When it comes to rugged smartwatches, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar stands out as an exceptional choice. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or just someone who wants reliable features on your wrist, this watch delivers.
If you’re tired of constantly charging your devices or you need advanced tracking capabilities that won’t falter, I can’t recommend the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar enough. Its durability, health tracking, and solar-powered battery life are game-changers.
Now, let’s break down why this smartwatch might be exactly what you’re looking for, especially if you’re like me and demand both practicality and performance.
First Impressions of Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
The first thing you’ll notice when unboxing the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is its tough, no-nonsense design.
It feels sturdy in your hand but is surprisingly lightweight on your wrist.
The fiber-reinforced polymer case and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass ensure this watch can handle a bit of abuse—perfect for hiking, running, or pretty much any outdoor activity you throw at it.
Personally, I’m not a fan of touchscreen interfaces on watches, so I appreciate Garmin’s decision to stick with physical buttons.
With five buttons positioned around the face, you can easily navigate menus even when your hands are sweaty or you’re wearing gloves.
The display is monochrome, which might seem like a downgrade compared to other smartwatches, but trust me—it makes all the difference in bright sunlight. The screen is always on, and its clarity in direct sunlight is a major win for anyone who spends time outdoors.
- Performance and Features
So, let’s talk about performance. For me, the standout feature of the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is its solar charging capability. Garmin claims that with enough sunlight (around three hours a day in 50,000 lux conditions), you could potentially enjoy unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode.
In reality, unless you’re constantly outside, it’s not going to hit “unlimited,” but the solar charging definitely adds days to the battery life between plug-ins. Even with regular GPS tracking, I was getting up to two weeks of usage before needing to recharge, which is outstanding compared to other smartwatches.
The watch supports multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo), which makes it incredibly reliable in tracking your position, whether you’re in a dense forest or out on a trail. I used it for a ten-hour hike, and it tracked my route flawlessly.
The GPS, paired with a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, makes this a perfect companion for anyone who takes adventuring seriously.
Another feature that impressed me was the range of sports profiles pre-loaded onto the watch. Whether you’re into running, swimming, cycling, or strength training, the Instinct 2 Solar has you covered.
I personally tested it during swimming and weightlifting sessions, and the tracking was spot-on. Even the VO2 Max feature—which estimates your oxygen consumption—felt accurate enough for my fitness needs.
- Health Monitoring
I’m a sucker for health data, and Garmin doesn’t disappoint here. The Instinct 2 Solar offers heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, stress tracking, respiration rates, and even Pulse Ox readings (note that this isn’t available in all countries).
One feature I found reassuring was the incident detection system, which can alert a designated contact if you take a fall or have an accident. I haven’t had to use it, but knowing it’s there gives me peace of mind, especially when I’m cycling on less-traveled roads.
Pros of The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
- Solar Charging: Obviously, the solar charging feature is a huge win. Even if you don’t hit the sweet spot for unlimited battery life, you’ll still enjoy a watch that lasts significantly longer between charges compared to most other smartwatches.
- Rugged Build: This watch is practically indestructible. I’ve knocked it against walls, submerged it in water while swimming, and taken it through rough hikes—there’s barely a scratch on it. Plus, with a water rating of up to 100 meters, you can wear it while swimming or even in heavy rain without worry.
- Comprehensive Activity Tracking: No matter what sport or activity you enjoy, this watch has you covered. I’ve tested it with cycling, swimming, and strength training, and the metrics it collects are precise and easy to analyze later in the Garmin Connect app.
- Excellent GPS and Navigation Tools: The combination of GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems means you’ll never have to worry about getting lost in the wild. It locks onto a signal quickly and tracks routes reliably.
- Customizable and Intuitive: The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar may seem complex, but it’s easy to set up and customize. After spending some time tinkering with it, I felt confident in its navigation. The watch offers endless customization, from rearranging widgets to tweaking your preferred metrics.
Cons of The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
- No Maps on Display: Despite all its fantastic GPS capabilities, the Instinct 2 Solar doesn’t have detailed maps on the display. Instead, you get a breadcrumb trail, which can feel a bit underwhelming if you’re used to more sophisticated navigation visuals.
- Lack of Touchscreen: For some people, the lack of a touchscreen may be a downside. If you’re used to swiping through apps and menus on other smartwatches, the button navigation might feel clunky at first.
