Navigating on the Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix Gen2

💥 EPIX: REI: bit.ly/3JYwe9c - Amazon: amzn.to/3rzkzYa
💥 FENIX 7: REI: bit.ly/3pqBwm6 - Amazon: amzn.to/3rBnrUf
✅ FULL GUIDE: hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/gar...
🛰️ GPS TEST: • Fenix 7x - Slot Canyon...
✅ LATEST GEAR LIST: hikingguy.com/best-hiking-gear/
✅ IT'S EASY TO SUPPORT: hikingguy.com/support-hiking-...
✅ MORE FENIX REVIEWS: hikingguy.com/guides/garmin-f...
This video will cover the fundamentals of navigating with your Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2, including:
00:00 Intro
01:11 Garmin Connect vs Garmin Explore
02:28 Garmin Connect Web Course Planning
06:52 Importing GPX as Course
07:57 Garmin Explore Web
09:16 Garmin Explore Web Waypoints
11:17 Garmin Connect Mobile Courses
12:58 Garmin Explore Mobile Courses
14:50 Navigation Settings on Watch
21:09 Course Creation on Watch
23:40 Starting a Course & Screens
24:50 Creating a Waypoint on Watch
26:19 Course Point Alerts
26:45 Using the Map on the Watch
28:50 Climbpro
29:25 Waypoint Proximity Alarm
30:50 Off-Course Alerts
34:00 Trackback / Back to Start
36:38 Syncing Back to Device
PLEASE LIKE if you found the video helpful or enjoyable. If you think it could be better, please leave me a comment with feedback instead of downvoting it.
#hiking #nature #adventure #healthyliving #outdoors #explore #backpacking #naturalbeauty #hike #hikerchat #naturelovers #optoutside #trails #getoutdoors #neverstopexploring #trailtime #hiker #52HikeChallenge #garmin #garminfenix #garminepix #garminnavigation

[@soundjocky]

This video was so helpful. I was looking for assistance on how to use, add and navigate my "Saved Locations". The proximity alerts was a WOW moment. You really did a great job of breaking it down and walking through the watch, apps and web tools. I own an Epix Gen 2, and I'm constantly searching KZbin for helpful videos to make the most of the technology. I'm also glad you demostrated the features via Hike and NOT Biking or Running. I will be saving this video and refer back to it often! You have a new subscriber! GREAT JOB! Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

Ah thank you so much I really appreciate it. These videos are always a little more challenging to make when I'd rather be hiking, so it's great to hear that they're helpful. And any questions as you get to know your Epix, just leave a comment. Best, Cris

[@lakshminarasimhareddybujut6394]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VALUABLE TIME AND EFFORTS.

[@terran8375]

Thank you! I couldn't figure out how to get my waypoints from my gpx courses to my fenix 7. Garmin explore was unknown to me. You're a life saver.

[@adamkreuz9068]

This was the most detailed and easy to understand video on using the Epix for hiking I've ever seen. Can't wait to get one now!

[@bigbigdog]

This is very useful, thank you. I just got the Epix for Christmas and I am still learning the tricks. Thanks you for making this video.

[@StevenKW]

Thanks for showing the map and touch screen in action. Super helpful!

[@kennyle8640]

AllTrails has its issues, but compared to Garmin's hodge-podge of websites, apps, and hardware, it's a model of utility. I have the Epix Gen 2 and GPSMAP 66i, but I use those for backups to AllTrails mainly because Garmin's ecosystem can be so confusing and the learning curve so high. Garmin gives more granular data, but you REALLY have to know what you're doing for it to be useful. Thanks for shedding some light on this. Someday, I'll look more deeply into this, but it'd be really nice if Garmin hired a few people to significantly improve the user experience so that a novice wouldn't feel completely lost. The interfaces on Garmin's hardware looks like they were designed in the 90's. The websites handle a bit better, but you still have to know what you're doing to get value out of them. I'd never recommend Garmin as a trip planner for an absolute beginner. That'd be a rough road to tread...

[@Hikingguy]

Agree 100% - one the trail I mainly use Gaia GPS on my phone and have the maps on my Epix as a backup. I'm going to make a video on my nav workflow shortly because I think it might be helpful. The hardware is great, but all the supporting software and OS is def lacking.

[@uradumby25]

Just got a Fenix 7 and I'm about ready to return it because of this. Steep learning curve and clunky. I figure I'm better off going back to a chest strap hr monitor, and putting the watch money towards a mini in reach

[@bumpsy]

the apps are sooo bad :(

[@Siravingmon]

Getting waypoints onto my quatix 7 is a nightmare!

