Is the Garmin Fenix 8 Great Again? (vs Epix, Fenix 7, Apple Watch Ultra)

[@Hikingguy]

Garmin DOES have incident detection, but that's not what I said. I said Garmin doesn't have fall detection alert via satellite or car crash detection. Garmin only works during activity and when connected to phone. GARMIN: Only During Activity AWU2: 24/7 including driving GARMIN: Need to have phone with you connected via BT AWU2: Will use watch cellular, no phone needed GARMIN: Requires your phone has cellular connection AWU2: Will fall back to satellite SOS if no cellular More info: Garmin: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=RfaXahBWkH8Q7pVFLsuUmA Apple: support.apple.com/en-us/108896 - support.apple.com/en-us/104959 Nov 22 Update: Garmin released another firmware update with 130 items addressed. Will be testing it out: forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-8-series/392047/fenix-8-system-software-12-22

[@michelviehoff2993]

When the offline Apple Maps from the iPhone are downloaded to the Apple Watch you can get turn by turn directions. Just long press anywhere on the map. Then choose Mark location. Then tap on the marked location (pinpoint) and press the navigation button. Then you will get turn by turn directions, you can route on the fly.

[@Driji]

Bought Suunto watches and it’s perfect adventure watches, a lot better than Garmin for me

[@Hikingguy]

Which model are you using? I'm going to try one out.

[@exposureseries3747]

My work around for the AWU2 and having to download maps is I live in Washington State on the west side. So I downloaded the entire west side of the state. Now I have my entire area of play always on my watch. Because 95% of the time I'm in the area and it covers all of the mountains where I go hiking, backpacking, and climbing. So just download your area as large as you can via the map app and you'll be covered most of the time. But I also have a Garmin enduro 2 that I wear everyday on my other wrist so I guess it really doesn't matter. but that's a new upgrade. AWU2 on one and the enduro 2 on the other.

[@Hikingguy]

Which app do you use for the downloaded maps?

[@exposureseries3747]

@ just the native Apple Maps, the entire west side of Washington state comes out to 2.85Gbs. That covers from the coast of the pacific all the way to the east side of the mountains. Every few months or so you have to update it but it’s not to big of a hassle. I just like not having to worry about having the right map saved. Plus it works for all CarPlay navigation as well so never don’t have the support.

[@Hikingguy]

@@exposureseries3747 Ahh nice, yea more and more trails on Apple Maps these days too. You can also download good trail maps on Workoutdoors and use them without an activity, no offline routing though.

[@60beats44]

Thanks. Had to return my 'Enduro 3’. It just refused to sync via Wi-Fi and I was unable to turn off the ‘Sleep Mode’. I only wear my watches during activities and don’t need an electronic device to tell me how well I slept.

[@MarkDaniel_]

I went from Apple over to Garmin and really miss the Apple Watch at times. The physical buttons and ESPECIALLY the flashlight are the only things keeping me from switching back quickly. Hope Ultra3 adds another button or two and the LED flashlight

[@Hikingguy]

It's interesting, I've been using the tap and action button with Footpath and it works well. Used it with gloves and long sleeves in my last snowy adventure in the Dakotas and no problems. I would be nice if they split the action button into 2 buttons and allowed apps to access them for customization.

[@Adventures4vida]

I love my AWU, and I have the EPIX pro gen 2. I use the AWU the most. I like the design for the garmin better, and for adventure stuff like cycle touring I prefer my Garmin. But the AWU is such a good daily driver, and you don't realize how much you like cellular on a watch till you have it.

[@Ajajambo]

Great video! The app is fantastic unfortunately, it can't read HRV, Body battery, and RHR from Garmin Epic Gen 2!!! What a bummer

[@emmatuxedo2565]

I wear a Garmin 965 and an Apple Ultra 1 for the best of both worlds. God gave me two wrists for a reason! Athlytic is excellent for a quick view. Elite HRV is also excellent on Apple.

[@dragonlng.]

Don't you think that flagship product of a premium brand should have been released without +/- 200 bugs and glitches ? Would you for example buy an iPhone with 200 soft errors ? I guess that rather not. They made us all a beta testers. And still ask to pay premium price for it.

[@trumptman]

@@dragonlng. Apple has literally gotten into the habit of releasing products and new OS updates and not even delivering promised features until a .1 or .2 update. I don’t think anyone is coming out of the gate batting 1.000 anymore.

[@danscoular]

I’m enjoying my first week of F8, but held off buying because of your earlier reviews. Oddly, the main selling point was the 1.4” screen in the 47mm model. The slimmer profile doesn’t hook up on ropes, rucksacks straps or jackets nearly as much as a 51mm Epix. I still think Garmin is ahead for outdoor use. I’m a little sad that Garmin seems to be led by Apple though, and you’re not going to get me talking to my watch!

[@stedoesstuff]

It has become normal that companies use their early adopters as beta testers to save the expense and hard work of having to ship a finished product. Their best customers pay full price and get a half finished product. A half finished Garmin is still better than an Apple Watch though for runners.

