@acidrock202 I use the AllTrails app. I record my hikes and walks with the watch, and the app downloads it. The Garmin app also shows your hike/walk info.
In Germany, this is what they would call a 'banana product', because the longer you have it, the riper it gets. They continue to improve it with firmware updates and also one keeps on discovering new features and ways to use it.
I love that, I am totally going to use “banana product” in the future. I prefer wine! Used my Instinct Solar last night on a night hike in the mountains. Navigation helped me stay on the trail. Thanks for the comment and watching!
Bought a non-solar version, best decision ever. Feels like everyday I am discovering a new feature. I'm especially fan of it's old fashion monochrome display and that it doesn't look boring like nowadays Apple watch type display.
I agree, I am a big fan of the monochrome. It is very easy to view in the sun. I like the simplicity of the display. And you are right, there are so many features. Making this video, I discovered like two or three I did not know about. Can't wait to try them in the field.
How's the battery life on the Instinct? I just got one and if I do an almost 3 hour GPS Walk it drains like 2 bars out of 5. Not really sure if the battery is degraded because it's an older model.
I found the manual hopeless !!!! Thank you for channels like yours, you also explain the button functions unlike other videos where the instructor just pushed a button without advice leaving the viewer wondering how he got there. I have subscribed
Thanks Mike you did an awesome job explaining how to set up my garmin instinct solar. I was struggling and you had the best instruction video. I really appreciate it. You rock!!!
Nice tutorial video, Mike! I just bought Instinct Solar and I've been watching videos of it so that when it arrives I could simply customize it easily. Cheers!
Incredibly well presented, thank you for taking the time. The watch instructions should navigate you to this video a lot more people would use thier garmin instinct more effectively!
Well done sir. Love the video. Easy to follow, detailed, and to the point. I just got my Garmin Instinct non-solar (work Xmas gift card covered the cost :D ) and everything is pretty much the same except it doesn't have the option to change to UTM unless it's hidden in some other menu on the Instinct. I didn't want to spend the extra $$$ on the 2X even though I absolutely love the bigger size, flashlight, solar, and other features. Maybe once this one dies, then I'll upgrade. Love the battery life on these watches. I charged it fully almost 3 days ago and the battery still shows full 5/5 bars. Oh, and you got another subscriber :)
Great video. I recently bought one and used it for the first time on a hike today. Brilliant watch that last days/weeks rather than a day like my friends suunto.
Thanks for that video, I learned a lot and almost everything also applies to the Instinct 2 and Descent G1 which have the same interface. One question is why you chose "Mountaineering" activity instead of "Hike". My guess is that you're more interested in elevation features and the default screens of Mountaineering are closer to what you're looking for? (but I suppose everything can be customized in the end). Cheers!
It really does not make a difference. I could have started with Hike or even some other activity. Mountaineering just had more of the screens I was looking for out of the box. It required less customization.
AS a hunter that sunrise sunset mod is killer. My wife is getting me the instinct 2 for my Birthday/father's day. Currently I have a vivoactive 3 that I have to charge daily for just watch usage.
Great video - I have 1 question; I am a cyclist who uses the loaded map feature to show me where to go on different routes - When I have a map loaded on my watch and running I need the map to "stay" on the screen whilest I am riding - however it automatically changes to a screen that shows other info and data. My question is "How do I fix the screen to show only the map while I am riding? Many thanks Steve
Weird, I don’t think mine switches. Do you happen to have Auto Scroll turned on? See page 36 www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/instinct/EN-US/Instinct_OM_EN-US.pdf
Great video. I've had my garmin watch for a couple years now and have loved it but have not used it to the full potential for hiking, mostly just tracking as I hike. Would love to see how you add your tracks from caltopo. I've been using caltopo to plan a trip to the Adirondacks (Mt Marcy and a couple surrounding peaks). I have planned routes on caltopo and have sent them over to my GPSMAPS garmin but would like to put them to my Instinct.
I will definitely do a video. You can import GPX files using the Garmin App Explore or you can use the Garmin Connect website under Training > Courses. Then import and select send to device.
Also, I did change two things from this video from I found on my hike. I only used the 500’ elevation alert, not the over 4000’ one. It kept buzzing over 4000’ and I did not want to kill the battery. I also turned on Auto Lap set to 1mi. Although the alert works, Garmin Connect will only show 1mi splits if this is on. My friend tracked Allen with AllTrails and it had our times split out by miles. Using AutoLap with 1mi displays that data in Garmin Connect.
Thanks for the update. I am going to watch through this video again and watch out for more videos, our trip is planned for August unless something changes.
