I used to own a Garmin Fenix 5 and was quite disappointed with it. I mostly used it for hiking in the Rockies, sometimes doing 14ers, and had trouble with both GPS accuracy (got distance traveled way wrong) and the altimeter (basically useless). I finally got rid of it and bought a Garmin 66i. The 66i is a fine unit, but it would be nice to have a watch backup, or just the convenience of looking at the watch versus pulling out the 66i. And, of course, off the trail for everyday living a smart watch has some utility. I have heard that Fenix 6 is better than the Fenix 5, but still a little wary of the Fenix series. They are also anything but intuitive to use. I know the battery life on the AW6 sucks, but it probably lasts long enough with the GPS for my needs (I gather 7 hours--I don't tend to hike much more than that), and there are portable charging units. One issue with the AW6 could be durability. Hiking in the Rockies can be a contact sport. Assuming I get the titanium version, will the AW6 hold up as well as the Garmin? How about overall functionality between the two?
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Apple watch on day hikes in the mountains v. Garmin Fenix 6
- Thread starter diver110
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I own both the AW6 and Fenix 6 Solar. If you carry your phone with you while hiking the AW will easily last 7+ hours since it's going to use your phone's GPS. Be sure to download Workoutdoors AW app. I use it for mountain bike trail navigation. As far as durability, I've yet to scratch my AW or any of my Fenix models to be honest. I only take it off to charge and while working on my bikes as neither watch is likely to survive metal on glass scratches. Overall functionality; AW is hands down best Smartwatch. Garmin Fenix is best GPS Sportswatch. That's why I own both.
Both the titanium and stainless steel models have sapphire displays. They are very durable against scratches. You should be fine with hiking and light rock climbing/scrambling with one. As far as battery life, you should be able to get a whole day out of it.
I personally wouldn’t bother with a case/bumper &/or a screen protector. While I like the durability of the SS models, the aluminum with “ion” glass works just fine, too. It will scratch more easily, but most micro scratches won’t be noticeable while looking at the display. If you are particularly adverse to seeing wear and tear on your devices, then by all means put the watch in a case or pony up for one of the SS or titanium models. Worth pointing out that SS and titanium are default cellular capable, whereas the base model aluminum are not.
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I own a Garmin 5x and an Apple Watch 6. The altimeter on the 5x is not accurate and calibrating it doesn’t help much. The altimeter on my AW 6 is extremely accurate. Although the battery life on the AW 6 is 48 hours or 60 at best, it’s actually very good whilst on GPS. If I run or hike with my AW 6 using my IPhones GPS, the battery life is very good whilst on activity. If I use WorkOutDoors App the battery drain on activity is only 4 or 5% which is actually better than my 5x. The AW6 battery life on GPS is much improved over previous versions and is often overlooked. Even using its own GPS it is still very good and I would comfortably run a marathon with it and more. Whilst not on activity there is no comparison between an AW 6 and the Garmins 5x/6x - two days at best versus a couple of weeks easily.
Honestly, both about the same. They both have good days and bad days. Honestly, if the AW could connect to my cadence meter, speed meter and power meter I would probably ditch the Fenix.
About the battery, I have a series 6, I like go hiking without my phone since I’m not in the middle of nowhere and mine is the cellular version. So, having the always on turned off, following a route, heart rate sensor on, GPS on, cellular on and with poor reception, constantly checking the screen because I’m following a route I get about near 5 hours until the battery dies. I would say it’s pretty good since almost everything is running on.
Little amazing machine.
P.D: the best part or hiking with an Apple Watch is how clear and bright is the screen to follow a route, also the digital crown to zoom in and out the map is super useful.
Little amazing machine.
P.D: the best part or hiking with an Apple Watch is how clear and bright is the screen to follow a route, also the digital crown to zoom in and out the map is super useful.
The base workout app is actually more optimized in the AW6 so it seems to last longer. Throw music or some other things and YMMV. I think you can get 7 hours hiking.
I have a F6X Solar, so the battery life is much better on that side of the house but the F6X has been buggy in places: HR, headphones dropping, a few other places and the AW got better at some things it used to be weak at, like GPS. It's a much closer call now at anything except range, and you are kind of in the gray area even if I think it'll do it.
I'd buy one, take it for a hike, try not to damage it, and see how it does. You have 14 days with Apple to return.
I've never scratched an AW and my F5 was a mess when I sold it. My 6X Solar is pristine other than the patina aging. I don't think you need a titanium or SS AW. They are twice the cost and a long way from twice the resale value. I have a SS Gold but that's because I liked the color.
Honestly, I go back and forth. When I'm working out hard, I put on the strap, Stryd and it's a Fenix all the way. When I'm doing strength, more casual, it's the AW. Today I'm going to run with both, AW for Podcasts, Fenix to record. I'd used the Fenix for podcasts but the bluetooth is bad, always a bug with the Fenix, and it drops out after a few minutes.
I responded to a similar question on the Garmin forums today, interesting.
I have a F6X Solar, so the battery life is much better on that side of the house but the F6X has been buggy in places: HR, headphones dropping, a few other places and the AW got better at some things it used to be weak at, like GPS. It's a much closer call now at anything except range, and you are kind of in the gray area even if I think it'll do it.
I'd buy one, take it for a hike, try not to damage it, and see how it does. You have 14 days with Apple to return.
I've never scratched an AW and my F5 was a mess when I sold it. My 6X Solar is pristine other than the patina aging. I don't think you need a titanium or SS AW. They are twice the cost and a long way from twice the resale value. I have a SS Gold but that's because I liked the color.
Honestly, I go back and forth. When I'm working out hard, I put on the strap, Stryd and it's a Fenix all the way. When I'm doing strength, more casual, it's the AW. Today I'm going to run with both, AW for Podcasts, Fenix to record. I'd used the Fenix for podcasts but the bluetooth is bad, always a bug with the Fenix, and it drops out after a few minutes.
I responded to a similar question on the Garmin forums today, interesting.
One area where I find my Fenix 5x and my Vivoactive 4 is better than my Aw 6 is the HRM. Both my Garmins work very well and I’ve never had a problem. My AW 6 will not work consistently on my left wrist unless I move it at least an inch further up my arm especially in cold weather. If I move it to my right wrist it works ok. Both my Garmins work really well on either wrist and the fit isn’t critical either. I have a Polar H10 chest strap and if I use that with my AW, that setup works fine. I’ve never yet found the perfect watch, they all have their “characteristics”. The syncing, connection and compatibility with the phone on the AW is very smooth and faultless. Garmins can be quite frustrating at times - they’ve been like that for years and still are. I still like my 5x, use it occasionally and wouldn’t part with it but boy is it like a brick compared to my AW 6 40mm. My Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a great compromise and I use that a lot as well but the altimeter on that is hardly ever accurate. I like having the different makes and different operating systems - keeps my brain active!