Garmin Fenix 6 In

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Garmin Fenix 6 In

2024-07-12 11:20| 来源: 网络整理| 查看: 265

In this Guide: Which model Fenix 6 is for you?GPS & Battery PerformanceHow to Navigate with the Fenix 6Fenix 6 Feature How-TosQuick Links:   Lowest Price Here -My Jul 2024 Gear

There's a new model, the Fenix 7, and its sister watch, the Epix.

You can support this website and these independent reviews by using the links above to purchase this or anything. I receive a small commission that helps offset website costs; you pay nothing extra.

This watch is incredible! I had the Fenix 3HR which set the bar, then the Fenix 5X, which even after two years with the watch never leaving my arm, I was still excited to use it every single day. That is really saying a lot. The 6X Pro Solar has yet again set a new bar with incredibly useful features. - REI Review

Which Fenix 6 Should I Buy?

Different Fenix 6 Models

Garmin offers several variations on the Fenix 6, but they don't do a great job of making it easy to decode which model offers what. Here's how to understand the different Fenix models:

Sizing: 6s (small, 42mm case), 6 (medium, 47mm case), 6x (large, 51mm case)Regular Fenix 6 or Pro/Sapphire: Pro and Sapphire models have music, on-board topo maps, Wi-Fi, and other software features enabled. The regular 6 model has these software functions turned off. I wouldn't recommend a "regular" model for hiking. Without the maps it just becomes a regular sports watch, and you can get something cheaper that has those functions.Sapphire or Non-Sapphire: Sapphire models have a scratch-resistant glass. Sapphire crystal glass is the third hardest mineral, right behind diamond. The Sapphire glass darkens the screen a little bit, but not much. Non-Sapphire models have Corning Gorilla Glass. All Sapphire models also come with Pro software features included, but not all Pro models have Sapphire glass.Solar or Non-Solar: Solar is only available in the 6x model and includes solar panels on and around the watch face that help charge your Fenix (more later). Garmin calls this Power Glass and it's also scratch-resistant, but not as much as the Sapphire model (it's Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with DX Coating). I've had my Pro Solar for several months with 24/7 use and no scratches so far.

Garmin doesn't recommend using a screen protector on the Pro Solar model because it cuts down on the solar intensity.

Here are my recommendations on picking the right model:

If you use maps, you want a big watch face, so go as big as possible and get a Fenix 6x.If you go on extended hikes or outdoors trips and battery life is important, go with the Fenix 6x Pro Solar.If you don't get solar, get the Sapphire glass Fenix 6 that best fits your wrist.

July 2020 Update: Garmin introduced solar for some non-6x models as well. Again, if you are not doing extended backcountry trips, you can probably skip the solar functionality. They also offer solar on the lower-priced cousin of the Fenix 6, the Garmin Instinct.

Is the Fenix 6 Worth It?Fenix 6 And Fenix 5x PlusThe Fenix 6x Pro Solar on the left, the beefier Fenix 5x Plus on the left. Should you upgrade to the Fenix 6? Keep reading...

If you have an older GPS or smartwatch it can be tough to decide on whether the Fenix 6 is worth the cost; it's an expensive watch. Let me walk you through some of the notable features relevant to hiking and the outdoors. I'll go through some of the other non-outdoors features later in the article; make sure you check them out. There are many other applications available on the Fenix 6 that might be useful to you.

Standard features include:

Track hikes, runs, cycling, weight training, yoga, pilates, almost anythingOnboard GPS, heart-rate monitor, and pulse oximeter (to measure blood oxygen)Smartwatch that integrates with your phone (which you can turn off)Sleep, step, and fitness trackerNavigation tool (topo maps, altimeter, barometer, compass)Training computer (analyzes your form and gives you advice on your training)

Notable new features applicable to hiking and the outdoors include:

