Location
Colorado
It has a knurled bezel that protects the sapphire crystal, jump mode and night vision mode. Other than that it's the same as the standard fenix. Since I'm tough on watches the knurled protective bezel helps. It also looks better in my opinion.


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Joined
May 12, 2017
Messages
934
Location
NY
Hey guys, I am creating my list of gear to head out west with and just came across this thread. Does this garmin watch replace a good garmin gps? It would cut a little weight and sounds very handy and def something I wouldn't lose! How do they recharge and how long does the battery last for? Is it a typical watch battery? Also someone else mentioned not having to rent a sat phone, which I was a bit confused by.
 
Joined
Nov 25, 2016
Messages
3,721
Location
Utah
Hey guys, I am creating my list of gear to head out west with and just came across this thread. Does this garmin watch replace a good garmin gps? It would cut a little weight and sounds very handy and def something I wouldn't lose! How do they recharge and how long does the battery last for? Is it a typical watch battery? Also someone else mentioned not having to rent a sat phone, which I was a bit confused by.


I personally would not use the watch to replace any Nav gear. I would rather use it as a redundant safety set up.
I use the Garmin Inreach Explorer as my main Nav and Emergency SOS (Like a Sat phone if you will)
I also use my phone with Onx Hunt maps as a Gps set up (in airplane mode)
 

dotman

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Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Messages
8,201
I wouldn’t use the watch as a stand alone gps but works well in addition to the phone gps apps such as Gaia and using the Garmin Inreach Earthmate app.
 
Joined
May 12, 2017
Messages
934
Location
NY
So can the inreach explorer use the onx maps chip? I just read up on it and it sounds like a great all in 1 tool so to speak and would be nice to not have to worry about the sat phone. I was planning on getting a nice garmin like the Oregon or the 64st. Is the inreach explorer touch screen?
 

gjviii

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 2, 2015
Messages
184
So can the inreach explorer use the onx maps chip? I just read up on it and it sounds like a great all in 1 tool so to speak and would be nice to not have to worry about the sat phone. I was planning on getting a nice garmin like the Oregon or the 64st. Is the inreach explorer touch screen?

no, it isnt
 
Joined
May 12, 2017
Messages
934
Location
NY
Also is the inreach as nice as say the Oregon or 64st? The less weight the better so if the inreach explorer is a decent gps, I can go that route and maybe add the watch as others have mentioned...
 

dotman

WKR
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Messages
8,201
Also is the inreach as nice as say the Oregon or 64st? The less weight the better so if the inreach explorer is a decent gps, I can go that route and maybe add the watch as others have mentioned...

Do you not have a smart phone? I’d still get an Inreach but phone will be better.
 

colonel00

WKR
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
4,776
Location
Lost
I agree with others. An inReach along with a phone with a gps app can easily replace a stand along gps plus you have added communication abilities. A good GPS watch will only add to this as you can then navigate without having to check your phone all the time.
 

Blandry

WKR
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
463
Location
Colorado
I wish distress only beacons were cheaper. The inreach is a great option.


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dog812

WKR
Joined
Apr 11, 2015
Messages
307
I have the spot beacon. I used to send a message everyday so the wife knew I was alive. Gave her piece of mind and a better sleep.
It used to be a great deal at $100 per year unlimited. Then last year they doubled the yearly price, $170 or something.. So now it collects dust. Can't justify it to send a message saying we're ok.
I guess the inreach will be my next purchase

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