The best watches for active tourism and military

“Off-road” watches from Garmin with the Instinct model index endure any adversity and are aimed at both avid followers of outdoor activities and those whose profession involves risk to their lives. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and consider all the ins and outs of the wearable gadget in order.

Garmin Instinct is assembled in a body made of fiber-reinforced polymer, which protects the internal “filling” from the negative effects of all kinds of external factors in accordance with the strict requirements of the American military standard MIL-STD-810. The watch is not afraid of falls, pressure, temperature changes, sand, dust and can withstand vibration. In addition, they remain operational during deep-sea diving (up to 100 m).

At the front of the wearable device is a chemically enhanced and scratch-resistant monochrome display. With a diagonal of 0.9 inches, the picture is displayed on the screen in a resolution of 128x128 pixels. Support for touch input was not delivered to it, but the functions for displaying notifications from a smartphone and measured parameters of user activity are in place. Garmin Instinct automatically recognizes the type of physical activity and keeps statistics related to various types of loads.

In active GPS tracking mode, the watch lasts 16 hours. In order to save battery power, you can activate the special mode of interval recording of UltraTrac track points, in which marks are placed on the map at longer intervals. Without using navigation, the “smart” gadget stays afloat for two weeks in a row. It is equipped with a 3-axis compass and a barometric altimeter; in addition, it claims to support ANT+ wireless data transmission technology for communication with external activity monitoring sensors. It didn't work out for the model with only an NFC chip. If it is extremely important, take a look at other representatives of the Garmin smartwatch family.

The Amazfit T-Rex 2 is a solid mid-range watch that can be classified as a tactical model. Externally, they are very similar to the iconic Casio G-Shock series with a characteristic round dial, protruding bezel and imitation bolts.

The smartwatch screen is based on an AMOLED matrix with a high peak brightness of up to 1000 nits. The diagonal dimensions of the display were 1.39 inches; the screen also received the function of auto-brightness adjustment to ambient lighting conditions and a permanent Always On mode. Through the linked Zepp Life mobile application, you can install watch faces, of which over one and a half hundred were produced. Among their wide variety, there is a suitable option for every taste and color.

Amazfit T-Rex 2 is protected from negative environmental factors according to the requirements of the American military standard MIL-STD-810G. The watch is characterized by shock resistance, withstands deep-sea diving up to 100 meters under the water column, and remains operational within a wide temperature range from -40 ° C to +70 ° C. The model runs on the proprietary operating system Zepp OS. Touch control in it is duplicated by four physical buttons on the sides of the durable smartwatch body.

The gadget is capable of tracking 158 types of activities, with 8 sports disciplines and 25 types of strength training automatically recognized for hours. The model collects information about the user’s activity during the day, measures the level of blood oxygen saturation, controls stress, and monitors sleep quality. According to the GPS module, the watch accurately determines the location and can be used to navigate unfamiliar areas (subject to pre-loading maps). To monitor health indicators, the watch is equipped with a BioTracker 3.0 biometric sensor.

An energy-intensive 500 mAh battery was placed in the “chubby” body of the Amazfit T-Rex 2 with a thickness of about 13.7 mm. In normal mode, its charge is enough for about 24 days of battery life; with functions disabled, the watch can stay afloat and even more - up to 45 days in a row. The active mode drains the battery faster, but you can safely count on about 7-10 days of battery life. In addition, the watch allows remote control of the camera of a paired smartphone and audio player.

The 2023 debutant from Garmin is the second generation of the Instinct touring line. The 2X Solar version received a larger body (50 mm diameter), NFC for contactless payments and a solar panel. The latter significantly extends battery life. Let’s say that in a normal scenario (notifications, training, etc.) the device will work for 40 days, and in traveling (economical) navigation mode - at least 60 days. And if you spend at least 3 hours outdoors every day, then power from the outlet may not be required at all.

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is equipped with a compass, barometer and altimeter. They have a durable housing that meets the military standard MIL-STD-810 (made of reinforced fiber) and is protected from water (WR100M). Separately, it is worth highlighting the accurate multi-band GPS with the ability to track a track, the TracBack function, which plots the return route to the starting point, and support for sending alarm notifications to trusted persons with your current coordinates.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the presence of a full-fledged flashlight and ANT+ data transmission technology, which expands the gadget’s compatibility with various professional sensors.

Like most modern smartwatches, the model “can” track pulse, saturation, and stress levels. Ready to replace the device and sports coach. The most popular types of activities are provided here, from running to golf or snowboarding. The maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) is also calculated, the recovery of the body is analyzed, a training schedule can be drawn up, etc.