Bigger screen than past models (including the 5x Plus). The resolution on the 6x is 280x280 pixels with 1.4 inches diameter screen.Much better battery life and more power-saving modes (more later in the battery section). The Pro Solar adds some battery charging capabilities and is nice if you're trying to get the most out of the watch.Fenix 6 Power ModeYou can assign custom or default power modes to each activity (like hiking) that allow you to turn off what you don't need.New Sony GPS chipset has great accuracy for a smartwatch. There are a ton of variables with GPS accuracy but in general over many hundreds of miles, the GPS was accurate and dependable. Garmin has also done a lot of software honing in its firmware updates that make the accuracy better. The non-GPS chipset also seems faster; routing and software functions seem a little zippier than my 5x Plus.The new Fenix is thinner with less bezel and more screen. I've found that it snags less when I have long sleeves on and the screen definitely has more real estate, which is great when looking at maps. The extra real estate means that you can see more map.Fenix 6 Fenix 5 Back Side ViewYou can see that the buttons protrude less and the overall case is a bit thinner on the Fenix 6 (top).Fenix 6 Fenix 5 Back SensorsThe sensors on the back of the Fenix 6 are also flush with the case. There's no protruding area like on the Fenix 5.The new widget layout makse it easier to glance through information quickly.Fenix 6 WidgetsYou have some options to customize the map display. The ones most useful have ben normal, high contrast, and dark. There's also a popularity display that shows purple lines for popular routes, based on all the recorded Garmin data. Usually when I use popularity display with hiking I don't get anything, but with running and cycling you'll see the popularity heat-map lines.Fenix 6x MapThis is the new high contrast map mode which works well.

So should you get it? How much money can you spare? ?

If you're okay spending the money and want the latest and greatest, then get it, it's great.If battery is important to you, then get it. For example, you can get 60 hours of battery in GPS modes, so you could use one charge on a 6x10 hour day backpacking trip. In expedition mode you can get 46 days, so if you're thru-hiking, this could be a good choice.If you don't have a hiking smart-watch yet and want to get something that will last for a few years, get it.If you don't have a hiking smart-watch yet and want to get something that is durable, has the bulk of the features of the Fenix 6 without the maps and fancy stuff, consider the Garmin Instinct.If you have an older model Fenix and it works fine for you, you don't need the Fenix 6. You can still load GPX tracks on older models like the Fenix 3.

If you're reading reviews on REI, Amazon, etc., just a quick note. There are some 1-star reviews that look like they are before some important firmware updates. I find it helpful to look at the most recent reviews first.

Garmin Instinct

Don't need all the bells and whistles? The Garmin Instinct is a great (and affordable) alternative. You can load the GPX file from this hike onto the watch and make sure that you're on the trail at all times. You can also track your pace and calories for the hike, runs, bike rides, workouts, and almost everything. Check Out the Reviews & Prices

How The Fenix 6 Works

Here's a quick tour of how the Fenix 6 works and how to use it for the outdoors. I could probably write a thousand words on each of these features, so I invite you to check out the manual (link a the bottom) if you want to dig deeper. I also dive deeper into navigation later so keep reading.