[@danielwnorowski2553]

Agree 100%

[@Sinasi08]

I bought a Garmin Epix pro Gen 2 titanium and this is exactly the video I was looking for! Thank you Sir 🙏🙏🙏

[@pecanpie100]

Cris: thank you for this helpful video! Great job (as always)! I have tons of gpx track files that I created in Basecamp over the years and exported onto my computer's hard drive. I recently imported those gpx track files into my Garmin Explore. So I really appreciated the part of your video where you imported the gpx track file into the Epix 2 to follow the track. And I also liked the part of your video where you talked about courses and creating course points. Thank you! 👍

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you 👍👍 and hope it hasn't been to much of a hassle managing all the tracks. I know the "collections" on Explore can be clunky. I think Basecamp still works way better, even if its dated. I also tried to connect my Epix to Basecamp (on a Mac) but it wouldn't connect in any of the storage modes. Oh well...

[@rpsota23]

I have to appreciate the effort to record this video. Big thanks for it. In fact, this video finally helped me to decide, whether to buy Fenix 7x or Epix2. Being often in nature, following tracks out of marked ones, I need to be able to see constantly what is going on, not to activate display every couple of seconds. I hesitated heavily because high contrast amoled display would help me to read more without glasses (I barely read messages on my Fenix 5 without glasses). But knowing, that I will see info on display without being forced to activate it, seems to be more usefull. Somebody said on another review, that Epix 2 is winner over Fenix 7 with the same display size as for readability, however Epix 2 and Fenix 7x are comparable. Another point for Fenix 7x - I sleep often under the open air, then, when you need to wake up in the middle of the night for any reason and by chance your flashlight is lost in the grass, you are lost too... 🙂. Flashlight in the watch, this is big added value to the Fenix 7x... Once more thank you for the video and greetings from the Czech republic :-)

[@user-fn4pm2pb9c]

Hello, a year ago from your message, are you satisfied with Fenix 7x? The 7 pro is out now. It seems to be more visible than the previous 7x. My dilema would be 7x or 7x pro. I don't know if the light on 7x is enough or if the pro is better for me. I would be a first-time garmin watch owner.

[@rpsota23]

@@user-fn4pm2pb9c hello, I am fully satisfied with Fenix 7 X. Battery life three weeks in normal usage. Last week I charged it on Friday, two days 12hours daily navigation, on Tuesday still 49% battery. Readability excellent under direct sun or full daylight even without glasses. Indoor it is worse, but I care when being outdoor. Would I like to have pro version? Yes, as I get ready for 2024 PCT, every day of battery life will count. Pro version is ready for more metrics, I believe blood pressure is under certification. Torch is stronger in Pro version, but torch in 7X is enough for everything I needed so far. I am 55 so yes, I would like to know this parameter. But cost of new watch is too big for me now, more than value I could get. Will I suggest you Pro? Yes, if you are like me. You will be thinking of additional features you are missing... X vs standard size? X!!! They are not that big on a wrist and bigger display is better for outdoor. Epic vs Fenix? Fenix, absolutelly. Display OK (what you need to know outdoor is whether you are still following route, not whether map is with many shades degree... If I need more info and details anyway I will pick mobile. And battery last much more. Saphire glass or standard? Saphire. Many times with Fenix 5 and Fenix 7 X I hit wall, stone or bike, newer scratched Saphire... Both 7X and Pro will make you GREAT service. I follow closely major brands, for me, there is not better brand than Garmin. BTW, flashlight is a godsend. There are SO many everyday life occasions, where having torch on your wrist is simply - godsend😊. Just map torch to one of buttons and you are safe. Map other button to Garmin pay and you spend your money very quickly😁

[@tudorpalela4729]

@@rpsota23 now you can have Epix Pro 51 mm with flashlight. :)

[@Belgarathe]

Great video that puts it all together. I’ve been fumbling around trying to put points of interest in the hike and this video help explain a lot of things I didn’t know

[@robertpavlak3570]

This is a clearly presented great compendium of information. Wish I'd stumbled across this earlier.

[@jcw5002]

Thank you so much for the time it took to make this video. It was so helpful to see exactly how the watch would behave for navigation and how you set all of the stuff up.

[@AS-jj4si]

Thank you for the incredible video 👍🔥 I was looking for one single features of these watches - track back but I couldn't find this review. ThanX all the best 🔥✊

[@user414734]

Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for

[@Q8Patriot]

Well explained, thanks alot for the detailed walkthrough 😅

[@jamesveach6761]

Nice job! Very informative.