[@jamble7k]

paying testers are a benefit for those of us who can wait 😅

[@PrestonGladd]

Apple watch + iPhone + Garmin 67i would be my personal recommendation. You have redundancy for emergency satellite, you have redundancy for messaging, you have redundancy for mapping.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, that's the combo that I've been using and feel good with it.

[@robinsimonoceanskies9646]

I'm really liking your content right now :-) That vlog in South Dakota was inspiring and reminded me of a trip I did last year at the same period with my my great old aunt in Kanab (Utah) and we went to big National Parks around (Grand Canyon, Bryce...) and those big wide open roads in your video just were a great reminiscence of that :-) I really hope your Fenix 8 is going to be stable from now on. Big up from Belgium!

[@Hikingguy]

Appreciate that, thank you!

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

Really love Footpath too! Great and super fast course planning! 👌

[@charlescoonz7153]

The deal breaker for me regarding smart watches, always was and always will be battery life. I cant have a device that needs charging every 1 or 2 days. I have fenix 6 pro that i will upgrade when the micro led version of the new fenix gets released. I love charging my watch every month or so.

[@jamble7k]

@@charlescoonz7153 every month? not much gps activity happening then

[@kjackhorseman]

One of my favourite features on the AW that I couldn’t go without now is using it to find my iPhone when I’ve lost it in my house.

[@savagedriver1967]

@@kjackhorseman Garmin has had such a feature for a while.

[@kjackhorseman]

@ nice!

[@nicholasmoore5029]

@@kjackhorseman Good note that the garmin app has to be running in the background on your iphone for this to work. If you close the app and "swipe up" it will not work.

[@kjackhorseman]

@@nicholasmoore5029 well that sucks! I wouldn’t rely on that at all.

[@Ricardovet1983]

I came from a AWU 2 to garmin epix gen 2 pro 51 mm...and the 2 things that i miss was the cellular connection and nice interface....to runner data, its unffair to compare...all informations that you have on garmin connect about your running, and apple is just calories, time and pace....if you want more you have to go to health app and see more...the battery life, the physic buttons, the flashlight on a trail run, thriatlo mode, unable the touch in a rainning day, easy start and stop... The apple is just for normal people that one day or another wants to run or go to the gym....

[@Thomas-fy9yc]

I have a Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar and an Apple Ultra with Cellular. I use the Fenix for long bikepacking trips where I need days worth of battery and the ability to send my HR to my Garmin Edge easily. For a day to day driver and for a vacation watch the Ultra is far superior. Apples user interface is amazingly better, easier to navigate, lots of custom screens, awesome screen, screen works well as a flashlight as its nuclear bright, can use voice for texting, Siri, directions , making calls , etc. I also fast and the apps thru the App Store are well developed and speedy. Also I the deal maker is the ability to leave my phone at home, in the car, or in a hotel room and still receive calls, text, play music, etc while I’m at the beach, out for a jog, or working in the yard. Battery last for a couple days, and charges pretty quick while in the shower. I’ve got several garmin products including the new Edge 1050, and they really need to hire some ex apple engineers to get their usability up to 2025 standards.

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for sharing that, and I've experienced the same. I've also often thought that if Garmin hired Apple UI/UX people it would be a game changer. BTW - I had a 1050 and am selling it because I'd always have sync issues with both my Fenix or Epix paired to connect with the 1050 connected at the same time. For example, when tracking a ride on the 1050 and just wearing my watch. I'd often have to turn on/off Bluetooth, close the app, etc. do a song and dance to get the 1050 to sync. I got a $250 Coros Dura with updated firmware and it syncs perfectly every time. Also, there's a bug where Garmin overwrites the effort level in Apple Training Load every time Connect syncs with Health, so you can't use Training Load with Garmin activities. Hopefully Garmin will address but not holding my breath on a bug that involves integration with Apple.

[@Sandra-dt4ec]

Agree with you about the Ultra II, spot on

[@ZeRo-22-]

I have an Apple Watch Ultra 2 in black. Had an Epix Gen 2 Pro and sold it to come back to Apple. Also have a 20% Garmin coupon that I’ve had an itch to use but you brought me back down to earth. AWU2 is perfectly fine for the other 23 hours in the day. Thanks for helping me save money! (Although I’ll hang onto that coupon just in case, haha)

[@DeeKay1911]

Great video and nice to have a view on both sides of the brand “war”. Apple Watch Ultra marathon runner and hiker here as well. Your videos showed me the Footpath app. Amazing. Thanks

[@Hikingguy]

Appreciate that and glad you found the Footpath app useful. Whenever I go from the Garmin back to AWU/Footpath I'm amazed at how smooth and simple it is.

[@kyletesei2508]

Thank you for the helpful video. In your experience, how does the GPS accuracy of the AWU2 stack up against the Garmin fenix/epix suite? Say for example, when hiking next to tall canyon walls or through a narrow slot canyon?

[@martinlecuona2860]

Garmin does have incident detection and it is actually quite good.

[@Hikingguy]

You need to have your cell phone connected, it only works during an activity, and it doesn't work via satellite.