Buttns On Fenix 6The buttons have the same layout and functions as older Fenix models. The basic gist is that you go up and down through menus, then forward and backward on your choices.Back Of Fenix 6The back has the same proprietary charger connection as the Fenix 5, as well as the new Elevate heart rate sensor which is flush with the watch case. I'm not going to do a deep dive on heart rate accuracy but I can tell it's usually about the same as when I wear a heart rate chest strap.Fenix 6 WidgetsPressing up or down from the watch face brings you into the widgets screen. Now you see three widgets per screen instead of just one. You can add, remove, and change the order of widgets. You can also download third-party widgets from the Garmin IQ website.Fenix 6 Weather Widget DetailClicking into a widget gives you detail for the widget.Fenix 6 Hourly WeatherThe widget detail can also have multiple pages that you scroll up and down through.Fenix 6 Activity ListClicking the upper right (forward) button brings up a list of activities you can track. You can add, remove, favorite, and reorder these activities. Outdoors-based activities include hiking, walking, navigation, map, mountain climb, kayaking, and many others.Fenix 6 Activity DeatilOnce you're in an activity, you can customize the data fields and screens that are displayed. You can have multiple screens and between 1-8 data fields on each screen. You can download data fields from the Connect IQ website or use the dozens of ones provided by Garmin. You can also look at maps as a data screen.Fenix 6 Activity SettingsYou can customize the settings for each activity, including power mode, alerts, GPS mode, auto lap, and more. You can also click into an activity and navigate a course or GPX track from it.Fenix 6 NavigatingWhen you're navigating in an activity (like hiking, shown here), you will get prompts on the screen when the trail takes a turn.Fenix 6 ClimbproYou can also get a visualization of your entire route elevation and position.Fenix 6 Map PageAnd you can always look at the map page which shows where you are in relation to your course if you're using it to navigate. Otherwise it just shows your position on the map with only your current track line.Fenix 6 With Garmin ConnectWhen you're done your activity (and periodically throughout the day) the Fenix 6 syncs with the Garmin Connect smartphone app. You create a free account on Garmin Conect all your data is stored online. The Fenix 6 also connects with Garmin Explore which I'll cover in the navigation section.

When your activity is synced you can view it on the mobile app or dive deeper on the Garmin Connect website.

Hiking Activity On Garmin Connect Website

Fenix 6 Battery and Solar PerformanceFenix 6 BatteryHere's the battery life according to Garmin, which I've found to be pretty accurate if not modest.

The battery and power management on the Fenix 6 is great and much better than older models. I'm not sure if it's a bigger battery or more efficient chipset or both, but you get more time between charges on the Fenix 6. According to Garmin, you get about 21 days of watch mode and 60 hours of activity tracking without any solar or battery saving tweaks.

Fenix 6 WatchfaceOne of the great things on the Fenix 6 is that it gives you a battery time estimate (5 days here). You can also just show the percentage. This watch face (included with the watch) also shows me how much solar power that I'm getting.Power ModesFenix 6 Power ModesPower Modes are a great new feature that lets you squeeze the most out of the already great Fenix 6 battery. Here is the preset "Max Battery" power mode that minimizes all drain to get the most battery for your buck.

You can create custom power modes on the Fenix 6 that turn features on or off based on what you need. Custom power modes are created in the settings under "Power Manager", and once created are applied to your hike or other activity by going into the settings for that activity and choosing the power profile. You can also select from standard Garmin modes of normal, max battery, and jacket mode (no optical heart rate if you wear it outside clothing).

Fenix 6 Power Mode SettingYou can turn all the major battery draining features on or off for a power mode.Fenix 6 Battery SaverBattery Saver mode is like a power mode that acts globally on your Fenix 6, all of the time. Using it can extend the battery for days.

So Power Modes get applied to activities, but there's also a "Battery Saver Mode" that gets applied to the regular watch mode. It works similar to power modes; when you enter Battery Saver Mode you can turn features on and off. You can also set a customizable low-battery alarm so that you can enter Battery Saver Mode when you get low. You can access it from the setting menu, or toggle it on and off by holding in the power button.

I find the power profiles great. I turn off music and other features that aren't important and it's great. I haven't gone on any really long backpacking trips, but have taken it on trips under a week and it's good every day. And I have a cheap USB battery charger just in case (and use it for other devices too).

Make sure you take the automatic Pulse Oximeter readings off, they drain the battery more quickly than anything else.

Solar PowerFenix 6 Solar PanelThere actually two solar panels on the Fenix 6. The first and main one is this band around the watch face. The other one is the watch face itself.

The solar panel offers a lot of promise, especially for those who are outside every day. First off, set your expectations accordingly. The solar panel on the Fenix 6 is small, arms move around, sleeves cover the watch face, and we are often under trees and look for shade on hot days.  The solar panels are not going to quickly charge the device back to 100%. But you are going to offset the battery drain, especially when you're hiking in direct sunlight.