Very useful tips. Thank you. This watch is capable of doing a lot. But knowing how to make the most out of its use is actually essential. This video teaches me a lot how to set my own. I am learning how. (BTW I just bought one and I chose the Instinct rather than the Instinct 2 despite very little market availability, just because of the look of Instinct is cooler)
@@OutsideChronicles The INSTINCT has been my best buddy since Day-1 ! I stop checking out any other watches on market. lol (In fact, that makes life easier, you know) This INSTINCT is highly satisfactory indeed. I wear it everyday and all the time (except taking shower and recharging the device) I run with it. Go hiking with it. Trail run with it. Go to the mall and even attend meeting in western suits with it. lol Simply incredible one for me. No issues at all so far. I don't feel the need to move on to INSTINCT 2 or the latest CROSSOVER. (In fact, that makes life easier, you know, sure) Thank you so much.
@@apiyutsiyapan9582 Agreed, I see no reason to upgrade my Instinct to the Instinct 2. I am like you, I wear mine everywhere and love it. A feature that I just discovered is remote controlling my Garmin InReach. It uses ANT+, not bluetooth, but still works well. See you outside!
I would love to, but I do not have an Instinct 2 yet. It looks pretty awesome, but I have no intentions to upgrade. Would you be OK just going over what’s different?
@@OutsideChronicles Instinct 2 Solar is better than the previous Instinct Solar. I have the previous version and for my usage (hiking), it is not worth the upgrade. I am quite happy with mine and hardly use 20% of all the features. Some small things that I like from the new Instinct 2 is: - the more rounded watch face and buttons (lesser chance of catching onto something) - the barometer is on the side, so it is more accurate - the respiration rate: I would like to see this monitored during the day and also during a hike - Able to adjust every single watch setting from the telephone When Instinct 3 comes out, perhaps I will then upgrade to Instinct 2 (for a then cheaper price)
@@jacques42 I agree, it is a a great upgrade and I would definitely suggest it if it is in your budget for a new watch. For me, the Instinct Solar is more than enough watch for my use cases and not worth the upgrade. I am sure you will be able to find some killer deals on the Instinct Solar 1 which is still an amazing device.
Yes, I believe that is a Tactical specific feature. I have since found that the Mountaineering activity is also specific to the Tactical version, however, all of the data screens are available on any version.
I find mine accurate. It uses a barometer so the difference is always accurate. You do need to occasionally recalibrate, the auto-GPS sometimes gets confused.
Can you get Avenza maps on this? Or do you know any smartwatches you can? I’m just looking for something simple that I can retrace old hikes and or get my and my friends AllTrails/Gaia hikes onto.
Sorry, there are no apps on the Instinct. I do not know if any support Avenza, sorry. You can get Avenza type topo maps on the Fenix. Apple has an app called WorkOutside.
Great video. Just purchased a Solar 2. I attempted to change GPS format, but didn't get the an option to change GPS format. It displayed time format. Did I have a widget off, I needed?
I am not 100% sure, I do not have the Solar 2, but I thought it was a similar interface. On the solar 1, Menu-> Settings->System->Format->Pos. Format. Based on the manual, it should still be there: Format Sets general format preferences, such as the units of measure, pace and speed shown during activities, the start of the week, and geographical position format and datum options (Changing the Units of Measure). www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-31D23DBB-57C2-4DF7-A0C9-8D1A00AB4BE7/EN-US/GUID-1500E73F-F386-49AF-A542-25D4B1655A08.html
It is possible that the Instinct Solar Tactical has that activity built in where standard ones do not. However, you can make the same activity by hand. I would start with the Hike activity if you have it and add the data screens. The first screen has Avg pace, Distance, Timer, Time, HR. The second screen has Ascent, Elevation, total Descent, HR. The third screen is location. The fourth is HR Zone. The fifth is navigation breadcrumbs. Final is time of day. Hope this helps.
@@cavemanl06 you can turn off notifications by using the Do Not Disturb. Then you can change how you get alerted during an activity with Settings > Phone > Alerts.. Finally, to manage what apps send alerts, you manage that from your phone.
Great videos! And you don't talk too fast like those other brands! BUT I need help! I am doing a month-long hike and at the end would like to connect the map of all the daily hikes onto one map on my phone. How do I do this?
Hi! Love your Videos! I'm thinking about getting one of these for hiking (no major mountains yet) and am wondering about the accuracy for total ascent feature. I've seen some talk about issues in older versions and wondering about your thoughts on this. thanks!
The Instinct Solar has a barometer. I have found the ascent/decent to be accurate. I have had friends that did not calibrate correctly either auto via GPS (default) or manually and the elevation was incorrect (but difference was correct). I personally have not had any issue with either.
True north. Then you do not have to deal with declination corrections. Just like getting a manual compass with a declination adjustment. See you outside!
Hi, I am close to buying one of these, but I have read recently about problems with the Instinct randomly shutting down as it gets past a year or so old. Have you experienced this or heard of others that have? I don’t expect the watch to last forever, but for as much as it will cost, need for it to last beyond two years. Thanks and really enjoy your channel.
