It is shortly after four in the morning, I turn on the GPS on my watch and leave the house. The first two hours I walk in the dark, the next twelve in the light, and when I turn off my watch after walking all day, it’s dark again.
I decided to go on the longest hike of my life to try out the Garmin Fenix 8, a new watch from the manufacturer whose sports watches are among the most popular and best-selling in the world.
To be honest, I’m not a reviewer or an expert on tech news, but the opportunity to try the Fenix 8 was tempting enough for me to make an exception.
After all, I’ve traded in a few sports watches over the last ten years, and they’ve always been Garmin models. At first, minimal competition was the deciding factor, later I considered other brands, but in the end I always recognized that there was no reason to change.
I am currently using the Fenix 6 model, so I was interested in the possibility of a comparison with the latest generation.
Fenix models belong to the highest range of sports watches that the manufacturer offers and which are aimed at a more demanding customer. Garmin introduces a new generation approximately every two and a half years. The sixth generation model was launched in 2019, the Fenix 7 in 2022 and the Fenix 8 now.
The manufacturer promised several improvements, including quite substantial changes. For example, an increase in battery life, an improved heart rate sensor, voice control or even phone calls.
After ten days of testing, I can confidently say that the Fenix 8 is a big step forward and compared to “my” Fenix 6, the user experience is on a completely different level. However, is this upgrade, however substantial, worth 25 thousand crowns?
Let’s get organized.
Wrist pulse has limits
Of the mentioned improvements, I was most interested in battery life for practical reasons (I tested the amoled model with a 47mm display).
According to the manufacturer, the watch should last up to 47 hours at standard settings and with GPS on, which would be progress.
At the same time, the battery should handle the all-day hike with the GPS on, which I went on without any problems. That’s it
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Ah, where do we start in this riveting tale of hiking in the dark while trying not to trip over your own feet? A phenomenon we might call “early morning innuendos,” if you will!
So, our intrepid author sets off at 4 AM—because who doesn’t love an existential crisis accompanied by the gentle chirp of early birds? They turn on their fancy Garmin Fenix 8—because heaven forbid you get lost when you could just as easily find yourself in the middle of nowhere while trying to catch a glimpse of a sunrise that probably looks the same as last week’s!
And let’s talk about this watch: the Fenix 8. I mean, what happened to the good old-fashioned “just use your eyes” approach? No, we’ve opted for a wrist device that can tell you not only the time but how many steps you’ve taken toward a potential heart attack! What’s next? A watch that can succinctly remind you of all your life choices in real-time? “Hey there, buddy, maybe you should reconsider that third slice of cake—your heart’s not a fan!”
Now, as our wanderer pushes through the darkness (side note: did anyone bring a flashlight? Just asking, because I’ve seen horror movies, and the foreshadowing here is strong), they put the Fenix 8 to the test. It’s supposed to outlast your average winter subscription to Netflix, promising up to 47 hours of battery life with GPS constantly on. So, while you’re stalking that elusive hiking trail, at least your watch won’t be dying before you do!
There’s talk about how the Fenix 8 offers a “big step forward,” like when someone claims they’ve found a new yoga position—it’s bound to be more flexible and completely impractical. And let’s not forget the heart rate monitor that’s probably as good as having an overly enthusiastic friend shout, “Slow down, mate!” while you’re trying to outrun a bear… which, let’s face it, is the real test here.
But, alas, the dilemma: is this watch worth a whopping 25 thousand crowns? That’s a fair amount of money for what essentially amounts to a $300 heart attack notifier. You could take a week-long holiday or get this watch! And while some might prefer to immerse themselves in exotic culture, others… well, they want to know their pulse during their vigorous hike to a café two blocks away!
Let’s wrap this up with a hearty pat on the back for Garmin, who clearly understands the needs of the modern hiker—especially the need to know how many calories you’ve burned while consuming the very snacks that got you there in the first place.
In conclusion, whether you’re hiking through the dark rain, attempting to navigate the rocky paths of life—or just your living room in the middle of the night—remember: the trail isn’t the only thing that needs a GPS. Your choices need one too! So, keep walking, keep tracking, and let’s hope Garmin comes out with a model that can also serve your morning coffee while it’s at it. Cheers!
As the clock strikes shortly after four in the morning, I activate the GPS function on my watch and step out of my house into the cool, crisp night air. The first two hours of my trek are enveloped in darkness, followed by a nourishing twelve hours bathed in daylight. By the time I finally deactivate my watch after a full day of hiking, I find myself once again in the dark.
In an adventurous spirit, I resolved to embark on the longest hike of my life to put the Garmin Fenix 8—a cutting-edge watch from a manufacturer renowned for producing some of the most popular and best-selling sports watches worldwide—through its paces.
