Introducing: Garmin Instinct 2

If you perhaps felt that the Garmix Fenix 7 we talked about a few weeks back was a bit too pricey for your budget, but still like the idea of a solar-powered smart fitness watch, then the even recenter announcement of the Garmin Instinct 2 is one you’ll want to take notice of.

Given the lower price point (which starts at $350; the solar models start at $450), this makes the Garmin Instinct 2 feels like a much more approachable watch for many. Say, you’re not a hard-core fitness fanatic training for a triathlon, but you wouldn’t mind having something to track your jogs and runs, and even keep track of how much you wander around the campground and beach this summer? That’s where the Garmin Instinct 2 shines, friends.

While there are purpose-specific ones (surfing, tactical, or camo), I want to focus on the plain Jane Garmin Instinct 2. Well, actually, the Garmin Instinct 2S, which is the solar version. I’ve been seeing a lot more solar watches this year, and packing it into a smart watch – particularly one that is meant to be used in the outdoors – just makes so much sense. Head out on the trail or into the backcountry, and don’t worry about your battery dying while the GPS is trying to track your path. It’ll just keep on working.

That’s particularly important with the Garmin Incident Detection feature, which will alert your emergency contact with your location if something goes sideways. For less emergent features, you’ve got functionality like sleep and health monitoring, heart rate and VO2 measurement, along with a whole lot of other good things. Basically, anything you’d be looking for in a fitness-oriented smart watch, you’re going to find in the Garmin Instinct 2 series.

It should be said, we are writing this sight unseen. I’ve not used a Garmin sports watch for several generations now (when it barely had any connectivity to your phone), but these feel very modern and ready for what you’re going to through at it. While the blue 45mm solar version is where I’d be looking, there’s also a more-compact 40mm size, and the option to go non-solar if you were so inclined. Warm weather is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for something new to track your activity, the Garmin Instinct 2 looks like a very compelling option. garmin.com