Some may criticize the monochrome non-touch display, but for camping and tactical purposes this is definitely not a minus. Overall, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is a functional smartwatch from a trusted brand for demanding users, including experienced hikers and military personnel. Note that there is also a Tactical Edition version on sale, which has a higher price tag, but more interesting tactical features.

The representative of Casio's G-Shock line can be classified as a mid-budget solution, while the manufacturer himself calls this watch a real bestseller. Although the model is not made of premium materials (plastic, mineral glass, rubber are used), it is ready for a variety of tests. Thus, the case is not afraid of shocks and almost any contamination, including sand, earth and wet mud.

The Casio G-Shock G-9300-1 is also well protected from water, because the WR200M standard will suit not only swimmers or snorkeling fans, but also amateur divers who are interested in shallow dives.

The watch has a fairly large case with a diameter of 51 mm, but weighs little (less than 70 grams). The user can easily read data from the digital dial in any lighting, because there is an electronic backlight with adjustable operating time and afterglow.

A set of additional functions includes a compass, thermometer, support for 5 alarms, a stopwatch, timer, date and day display, world time (31 time zones) and even moon phases. The model also copes well with the basic task. A proprietary quartz movement with an accuracy of +/- 15 s/month is used.

The watch's features include Tough Solar dual power technology. There is both a battery and a solar panel. Such a tandem, when periodically exposed to light, will provide unlimited autonomy. In addition, even far from the sun, the operating period should be about 8 months, plus there is an additional power reserve indicator.

Casio G-Shock G-9300-1 is a wrist accessory balanced in terms of price, quality and capabilities for difficult operating conditions.

Large (diameter 54 mm) watches from Casio's G-Shock line can be classified as advanced market solutions. There is no need to change the power source here, because the proprietary Tough Solar technology with a solar panel and battery is implemented. When the battery is fully charged, the model can operate for up to 6 months without recharging in the light. And in a special energy-saving mode, this period can exceed 2 years.

The Japanese quartz movement is responsible for the accurate display of time in the Casio G-Shock GWG-2000-1A1. By default, its travel error is +/- 15 s/month. But even the most exacting users will not have to set the clock manually, because the time synchronization function via radio channel has been implemented.

The wristwatch is positioned as a model for the most difficult operating conditions. Let's say the dial here is protected by sapphire glass, and the Carbon Core Guard carbon case is frost-resistant, shock-resistant, resistant to dust and dirt. In addition, it is worth highlighting the high-quality moisture protection WR200M.

The model is equipped with a mixed dial, where there are both hands and a digital display. This combination helps to informatively display not only the time, but also the readings of built-in sensors, including an altimeter, barometer, thermometer and compass. Users also have access to 5 alarms, a stopwatch and timer, data on the date and day of the week, current time in 29 time zones, etc. Dual backlighting, which includes both several diodes and a luminescent coating, is responsible for convenient reading of information.

The Casio G-Shock GWG-2000-1A1 is quite expensive, but paying extra for high reliability, a solar battery and advanced functionality (as for a wristwatch) looks reasonable.

A wristwatch from Luminox is an accessory whose special status is confirmed by several regalia. First of all, the model is marked Swiss Made, that is, made directly in Switzerland. In addition, this is the personalized watch of Bear Grylls, a journalist known for the TV program “Survive at Any Cost” on Discovery. Luminox Bear Grylls Survival 3745 are suitable as a high-end solution for extreme conditions.

To match its positioning, the watch received a cast carbon case that is resistant to various mechanical influences. The crown is protected by a rubber ring of a characteristic orange color (present on all Grylls signature models). The yellow-backed dial is covered with high-grade sapphire crystal, which is virtually scratch-resistant. Another plus is the standard WR300M class water protection, which can satisfy the needs of even professional divers.

The heart of the watch is the Ronda quartz caliber 5030.D. This is a mechanism with 13 stones inside, confirming the high quality of workmanship. The watch will delight you with decent accuracy (it can lag up to 10 seconds or “run” forward up to 20 seconds per month) and operate on a single battery for more than 4 years.

In addition to the main dial, there is a chronograph up to 12 hours and a date display window in the “six” area. A classic compass is fixed on the strap, which can be removed when not needed.

Another advantage of the watch is the tritium backlight. It is non-volatile and has a long working life - up to 25 years of glow without loss of brightness.

The disadvantages include the high price and functionality inferior to many G-Shock models. But if you need a luxury hiking or tactical watch, then this “Swiss” is definitely worth a closer look.