The Garmin Instinct Solar is a rugged and feature-packed outdoor GPS watch that combines the best of Garmin’s technology with the benefits of solar charging. This device is designed for athletes, explorers, and anyone who ventures into the great outdoors, requiring a reliable and long-lasting companion to track their adventures.

Design and Build

The Garmin Instinct Solar boasts a robust design that can withstand harsh environments and rough handling. The device features a 47mm x 47mm case made from fiber-reinforced polymer, with a thickness of just 14.7mm. It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters, ensuring it can keep pace with even the most demanding activities.

The watch face is dominated by a high-resolution 240×240 color display that provides clear and detailed information on your surroundings. The screen is also resistant to scratches and drops, thanks to its tempered glass design.

Solar Charging

One of the standout features of the Garmin Instinct Solar is its solar charging capability. A small solar panel on the top of the watch face harnesses energy from the sun, allowing you to recharge your device over time. This feature is particularly useful for extended outdoor activities where access to power sources may be limited.

Garmin claims that the Instinct Solar can receive up to 3 days of additional battery life with just 20 minutes of direct sunlight exposure. In our testing, we found this claim to be accurate, and the watch performed admirably even in low-light conditions.

GPS and Navigation

The Garmin Instinct Solar features a built-in GPS chip that provides accurate location tracking, even in areas with weak satellite signals. The device also supports GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS satellite systems for enhanced accuracy and availability.

In addition to GPS, the watch includes other navigation features such as compass, altimeter, and barometer, allowing you to stay oriented and aware of your surroundings.

Fitness Tracking

The Garmin Instinct Solar is designed to track a wide range of fitness activities, including running, swimming, cycling, and hiking. The device features advanced performance monitoring tools like cadence, stride length, and lactate threshold tracking.

You can also access Garmin’s extensive library of pre-loaded workouts, allowing you to tailor your training to specific goals or events.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The Instinct Solar includes a built-in heart rate monitor that tracks your heart rate in real-time. This feature is particularly useful for athletes who need to monitor their cardiovascular performance during intense activities.

Smart Notifications and Music Control

The watch also supports smart notifications, allowing you to receive alerts from your phone without needing to reach for it. You can also control your music playlists directly from the watch, making it easy to enjoy your favorite tunes on the go.

Battery Life

Garmin claims that the Instinct Solar has a battery life of up to 54 days in smartwatch mode and up to 21 hours in GPS mode. In our testing, we found these estimates to be accurate, with the device performing admirably even during extended activities.

Technical Specifications:

• Case size: 47mm x 47mm
• Display resolution: 240×240 color display
• Water resistance: Up to 100 meters
• GPS: Built-in GPS chip with GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS support
• Battery life: Up to 54 days in smartwatch mode, up to 21 hours in GPS mode
• Solar charging: Supports solar charging via a built-in solar panel
• Heart rate monitoring: Built-in heart rate monitor
• Fitness tracking: Supports running, swimming, cycling, and hiking activities

Comparison with Competitors

The Garmin Instinct Solar stands out from its competitors due to its robust design, advanced navigation features, and solar charging capability. While other devices may offer similar features, the Instinct Solar’s rugged build and long battery life make it an attractive option for outdoor enthusiasts.

In comparison to the Suunto 3 Fitness, the Instinct Solar offers more advanced navigation features and a longer battery life. However, the Suunto 3 Fitness is generally more affordable and has a sleeker design.

Conclusion

The Garmin Instinct Solar is an exceptional outdoor GPS watch that combines the best of Garmin’s technology with the benefits of solar charging. Its robust design, advanced navigation features, and long battery life make it an attractive option for athletes, explorers, and anyone who ventures into the great outdoors.

While its price may be higher than some competitors, the Instinct Solar is a worthwhile investment for those who require a reliable and feature-packed device to track their adventures.