Here's what I've observed about the Pro Solar functionality from hiking with it for several hundred miles:

It's much better when you're in direct sunlight (hiking through scrub, above the tree line, or in the desert).When you're under cover don't expect many benefits.If you leave it out in the sun in watch mode, you get about 1% charge in 4 hours.When hiking in the sun, the battery drain generally cuts in half (1-2%/hour to 0.5-1%/hour).Using a screen protector gave me pretty much the same results.Fenix 6 Solar IndicatorSome watch faces have this little solar icon. When it's full (left) it's getting a full charge. Otherwise the number of filled notches around the edge indicates the charge. So on the right I'm in the shade and we're getting 10% (1 notch out of 10). The line graph on the bottom also indicates solar charge.Expedition ModeFenix 6 Expedition ModeExpedition mode makes the most of your battery by turning everything off and to take occasional (customizable) track points.

Expedition Mode is a multi-day tracking app that turns off all the sensors and screen, then records a track point every 60 minutes (you can adjust between 15-90 minutes). To see the watch face, you just tap the power button and it stays on for a few seconds and goes off again. You can also mark waypoints in this mode. You can get 45 days of tracking (and up to 10 more with solar) in this mode. So if you're thru-hiking and want a basic track stored, expedition mode could come in handy.

My Top Battery Saving TipFenix 6 GPS Performance

GPS is always a tough one to measure because there are so many variables and a lot of folks have strong opinions about which satellite constellation is best. I use the Fenix 6 and GPSMAP 66i, often pour over my GPX tracks after a hike, and do a fair amount of tinkering with my settings. So while I'm not testing this in a lab, I am constantly observing and evaluating GPS performance.

Performance on the Fenix 6 is not as good as a handheld GPS like the GPSMAP 66i, which you would expect since the GPS antenna is likely bigger on the handheld unit. Also your hands (and the Fenix) will move around more than a handheld which normally sits stationary in a pocket while you hike.Aside from the occasional errant track point, the Fenix 6 GPS tracking has been remarkably accurate.The Fenix 6 has been (generally) more accurate (less errant track points and drifts) than the Fenix 5x Plus.When you stop, it's important to pause your activity. Otherwise the unit will continue to take track points which could be off by 20+ feet each, inflating your distance. This is called nesting because of the circular pattern the track makes.Tree cover and canyon walls affect GPS performance. You need 4 satellite fixes to get a semi-accurate position, the more the better. Whenever that ability is impeded by the conditions, the track will suffer.There is no winner when it comes to GPS, GPS+Galileo, or GPS+GLONASS accuracy.If you have a clear view of the sky and you want to save battery, GPS only will be usually fine.I use GPS + Galileo because I hike in varied conditions and it offers more options to get a fix. Galileo will have 30 satellites up by 2020 giving you more options to connect (in addition to the 24 GPS birds).Some folks have luck with GPS + GLONASS but I had more (random) errant track points when using it. Again, a lot depends on the conditions and GLONASS is supposed to be better in the higher latitudes, so maybe it will work for you.Periodic firmware and GPS chipset updates have seemed to have varying effects on GPS performance. I'd expect it to always get better but sometimes it seems to get a little worse. It's just anecdotal, but worth mentioning. Overall though, the GPS has been solid for me.Fenix 6 GPS Track Case StudiesFenix 6 Gps Grand Canyon GoodHere's an out-and-back on the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon. The Fenix 6 performed well next to canyon walls (bottom) and almost perfect when on the open section (right).Fenix 6 Gps Grand Canyon Good 3Here I am on the same out-and-back hike. You can see where the Fenix 6 struggled when I hiked next to the canyon wall by Ooh-Ahh Point. But look how accurately I match the trail when in a more normal situation (upper left).Fenix 6 Gpsmap 66i Gpx Open SkyHere's an open sky comparison of the GPSMAP 66i (red) and the Fenix 6 (purple). They are both pretty spot on when conditions are good.Fenix 6 Gpsmap 66i Gpx BuildingsOkay, here we are going through some tall buildings. The 66i (red) has me correctly on the sidewalk and follows me nicely through the courtyard while the Fenix 6 (purple) struggles a bit more but straightens up when I come out of the shadow of the building. Still not horrible considering the circumstances.Fenix 6 Gpsmap 66i Gpx NestngHere's an example of nesting on the Fenix 6 (purple). I stopped for 3 minutes and the Fenix 6 continued to take track points with varying accuracy. The 66i (red) remarkably knew not to bother since I was stopped. You can easily avoid this situation on the Fenix 6 by pausing your activity when you stop. But I just wanted to test it out.Fenix 6 Gps Versus Fenix 5xHere's the Fenix 6 (light blue) against the Fenix 5x Plus (purple). Look how the 5x lost its mind in the canyon but the 6 did okay.Fenix 6 Gps Grand Canyon ErrorsAnd here's where my Fenix 6 lost its mind, climbing out of the Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. In fairness, this is probably as extreme as you can get with having your signal blocked, and every once in awhile it would think I was somewhere way different. I wish the watch software would be smart enough to discard distant (errant) track points when you're doing an activity like a hike.  But you can also see that in one direction it worked fine. Again, it all depends on how many satellites that you have a line-of-sight to.Fenix 6 Gps Grand Canyon Good 2And in contrast to the last track, here'z another one into the Grand Canyon that fared a little better. Remember, these are what I'd call extreme cases unless you do all your hiking going up and down the Grand Canyon walls.