[@rossbannon1153]

👏Fantastic video, actually helpful level of detail!

[@johnlydon6147]

Great video Chris. Thanks.

[@Tezmoniak]

Man this video was so useful. Thanks for the work !

[@dnserror89]

Excellent video, thanks so much!

[@techne9992]

Thank you sir. Was out biking today, first time using the map course. Constant beeping, hoping it was because it was switch backs like you mentioned. Turning off turn alarms.. fingers crossed 😮

[@neila6474]

Thank you. This is very helpful.

[@Jo_Zh]

This video helped me to decide to buy either FR265 or 965 (same mapping capabilites with Epix). Im getting the 265 for its health and training tracking and gaia gps instead..

[@tombarkley7245]

Super helpful video, thanks!

[@scd3916]

Great video. Would be nice to make one with detailed process of creating your hiking screens.

[@Ecksfiles5]

Very comprehensive - thanks a heap.

[@grbta1124]

Great job! Thanks!

[@criticalarts2753]

Very useful! Thanks.

[@samareshm]

Very useful. Many thanks.

[@alib2801]

Very Useful thank you!

[@erbsl99]

Thank you for that helpful video! Mayby you could create another tutorial, how you set up your layout & datafields for the hiking-activity?

[@Hikingguy]

Good idea, I will!

[@stevia13]

Love your videos - most informative I've found on KZbin. From my viewpoint, there is a real issue creating accurate hiking routes on Garmin. I live in Scotland, and Ordnance Survey is the mapping standard here. Connect doesn't let you create accurate off-road routes for walking / climbing in the hills and mountains- the mapping is so poor. And Explore - well, you saw the problems you had importing gpx etc . Here I bought Garmin OS mapping to create accurate routes - which I have to create using Basecamp!! I also use 3rd party apps to transfer gpx files to my Epix. You really would think, with the money that Garmin are making, that they could come up with a much more elegant, accurate and SINGULAR mapping tool for its many customers - its been lime this for years...grrrrr!

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, agree, it's a mess. I would have thought that Garmin would have done something like CalTopo or GaiaGPS at this point and offered a robust set of data and planning tools online (and charged for it). It's really a shame that they offer the only outdoor GPS hardware but the software is so weak. Very frustrating in 2022. It will be interesting to see the (rumored) new Apple Watch built for the outdoors.

[@mamienot3089]

Thank you, Your video just saved me about a grand!! Way too convoluted for me.

[@ted363636]

Great video on navigation. It also convinced me to stick to MIP screens on Fenix. Epix screen might look great inside but in direct sunlight those black backgrounds and constant dimming would drive me crazy 🙂

[@NLVDragon2054]

Just did a hike with my Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar and the MIP screen rocked! I could see it perfectly fine even without my glasses. All I needed the map for was to let my buddy and I know whether or not we were on or off trail. I did make the mistake of leaving the map constantly on and that drained my battery from 95% to 35% after 8 hours! I had All + Multi-Band on like this guy in the vid. I should have gotten at least 22 hours out of it but, yeah, the map screen was probably the culprit! I'll know better next time. I think I have to dive deeper into the waypoints and alerts, so I don't have to keep looking at the map screen. I could just look at the data screens and save the battery.

[@mikafoxx2717]

@@NLVDragon2054 yep, it's best to just leave it on a data screen or watch face until you find a fork in the trail, then I'll pull the map out. You can have it alert you for going off course anyways, so if you accidentally do, you can turn back and find where you should be going.

[@narutost1996]

Thanks for this

[@Pblisset]

Thank you very much! Is it possible to easily skip a waypoint, esp. when a route is blocked e.g.? I am using it for mountainbiking.

[@RAG0407]

I think u covered it. But i created a hike on garmin explorer and waypoints in fenix 6 pro. The surprise for me is i opened explorer during the hike on my phone and it had auto sync to show on the iphone the route, portion travelled and remaining part. Useful to have it sync live. I did not know it did this all based on the fenix being the only place i started the activity.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea that's a newer feature that wasn't around when I made this video. Probably time for a new version here.

[@cschacker99]

I plan my routes in Gaia, export the GPX file directly to Connect, then sync with the watch. This would be a useful video if you haven’t already covered it

[@StefanBackes]

Very helpful!

Thank you!

