Garmin - tactix® 8 – Solar

Are you active duty? Check with management first if you will be allowed to wear a smartwatch. Pricey but the Tactix 8 Solar/MIPS version has everything that you need in your list. Personally, I would lose the smart notifications and music requirement, and get the Instinct 3 tactical version. While it doesn't have topo maps, it does have a style of navigation similar to what you see in the Foretrex series where you can see waypoints and have a breadcrumb style line showing where you went.

The display aside, both watches are practically the same for me. Same HR sensor, same GPS capability. Both have a flashlight. Both have a killswitch. Both nightvision mode. If you want the best of the best, Tactix 8 has the advantage of: Scuba Diving capabilities (it has a dive computer), a colored screen that you can view Topo maps on and it has Sapphire glass. Personally, I would go Instinct 3 tactical since its way cheaper and I can easily buy another if I break it doing cool guy shit. If battery life is important to you, make sure you get the MIP version instead of OLED. [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1705221/pn/010-02934-50/#specs](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1705221/pn/010-02934-50/#specs)

Why didn’t you get the Tactics 8 51mm solar? I’ve gotten 29 days out of a single charge before with a lot of solar while out hiking.

Instinct 3 tactical or Tactix 8 solar. Tactix will hit all of your list, but the instinct 3 tactical will do most of it.

Nothing really changes you get 2 extra days with tactix 8 solar and new heart rate sensor and it’s dive proof and quicker response time with a mic and speaker

*cough cough* as I walk around proudly with my Tactix 8 51mm solar! Lol. Rock it proudly maam. 😎

I just move from Tactix 8 solar to Ultra 3 !!! Love tactical stuff and I’m military freak but AW is amazing watch !

The format of the last review seem to be liked (minus the few keyboard warriors) so I’ll keep it similar for the Tactix 8. I’ve been using the Garmin Tactix 8 MIP (51mm Solar) for a few months now, and I’m ready to share my thoughts. I bought this watch primarily for its rucking activity tracker and night vision capability, and I was also drawn to its overall size. Here’s my take on how it’s been holding up. Why I Chose It I’m a big fan of rucking for fitness and training, so the dedicated rucking activity profile was a game-changer for me. The ability to input pack weight (finally!) and track my rucks accurately was my main reason for pulling the trigger. I also do some low-light outdoor activities, so the night vision goggle (NVG) compatibility was a huge selling point. Plus, I wanted a rugged watch that didn’t feel like a brick on my wrist, and the 51mm MIP version felt like the sweet spot for size. Rucking Activity Tracker The rucking profile is almost as good as I’d hoped. You input your pack weight before starting, and it logs the activity separately from hiking or walking, which is great for keeping my training data organized. I’ve been rucking with 30–50 lbs, and it feels like Garmin’s calorie estimates are more reflective of the extra effort compared to just using the hiking profile on my old watch. That said, I’ve read (and noticed) that the calorie calculations still lean heavily on heart rate rather than pack weight, so it’s not perfect. Still, it’s a step up, and I love seeing my ruck stats in Garmin Connect. I hope Garmin rolls this feature out to other watches, but for now, it’s a Tactix 8 exclusive. Night Vision Capability The NVG mode is legit. I tested it with PVS-14s during a night ruck, and the dimmed MIP display works like a charm—barely visible to the naked eye but clear enough to read through the goggles. The green LED flashlight option is also a nice touch for low-light situations without blowing your cover. Compared to AMOLED screens, the MIP display feels purpose-built for this kind of tactical use since it doesn’t emit much light unless you crank the backlight. If you’re into night ops or just want to geek out with NVGs, this feature delivers. Size and Design The 51mm MIP model fits my wrist perfectly (I’ve got ~7.5” wrists). It’s big enough to feel substantial and readable but not so bulky that it catches on gear or feels unwieldy during daily wear. The titanium bezel and sapphire lens give it a premium, tank-like vibe, and the blacked-out tactical look is sleek without being flashy. I was worried it might feel too similar to my old Tactix 7, but the slightly refined design and leakproof buttons make it feel like a proper upgrade. The MIP display is crisp in sunlight, and the solar charging is a lifesaver for long outings—I’ve gotten close to 40 days of battery life with moderate use. Other Thoughts • Battery Life: The MIP solar version is a beast. I haven’t tested the 48-day max Garmin claims, but it’s still impressive for a watch with this many features. • Tactical Features: I don’t use stuff like the Applied Ballistics solver (anymore) or Jumpmaster mode, but they’re there if you need them. Stealth mode is cool for disconnecting GPS and wireless, though I haven’t had a real-world use for it yet. • Downsides: At $1399, it’s a pricey investment. If you don’t need the tactical features or rucking profile, the Fenix 8 might be a better value. Also, I wish the 47mm version came in MIP for smaller wrists. The lack of a nylon strap with the 47mm AMOLED model is a bummer too. Again…I’m looking at the price for the masses for me it’s worth the $1400 but that doesn’t mean it is for everyone. So don’t come at me about it 🤣 • Rucking Wishlist: I’d love for Garmin to refine the rucking profile to factor in pack weight more directly for calorie burn. Right now, it’s more about logging than changing the data output. Final Verdict The Garmin Tactix 8 MIP is a stellar watch for ruckers and anyone who needs night vision compatibility or any other “tactical” needs. The rucking tracker is a huge win for me, the NVG mode works as advertised, and the 51mm size feels just right. It’s not cheap, and some of the tactical features might be overkill for casual users, but if you’re into rugged, mission-ready gear, this watch is hard to beat. I’m loving it so far and don’t regret the upgrade from my Tactix 7.

For that budget definitely the Instinct Tactical 3 Solar. Great watch! If budget was more flexible, I’d vouch for the Tactix 8 Solar that also just came out. More of a premium (Apple Watch comparison) for the fitness + everyday aspects. I also have Tactix and love it so far.

I’m using a awu 1 and a tactix 8 for work

https://preview.redd.it/qhdpnpt9ffjf1.jpeg?width=2299&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=436fd3478fc773d5e022020ce95aa98f8cba3e86 Tactix 8 is by far the best smartwatch IMO