I have a comparison of the GPSMAP 66i and Fenix 6 GPX tracks if you want to check it out. It's through tall and short buildings in an urban setting. I find that these types of conditions make GPS units struggle the most. There are also some Fenix 6 tracks from other conditions in there for you to dive deep on.

Fenix 6 GPS Accuracy TipsTry to sync your Garmin Connect app with Garmin and then sync with your Fenix 6 before starting your activity. If you're hiking in the middle of nowhere, you'll want to do this at home. This will download the latest Garmin EPO file to your Fenix 6 which helps it predict where the satellites will be. In practical terms it usually means you'll acquire a fix in a few seconds. The EPO file is good for a few days so it's best to sync before your hike.Let your GPS signal "soak" for a few minutes which means more signals get locked in and stabilize. I'll turn my activity on when I get to the trailhead (but not start it), get my boots on, etc., and after a few minutes when I'm ready, the GPS signals should be stable and ready to go.Change your tracking from Smart Recording to Every Second Recording (in settings). Unless you have thousands of tracks and need to save room, or are tweaking your battery to get the most juice, it's worth the extra file size because you get better fidelity with "every second." Smart Recording looks for changes in direction, speed, heart rate and elevation to trigger a track point. It works fine but why not get some more precision if you can afford it?Smart Versus Every SecondSmart Recording on top, Every Second Recording on the bottom.Turn on 3d Speed and 3d Distance (in settings) to factor in elevation when calculating your speed and distance.Use GPS + Galileo for the most options when getting a satellite fix. GPS might work fine but there are occasional outages with various satellites so having more options for a good fix is worth it.Pause your activity when you stop to minimize GPS drift and nesting.Gps NestingCheck out the "nest" in the middle where there was a stop in movement but no pause on the activity.

If you look at GPX track and it's way off the trail, don't necessarily blame your GPS, the map could be wrong. It's not uncommon for Google or OSM maps to be incorrect.

Apple Watch Versus Fenix 6

Here you can see my Apple Watch 6 GPS versus the Fenix 6x Pro Solar. This is a hike through some deep canyons. It's probably one of the more challenging situations for a GPS. Scroll around the map and check it out.

Red - Apple Watch 6Blue - Garmin Fenix 6x Pro SolarClick Here To View

Navigating With the Fenix 6

As an outdoors smartwatch my Fenix 6 does a lot of heavy lifting for me; I use it to confirm my position, make navigation decisions, and to mark waypoints. And it works great. It's not a substitute for having paper maps, but for most people, wearing a Fenix 6 and having a paper map will be enough to navigate successfully in the backcountry. Let's walk through some of the important concepts.

