The Battle of Outdoor Tech Giants: Apple vs. Garmin

In the realm of outdoor tech, Apple and Garmin are undisputed industry leaders. Choosing between the two can seem like a Herculean task, especially with the myriad of products they offer. Fortunately, I had an enlightening conversation with my tech-savvy friend Chris about the best choice between the two.

The Apple Watch Ultra – A Daily Driver or Outdoor Watch?

Chris shares my concerns about the Apple Watch Ultra. Yes, it is a more expensive variant of the regular Apple Watch, largely due to the bigger battery it houses. However, its price tag doesn’t justify the minimal new features it provides.

Here’s the thing about Apple – they’ve created a unique ecosystem where Apple products work seamlessly with each other. This integration is why people desire to use an Apple watch as their outdoor watch. But there is a catch – Apple Watches aren’t inherently designed for the outdoors. They relied heavily on third-party apps to fill in this gap.

Despite the disappointment, there’s a silver lining in the form of two third-party apps that Chris highly recommends – Footpath App and Work Outdoors. With features like offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, customizable data screens, and more, these apps effectively transform the Apple Watch into a Garmin-like device.

Addressing Battery Life Concerns

Concerns about the battery life of smartwatches, especially when using GPS, are common. Chris suggests using the low-power mode to extend the battery life. Furthermore, both the recommended apps support functionality with the action button on the Apple Watch, making them a breeze to use.

A Look into the Garmin Phoenix World

The Garmin Phoenix series, in particular the Phoenix 6 Sapphire, is one of Garmin’s top-of-the-line outdoor tech devices. Despite its steep learning curve, once you understand its functionalities, you can handle any Garmin watch with ease.

Interestingly, the newer Phoenix 7 and the Epics, a hybrid between Phoenix and Apple Watch, come with an AMOLED screen and a touchscreen option. They offer a superior display, improved resolution, and better color dynamics.

Which Watch is Best for the Outdoors?

Now here comes the million-dollar question – if both watches are sitting on your dashboard, ready to accompany you on your hike, which one would you pick?

Despite my initial expectations, Chris vouched for the Garmin as the superior outdoor watch. This choice, however, hinges on the type of activities you engage in.

• If you’re more of a casual hiker and spend a significant part of your day at a desk or in the front country, an Apple Watch would be a better fit.
• On the other hand, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast who values ruggedness, longer battery life, and simplicity, Garmin devices are the way to go.

The Future of Outdoor Watches

The next big leap in the evolution of outdoor watches is likely to be satellite communication. Imagine having satellite SOS or in-reach communication directly from your watch – a game changer indeed. It may take a couple of years, but the tech giants are undoubtedly working towards this breakthrough.

Entry-Level Options

For those wary of splurging on an Apple Watch Ultra, the Apple Watch SE or older versions are viable options. Yes, the battery life might be shorter, and the GPS not as good. However, for casual day hikes, these watches paired with the Footpath App or Work Outdoors can perform just as well, if not better.

In conclusion, the choice between Apple and Garmin boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re an outdoor buff who values ruggedness and battery life, Garmin is your go-to brand. If you value seamless integration, Apple is your go-to brand.