- Limited Smart Features: While you can receive notifications and control music, this isn’t a full-fledged smartwatch in the way an Apple Watch is. There’s no voice assistant or ability to take calls directly on the watch, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
Maintenance Tips For Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Smartwatch
To keep your Garmin Instinct 2 Solar running smoothly, there are a few things you can do:
- Keep it Clean: If you’re wearing the watch during sweaty workouts or outdoor adventures, make sure to clean it regularly. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it afterward to prevent any buildup around the buttons or sensor.
- Update Software Regularly: Garmin is pretty good about releasing software updates, which can improve performance and introduce new features. Make sure to sync the watch with the Garmin Connect app to stay updated.
- Charge Smartly: While the solar charging feature is a major plus, don’t forget to give it a full charge every now and then. The solar panels won’t always keep up if you’re constantly using GPS or other high-energy features.
- Watch Out for Scratches: While the Gorilla Glass is tough, it’s not immune to deep scratches if you’re rough with it. Consider getting a screen protector if you’re someone who tends to be a little harder on your gear.
Comparison With Other Brands
If you’re wondering how the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar stacks up against other rugged smartwatches, here’s my take:
- Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Vs. Njord Gear Watch
The Njord Gear Watch is a solid option if you’re looking for a rugged, military-grade smartwatch.
It boasts a durable build and some impressive features, such as GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring, similar to the Instinct 2 Solar.
However, it lacks the solar charging feature that gives Garmin the edge when it comes to battery longevity.
While the Njord Gear Watch is more budget-friendly and offers good functionality, its battery life can’t compete with the Garmin, especially for users who rely on solar power to extend usage in remote areas.
Additionally, Garmin’s ecosystem of health tracking features, like Pulse Ox and stress monitoring, is far more comprehensive than what Njord offers.
- Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Vs. Carbinox X-Ranger Watch
The Carbinox X-Ranger Watch is another strong contender in the rugged smartwatch market. Known for its shock resistance and military-grade durability, it is designed to endure tough conditions. The X-Ranger Watch is also waterproof and features decent fitness tracking tools.
However, in terms of battery life and advanced tracking capabilities, the Instinct 2 Solar easily takes the lead. The Carbinox X-Ranger Watch doesn’t have the solar charging feature, which means you’ll still need to charge it regularly, especially if you’re using GPS and other power-hungry features.
Garmin also outshines Carbinox with a wider array of sports profiles, health tracking, and a more established app ecosystem. If you’re looking for a simple, durable watch without the need for solar power or in-depth fitness tracking, the Carbinox X-Ranger might be sufficient, but the Instinct 2 Solar offers much more versatility.
- Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Vs. Coros Vertix 2 GPS Adventure Watch
The Coros Vertix 2 GPS Adventure Watch is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar in terms of targeting adventure seekers.
The Vertix 2 offers some premium features, such as full-color topographic maps, which are missing from the Garmin.
This makes the Vertix 2 particularly attractive for extreme adventurers who need detailed mapping for navigation.
On the flip side, the Instinct 2 Solar’s battery life, enhanced by its solar charging, is significantly longer in smartwatch mode.
While the Vertix 2 can last up to 140 hours in full GPS mode, Garmin’s solar power technology helps keep the watch charged without needing a plug for extended periods, particularly useful for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
In terms of health tracking, Garmin still holds an advantage with more detailed health metrics like respiration, Pulse Ox, and stress monitoring, which are either missing or less prominent in the Coros ecosystem. The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is also easier to navigate thanks to its intuitive button interface, which some users might prefer over the touch-based Coros interface.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely. If you need a rugged, reliable smartwatch with fantastic battery life, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is worth every penny. Its solar charging, GPS, and health tracking make it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness lovers alike.
The primary difference is in the battery life. The Instinct 2 Solar offers solar charging capabilities, which significantly extends the time between charges. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, the solar version can be a game-changer.
No, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar doesn’t allow you to answer calls directly. However, you can receive notifications for incoming calls and texts, which you can view on the watch.
No, the Instinct 2 Solar doesn’t have detailed maps. It offers basic navigation in the form of breadcrumb trails, which help you retrace your steps, but you won’t find full-color maps like you might on other GPS watches.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, durable smartwatch with features that cater to both fitness and adventure, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a solid choice. Its solar charging alone sets it apart from competitors, giving it a significant advantage in terms of battery life.
Plus, the wealth of health and fitness tracking features ensures you’ll stay on top of your performance. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just going about your day, the Instinct 2 Solar proves to be a powerful, no-nonsense tool that can keep up with your active lifestyle.
