What I Think of the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar: My Survivalist Sidekick (And Why It Outlived My Hiking Boots)
Spoiler: This Watch Survived Mud, Mountains, and My Netflix Binges (But My Phone’s Still Salty)
Confession: I’ve killed more smartwatches than houseplants. My Apple Watch drowned in a puddle. My Fitbit died mid-hike. Enter the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar – a $450 beast built like a tank, powered by the sun, and equipped with a flashlight brighter than my future. After testing it on trails, in lakes, and during questionable life choices, here’s my unfiltered take.
Why This Watch Became My Outdoor Obsession
1. Solar Charging: The Vampire Slayer of Batteries
The Power Glass lens turned sunlight into immortality. On a 5-day camping trip, battery life increased from 70% to 85%. My phone? Dead by hour two. Garmin wins.
2. Built-In Flashlight: Nighttime Hero
The LED flashlight saved me from:
- Face-planting on a moonless trail.
- Fumbling for tent zippers at 2 AM.
- Scaring off raccoons (strobe mode = disco deterrent).
3. Military-Grade Toughness: Drop It Like It’s Hot
Tested against:
- Rocks: Dropped it scrambling up a cliff. Scratches? Zero.
- Water: Swam in a glacier lake (rated for 100m depth). Still ticking.
- My Cat: Survived a “helpful” paw swipe off the table.
4. GPS So Accurate, It Found My Lost Dignity
Multi-band GNSS tracked my wanderings through dense forests. Even pinpointed where I ate that questionable gas station burrito.
5. Health Metrics: My Body’s Snitch
The 24/7 tracking revealed:
- My sleep score is worse than my credit score.
- My “resting” heart rate spikes during Love Island.
- Pulse Ox confirmed I’m alive (barely).
What Almost Made Me Hike Back to Civilization
- Bulkiness: The 50mm case feels like a wrist tank. Not for dainty wrists or sleeve cuffs.
- Monochrome Screen: No Netflix here – but do you really need colors on a mountain?
- Price: $450 buys a lot of ramen. But ramen can’t navigate a trail.
Garmin 2X Solar vs. the Competition
| Feature | Garmin 2X Solar | Apple Watch Ultra | Suunto 9 Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Infinite (with sun) | 36 hours | 14 days |
| Durability | Military Standard 810 | Swim-proof | Rugged but smaller |
| Flashlight | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Price | $450 | $799 | $500 |
| My Take | Best for off-grid nuts | Luxury pick, fragile | Sleek but less tough |
Who Should Buy This?
- Outdoor Freaks: Hikers, climbers, and people who think “glamping” is a dirty word.
- Preppers: Zombie apocalypse? This watch will outlive you.
- Fitness Nerds: Tracks everything except your existential crises.
- Sun Worshippers: Solar charging = eco-friendly bragging rights.
Real-Life Testing: From Peaks to Panic
- Mountain Misadventure: GPS guided me back after a wrong turn. Flashlight lit the way down.
- Lake Plunge: Swam 2 hours. Watch fine, ego bruised (forgot to pack swim trunks).
- Daily Grind: Survived grocery runs, CrossFit, and my toddler’s “watch theft” phase.
FAQs (From My Envious Hiking Group)
Q: Does it work with iPhones?
A: Yes! Syncs via Garmin Connect app. No iMessage, but you’re off-grid anyway.
Q: Solar charging in cloudy climates?
A: Even ambient light helps. Seattle tested – battery still lasted 3 weeks.
Q: Can it control Spotify?
A: Nope. But nature’s soundtrack > your workout playlist.
Final Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar isn’t cheap or cute, but it’s the most reliable adventure companion I’ve ever strapped to my wrist. Infinite battery, unkillable design, and a flashlight that doubles as a raccoon repellent? Worth every penny. Just don’t blame it when your phone feels inadequate.
