Our Take
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a rugged outdoor GPS smartwatch aimed at serious hikers, trail runners, and adventure athletes who prioritise durability and battery life over smartwatch polish. It sits in the mid-to-upper end of the GPS watch market, competing with Suunto and Coros, and leans firmly toward function over fashion.
Key Features
Solar charging lens that extends battery life beyond the standard quoted figures in sufficient sunlight
Multi-GNSS support including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for accurate positioning across varied terrain
Built-in 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and accelerometer for navigation and activity tracking
Heart rate monitoring via wrist-based optical sensor, plus pulse oximetry for altitude awareness
MIL-STD-810 rated for thermal, shock, and water resistance to 100 metres
Preloaded activity profiles covering running, cycling, swimming, hiking, and strength training
Our Verdict
Buy it if you spend serious time outdoors and want a watch that can genuinely keep up across multi-day adventures without hunting for a charger. If you're primarily a gym goer, a commuter runner, or you value a sharp touchscreen display, something like the Garmin Forerunner or Apple Watch will serve you better.