I love my watch. I still use the Instinct Solar v1 from this video now, 2+ years later. The only issue I had was a band replacement. The hole that I used for the buckle started to show a crack. It never broke, but I did not want to chance it. I have had a very positive experience.
My position format was by default set to 'hddd° mm.mmm' I noticed it had a lot of country-specific options too here in Europe for each country. Should I rather use the specific country where I am in or the 'UTM' that you mentioned? Do you know what differentiate these country-specific options from the UMT option? Thanks
I think it would come down to the coordinate system your map is using. Most if not all commercial hiking maps in the US have the UTM grid. So i can look at my UTM coordinates on my watch, and quickly transfer that to my map. If your map only has Lat/Long, you may have to use that format. I think SAR would be able to find you, but knowing the coordinate system will speed that process. My watch was probably set to MGRS by default because it is the Tactical version. MGRS would fit into that context.
@@OutsideChronicles Thanks. I use the Komoot App for hiking and I import my Instinct hike into Komoot. I have to figure what location settings Komoot uses as to match them as you say. Not sure if Komoot is popular in the USA. Good idea of thinking about rescue teams and informing them of the coordinates. Hopefully I would never need that, but good to have contingency plans. Thanks to your video, I have reduced the amount of data screens on my hike and changed the layout too. Now, I don't need to cycle through them so much whilst hiking. For the time and heart rate, I simply use the Back button to view my main screen and then click Back again to return to the hiking activity.
ive got the solar version as well but i don't have the Mountaineer, just a climb which i assume is the same. i tried the expedition on a 2 day backpacking trip and i wasn't happy at all with it, next time using the hike activity
What you can do is copy the hike activity, rename it as you see fit, and customize it like I did for the mountaineering activity. All the screen layouts and data fields should be there.
Hey! Thinking of getting this watch. Can I add a track/path pre planned and at the same time give me orientation and also track where I'm going? Similar to alltrails or gaia?
Hi having a issues with my Garmin instinct. I drive lorrys for a living and my watch is recording the bounce of the lorry as climbing floors. Is there a way you can delete action off the watch.
Not that I know of, however, when you upload to Garmin Connect, you can auto-correct elevation. It is set to NOT do this by default for the Instinct because it has a barometer. As for just the daily tracking of floors, I do not think there is a way to correct it.
Thanks for the video, very good. I do have a question. You created an activity from a Mountaineer activity. My watch does not have that activity. Is this something you created before? Thanks
I think Mountaineering was something pre-loaded in the Instinct Tactical edition. No worries, just copy Hiking, rename it, and customize from there. You should be able to setup the exact same data screens.
Great video, but it needs some title screens to separate the sections. Also an index at the front would help too, especially if you included the "time" for the start of each section.
Thanks for the suggestions, title screens for each section would enhance the experience. As fo the time for each section, please see the description. There is a breakdown of each section and a link that takes you to that time in the video. Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment.
On my Forerunner 245, when I do a course navigation, it shows a little arrow overlaid on all data screens to show you the direction of the course, which helps you confirm that you're on the right path regardless of whether you're showing the trail plot screen or not. Can the Instinct do that too?
@@OutsideChronicles Good to know, thanks! I guess that's harder to do when the screen is more low res and partially covered by other things. But even just a tiny pixel on the circle screen would be helpful for that, so technically it should be possible for Garmin to do it.
It similar to what I showed on the video, but start with holding the Menu button->Watch Face, Hit GPS button to bring up Customize. Then the process is the same as Activities.
First set the location to UTM as instructed in the video, then in the field hold down the ABC button. You may have to then scroll through the ABC screens.
I assume you are getting no GPS data. Check if GPS tracking is in by going into the activity (don’t start tracking), hit the menu button, go to settings, make sure GPS is set to Normal or GPS+Glonass. Hope this helps!
@@OutsideChronicles as far as I know Im getting GPS data?( like save location or when it displays your current location? Is that what you meant?) and the GPS is set to normal like you said, I just got this watch and completely read the manual front to back etc, but I dont get it, I tried 3 times so far, and all i get is health stats etc. Man I hope you can help😡
Thanks a lot - very helpful but the watch is *much* too complicated if it takes over 20 minutes to explain its use for hiking. What I need is a watch that show speed, duration, average speed and has a pause facility * and nothing else* Continuing my search 😊
Just in case anyone wants an equally uncomplicated watch (probably not) I have found that I seem to be able to disable the widgets and alternative activities -so fingers crossed, it may work as I want on my next hike.
I noticed it is saying you are walking a distance when you're obviously sitting stationary. Why is that. Also seen your jumpmaster activity. I was 82nd from 2006 to 2009. Then again 16-19
@@OutsideChronicles Thank you for the quick reply. I'm going hiking tomorrow. There is one called "Climb" that has an icon that looks like the Mountaineering Icon.
@@Denvercoder that one might not be best, it is geared towards mostly vertical gain like rock climbing. Hike is pretty close, I use it everywhere but long mountain hikes. The main data screen have distance and elevation.