[@indymtb]

People that have committed to the apple watch tend to dismiss the battery life because they just put in the charger when they shower or sleep, etc. I am not that disciplined. I absolutely love seeing my Fenix 8 down to 20% after almost 2 weeks and there are days left, or I can do a couple hour activity without being concerned. Also, as I get more used to the interface, the Fenix 8 really is a great watch. I don't have full-time experience with the Ultra so I can't judge, but your last reviews feel like they were done by someone looking for a path to switch away from Garmin. That being said, I appreciate your reviews.

[@kayjet64]

Installed the 12.22 Beta on my Fenix 8. 👍👍

[@Hikingguy]

Let me know how it goes. I keep checking for updates and it's not showing yet. Garmin website says 20% rollout now.

[@kayjet64]

I enrolled my Fenix in the Beta program via Garmin Connect web. So far everything has been working without glitches.

[@ChrissyNatural]

Great video!! The AW is big on my small wrist. I do love the fenix 8 43mm in Sand gold. I will miss the AW cellular feature though. Is the AW be good for running? Is it accurate with pace and distance?

[@Hikingguy]

I haven't had any accuracy problems but if you are a hardcore runner the Fenix is probably a better bet.

[@22joek]

i have the fenix 7 its a bit laggy sometimes and i like the new applewatch 10 look and price. do you have any experiance with that aswell?

[@Hikingguy]

Haven't used the 10 but it shares many features with the AWU2 like the pinch/tap and offline Siri

[@splatmatt]

@Hikingguy Are you still going to do an Amazfit T-Rex 3 review?🤞 Love your videos because you actually know how and use the gear. The map tutorials are great and enjoy seeing the map resources you employ (one of my majors was in GIS).

[@Hikingguy]

Yes sorry just one guy and not enough hours in the day. TLDR is that it's a solid experience, no reboots or problems so far, and the maps (manual download) are good, maybe better than the Coros for me. I think it's a great value.

[@splatmatt]

@@Hikingguy I look forward to watching the review. Just subscribed to your Patreon site.

[@Hikingguy]

@@splatmatt Thanks so much, just shot you a note there 👍🏻

[@champlind1]

Better yet, Buy a Garmin Instinct 2 X. Bulletproof and on sale.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea if you don't need the maps it's a great option. Just knowing whether you're on or off your course is a huge help for navigation.

[@bonn1771]

Great video. Happy training

[@mikecraig8442]

Nov 24 I queried Garmin about the "dimness in low light" issue, and their response was that their engineers addressed this in the 11.89 update and as far as they are concerned it is resolved. Can't say that I see any difference, but that is their position.

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for posting that - and yea, on my end the watch face still auto-dims, and I don't see any option to turn on/off. That would have probably been the best way to handle it.

[@JasonRaneses]

You’re the first, non-sponsored hiker I have seen giving the AWU a true go for daily use. I have personally flip flopped back and forth between Garmin and Apple too many times the past 2x years. I’m leaning in the direction you’re heading on the Apple side. While at the same time testing the likes of the Coros Pace Pro which is pretty nice at only a $350 price point. And the search continues.

[@nostoneunturned6291]

Huh I thought I was the only one who excessively switched back and fourth. My wife doesn’t believe me when I say “this is the watch I’m gonna stick with”. Heck I don’t even believe myself saying that anymore haha.

[@Hikingguy]

Ha yea, this has been an ongoing process for me since the first Ultra. I was solid with the Epix Pro and then the F8 put me back in the cycle of back/forth again. You always wonder what you're missing out on. Compressing the cycle to 1 day on Garmin, 1 day on Apple (repeat), I really notice that the AWU is more useful overall and handles the trail for me.

[@JasonRaneses]

@@Hikingguy I feel you on this. My biggest miss when using the AWU over a Garmin is the buttons, then the battery life. But on most days and outings, the latter isn't as much of an issue anymore.

[@JasonRaneses]

@@nostoneunturned6291 Same here, I have been going back and forth for too long trying to land on the forever ecosystem for training. And then watches and other devices within it. Garmin is still tried and true on the adventure side, but is also losing its way and market share as the Apples of the world catch up. That's also despite Apple not really taking this segment for athletes very seriously, no matter how they market things. It puts those looking at both sides in the middle, hoping to find a stable ecosystem to bet on.

[@nostoneunturned6291]

@@Hikingguy my latest kick is because I mostly have Garmin due to being an athlete. I regularly cycle, swim, bike, trail run and Garmin seems to have much richer data for all that which attracts me. I can’t say for sure all of it is useful. I have about 3 different ways training load is being calculated by apps and then Garmin. They all give their own answer to what is reality. Garmin VO2 max data also matched my lab tested data which the Apple Watch was 10 ml/kg/min off and has been like that forever every time . Garmin VO2 is heat compensated too etc. Stuff like that interests me.

[@philipcoates11]

Had a few Garmins, Suunto Race next :-)

[@mmh129]

Garmin said they increased the price of the Fenix 8 mainly due to the software. Yet, the release was full of bugs that made it unusable for a lot of people. I've been a loyal Garmin user for many years. While there's always a bug here and there, the Fenix 8 had more than it's acceptable. Couple with a lack of new features and an increased price... It's a disappointing release. I hope they don't go full "enshittification" and go back to releasing quality products.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea hoping this was a wakeup call and the Fenix 9 is a game-changer. Not holding my breath but hoping...