[@carlahayes8977]

Wow, great work. So much information. What data field is showing us climbs? Is it just the elevation data field? Thanks

[@Hikingguy]

I use elevation and total ascent (how much I've climbed)

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you. If I’m off-roading some trails and I lose access to my phone can I use maps on 7X to get me back to civilization? Would it give turn by turn (or trail by trail) directions? Do I need to preload maps of the area? Crystal Cove!! We loved hiking there when we lived in NB.

[@elliotyip9844]

Chris thank you for this very comprehensive guide explaining the 2 interfaces (Connect and Explore) and it's limitation which I have almost rip my head out trying to figure it out by myself. Let me rephrase so to make sure I understood you correctly. Lets say I have a big hike coming soon and I have all the campsites, water points and rest points along the route which I'm interested to know the distance to it following my planned route, I can only get that "distance remaining" info by making a "course point" from connect, but if I do it as a "waypoint" the "distance remaining" data will not reflect on my watch is that right? So in that sense a waypoint is only something to let you know where a "point of interest" is, like your car, the ticket counter etc and is not used as a routable point, am I right? Another question is that while using tracback, it seemed like the distance remaining data to our course points won't show up again is that right? If that's true, can I get them to show again if I do the course in reverse?

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, it's confusing I know. So you need to create "course points" to get the distance remaining. And if you want to save those points as "waypoints," known as "saved locations" on the watch, you have to do that separately in Garmin Explore. They are two different entities from a data standpoint. You can route to saved locations, but that would be something outside of navigating a course. And for trackback, yes, you'd have to edit the course, reverse it, and then go. I haven't actually tried it and am not sure if the course points would show up, but logically they should.

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Excellent video once again. I am looking to purchase Garmin Forerunner 245 Music model and wonder whether that model has same features as you have described on the Fenix?

[@Hikingguy]

I don't think the 245 has these navigation features.

[@stefanoehlin]

How do you get the direction arrows under the map to show if you need to turn right or left?

[@neilsternthal6907]

Fantastic video. So helpful. Is there a way to integrate AllTrails I.e. use AllTrails maps on the watch to navigate or would this replace All Trails?

[@Hikingguy]

I'd say if you have AllTrails and it works well, you wouldn't need this. Otherwise just download the GPX file from AlltTrails, import as a Course, and sync to your watch.

[@DrJoeJoeHands]

Thank you

[@beautifulpapayas1575]

Thanks for the video. Would you recommend purchasing a Garmin for close terrain navigation (in jungles, on mountains)? I have not owned a GPS watch before so I'm concerned about the steep learning curve in putting the Garmin to good use. For context, I'm using it for military training so I probably have to pre-load the maps and courses, and hope for the navigation to run smoothly during the operation itself.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea Garmin is perfect for military training - you can change it to display MGRS - works anywhere a GPS unit does - you might want to check out the tactical watches that Garmin makes too.

[@pmfahey]

Great review (previously) and navigation guide here! As far as visibility of the EPIX, have you continued to find it easily visible even in bright sunlight as the year has progressed? I've often preferred running with a traditional Garmin over the Apple Watch for many reasons, one of which is the difficulty of quickly reading the AMOLED display in bight sunlight.

[@Hikingguy]

I've heard that people have difficulty seeing the AMOLED in bright sunlight but it hasn't been an issue for me. I'm in Southern California where it's sunny all the time, and the Epix has consistently been much easier to see, even now as I hike through summer when the sun is high. The Epix does seem easier to read than the Apple Watch in direct sun for whatever reason.

[@pmfahey]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@alanzammit750]

Great vid you have helped me a lot. After tracking a Activity, is there a way to transfer the route into a course so I can follow it another time??? Cheers 👍

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, in the watch you can navigate past activities, or you can do it from Garmin Connect.

[@danmurray40]

Thanks for this great content. I recently bought a Fenix7x and quickly changed it for an Epix Gen 2 based on your comparison - I much prefer to Epix screen and don’t really need the extra battery life or flashlight. I’m doing the last 450 or miles of the PCT in Aug as part of a fundraiser. One of our group has done sections before and had routed the trail using the HalfMile info. Is there an easy way to embed all those planned camping stops and other POIs into a course?