Great watch. BUT beware - Very unreliable. On my 3rd replacement in 16 months. The last about 8 months then start going blank. Friend of mine has had two Instincts due to same issue. Others I have asked cite similar reliability.
May be Singapore were sent a very bad bunch. Of course their response was ' This has never happen to one before". Cross fingers this is more than a 2/3 year wonder.
Warning!!! Do not let bug spray come in contact with your Garmin watch face!!! I love my Garmin Instinct but was surprised to find that as an outdoorsman style watch, spraying down with bug spray will potentially ruin your watch face!!! It left smear marks that I can’t remove!
I'm 58 and have had no traumatic brain injuries 🤕and I find this watch too tough to navigate. It's beyond me how people set one up, and set up a fitness app that's not included, and remember all the functions and widgets.
This video saves users 40 hours of research.
Cool glad it was helpful!
I bought a Garmin Instinct a couple weeks ago. This is the best instructional video I have found. Thanks for taking the time to make it.
Glad it was helpful! See you outside!
I got this as my new watch. I find it very hard to use. I can't tell even how to reset rhe steps or get a map of my walk
@acidrock202 I use the AllTrails app. I record my hikes and walks with the watch, and the app downloads it. The Garmin app also shows your hike/walk info.
In Germany, this is what they would call a 'banana product', because the longer you have it, the riper it gets. They continue to improve it with firmware updates and also one keeps on discovering new features and ways to use it.
I love that, I am totally going to use “banana product” in the future. I prefer wine! Used my Instinct Solar last night on a night hike in the mountains. Navigation helped me stay on the trail. Thanks for the comment and watching!
Der Begriff ist allerdings negativ gemeint und nicht für ein stabiles Produkt gedacht, dass nur optimiert wird.
Bought a non-solar version, best decision ever. Feels like everyday I am discovering a new feature. I'm especially fan of it's old fashion monochrome display and that it doesn't look boring like nowadays Apple watch type display.
I agree, I am a big fan of the monochrome. It is very easy to view in the sun. I like the simplicity of the display. And you are right, there are so many features. Making this video, I discovered like two or three I did not know about. Can't wait to try them in the field.
How's the battery life on the Instinct? I just got one and if I do an almost 3 hour GPS Walk it drains like 2 bars out of 5. Not really sure if the battery is degraded because it's an older model.
I found the manual hopeless !!!! Thank you for channels like yours, you also explain the button functions unlike other videos where the instructor just pushed a button without advice leaving the viewer wondering how he got there. I have subscribed
Glad I could help! See you outside!
The best overview of the “deep” features that I have found. Incredibly helpful. Thank you.
You're very welcome! See you outside!
Thanks Mike you did an awesome job explaining how to set up my garmin instinct solar. I was struggling and you had the best instruction video. I really appreciate it. You rock!!!
Thanks for the kind words. I am so happy it helped out. Thanks for watching!
I would have to agree, you covered the detail exceptionally and not to fast or to slow. With easy detail. By for the best video.
This is just beautifully explained. Quite a well way to explain most of the features the watch has to offer!!
Mike's videos on the Garmin Instinct have been invaluable to me. Thanks
I appreciate that, see you outside!
Just got my Instinct 2x Tactical and this video surely helped me a lot. Thanks Mike for this video...
Glad it helped!
Nice tutorial video, Mike! I just bought Instinct Solar and I've been watching videos of it so that when it arrives I could simply customize it easily. Cheers!
Thank you, you will love the watch. It is always exciting to get a new piece of gear & tech! Enjoy!
Download the manual. It's big in pdf format. Play around. Enjoy!
Incredibly well presented, thank you for taking the time. The watch instructions should navigate you to this video a lot more people would use thier garmin instinct more effectively!
Thank for those kind words. I am glad the video helped you out. See you outside!
Well done sir. Love the video. Easy to follow, detailed, and to the point. I just got my Garmin Instinct non-solar (work Xmas gift card covered the cost :D ) and everything is pretty much the same except it doesn't have the option to change to UTM unless it's hidden in some other menu on the Instinct. I didn't want to spend the extra $$$ on the 2X even though I absolutely love the bigger size, flashlight, solar, and other features. Maybe once this one dies, then I'll upgrade. Love the battery life on these watches. I charged it fully almost 3 days ago and the battery still shows full 5/5 bars. Oh, and you got another subscriber :)
Very helpful. Iv save this so I can watch again later cos this is a very useful video. Thanks you for making this 👍👍
My pleasure, looks like you are a ww kayaker based on you avatar. Me too. Love it, see you outside!
Great video. I recently bought one and used it for the first time on a hike today. Brilliant watch that last days/weeks rather than a day like my friends suunto.
Good choice! The more you use it, the more you will enjoy it. Happy hiking!