[@katosandog]

@@Hikingguy I worked with complex software in my almost 40 year professional career and retired in 2019. IMHO since Covid, firmware/software releases or updates of ANY type by almost EVERY company have steadily degraded. I truly wonder if we lost a generation of more experienced workers in the last five years. Some of the oversights are downright embarrassing.

[@Hikingguy]

@@katosandog You'd get a kick out of this - in my first job I wrote COBOL code and would have to evaluate how many machine instructions different logic produced in order to optimize run time. It was an industrial client and there was only a certain overnight window when we could run different batch processes like billing. Didn't see much sunlight in those days...

[@GlennZucman]

The fall detection does sound like a great feature. Especially for a solo hiker. Is it only on the Apple Watch Ultra 2? Not on regular Apple watches? How does AWU2 battery life compare to Fenix? I love that I can take the Fenix 6 on a week-long backpacking trip and not have to recharge it at all (I mostly don't track on familiar segments) Thank you!!

[@Hikingguy]

AWU2 battery only lasts about 15 hours activity tracking or 2.5 days in normal mode, so the Garmin is better for long backpacking trips. And the fall detection is Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra or later

[@grillsinwinter]

One advantage I have found with my Epix Pro is that I can wear it outside my jacket. With colder weather now, it's handy to not have to lift my sleeve to see the watch. When I tried that with Apple, I have to unlock it when I want to see the screen.

[@Hikingguy]

You can use the AW without passcode over a jacket, you just need to turn passcode off (you can't use Apple Pay though with passcode off)

[@wolfeadventures]

Apple Ultra is great. Can’t beat software updates either.

[@rcuadro]

If the AWU had ant+ support I would use it as my primary device. I do not like how I can't tell from the fitness app if my sensors are connected unless I exit out and open up the settings app and check bluetooth connections.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea I don't think Apple is ever going to support ANT+ unfortunately. And I think there's probably room for an app developer to create a fitness app that has a better way to visualize sensor connections. Garmin does a good job with that on the cycling computers.

[@rcuadro]

@ I don’t think so either.

[@JasonRaneses]

ANT+ is a somewhat legacy protocol at this point and will eventually fade away. Which leaves people having to upgrade to new devices that are Bluetooth based, for better or worse.

[@colmastro4373]

Went from a phenix 7 to apple ultra ans now have a samsung ultra. The apple and samsung have so many more features. Prefer samsung due to the look over apple, hated the apple watch styling. Phenix 8 STARTS at $2100 here in Australia, and that includes black friday sale. whereas I got my galaxy ultra for $900 down from $1300.

[@twloughlin]

Thanks Chris!

[@schumif1champ]

Footpath is great but they really need to add a track me option on the watch that can route back like the Garmin can. Thats the only thing really missing for me. Overall safety device I feel the Apple Watch with cellular and fall detection is the better option in a lot of ways. Garmin you have lots of battery life to hike out. If you can't hike out Apple Watch will have already sent an SOS and you will be rescued.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea agree - and my workaround on the Footpath app for trackback is to just follow my old track on the map page. No prompts but does the job.

[@steveshepard9430]

It’s a shame that Garmin relies on customers to test a $1300 watch! My Epix G2Pro works great.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea they probably did more PR damage by rushing it out then it was worth to rush it out.

[@marcelchaloupka]

It’s not like Apple don’t release massively buggy products. It’s the unfortunate risk associated with digal products and tight release time lines.

[@GlennZucman]

I have a Fenix 6 that I hope to not replace for as long as possible. Recently, fiddling with my down jacket on and off, the Fenix 6 band undid itself and the watch dropped to the ground. The watch is fine, except the upper-left Light button sort of doesn't work now (it works but you have to press it long and hard) I find I use that button a lot waking up in the night or early morning, etc. Any info on where/how to get a Fenix 6 repaired? Thank you!

[@Hikingguy]

Contact Garmin support and they may be able to help with a repair or refurb replacement.

[@Mdogbrown]

Using footpath, can the AWU last for a 10-12 hr hike with nav? Reason I ask, is if not, then I may buy an old fenix or Amazfit trex 3 to compliment my AWU. I’m leaning towards the Trex 3 because it’s so cheap, and just have the AWU on the other wrist

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, 10-12 with nav is doable, just don't leave it on the map screen the whole time (or any watch for that matter, its the biggest drain). And the Trex3 tracking with the AWU just doing it's thing is a great approach. That will be my way to go (with a Garmin and AWU) when I have backpacking trips.

@@Hikingguy And can it handle the 10-12 hours with navigation without a phone left at home?

[@crishazzard3129]

Yes

[@peterbedford2610]

I want to hike off trail nxt summer and I'm wondering which device would serve me the best?

[@Hikingguy]

I'd probably go with a Garmin Epix Pro or Fenix 7 Pro

[@Gustavo-x8f3q]

I returned mines last night !!!!!