To be candid, I don’t typically consider myself a reviewer or an authority on tech news; however, the allure of testing the Fenix 8 was compelling enough to persuade me to step outside my usual parameters.
Throughout the past decade, I have cycled through several sports watches, all of which have been Garmin models. Initially, the lack of viable competition led to my loyalty to the brand. Later, I explored alternatives, yet I inevitably recognized there was no real incentive to switch brands.
Currently, I am using the Fenix 6 model, so the opportunity to compare it with Garmin’s latest generation was particularly intriguing to me.
The Fenix series stands at the pinnacle of Garmin’s sports watch selection, catering to a discerning clientele. The manufacturer has a history of releasing a new generation approximately every two and a half years: the sixth-generation model debuted in 2019, followed by the Fenix 7 in 2022, and now the Fenix 8 has arrived.
Garmin has made promises of several enhancements, including significant battery life improvements, an upgraded heart rate sensor, innovative voice control features, and the capacity for phone calls—all adding to the watch’s appeal.
After ten intensive days of testing, I am confident in stating that the Fenix 8 represents a remarkable advancement in technology, elevating the user experience to an entirely different level compared to my Fenix 6. However, the question remains: is this significant upgrade—priced at 25,000 crowns—justifiable?
Let’s delve into the details.
Wrist pulse has limits
The battery life improvements piqued my interest, particularly from a practical standpoint, as I evaluated the amoled variant featuring a 47mm display.
According to the manufacturer, the Fenix 8 is designed to last up to 47 hours under standard conditions with GPS activated, indicating a notable leap forward.
The battery successfully powered my all-day hiking excursion with GPS tracking, successfully meeting my expectations.
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That Garmin’s offerings consistently met my needs like no other. Currently, I’m using the Fenix 6, making this comparison to the latest Fenix 8 both intriguing and necessary for my personal and hiking aspirations.
The Fenix series sits at the pinnacle of Garmin’s sports watch lineup, catering to the most dedicated athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Garmin typically rolls out a new generation every two and a half years, with the sixth generation emerging in 2019, the seventh in 2022, and now, the highly anticipated eighth model.
The improvements touted by Garmin are notable, including enhanced battery life, a revamped heart rate sensor, voice commands, and the ability to make phone calls. After ten days of rigorous testing, I can confidently declare that the Fenix 8 represents a significant advancement over the Fenix 6, with a user experience that feels markedly superior. However, the critical question remains: is this upgrade—despite its substantial enhancements—justifiable at a price point of 25,000 crowns?
**Interview Segment with [Guest Name], Outdoor Enthusiast and Technology Tester:**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today to share your insights on the Garmin Fenix 8. Can you start by describing your experience during that early morning hike?
**Guest:** Absolutely! Setting out at 4 AM into the darkness was both exhilarating and a bit nerve-wracking. The anticipation of miles ahead, combined with the GPS on my wrist, gave me a comfort level as I navigated through the dark. It felt like an adventure, almost a rite of passage.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that you have used Garmin watches over the years. How does the Fenix 8 compare to your prior model, the Fenix 6?
**Guest:** The differences are remarkable. The battery life was one of my concerns, but it performed exceptionally, lasting through my all-day hike with GPS activated. The heart rate monitor was more accurate too, which is crucial for anyone pushing themselves in adventurous scenarios.
**Interviewer:** One of the highlights was the Fenix 8’s extensive features, including voice control and phone calls. Did you find these gadgets useful in practice?
**Guest:** Definitely! The voice control feature meant I didn’t have to fiddle with buttons while I was on the move. It’s a handy way to keep your focus on the hike. Making calls is an added bonus—though I’d argue it’s perhaps better saved for emergencies when you’re out in the wild.
**Interviewer:** With all these advancements, do you think the price tag of 25,000 crowns is justified for an average user?
**Guest:** That’s a tough question. For serious athletes or outdoor enthusiasts who plan to put this watch to the test, it might be worth it. However, someone hiking casually may find it a steep investment when there are alternative models that could serve their needs well enough.
**Interviewer:** And if you had to sum up your overall impression of the Garmin Fenix 8 in one sentence?
**Guest:** The Garmin Fenix 8 is like a trusted companion that not only tracks your journey but also enhances your outdoor experience with reliable tech—making every hike feel a little more secure and adventurous.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your experience and insights, [Guest Name]. It sounds like the Fenix 8 has certainly made a lasting impact on your hiking adventures!
**Guest:** Thanks for having me! Happy hiking to everyone—remember to stay safe and enjoy the journey!