Glad I found this video. I have mine being delivered some time today.
You will be very happy with the Instinct. See you outside!
@@OutsideChronicles I hope so of it ever makes it here. It got delayed 🥲
Such a valuable informations! Thank you for time and effort!
I hope these steps will also apply to instinct 2x!
They should be pretty close, see you outside!
Thanks for that video, I learned a lot and almost everything also applies to the Instinct 2 and Descent G1 which have the same interface. One question is why you chose "Mountaineering" activity instead of "Hike". My guess is that you're more interested in elevation features and the default screens of Mountaineering are closer to what you're looking for? (but I suppose everything can be customized in the end). Cheers!
It really does not make a difference. I could have started with Hike or even some other activity. Mountaineering just had more of the screens I was looking for out of the box. It required less customization.
I’m really loving this watch so far but WOW it is deep! Great video by the way, this is very helpful!
My pleasure, glad it helped with some of the features. I agree, it has so many features and settings. I learn something new everytime I use the watch.
@@OutsideChronicles we will never get bored of it!
AS a hunter that sunrise sunset mod is killer. My wife is getting me the instinct 2 for my Birthday/father's day. Currently I have a vivoactive 3 that I have to charge daily for just watch usage.
You will really enjoy the instinct. Hunters will make good use of the Sight N Go and trackback functionality. Enjoy the new watch!
Great video - I have 1 question; I am a cyclist who uses the loaded map feature to show me where to go on different routes - When I have a map loaded on my watch and running I need the map to "stay" on the screen whilest I am riding - however it automatically changes to a screen that shows other info and data. My question is "How do I fix the screen to show only the map while I am riding? Many thanks Steve
Weird, I don’t think mine switches. Do you happen to have Auto Scroll turned on? See page 36 www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/instinct/EN-US/Instinct_OM_EN-US.pdf
I have been using these data fields since my Suunto Ambit 3. They have worked well for me on the trail. What data fields do you use while hiking?
Just purchased this Garmin and found this video very helpful…. And “GO BILLS!” ❤😂❤
Glad it was helpful! You will love it! Go Bills, big moves this year.
Great video. I've had my garmin watch for a couple years now and have loved it but have not used it to the full potential for hiking, mostly just tracking as I hike. Would love to see how you add your tracks from caltopo. I've been using caltopo to plan a trip to the Adirondacks (Mt Marcy and a couple surrounding peaks). I have planned routes on caltopo and have sent them over to my GPSMAPS garmin but would like to put them to my Instinct.
I will definitely do a video. You can import GPX files using the Garmin App Explore or you can use the Garmin Connect website under Training > Courses. Then import and select send to device.
Also, I did change two things from this video from I found on my hike. I only used the 500’ elevation alert, not the over 4000’ one. It kept buzzing over 4000’ and I did not want to kill the battery. I also turned on Auto Lap set to 1mi. Although the alert works, Garmin Connect will only show 1mi splits if this is on. My friend tracked Allen with AllTrails and it had our times split out by miles. Using AutoLap with 1mi displays that data in Garmin Connect.
Thanks for the update. I am going to watch through this video again and watch out for more videos, our trip is planned for August unless something changes.
Got an instinct 2 and I took it hiking and I was a little let down but I hope this video changes that
Very useful tips. Thank you.
This watch is capable of doing a lot. But knowing how to make the most out of its use is actually essential.
This video teaches me a lot how to set my own. I am learning how.
(BTW I just bought one and I chose the Instinct rather than the Instinct 2 despite very little market availability, just because of the look of Instinct is cooler)
You will love your Instinct. It has many features you can take advantage of. Start simple and build from there.
@@OutsideChronicles After a few months, I LOVE my INSTINCT (pun intended)
Thanks to you.
@@apiyutsiyapan9582 Great to hear! See you outside!
@@OutsideChronicles The INSTINCT has been my best buddy since Day-1 !
I stop checking out any other watches on market. lol (In fact, that makes life easier, you know)
This INSTINCT is highly satisfactory indeed.
I wear it everyday and all the time (except taking shower and recharging the device)
I run with it. Go hiking with it. Trail run with it. Go to the mall and even attend meeting in western suits with it. lol
Simply incredible one for me. No issues at all so far.
I don't feel the need to move on to INSTINCT 2 or the latest CROSSOVER. (In fact, that makes life easier, you know, sure)
Thank you so much.
@@apiyutsiyapan9582 Agreed, I see no reason to upgrade my Instinct to the Instinct 2. I am like you, I wear mine everywhere and love it. A feature that I just discovered is remote controlling my Garmin InReach. It uses ANT+, not bluetooth, but still works well. See you outside!
Can you please do a video comparing the existing Solar Instinct to the newly released Solar Instinct 2? Thank you
I would love to, but I do not have an Instinct 2 yet. It looks pretty awesome, but I have no intentions to upgrade. Would you be OK just going over what’s different?