[@Gustavo-x8f3q]

Also returned the Apple ultra 2 black. That one was even worse. I’m back to my Garmin Epix and Apple Series 10. I also have a FR965

[@roelvaneyken211]

​@Gustavo-x8f3q Why do you have both an Epix and a Forerunner 965...? (And then initially bought a fenix 8 as well... That makes little sense to me to be honest)

[@14er54]

Love to see a COROS in the mix.

[@CanInelli]

the problem with Apple Watch Ultra is that Apple still hasn't fixed the faulty algorithm for Open Water Swim activity. 3-4 times out of every 10 open water swims Apple Watch Ultra produces bad GPS points and gets the distance off by like 50% which is crazy. I have tried on multiple Apple devices, contacted support, sent in the devices for review but nothing. Posted on Reddit, Apple Forums etc, there are other open water swimmers having the same problem on AWU. However with Garmin Epix Pro I have swum more than 400 open water sessions and not one of them had inaccurate GPS data. Incredibly reliable. Epix Pro is probably the best device Garmin has made. I have also tried 2 Fenix8 47mm Solar versions but both of them had GPS issues, took like 2 mins to get GPS lock on both devices whereas Epix Pro locked GPS 4-5 seconds max.

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for pointing that out. I don't have experience with the open water swim, so if that's important, AWU2 probably isn't the move for you. As a hiker/biker/running/human the AWU2 is working well for me now.

[@CanInelli]

@@Hikingguy Absolutely. I would use AWU 2 if I wasn't swimming.

[@tryangle-by-steve]

My only concern is, if I buy an apple ultra for 800 bucks, will it still work in 5 years? Battery / Software? That’s what’s holding me back for an Apple Watch. But I’m also not sure about Garmin. The morning review/recap is very appealing to me.

[@robertfranke2078]

I know people still using their AW 6. We now got the 10 and that's 4-5 years

[@Hikingguy]

Yea overall you can probably get more life out of the Garmin. What I do like is that Apple makes it very easy to trade in your old device and get a few hundred bucks for it to offset the cost of the new watch. I wish Garmin did that.

[@robertfranke2078]

@@Hikingguy Yes I agree, I have a Garmin Fenix 3HR and a Fenix 6. Both still working fine. But I switched 2 years ago to apple. First I bought a used AW 7 just to see if it's for me or if I stay with Garmin. What should I say, my wife was quite impressed that I suddenly could get a hold of all our family appointments and that I could remember all birthdays. But she was also frustrated about me complaining about the battery. She gifted me a AW Ultra 1 for father's day. And since then I never used one of the Garmin watches. Although I'm still not happy with the battery and look of it, it's for me the more useful watch. I got to say I was a bit too much into all the training stats and health stats with my Garmin. And Apple also helped to get rid of this habit. ;)

[@tryangle-by-steve]

​@@robertfranke2078 I had different experiences with Apple Watches - one died on the battery (after 6h it was usually out off juice), my second one got a spider web screen - banged at the car door. And what for Software goes; I had to replace an older iPhone, just because some essential Apps stopped working (I think it was about 5/6 yrs old. I guess we need to accept, that those gadgets are built with an engineered obsoletion. The question is, will it still be usable after that... I have an iPad 2, using it every day (for music) and still works fine (with same limitations tbh). @Hikingguy I like your videos! Thank you for sharing your thoughts 👍

[@Adventures4vida]

I got the Ultra the first day it came out a few years back, and its still at 100 percent battery health, and no scratches on the face, and I wear it daily as a mechanic. sure feels like it will last at least 5 years.

[@cristi92ro]

My Fenix 6x has incident detection. I was running into forest and I felt. It immediately detected the incident and started the incident procedure (SMS send to 3 contacts with my GPS location). Yes, 6x.

[@Hikingguy]

You need to have your cell phone connected, it only works during an activity, and it doesn't work via satellite. The Apple Watch is 24/7, will work without phone if on cellular, and will fall back to satellite SOS on the phone if no cellular connection available.

[@marcelchaloupka]

@@Hikingguyexactly, I had the same issue recently when I jumped my bike down a curb and the fall detection system kicked in via the phone. It’s a strange decision to not make LTE capable watches these days. One of the nice features of the Apple Watch LTE versions is you can leave your phone home while going for a run or any other activity and without having to worry about where you are going to stow your rather chunky phone

[@Hikingguy]

@@marcelchaloupka Agree, it's a strange decision especially since they have a Forerunner that does it already. Thanks for sharing that, happy to know that it works well, hopefully won't have to use it.

[@energysourcelove]

What band is that you have on the Fenix? I like it.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea really like it - this guy: amzn.to/3B5xOHv

[@yousefsaadeh7144]

All these features don't mean anything when your watch is off! When I go for a long hike on the trail or travel with a fully loaded schedule and forget to charge the watch, it becomes a big problem.

[@andrewmorrissey2423]

Hi Garmin does have incident detection. But it's in activities. So if you are using the watch in a function like walking running hiking it detects incidents and sends a message via your phone. It sends the location and a live link to your location to whoever you set it to go to.

[@Hikingguy]

see my comment at top of post

[@georgevadnais3516]

I have a samsung galaxy Phone and the galaxy watch ultra have the fall detection and all the Apple watch ultra security . By the way, i like your videos.