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for the note and glad to hear that guide and Epix are solid on your end. For waypoints, you can save them to a collection in the Garmin Explore app and then sync that with the watch, or add them as course points in Garmin Explore. If you have the whole stretch with track and waypoints in a GPX file, you should be able to import it to Garmin Connect > Courses and the waypoints will read as course points. Not sure on the size restrictions there though. Worth a try

[@jafamils1]

how you can have number next to all countour line for elevation in my fenix 7 pro i have just some number next to line and than few line withoud nubmers

[@Centropolis]

Is there a way to set how far off-course before the off course alert sounds? I have a GPSMAP 67 that allows me to set the distance off track. I am wondering if there is a same setting on a Epix Gen 2.

[@maxpower2631]

I like to find/make/create my own trails on the go, often through uncharted jungle areas or using unmarked local poaching trails. For this I use Strava heat maps to detect fragments of local activity, Google maps for topographical info & the A-GPS tracker app to log my route. The G-Shock Rangeman is my go-to for compass, altimeter & barometer The map feature on the Garmins seems of no benefit whatsoever in my case, as it only follows existing trails. Yawn. Great walk-through & review though, thanks! I'd probably opt for the Instinct 2X

[@scottleggejr]

My guess is they purposely get you to the edge of wanting more so you buy an etrex or whatever 😂 another thing to charge, update, edit, manage...

[@parthmaniar]

Thank you very much for India!

[@gamsek1]

Hi, does Epix not display directional arrows of imported gpx route during navigation?

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Always love your excellent videos! BTW, at 9:07 you mention that the Explore website only support straight line segments. Are you aware that the Explore smartphone app does indeed support magnetic snapping on a path, moving midpoints, etc.? Yes, it seems odd that the important feature isn't on the Explore website, yet as us (former) developers know, 80 percent of software development is post-release software maintenance. Thanks again for all you do to support the community and eternal gratitude keeping up your awesome production and tireless Comment support efforts! Hmm, I wonder if you too spend more time responding to Comments than producing YT videos LOL😜

[@Hikingguy]

Big thank you! And yup, just the website, if you go to 13:44 you'll see that I create a snap-to course on the app. It still blows my mind that the Explore website doesn't support this.

[@kkutube1972]

Watching this video for Quatix 7.

[@andyholtorp]

I follow the Saved Location function exactly as the video demonstrates but they dont appear on the map on in my "saved locations" afterwards - just says "no saved locations" - any advice?

[@bmwohl]

Just a quick thanks and a question. I've been following you for about three years when your videos helped me decide to get the GPSMAP 66i. Well now, based on your satisfaction with the screen, I've followed you to the Epix Gen2 and I'm really glad I did. WOW! Quite the learning curve. Do you know of any full blown pdf or online reference manual? I'm looking for something deeper than the Garmin Owner's Manual pdf. Something that digs deeper into the submenus. Right now I'm trying to mark way points on my morning walk with my dog, way points for his deposited treasures, and then find the bags of treasure on my walk back. Typically there are about four treasures for every two miles walk out, so four treasures to find walking back. I have figured out how to drop the way points with treasures under "Dual Grid" and I've put "Dual Grid: on a hotkey combination but now I'm trying to dope out how to navigate back to each "Dual Grid" treasure spot. ANYWAY, your videos and guides are great. Thanks, many times over. You and DC Rainmaker have given me my best leg up on getting the most out of my Garmin GPS tools.

[@Hikingguy]

I don't know any other deeper dives aside from the manual, but maybe it makes sense for me to do a walkthrough at some point. For your treasure hunt. you can long press the upper left button and then do "save location" - the waypoint is saved. Now when you are in an activity like hiking choose navigation > and then select the waypoint You could also create a new route and add the waypoints to the route as stops I think

[@robintzand4410]

Great video! Just got my Fenix 7x and exploring all the features. Creating a course on my watch doesn't work though as I would like it to work. When I create a course on my watch it doesn't stick to the trails but routes using straight lines. Similar to your screen at min 22:50. When I leave the menu and access the course again it remains the same. Any idea why it doesn't fix the course to the trails?

[@Hikingguy]

Go into the activity, settings, activity settings, routing, make sure direct line is not selected

[@stephenschofield7490]

Just looking at the watch face see the pointer which is the track you’re on ,but there’s a pointer to upper left what does mean?

[@theit635]

Does Fenix 7 have a feature to calculate a way to get back on the course in case of deviation? I would like to be free to deviate as much as I want before deciding to get back on the original course. Thanks.

[@psychology2117]

Thanks for this video! Question: do I have to load a route or can I just track as I hike. I want to see miles, pace and an actual map of my current location live. I used to have that feature with map my run on Samsung watch, but not on the Galaxy 4. I appreciate your insight.