@@OutsideChronicles Instinct 2 Solar is better than the previous Instinct Solar. I have the previous version and for my usage (hiking), it is not worth the upgrade. I am quite happy with mine and hardly use 20% of all the features.
Some small things that I like from the new Instinct 2 is:
- the more rounded watch face and buttons (lesser chance of catching onto something)
- the barometer is on the side, so it is more accurate
- the respiration rate: I would like to see this monitored during the day and also during a hike
- Able to adjust every single watch setting from the telephone
When Instinct 3 comes out, perhaps I will then upgrade to Instinct 2 (for a then cheaper price)
@@jacques42 I agree, it is a a great upgrade and I would definitely suggest it if it is in your budget for a new watch. For me, the Instinct Solar is more than enough watch for my use cases and not worth the upgrade. I am sure you will be able to find some killer deals on the Instinct Solar 1 which is still an amazing device.
@@OutsideChronicles Apologies for not making myself clearer: I currently own the Instinct 1 Solar and am quite happy with it.
How is there a background color option if the screen is black and white?
I think that is just to invert black & white
Great video, thanks!
I’m curious as to how you had Zulu time on your watch face, I can’t figure out how to add that and I’d find it really useful.
I’m guessing it displays Zulu on the Tactical version of the Instinct Solar, mine is the standard, so I’ll have to settle for UTC, top right.
Yes, I believe that is a Tactical specific feature. I have since found that the Mountaineering activity is also specific to the Tactical version, however, all of the data screens are available on any version.
Hi Mike, do you find the elevation readings on the watch accurate?
I find mine accurate. It uses a barometer so the difference is always accurate. You do need to occasionally recalibrate, the auto-GPS sometimes gets confused.
Amazing information
Thank you!!
My pleasure, see you outside!
Can you have altitude or barometric reading on the face at all times?
Yes, all (most) of the data items are available. You can also hold down the ABC button to get to the barometer and altimeter.
Can you get Avenza maps on this? Or do you know any smartwatches you can? I’m just looking for something simple that I can retrace old hikes and or get my and my friends AllTrails/Gaia hikes onto.
Sorry, there are no apps on the Instinct. I do not know if any support Avenza, sorry. You can get Avenza type topo maps on the Fenix. Apple has an app called WorkOutside.
it would be very useful to make red dot on the button when you press, it is very powerful watch if you know how to operate it
Great video. Just purchased a Solar 2. I attempted to change GPS format, but didn't get the an option to change GPS format. It displayed time format. Did I have a widget off, I needed?
I am not 100% sure, I do not have the Solar 2, but I thought it was a similar interface. On the solar 1, Menu-> Settings->System->Format->Pos. Format. Based on the manual, it should still be there:
Format
Sets general format preferences, such as the units of measure, pace and speed shown during activities, the start of the week, and geographical position format and datum options (Changing the Units of Measure).
www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-31D23DBB-57C2-4DF7-A0C9-8D1A00AB4BE7/EN-US/GUID-1500E73F-F386-49AF-A542-25D4B1655A08.html
@@OutsideChronicles Thanks Mike for your time. Keep rolling out the excellent vids.
How do I get mountaineer on my watch as an option?
Also is there a way to limit what notifications go to my watch?
It is possible that the Instinct Solar Tactical has that activity built in where standard ones do not. However, you can make the same activity by hand. I would start with the Hike activity if you have it and add the data screens. The first screen has Avg pace, Distance, Timer, Time, HR. The second screen has Ascent, Elevation, total Descent, HR. The third screen is location. The fourth is HR Zone. The fifth is navigation breadcrumbs. Final is time of day. Hope this helps.
@@OutsideChronicles is there a way to limit what notifications go through to the watch?
@@cavemanl06 you can turn off notifications by using the Do Not Disturb. Then you can change how you get alerted during an activity with Settings > Phone > Alerts.. Finally, to manage what apps send alerts, you manage that from your phone.
Great videos! And you don't talk too fast like those other brands! BUT I need help! I am doing a month-long hike and at the end would like to connect the map of all the daily hikes onto one map on my phone. How do I do this?
I would suggest using Caltopo to build your routes and then use Avenza Maps. I show how to do this here: ruclips.net/video/oeQLOlYJQDA/видео.html
Hi! Love your Videos! I'm thinking about getting one of these for hiking (no major mountains yet) and am wondering about the accuracy for total ascent feature. I've seen some talk about issues in older versions and wondering about your thoughts on this. thanks!
The Instinct Solar has a barometer. I have found the ascent/decent to be accurate. I have had friends that did not calibrate correctly either auto via GPS (default) or manually and the elevation was incorrect (but difference was correct). I personally have not had any issue with either.
Got the watch on sale! love it! thanks for all the hard work you're doing and for the videos. Next trip - Shenandoah! :)
Thanks for this video. Question. Is your compass set for true north or magnet north and why. Thanks.