[@Hikingguy]

Nice, yea, that's a great feature and I saw it came out on the Pixel 3 as well.

[@ClintonBegin]

Which strap is that? Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

amzn.to/4i4BIkx

[@theartificialsociety3373]

The Fenix 8 did detect my hand impact and was going to try to call emergrency and it let me stop it by holding down any button. I assume through the paired phone. So it has some emergency stuff.

[@Hikingguy]

yes during an activity

[@heatherjordan2443]

I think you might need to review what you said about Garmin not having incident detection and assistance alerts as both me and my husband have it on both the venu 2 and a fenix 6 pro

[@Hikingguy]

No, I said Garmin doesn't have fall detection alert via satellite or car crash detection. Garmin only works during activity and when connected to phone. GARMIN: Only During Activity AWU2: 24/7 including driving GARMIN: Need to have phone with you connected via BT AWU2: Will use watch cellular, no phone needed GARMIN: Requires your phone has cellular connection AWU2: Will fall back to satellite SOS if no cellular More info: Garmin: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=RfaXahBWkH8Q7pVFLsuUmA Apple: support.apple.com/en-us/108896 - support.apple.com/en-us/104959

[@NickBEADG]

I hate how long it takes the Weather map to load

[@moto-rambler]

Thank you for the thoughtful update. I'm considering the Fenix 7 (standard edition) considering the attractive price. What are your thoughts on this model? I'm an Android user so any Apple watch is not an option.

[@Hikingguy]

I think it's a great watch especially on sale. Can't vouch for anything that Garmin may do with the firmware, but overall a solid choice.

[@ultravaluetech24]

the Fenix 8 should be a $500 watch MAX! Buggy Overpriced Mess with no Real advantages over the Previous 7...

[@eidamhm2473]

Im using AW series 8 for a 2 years… Now im on the crossway if i want to try fenix 8 im starting with triathlon trainings and the battery is starting to be huge downside for me i wonder if ultra would be enough for me i guess that yes but there is this part of me that wants to try smthing completely different byt is afraid that i will be missing all these smart things that AW has

[@Hikingguy]

Try a Forerunner 965 which has the core features for less than half the price: amzn.to/3ZjUIUP

[@ahza4953]

With due respect, I have used Ultra watch for years! And what disappointed me the most is, its poor swimming distance calculation. Open water distance and pool distance even when pool length is set. Also U.W. navigational features diminishes significantly in remote areas where terrestrial signal isn’t available.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea I'm focused on hiking and the outdoors, so don't have any experience in the water with it. I have NOT found that the positioning features diminish when out of cellular range, and the AWU2 is often on par with the Garmin. You can see some of it in action in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paPcpoKVfdJql7s

[@marcelchaloupka]

Yes Garmin is a Sports/Adventure watch. Apple Watches are lifestyle watches. Admittedly that distinction is blurred but an Apple Watch isn’t yet a true Sport/Adventure watch and if it ever does get there it will only ever be suitable in the Urban environment or in a situation where you have access to a secondary power source every 24 to 48 hours and as long as you aren’t using any advanced features otherwise you’ll be needing to recharge twice or more a day. I have enjoyed my Apple Watch but at the moment it just can’t deliver when I need ATM. The hasn’t been a compelling reason to replace my Series 6 with any new Apple Watch and the Ultra only offers a slightly better battery life and considering the Apple Ultra is slightly cheaper that the Fenix8 but comes with a limited feature set compared to the Garmin, the Garmin is better value. But from a hardware point of view and outside if battery life, the Apple Watch is significantly better. So for me software trumps hardware. I need the data, metrics and interpretation of that data in an easily understandable manner and where I don’t have to buy or subscribe to multiple apps to understand the data.

[@v5745]

@@HikingguyI have both AWU2 and Tactix 7 and I must disagree with you. I will comment just one thing . Regarding hiking, top advantage of garmjn over Apple Watch is a possibility to load any maps. You need maps for hiking with coloured trails, as in Europe - no problem, OSM free maps enthusiasts hikers make them. You need same but for mtb- no problem. Topo pro maps with lot of details - you can buy them. KMZ raster - works, you can even make them by yourself. There is no single app for Apple Watch that would allow to load custom maps. You must always rely on maps which gives you developer. They're maybe better in US, but not so in Europe. For my hiking, ability to see on map coloured official trails (with correct colour) is very beneficial when hiking.

[@turbs99]

I thought Garmin does have accident detection via IN Reach, sure you have to have your phone around to send the alert but it’s not that different from non cellular Apple Watch. Once mix in cell Apple Watch is no competition I so pose. Also in reach requires subscription. In other words they both require some sort of payment to allow for it to fully work. Ah I did miss the fact the Apple Watch without cellular connected to an iPhone is what makes it superior. At this point guys we just living in fear 😅 they both good. I’d say whichever is cheaper or more practical for you on a daily. None of this in case your stuck out somewhere situation.

