Fenix 3 Series

Yeah, I did that every day of the PCT with my Fenix 3HR in 2017. Watches have come a long way.

All true except advanced metrics. They are also present in Fenix (it has even more features for hiking) and Instinct. Forerunner is not more advanced. The rugedness is mostly about the bezel. In fenix and instinct it has a rim which gives extra protection to the screen. But that means rugged watches are more bulky what can be a problem in the gym. The real question is lightness of forerunner vs battery life of fenix /instinct

Not required, unless you plan to make it a lifestyle. Then you need to plan accordingly. I have a Garmin Fenix. My view (just for me) is that I want a sports watch with smart features. Not a smart watch with sport features.

there's more of us out there than you realize. I'm actually realizing the reason I got the fenix was to have the smallest sports tracker with the highest battery (woman with small wrists) and the best screen (Amoled is visible, wehre MIP is lmost invistible) But I'm finding the overnight data from garmin to be less and less useful or even mentally healthy, so I'm going back to using my analogs more and more. And they are prettier.

Get a garmin Fenix, doesnt really matter which model as long as it’s not ancient, off eBay

And really, i have Siri on my Fenix - so all these smart features are on my Fenix. I don’t need to answer messages or read emails on my watch. It’s enough to be able to read a notification. If it’s important I grab my phone. Did the same on my awu. It looks ridiculous when somebody is typing a message with his watch, isn’t it?

Good comparison! I’ll add that my fenix shows exercise demonstrations on the watch. I use it a lot

I’ve used several generations of the Garmin Fenix for resort skiing, backcountry skiing, and Nordic skiing in extremely cold temperatures without issue. They’d be fine in very cold weather, but it’s also important to note because you’re exerting yourself and it’s on your wrist, they’re actually probably a lot warmer than the air temperature, so they’ll be more than fine.

For sports the best is Fenix probably not the newest ones but for example 7 Pro

Depends on how casual you are. Fenix is great for hiking because of the maps but I find myself using my phone anyway for the maps usually, and if money is an aspect there are cheaper options than fenix with similar features.