True north. Then you do not have to deal with declination corrections. Just like getting a manual compass with a declination adjustment. See you outside!
@@OutsideChronicles Thanks! Still rock in’ the original Instinct Solar here.
Hi, I am close to buying one of these, but I have read recently about problems with the Instinct randomly shutting down as it gets past a year or so old. Have you experienced this or heard of others that have? I don’t expect the watch to last forever, but for as much as it will cost, need for it to last beyond two years. Thanks and really enjoy your channel.
I love my watch. I still use the Instinct Solar v1 from this video now, 2+ years later. The only issue I had was a band replacement. The hole that I used for the buckle started to show a crack. It never broke, but I did not want to chance it. I have had a very positive experience.
Thanks for the quick and encouraging reply. I think I’m going to give it a chance. Be well and happy hiking.
My position format was by default set to 'hddd° mm.mmm' I noticed it had a lot of country-specific options too here in Europe for each country. Should I rather use the specific country where I am in or the 'UTM' that you mentioned? Do you know what differentiate these country-specific options from the UMT option? Thanks
I think it would come down to the coordinate system your map is using. Most if not all commercial hiking maps in the US have the UTM grid. So i can look at my UTM coordinates on my watch, and quickly transfer that to my map. If your map only has Lat/Long, you may have to use that format. I think SAR would be able to find you, but knowing the coordinate system will speed that process. My watch was probably set to MGRS by default because it is the Tactical version. MGRS would fit into that context.
@@OutsideChronicles Thanks. I use the Komoot App for hiking and I import my Instinct hike into Komoot. I have to figure what location settings Komoot uses as to match them as you say. Not sure if Komoot is popular in the USA. Good idea of thinking about rescue teams and informing them of the coordinates. Hopefully I would never need that, but good to have contingency plans.
Thanks to your video, I have reduced the amount of data screens on my hike and changed the layout too. Now, I don't need to cycle through them so much whilst hiking. For the time and heart rate, I simply use the Back button to view my main screen and then click Back again to return to the hiking activity.
Super tutorial!
Thanks so much! See you outside!
With Garmin smart watches with solar panels on them. Can you get Spotify app on them too
Not on the Instinct. It might be possible with the Fenix.
ive got the solar version as well but i don't have the Mountaineer, just a climb which i assume is the same. i tried the expedition on a 2 day backpacking trip and i wasn't happy at all with it, next time using the hike activity
What you can do is copy the hike activity, rename it as you see fit, and customize it like I did for the mountaineering activity. All the screen layouts and data fields should be there.
I own the Fenix 5X plus and also the Garmin instinct..
I wear them both depending on what I am doing.
Cool, which do you wear everyday? Which do you prefer for hiking?
does this watch work with the garmin radar system. That Bicyclist use when riding on highways?
I do not believe so, sorry.
Hey! Thinking of getting this watch. Can I add a track/path pre planned and at the same time give me orientation and also track where I'm going? Similar to alltrails or gaia?
You bet, you can track and navigate at the same time.
@@OutsideChronicles thank you! This will come handy for a bike packing trip!
Very informative. Thanks!
My pleasure, thanks for watching.
Hi having a issues with my Garmin instinct. I drive lorrys for a living and my watch is recording the bounce of the lorry as climbing floors. Is there a way you can delete action off the watch.
Not that I know of, however, when you upload to Garmin Connect, you can auto-correct elevation. It is set to NOT do this by default for the Instinct because it has a barometer. As for just the daily tracking of floors, I do not think there is a way to correct it.
Thanks for the video, very good. I do have a question. You created an activity from a Mountaineer activity. My watch does not have that activity. Is this something you created before? Thanks
I think Mountaineering was something pre-loaded in the Instinct Tactical edition. No worries, just copy Hiking, rename it, and customize from there. You should be able to setup the exact same data screens.
@@OutsideChronicles thanks
hi..two days with this watch...non-solar version... one question..there´s no widget for hydration??
No, it is has been requested in the forums quite a bit. The only way to record it is in the Connect App
What version of the Instinct solar do you recommend (so many at amazon , tactical etc.?And what is the difference with the Instinct 2?
If you can afford it, go with the Instinct Solar 2. If not, there are some great deals on the Instinct Solar 1. I would go with the basic style.
Love your Bills shirt🤗
Go Bills! Next season, there is always a next season.
Great video, but it needs some title screens to separate the sections. Also an index at the front would help too, especially if you included the "time" for the start of each section.
Thanks for the suggestions, title screens for each section would enhance the experience. As fo the time for each section, please see the description. There is a breakdown of each section and a link that takes you to that time in the video. Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment.
@@OutsideChronicles Oh. I had to expand that section to see it. Thanks.
On my Forerunner 245, when I do a course navigation, it shows a little arrow overlaid on all data screens to show you the direction of the course, which helps you confirm that you're on the right path regardless of whether you're showing the trail plot screen or not. Can the Instinct do that too?