[@Hikingguy]

Nope, no incident detection via inReach GARMIN: Only During Activity AWU2: 24/7 including driving GARMIN: Need to have phone with you connected via BT AWU2: Will use watch cellular, no phone needed GARMIN: Requires your phone has cellular connection AWU2: Will fall back to satellite SOS if no cellular More info: Garmin: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=RfaXahBWkH8Q7pVFLsuUmA Apple: support.apple.com/en-us/108896 - support.apple.com/en-us/104959

[@sahiljoshi37]

what bands do you use for these watches ?

[@Hikingguy]

amzn.to/3B5xOHv

[@zopilotegalaz1128]

The t rex 3 is been good to me.

[@Hikingguy]

Liking it so far too, review coming in a bit

[@Calidastas]

My problem with Apple's watches is that they're just platforms for subscription based apps. It requires multiple apps plus sharing data with even more companies to replicate the all in one Garmin app. I also don't want to pay for multiple subscriptions.

[@ebzovi]

Garmin maps+ is now a subscription 😅

[@Hikingguy]

Yea it's not ideal but on the flip side it does give you the flexibility to change apps if one goes south, whereas on Garmin, you got what you got. And you don't have to get crazy with the apps - $8 once for Workoutdoors which has custom screens and offline maps and Vitals app will get you a long way. Footpath and Athlytic are $24/year or so.

[@v5745]

@@Hikingguyand these apps don't communicate one with another. What can I do with track recorded in workoudoors? How can I managed dozens of tracks and courses? Can I access them online? Search, filter etc? Garmjn has complexed yet simple system to organise them via Garmin Explore with collections which you can individually turn on or off to sync with one or more devices when needed, working also offline. They have garmin connect where all data are contained and mixed with health data.

[@nrs8043]

Can’t wait till Apple catch up with legit track intervals and a lot of other areas … Garmin is just 92bugs in a trenchcoat.

[@22leggedsasquatch]

The idea of spending that much money for a watch that isn't worth it... i wonder if the Narq series are equally a rip off. Maps and navigation being a big selling point. Sad.

[@901pics]

You have to be out of your mind to buy garmin when other companies like samsung with the "ultra" are half the price that can be traded in after years of use and updated....garmin does not support their products nearly as well as samsung. Dont get stuck with a $1000.00 paper weight like I did....garmin customer service is the worst.

[@johanmarais4179]

Fenix 8 does have "Incident Detection" and "Assistance".

[@Hikingguy]

You need to have your cell phone connected, it only works during an activity, and it doesn't work via satellite. The Apple Watch is 24/7, will work without phone if on cellular, and will fall back to satellite SOS on the phone if no cellular connection available.

[@marcelchaloupka]

No and it’s crazy to think that an adventure watch in 2024 doesn’t have that basic safety feature

[@gepardtilly]

But for the Apple Watch you must buy and use an iPhone, too, don't you?

[@Hikingguy]

Yes it's for Apple users. If you have an Android it's a different equation.

[@NickBEADG]

The Garmins DO have Incident detection.

[@Hikingguy]

Not outside of an activity and not without your phone and not via satellite. See the comment posted up top

[@v5745]

@@Hikingguywell, anybody going to a hike in mountains without activity turned on? Really? Chris, please....

[@Andrew-xy7db]

For the price garmin is asking for, it should have the luxury look of the marq. The fenix is an ugly ass watch...... There is no excuse to release such a buggy mess whatsoever. I ended up with the 67i since the watch maps are really awful on their watches anyways and I went with the Huawei watch ultimate, good tracking, but no maps, but at least it looks great and is cheaper

[@Hikingguy]

After spending the summer mainly navigating by watch / phone, I've spent some time with the 67i in harsher conditions and forgot how good it was. Wish the map redraws were quicker (applies to any and every Garmin) but otherwise it's solid.

[@lyubravia]

Sorry, but I would disagree with you. Garmin still does not worth its money, neither 7th or 8th versions.

[@Hikingguy]

What are you disagreeing with?

[@lyubravia]

@@Hikingguy I respectfully disagree with the statement that Garmin products are currently worth their price. In my opinion, they are not. The devices are plagued with numerous unresolved issues, and the most frustrating part is that these problems are unlikely to be addressed. Instead, they seem to be overshadowed by new issues introduced with each successive firmware update.

[@Hikingguy]

@@lyubravia Fair enough, and I agree on some level. I really just made this video because I was getting dozens of people asking me "is the F8 okay to get now" and for me, I haven't had any crazy problems for the last few week. As you said (and I agree), no guarantee the next version doesn't break more things.

[@lyubravia]

@@Hikingguy Posting such videos is actually a great idea - it helps others see when specific issues get resolved. I have a 7X Pro Sapphire sitting on my desk, but I can barely trust it due to the numerous issues introduced with several firmware updates. For that reason, I’m still relying on my 6X and am left wondering what to do with the 7X.

[@johnstoddart5523]

Indians do very good programming. Theyve been contracted for IT stuff for 50+ years. In Kerala, the missionaries couldn’t afford to buy the kids computers, so they taught them how to Program Sloppy programming comes from execs squeezing both time and money until they get a bottom offer ; often from an incompetent

[@BobbyWParkerJr]

Imagine going through decades of code to get up to speed. Nothing against outsourcing, other than breaking user experience to save money.