[@Hikingguy]

You can just track the hike and get all the stats - just select the activity and hit start

[@tubefreakmuva]

Thanks perfect

[@unaitxo]

Thanks

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏 appreciate it big time!

[@arc5083]

Does it track current gps location and direction facing After map is loaded- can i store all of usa?

[@giordanob.folinfolin3770]

Chris, thank you for your video. I still do not own a Garmin… I am much orientated towards the Epix 2 Sapphire… Now I am using an Apple Watch for hiking, but the battery is way too short living… But I have got a question, is there any app or widget on the Garmin watches that allows me to start the navigation on the phone and have it synched to the watch? I use mainly my watch to check the course during hiking, but when I need more precise reading, I grab my phone (I am using Outdoor Active). Thanks again.

[@Hikingguy]

The Garmins won't do a synced navigation with the watches, but you can do that with the handhelds & Garmin Explore I think. What I do to accomplish the same thing is load a GPX to my watch as a course, which gives me turn-by-turn guidance, and then load the GPX to my phone with Gaia GPS. I download maps in Gaia GPS for offline and use that when I want to dig deeper into my surroundings, and just use the course on the watch when I want to know if I'm in the right place.

[@swoondrones]

What about road navigation?

[@domcarter62]

Thanks for a great video. I was wondering, in the routes section on the watch and the avoidances tab, does the switch on mean avoid or don't avoid? It isn't very clear in my opinion

[@Hikingguy]

Think "on" means avoid

[@domcarter62]

@@Hikingguy ah okay thank you. I couldn't work out if on was avoid on or on was allow.

[@Walter-uy4or]

For preplanned hikes, it seems good. Seems clunky (compared, say, to Apple Ultra) for on the fly trips, say on a drive, come across a trailhead, and want to do a hike or for walking in town. Or am I missing something.

[@Hikingguy]

It's not as slick as it could be but with the Apple Watch alone you can't really plan any hikes without a iPhone

[@al3us0]

Thank you for you very detailed explanation! I'm considering replacing my old GPSMAP with Fenix or Epix, but I think I'm missing one very critical feature in Garmin watches that I use very frequently in GPSMAP - measuring distance on the map. For example, I often measure bird distance to camp place or next checkpoint on topo map in GPSMAP and like understand it's not possible to get that information from none of the Garmin watches. I would be happy to hear your feedback about this.

[@Hikingguy]

What you're describing is what you can do with course points. It will work exactly as you described. They come in very handy.

[@al3us0]

@@Hikingguy thanks for your reply. I understand that. but if there are no predefined course points. Can I measure distance to random place/point on a map using Fenix in a similar way I would do in GPSMAP (there I just move cursor and see distance to any point on a map)

[@Hikingguy]

@@al3us0 yes put it on the map screen and long press down anywhere on the map, it will give you the distance away in straight line

[@al3us0]

@@Hikingguy can I do this with Fenix 6x?

[@al3us0]

@@Hikingguy last question 🙏 can I do this on Fenix 6 with buttons or it needs to be the newest 7 with touchscreen?

[@sennbysennby4121]

The marker on the fēnix 7x map disappears when I move the map on touch. When I touch a point on the map with my finger, it marks a point, but when I activate the map, it disappears. Is this a bug or did this happen after the update? In the videos I transcribed on KZbin, when the map is moved, the circular marker appears in the middle. My device is fenix 7x Sapphire solar

[@byemrahozd]

Do you have to subscribe an inreach plan to view this map on explorer web site? It force me to buy a plan to continue after registration...

[@pac4ever455]

Hi, if you were to create waypoints on garmin explore only will the up ahead feature work with those wayloints?... I just hate using garmin connect because ive noticed that with connect sometimes elevation info comes.out wrong.

[@Hikingguy]

Nope, "up ahead" only works with course points.

[@danielrusakoff4325]

Hi mate, can you please tell me how you have your data screens set up? I have a different view to you on my tactix 7 pro and would like to match! Help would be greatly appreciated

[@Hikingguy]

HR zone - distance - timer - pace - average pace - elevation - total ascent - time of day

[@alahad4723]

Do you recommend use the maps that comes with the Epix Gen 2/Pro, or do you use third party maps (paid or free such as OSM)? This is for hiking on US west coast, Oregon and WA.