That sounds like a nice feature, I do not believe the Instinct has that capability.
@@OutsideChronicles Good to know, thanks! I guess that's harder to do when the screen is more low res and partially covered by other things. But even just a tiny pixel on the circle screen would be helpful for that, so technically it should be possible for Garmin to do it.
My watch doesn't give an option for UTM.
It has Datum wgs 84
And
Spheroid wgs 84
It's this already set to UTM?
I think you need to scroll on that same setting screen to Format. The options you stated are under the Datum, not Format.
How do you add the HR to your home screen instead of the solar intensity?
It similar to what I showed on the video, but start with holding the Menu button->Watch Face, Hit GPS button to bring up Customize. Then the process is the same as Activities.
@@OutsideChronicles Thank you.
Where do you get UTM maps?
You can make your own at Caltopo.com. Most commercial trail maps and NatGeo maps also have the UTM Grip.
How do I get the watch to display my UTM location?
First set the location to UTM as instructed in the video, then in the field hold down the ABC button. You may have to then scroll through the ABC screens.
Hey I can find your video to export gpx maps to your watch
Here you go: ruclips.net/video/pvoHtbT1JM4/видео.html Thanks for watching!
Im having an issue with doing the walk activity and it not showing map data on the app of the route and I just cant figure it out, could you help me?
I assume you are getting no GPS data. Check if GPS tracking is in by going into the activity (don’t start tracking), hit the menu button, go to settings, make sure GPS is set to Normal or GPS+Glonass. Hope this helps!
@@OutsideChronicles as far as I know Im getting GPS data?( like save location or when it displays your current location? Is that what you meant?) and the GPS is set to normal like you said, I just got this watch and completely read the manual front to back etc, but I dont get it, I tried 3 times so far, and all i get is health stats etc. Man I hope you can help😡
@@OutsideChronicles I think I just figured it out, and im feeling dumb lol, I had stealth mode on, I think that might be it.
Thanks a lot - very helpful but the watch is *much* too complicated if it takes over 20 minutes to explain its use for hiking. What I need is a watch that show speed, duration, average speed and has a pause facility * and nothing else* Continuing my search 😊
I suppose I might add - and saves the route to view later, but my iPhone does everything else I need😊
Just in case anyone wants an equally uncomplicated watch (probably not) I have found that I seem to be able to disable the widgets and alternative activities -so fingers crossed, it may work as I want on my next hike.
Out of the box, it is extremely easy to use. But has a ton of power if you want to customize. Really one or two buttons for basic function.
great instruction
My pleasure, glad you found it useful.
I noticed it is saying you are walking a distance when you're obviously sitting stationary. Why is that. Also seen your jumpmaster activity. I was 82nd from 2006 to 2009. Then again 16-19
Don’t understand where “Mountaineering “ came from. Not in my offered apps
I have the Instinct Solar Tactical, it may only be in that model. No worries, just start with the Hike activity and customize that one.
Bills! Big win tonight!!
Big time! Any time we beat the Patriots is great, blowing them out on primetime playoff, even better.
Is it water proof or water resistant?
The water rating is 10 ATM Withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 meters www.garmin.com/en-US/legal/waterrating-definitions/
Awesome
I just got the watch a few days ago.
My watch (Instinct 2 Solar) doesn't have Mountaineering.
I would suggest copying Hike and then customize. You can start with any activity that is close to your end goal for data screens.
@@OutsideChronicles Thank you for the quick reply. I'm going hiking tomorrow.
There is one called "Climb" that has an icon that looks like the Mountaineering Icon.
I just got the watch a few hours ago, it's doing a lengthy update so maybe it will be there after.
@@Denvercoder that one might not be best, it is geared towards mostly vertical gain like rock climbing. Hike is pretty close, I use it everywhere but long mountain hikes. The main data screen have distance and elevation.
Great watch. BUT beware - Very unreliable. On my 3rd replacement in 16 months. The last about 8 months then start going blank. Friend of mine has had two Instincts due to same issue. Others I have asked cite similar reliability.
That's scary. Mine is about two years and doing fine. But I'd hate to try a solar and have it die so fast.
May be Singapore were sent a very bad bunch. Of course their response was ' This has never happen to one before". Cross fingers this is more than a 2/3 year wonder.
Warning!!! Do not let bug spray come in contact with your Garmin watch face!!! I love my Garmin Instinct but was surprised to find that as an outdoorsman style watch, spraying down with bug spray will potentially ruin your watch face!!! It left smear marks that I can’t remove!
Thanks for letting us know, I have not experienced that but will be careful.
I'm 58 and have had no traumatic brain injuries 🤕and I find this watch too tough to navigate. It's beyond me how people set one up, and set up a fitness app that's not included, and remember all the functions and widgets.
Man! Thank you so much!!
My pleasure, see you outside!