[@Hikingguy]

I've worked in software development for years and have worked with offshore shops often. It's great when they have time to understand the code and get used to the product. It's not a lack of skill on that end, but, especially in the beginning, there can be road bumps in communication, which lead to errors. For a product as complex as this you need a really good systems architect(s) and PM(s) on the Garmin side who can take the time with the offshore team. As you mentioned, I'm sure there was a a fair amount of timeline squeezing from execs here to beat the Apple announcement.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea I can only imagine what the code base looked like after 12 years since the first Garmin Fenix.

[@completelyrandom8150]

It just seems like people have short-term memories. The experience with the Fenix 8 is pretty much exactly par for the course for the Garmin. Put together the hardware (usually pretty rugged/decent over the long haul), underpower the processor (maybe in part for battery life specs), and then release with bug-ridden software. Over time, they will fix the bugs and people will love the watch - rinse and repeat. This isn't just for watches but pretty much every one of their products. I remember the same exact cycle going back to my Edge 530 and many other products. They are lame for doing it but consumers also demand new tech constantly. Bought a 7x pro sapphire solar not because of stability but because they went on sale for $600ish. Wanted a MIP based display anyways so for basically 1/2 the cost, hard to justify the 8.

[@Hikingguy]

I have had a Fenix (or Epix) since the "3" model in 2015 and never have I had the level of bugs as I've experienced on the Fenix 8. It's beyond normal and not par for the course from my experience. Maybe it's par for the cycling computers and I'm sure they'll resolve it on the Fenix 8 given it's a top of the line watch, but it should not have been released in the state it was in.

[@completelyrandom8150]

@@Hikingguy Fair enough, I guess that's the debate (the volume and level of bugginess).

[@Hikingguy]

@@completelyrandom8150 Yea, either way you slice it, its not great. What I find frustrating is they must do better QA on the avionics stuff, so they know how to do it, maybe they just don't want to spend the money on the sports and outdoors products.

[@ahza4953]

We are talking apples and oranges. That’s fine. You have your experience and I have mine.

[@Hikingguy]

Most people just want to have one watch

[@BobbyWParkerJr]

I betcha they started outsourcing development to India.

[@irishman909121]

I work in tech as an engineer and honestly that makes a ton sense and I wouldn’t be surprised.

[@jakeva9802]

Genpact, tata, cognizant, , I’d be surprised if they are only just now just outsourcing. They probably switched partners and that’s why everything is a hot mess.

[@LAlberticoS]

Hello, congratulations on your video. In my experience, I have been testing fenix 8by ultra 2 apple, comparing with polar h10 chest band. Fenix ​​8 is faster reacting to heart rate and very reliable. Fenix ​​8 has much more battery, and is more useful than Ultra 2. Its options and information it provides are very superior to Apple Watch Ultra 2, which is very simple and basic. fenix 8 Provides the possibility of measuring HRV with the watch and with a band, something super important for recovery. Ultra 2 is slightly more fluid in use than Fenix ​​8, but I don't think it's a big deal. I chose the Fenix ​​8 because of its HR measurement, because of its battery, because of how complete it is, because of its aesthetics, and because of the potential it has in the coming months with the new updates. I think that without a doubt, having the fenix 8 is a better option due to the high price that these watches have.

[@Hikingguy]

In my experience testing the HR on the Fenix 8 vs AWU2 vs HR strap on Edge, they're usually within a few beats of each other if not exact. AWU also does HRV automatically during sleep, and if you enable AFib it will measure all day. You can access this information in Health or have it analyzed in Athlytic. For me having looked at HRV for years, it's great to know if you're body is under stress, for example, you consumed alcohol, but the more reliable indicator of recovery is resting HR and how you feel. I think the Fenix 8 is a good choice for some people and is definitely a better watch for sports and the outdoors, but I disagree that the Fenix 8 is more useful than the AWU2. I use the AWU2 for all kinds of day to day tasks like recording reminders, shooting off quick messages, etc. I've found that trying that with the Phone Assistant on the F8 is cumbersome and it's just easier to take the phone out and do it.

[@LAlberticoS]

@@Hikingguy Hello, I don't think the Fenix 8 is better for everything. It's true that, in the aspects you mentioned, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (AWU2) is more comfortable. I haven't used the note-taking feature on the Fenix 8, although I know it also has that capability. It's true that they are still improving it with updates, and there are many things they need to refine. This is something Apple doesn't do; everything on their watches works perfectly right out of the box. Apple releases finished products to the market in perfect working order, which is not something other brands always do. That said, the Fenix 8 still has room to improve many of its functions, but they are actively working on it, continuously enhancing many aspects or adding new ones, as they've done with previous versions like the Fenix 7 and others. With Apple, we know the watch will remain as is, with no significant updates, at least none that are substantial. Getting to the point, as you correctly said, each watch is perhaps targeted at a different audience, with the Apple Watch catering to more standard, everyday users and the Fenix being designed for serious athletes. However, the truth is that it is very close to being both a smartwatch and a sports watch in one. That’s why, in my opinion, it’s very much worth it.

[@Hikingguy]

@@LAlberticoS Well said