[@Hikingguy]

The onboard maps work well for me on the West Coast USA

[@tenzin044]

Hi there! I used today for first time navigation on my Fenix 7x ss. Later was so irritating but i try explain. I downloaded previously created my self route on Alltrails. Everything was fine (I find out better for me to change orientation ''on trail'' not ''north up'') up to the moment, when I wanted to change my walk slightly different way and back to main trail. (was house with dogs and I want walk past another way, then previously created) So, I tap on the map by the next turn and clicked ''go''. From this moment all was bad. Luckily I was support my self as usual by my phone and alltrails. Even I back to main trail(that created, seen message on the screen ''arrived on trail'') watch wasn't keep going follow my trail. He seen last that point where I tapped. I was tried keep walking but didn't work. Show me increasing distance from last point. So from Alltrails I new where to go so I tapped again and for moment seen original trail but not exactly, because was suggest every closest turn to destinantion point, wasn't really bothered follow the originally created trail. From this moment, even I zoom max close to the trail he zoom out for some reason. Maybe I do something wrong? What do you think? I hope I explain good enough. ;) Tom

[@gtube795]

Has anything changed in the last 1.5 years since this video in terms of new features or updates?

[@brucelin5842]

What’s with the line on the screen ?

[@kristianfuglsang6380]

What a great video. Maybe you could tell me why my GPS screen is white. Only with the arrows. No streets around on the screen. Garmin can't help me.

[@davidabanto8121]

I have same issue

[@mitchlbrown]

Thx for the info! Sometimes during a hike or run I accidentally press the bottom right button and it sets a “lap” or waypoint. Then, on the data screen, I can’t see the total elapsed time of my hike, instead it shows the time since I pressed that button. How can I see total elapsed time?

[@Hikingguy]

It's one of the time fields, just customize it. There's lap time and just "time" which is total

[@marcelofernandes5413]

Good videos. Does fenix 7 have TracBack function?

[@Hikingguy]

yup > support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=P003xjvIua50cfhcivVe99

[@harlanstockman5703]

Hi -- I see that your other loaded tracks show up on the map screen. That is a very annoying lack on the Suunto vertical. I am frustrated because I really like the way the epix/fenix do maps, and I like the 51mm screen... but it seems to get those, I need to get all the other stuff that I don't need (various health sensors, opaque activity options, etc.). Is there a simpler Garmin watch that will offer basically the same mapping and large screen, but is really meant for hiking, not just strava-bragging? I have been using garmin handhelds for 20 years, and would like to pare down the weight as I now carry a smartphone as well. I have been loading public-domain maps onto Garmin handhelds, even making my own Garmin format vector maps? I would just stay in the map screen most of the time, and I generally don't use trails for half of my hikes. Thanks!

[@jesusgallardo762]

Thank you for the video, I was trying to navigate using my fénix 7 watch on my last camping trip to get used to it. Prior my trip I loaded different waypoints to my watch. Not courses just waypoints. When i was navigating i knew what direction i had to go but i wanted to follow the watch directions to know i was understanding. Well i got very confused because while looking at the map while navigating i knew the waypoint i wanted to go was “north” of me but the travel bug was showing me different directions than where i wanted to go. Is this because i was just trying to navigate to a waypoint without a course? The travel bug was just showing me the general direction of where the way point was? What confused me the most is that when i knew i was walking in the direction of the waypoint the travel bug didnt point straight it would point east or west of where i was going but not straight. Again is this because i didnt have a course programmed? Thank you in advance

[@Hikingguy]

Not sure of the exact scenario that you have but my guess is that it's routing you on trails, and the bug is pointing you in the trail direction, which may not be the same as the waypoint direction since trails rarely go in the straight line

[@smarki99]

How long course can Fenix hadle? Some gravel races are more than 1000km - did anyone try to load and navigate such course?

[@Hikingguy]

It depends on the number of points along the course. support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=gMt4emKnTc5t2mdbI86517

[@gianlucaierpi2258]

Hi, very interesting and useful video. Just a newbie question, on my Fenix ​​7s the maps are not loaded, I would like to ask you what type of map can I load and what is the procedure? Are the TopoActive maps offered by Garmin useful for trekking and mtb? Is the correct procedure to use the maps manager or is it better to go through Garmin Express? Thanks and sorry for the very simplistic questions.

[@Hikingguy]

Topoactive Maps are great for hiking & mtg - try the map manager - www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-C001C335-A8EC-4A41-AB0E-BAC434259F92/EN-US/GUID-501D6F25-266A-4913-8F18-35AEEB9335DE.html Garmin Express is usually a quicker update than the watch's WiFi

[@gianlucaierpi2258]

@@Hikingguy Thank you so much for your reply and for the links you sent me.