Garmin ExploreGarmin ExploreGarmin Explore is a navigation-focused online software that works with the Fenix 6.

So I mentioned that the Fenix 6 syncs with Garmin Connect, which is a fitness-focused system. When you run, go for bike rides, workout, etc. with the Fenix 6 it syncs your workouts with Garmin Connect, gives you training feedback, integrates it with your physiological markers to give recommendations, etc. If you workout, run, ride, etc. it's not perfect but it's pretty awesome.

Garmin has decided to segment the fitness world and the outdoors world. So then there's another software ecosystem for the outdoors called Garmin Explore. It's more navigation focused and doesn't have things like heart rate analysis.  Like Garmin Connect, there's a website and mobile app. And like Connect, it's free when you buy your Fenix 6. If you have an InReach device, it's the same system that they use to sync and store navigation information. It also displays InReach messages that you've sent.

Since the Fenix 6 functionality bridges the fitness and outdoors worlds, you can use and sync with both Connect and Explore. I use Connect more because it's easier to plan and gives me more information, but when I want to extract waypoints I use Explore.

Waypoints

Waypoints are called "Saved Locations" on the Fenix 6.

Fenix 6 Save LocationTo save a waypoint, hold down the power button and select "save location."Fenix 6 Saved LocationYou'll see some info and can save it or discard.Fenix 6 Custom IconOnce it's saved you can edit it's name, icon (divided into sets as seen here), elevation, and position.Fenix 6 Navigate WaypointYour waypoint is available in the Fenix 6 to navigate with under "Saved Locations."Fenix 6 Waypoint Garmin ExploreYou can access your saved locations on the Garmin Explore app or website, but not in Garmin Connect. Here's the mapping between the two systems as well.On the Fly Navigation

The Fenix 6 has onboard routable topo maps and powerful routing engine, and you can create courses on the fly. In reality I rarely use this function; by the time I hit the trail I know where I am going and just use the GPS to cross-reference that. But it can come in handy if you just want to do a quick hike or perhaps have an emergency.

You can navigate a course while in an activity like hiking or running, or you can use the "Navigate" activity that just focuses on navigation (but doesn't have anything special in terms of data).

Fenix 6 Navigation Step 1When you're in an activity like hiking (shown here), hit the up button to navigate.Fenix 6 Navigation Step 2You have several options including pre-created courses and saved locations.Fenix 6 Navigation Step 3To calculate a new navigation route, select Navigation.Fenix 6 Navigation Step 4You have several options when choosing a destination: points-of-interest baked into the onboard maps, back to you starting point (along the same route you took in), a course (multiple points), redo a past activity, saved locations, a sighted waypoint in the distance, coordinates, or selecting from a map.Fenix 6 Navigation Step 5The map feature is helpful for on the fly navigation. The Fenix 6 will route you on trails to the destination.Fenix 6 Navigation Step 6Once you have your destination(s) just hit go and the Fenix 6 will navigate you along routable paths to your destination. You can go into the settings for the activity and tweak the routing settings to minimize things like distance or elevation, avoid paved roads, etc.Fenix 6 Navigation Step 7As you navigate your route the Fenix 6 will let you know if you're on (or off) course and when there are turns coming up.Following a Course

The best way to plan a route for the Fenix 6 is to create a course in Garmin Connect. Garmin Connect lets you use Google, Open Street Maps, and HERE maps to route your course. You can find the Course creator under training on the menu. Once in there, you simply click along the trails and the route is created along the trails.

Create Course For Fenix 6You can use "follow roads" to have the course snap to the trail, or "freehand" to do straight lines for overland travel. You can also mix box modes together in one course like I've done here.

Once you have your course saved I've found the best way to get it to the Fenix 6 is to bring the course up on your Garmin Connect mobile app, then hit "send to device" which will transfer it using Bluetooth and make it available when you select a course for hiking.

