Instinct 2X solar. Picked it for the battery life, solar charging, and flashlight. Don’t love the size but it was the best option with those features that fit the budget.
Garmin instinct 2x solar. All the stuff from getting calls at work through pulse point, hrv, sleep, all the workout stuff, text and calls, wallet etc. But the most used function that no one talks about that I use the most? The flashlight! Don't want to turn the lights on in the bathroom at night, use the flashlight! Also use the find my phone as well. Most smart watches probably do that though. I charge once a month. Also ditch the silicone watchband, get a fabric/Velcro one.
The first and arguably best choice id recommend for anyone is the Garmin Instinct 2 (or the larger Instinct 2X), that’s about it, check it out and see what you think
Yes it has smart notifications but you can fully turn off Bluetooth at the system level, and when you do, those notifications are completely gone just like many other models in the market, they’re not as intrusive as you think
If you want something even simpler, check on the Suunto Core and if you want to go for something a bit more on the high end side, check on the Coros Vertix 2 which is a premium option but has an insane battery life, dual-band GPS and amazing performance over smart features.
Funnily enough, I got both the Instinct 2 and the Coros Vertix which I alternate between but the Coros hits differ with the premium feel idk. You can try [9 Best Smartwatches Worth Investing in 2025: Hiking and Running](https://alaskanarrows.com/best-smartwatches-in-2025-for-hiking-and-running/) for others though
Cheers, hope this helps!
The first and arguably best choice id recommend for anyone is the Garmin Instinct 2 (or the larger Instinct 2X), that’s about it, check it out and see what you thinkYes it has smart notifications but you can fully turn off Bluetooth at the system level, and when you do, those notifications are completely gone just like many other models in the market, they’re not as intrusive as you think
If you want something even simpler, check on the Suunto Core and if you want to go for something a bit more on the high end side, check on the Coros Vertix 2 which is a premium option but has an insane battery life, dual-band GPS and amazing performance over smart features.
Funnily enough, I got both the Instinct 2 and the Coros Vertix which I alternate between but the Coros hits differ with the premium feel idk. You can try [9 Best Smartwatches Worth Investing in 2025: Hiking and Running](https://alaskanarrows.com/best-smartwatches-in-2025-for-hiking-and-running/) for others though
Cheers, hope this helps!
Yeah, I wouldn’t consider it an advantage either but it was a selling point so I included it.
I had it on my Apple Watch and hated it, never used it, and don’t even like phone call notifications buzzing my wrist. I don’t dive either so there’s no reason for me to buy the 8 for $500+ more than the 7.
This comment being downvoted is insane lmao. The instinct is literally “a solid daily driver that doesn’t skip on the essential performance metrics.”
I recommended the Fenix 7X pro in another comment just because it can be had for a pretty good deal right now but the Instinct 2X or 3 would easily be my next recommendation.
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Forerunner 255 Series
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Long battery; but wrist HR tracking is inconsistent.
8lbs6ozBebeJesus