[@jakeknight8555]

How do you use the watch to show you an arrow for hiking trails?

[@Hikingguy]

Navigate a route

[@panosliakos3653]

Hi there! Just a question: Could I use the GPS function of a Garmin watch by riding a moto in a city? Or maybe I shouldn't do that, and it would be better if I use a GPS device or even a mobile?

[@Hikingguy]

It probably wouldn't be practical but doable.

[@markdavid801]

HI! Question, if you start the trail on an InReach Mini 2, the watch will only reflect where you are on the map, correct? The InReach is doing the GPS tracking, right? Basically its a matter of what device you'd like to use for tracking - either the Mini2 or the Fenix 7. Both devices work independently. Am I right on this?

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, the only connection with the inReach is as a remote, not the GPS

[@atlmtnbiker]

There's a choice in Hike settings called Record Temperature. Can you please clarify what this is as there's only an on and off, no explanation. I'm hoping to be able to look at what the coldest temperature was overnight when I wake up the next morning, for example. Is that possible?

[@Hikingguy]

By default I think it measures temp, which looks like a mix of your body and exterior temp. I think you can pair with a Tempe sensor but haven't tried it. Just ordered one and will try it out.

[@icaadanne1]

Great video, thinking about buying the Fenix 7 pro, question regarding saved locations, are saved locations "icons" always visible on the map during an activity, or do I have to choose "navigate to" in order to see them?

[@Hikingguy]

Just did a test, marked a location and not seeing it on the Map app. Not so great.

[@icaadanne1]

@@Hikingguy thanks:) was hoping it would be like on Suunto, where you see poi/saved locations on the map, not a deal breaker, but it's nice to see my locations/poi on the map without searching for them:)

[@user-fn4pm2pb9c]

What is the ease of turning on gps? Does turning gps on involve a difficult menu? Is gps used automatically? Can you drop in pins on the go, even name them? Does it have a voice-over for navigating with earphones?

[@Hikingguy]

GPS turned on auto when starting an activity

[@user-fn4pm2pb9c]

@Hikingguy That's great. Forgeting to turn off gps, the battery life would go from days to hours. Does garmin not have a voice like phone gps?

[@Hikingguy]

@@user-fn4pm2pb9c you can get voice prompts on a paired (and nearby) phone but not from the watch - you can get alerts with beep and haptics though for some things

[@user-fn4pm2pb9c]

@Hikingguy it would've been nice to get direction in like a sharp turn to the right or a slight turn to the left. At least, if I hear sounds on earbuds that tell me to turn in either left or right ear, it would be a great idea. I just hope Garmin would include it in an update.

[@rushodai929]

Do I need to add waypoints at all? Can I just download a GPX route and follow it? And will "off course" still work?

[@fendermon]

Waypoints are extra/ optional points like a stop you want to make. I never make them on hikes, but I don't go far.

[@emilperbjors596]

How do you get that detailed map? I have the fenix 7 pro solar sapphire but i just have the standard "white/blank" map even though i tried to download an updated topoactive map and bought outdoor+ maps but it is still that white/blank map....

[@Hikingguy]

That's not normal, try going into the map settings and make sure you have the Topoactive map selected in the normal color scheme.

[@cyclofeedubox8332]

Great video as usual. Can I ask, what’s the benefit of a waypoint over a course point? Seems to me a course point does the same thing and since it can all be set up and used in Garmin Connect (aside from having topomaps) what’s the point of Garmin Explore? I can see way points being very useful for hikers but coming from a cycling/running background they are very useful for feed stops as well as motivation/pace planning etc. other than the cooler map in explore, why have this overlap issue at all?

[@Hikingguy]

Course points are only info - displayed on Up Ahead - you can't navigate to them on the fly or set proximity alerts. With waypoints you can. They should really be one in the same for functionality, but they're not.

[@francoisdallaire4835]

Am I crazy of did garmin remove direct routing "straight line" navigation in the latest update?

[@Hikingguy]

ugh I think you're right, will dig this week

[@rogerhuston8287]

I'm thinking of getting a Garmin. As they are on version 7 you would think they would have all this app nonsense figured out by now.

[@witoldb6783]

Hi Chris, how the battery life is performing after many hours you spent with the watch? Is it fair to say that one day with gps (hiking, nice beer, food, hiking) is easily made with Epix? Thank you! Great video!

[@Hikingguy]

Battery is still solid and I wear it 24/7 - and not a problem going all day with tracking an activity. I do it often and can usually get 2-3 long days before charging again.