Fenix 6 Hiking OptionsOnce you have the course on the watch, bring up the activity that you want. hit the up arrow to access options, select courses, and it will be listed in there.Fenix 6 Course StartedOnce you select and "do course" on the Fenix 6, you'll get turn-by-turn guidance as well as a fat purple line on the map that shows you where to go.Fenix 6 Following CourseYou'll also get the turn alerts on the course.Following a GPX File

You can import a GPX file from the web into the Garmin Connect or Garmin Explore app and then navigate with them. I prefer the Garmin Connect app because the interface is much better and the transfer is easy from the Garmin app. Once you've imported a GPX file it basically gets converted to a course, and you follow it the same way you would any other course.

Course From Gpx On Garmin ConnectOn the Garmin Connect course create screen, look for the hidden little button where you can import a GPX file.Screen Shot 2019 11 03 At 04.18.28Here's an imported GPX from one of my hike guides.

You can also import a GPX to the Garmin mobile app, but a lot depends on the operating system and version that you are using.

Img 6ce6e508083f 1On the iPhone look for "copy to Connect." It might be under "more options" on the sharing menu.ClimbProFenix 6 ClimbproClimbPro gives you a visualization of your current climb along with some key info.

ClimbPro has been around for cycling for a while, and now we have it for the hiking activity too. At first I thought it was a bit of a gimmick, but I've grown to enjoy the ClimbPro screen on my mountain hikes. ClimbPro only works when you create a route in Garmin Connect or on the Fenix 6 itself. It automatically segments out notable climbs on the route and displays them as a data screen on the hike. Unfortunately you can't select your own climbs but the automatic selection is pretty good.

In ClimbPro you get the climb number, distance to go, ascent to go, average gradient, and a bottom field that you can customize (on the screen shot above its vertical speed). When you are not on a climb you get to see the next climb and how far away it is.

Fenix 6 Navigation NotesThe Fenix 6 is compatible with the free (and great) Garmin Basecamp program for Mac and Windows.You can load free (and often more detailed) Open Street Maps onto the Fenix 6You can load 3rd party apps (like WikiLoc) and data fields from the Garmin IQ store onto the Fenix 6.The topo maps loaded onto the Fenix 6 are decent and have many more trails than they did a few years ago. Garmin uses the Open Street Map project as part of their map data and it's obvious that the quality and quantity of trails is better.Acclimatization FeaturesHeat Acclimation Icon On Fenix 6There are icons for altitude and heat acclimation on your training status widget. You also get notifications when there is a major change. Clicking into the data screens of the training status widget will give you more info on your acclimation status.

The Fenix 6 offers altitude and heat acclimation features are mainly geared toward runners and cyclists, with the training status and VO2 Max getting updated based on your acclimation results. Here's how it works.

For altitude acclimation, the watch combines your training activities along with a daily snapshot of your altitude, puts that data into some fancy algorithm, and then tells you the altitude that you're acclimatized to.  It only works when you are above about 2,800 feet.For heat acclimation, the Fenix looks at the heat and humidity of your last workouts compared to your bio-markers like heart rate and effort, plugs it in an algorithm, and then spits out a figure.

From there you get an alert and info in your training status on your acclimatization status. How useful is this to me as a hiker? Not much. In an ideal world as a hiker I'd like to see some kind of indication that my blood oxygen saturation in improving while at altitude, but the Fenix 6 acclimation feature doesn't factor in the pulse oximeter.

When I was hiking at altitude for a few days I'd get messages that I had acclimated to various altitudes but it wasn't any information that helped me make any decisions in terms of my effort for the day. If I was training (running or cycling) at altitude for an extended time,  I'm sure this would come in handy more.

Fenix 6 Altitude AcclimatizeHere's an altitude acclimation alert. I got this after two days at about 6000 feet.Altimeter, Barometer and CompassFenix 6 Elevation CalibrationYou can calibrate the altimeter, barometer and compass in a few different ways, which is a good thing.

As someone who hikes a lot, I generally use the altimeter the most. I don't use the watch compass but it's nice to have to glance at or cross-check with my analog compass. And the barometer is a nice to have when you're out on multi-day backpacks (although I generally get a weather report from my InReach). Some highlights include:

Altimeter calibration from GPS, manual entry, or map data.Storm alert when barometer drops by a (user selected) level.Sensors that automatically calibrate unless you want to manually intervene.

Like almost every other GPS in the world, these sensors are decent but not the same as a professional instrument.

Other Notable Fenix 6 Features

There are a ton of other features in the Fenix 6 but not all of them lived up to their expectations.Here are some other notable features worth mentioning. Some of them might be handy for you outside of hiking and the outdoors.

The pulse oximeter is not great. When compared to measurements with a professional fingertip pulse ox meter, the Fenix 6 is always lower. And sometimes it really struggles to take a reading, which you can correct by moving the watch around a little on your arm. It really needs a good "connect" with your wrist to work. I had high hopes for it but now I just keep it off to save the battery.The Fenix 6 measures your respiration rate now (included with a firmware update).The new Elevate Heart Rate Sensor works great and is usually within a beat or two of a chest strap.There are golf and ski resort maps onboard if that's your thing.The Trendline Popularity routing is good for runs but there's not much for hikes.If you swim, the wrist heart rate monitor works in the pool.You can have 8 data fields on the screen during an activity. It's a little too small for me but it's an option.PacePro lets you create target run paces that are adjusted for elevation changes and distance.Incident detection alerts someone through your phone if you crash on your bike.Physio TrueUp syncs your workouts and training status across devices (like if you use an Edge for cycling).Although the Fenix 6 measures HRV with the wrist HR monitor to calculate things like "stress," you can't just get HRV readings to measure fatigue (why? who knows...)Garmin Pay lets you do contactless payments. I used it on the Portland (OR) transit system and it was pretty cool.You can load up to 2,000 songs onto the watch and use Spotify or Amazon Music to listen to them. It also pairs with Bluetooth headphones.You can get notifications from your smartphone.You can download third-party apps like Uber from the Garmin IQ store.Fenix 6 ResourcesFenix 6 Unboxing 5A neat feature on the Fenix 6 is a little button tutorial and walk through when you first power it up.

If you want to dig deeper I recommend the following links:

Fenix 6 Owners ManualFenix 6 Firmware UpdatesFenix 6 Support CenterFenix 6 Support ForumsGarmin Forum on RedditTips for Using the Fenix 6Fenix 6 Unboxing

Here's the unboxing of my Fenix 6x Pro Solar with titanium band. I also came with an orange silicone band (in the box).

Fenix 6 Unboxing 1

Fenix 6 Unboxing 2

Fenix 6 Unboxing 3

Fenix 6 Unboxing 4

Fenix 6 Watch Band Options

Quick Fit Bands

There are also different band options available. The nice thing about the new Fenix watches is that they have quick-release bands; you just slide a little latch when it's upside down and it comes off. The notched bands are the easiest to deal with but the titanium and carbon bands are nice if you need something a little fancier. The fixed bands need to be taken to a jeweler to be sized correctly. Each model has its own band size:

6s takes the QuickFit 20 band6 takes the QuickFit 22 band6x takes the QuickFit 26 bandFenix Pro Solar BandsI got a 6x Pro Solar Titanium because it was the only one available on the first day they came out. It came with an orange silicone band in addition to the titanium one. I use the orange band most of the time but have the titanium one when I have to go on a fancy date or something.Need More Info?Have a question about the guide? Join my Patreon and ask me a question.Related GuidesGarmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For HikersGarmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For HikersHiking Gear & Outdoor TechnologyHiking Gear & Outdoor TechnologyGarmin Fenix & EpixGarmin Fenix & EpixPopular GuidesBest Hiking Gear 2024Best Hiking Gear 2024Hiking Boots or Shoes: Do I Really Need Hiking Boots?Hiking Boots or Shoes: Do I Really Need Hiking Boots?When to Hit SOS on inReachWhen to Hit SOS on inReachThis Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail YosemiteHi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.



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