Sadly the reviewer has no understanding of technology and limitation. Satellite maps would take TB of data there is no way currently that a watch with hold that. But the CPU is the limiting factor likely not keeping up with Apple, the AMOLED version of Garmin are much slower due to 2x the resolution. Garmin so far has been able to bridge functionality and battery life but the recent generation got imbalanced
Was not understanding your review until you showed video clips of you hiking in that breathtaking location you were in, and described the navigating you do in the field, then it finally clicked. Btw, where were those locations? I was blown away by the landscape and terrain. Reminds me of the hiking and backpacking I did in the Andes. Simply breathtaking. As for your fenix 7x pro navigation dilemma, yeah, there’s NO watch in the world that will do what you want in terms of the navigating you’re doing, which like you said before, you were looking for something to replace your phone. Not a chance, unless you look into garmin’s actual full sized handheld navigation devices, in which at that point is sort of pointless bc many of them are larger than phones, but I believe Garmin makes a few mini handheld gps devices that are smaller than a phone, so you could look into that. But I agree when you said it’s more about your unrealistic expectations. Wanting a watch w/ gps capabilities to replace a full sized handheld gps device is an outright IMPOSSIBILITY. There simply isn’t enough space to cram all the hardware of a high end full sized handheld gps device, in the small enclosure of a watch, there’s just no way. The Fenix 7 pro series is an ultra fitness tracker and multi-sport watch, WITH GPS capabilities, if that makes sense. It’s a sport and fitness watch first, and a gps watch second, where it’s gps capabilities can be used to track routes and as a back-up in terms of emergencies. So for triathletes, ultramarathoners, or hybrid athletes (who travel for many miles on foot or bike), this is heaven bc they can track their mileage routes and performance. Plus, most serious athletes are biometric and data nerds, and love to track their performance data, which the Fenix 7 pro is the KING at doing, in addition to it’s gps tracking capabilities, which is actually quite accurate at doing. That’s why it has so many 5-star reviews, bc in the application of a fitness tracker and it’s decent gps capabilities to track an athletes routes during workouts and races, this is perfect. But for trailblazing in the backcountry, where you need much more reliable geographic information and data, and more reliable legibility in the form of a bigger screen, a watch is simply not it. However, I believe that the Fenix 7 pro series watches (to an extent) can provide a decent amount of reliable gps data, the critical question is how one will use that data. For a workout that you want to track, or if you’re through hiking somewhere, I believe it can do that successfully. But when you’re trailblazing in the backcountry, and you need geographic data and information that could mean the difference between life and death, there’s no way in hell I would rely on a watch, not even if it was $10K. It’s just too risky, and besides the convenience factor of replacing a phone with a watch, why would you want to view geographic data and maps on such a small screen? For maps and geographic data, you want all that info on a decent size screen, but obviously not too big if you’re in the backcountry. But for a watch, I believe it’s just too much to ask. You need to be using a full sized handheld gps device for that application, there’s just no way around it. One last point, as a testament to the Fenix 7 pro gps utilities. I have the Fenix 7 pro SS, I’ve had it for about 2 months now, and I love it. Yes I track everything because I do hybrid training (endurance training, track workouts, trailing running and strength training), so it’s a pleasure to track all my performance data and look at my numbers change through time, and have the ability to see where I can improve. In that regard, there’s nothing better than the Fenix 7 pro. However, in regards to its gps navigation maps, I used it for the first time 2 days ago… I believe it saved my life. I was on a trail run at a reservation park I’ve been going to for many years and know pretty well…until I was proven that I don’t know it pretty well. I was running on a trail I’ve done before several times, but not often, and forgot there were 2 forks rather than 1. So I confidently passed through the first fork, and didn’t realize I went the wrong way at the second fork. Had I chosen the right direction, I would’ve been back to familiar ground in about 2 miles. But instead, I went left without noticing it was a fork, and added 4 miles to my run, with significant elevation changes, at 7pm, with a severe thunderstorm incoming, and about 5 miles from the trailhead. That was the first time I panicked, bc I left my phone in the car, which I always do when I go on my trail runs. Luckily I was tracking the entire route with my Fenix 7 pro. When I started noticing unfamiliar ground, and that the trail I was on hadn’t connected to familiar ground, I switched over to the compass watch face to get an idea of where I was in relation to a large lake that the main trail passes through, where it finally leads to the trailhead. It was helpful by orienting me in terms of the location of the lake, but the trail I was on made another abrupt turn and was leading me northwest, when the lake was east. So I switched over to maps and I knew exactly where I was in relation to the lake, and all I could do was run as efficiently and as safe as I could and check the map every minute to verify my progress and direction, all while under the tree line, with the storm now approaching, rain starting, and daylight darkening. The map key indicated I was about 2 miles from the lake and showed that I was traveling in the direction of the lake, so I booked as safely as I could. As it got darker, it started down-pouring, and I couldn’t distinguish the color of the trail-markers on the trees anymore, so I turned on the flashlight and ran with it on, verifying the color of every trail-marker along the way because I was not about to get lost again on my way back, in the middle of a storm, at night, and in an area with Black bears. Eventually, I hit familiar ground in about 45 minutes of running through a thunderstorm, as there was a bit of light still. Had I not had my watch on me, I believe I would’ve been fully convinced that I was completely lost. But having my Fenix 7 pro on me, with its flashlight (which is a basic survival tool that we often take for granted), was a relief I can’t fully explain thinking back about the situation now. I’ve read a lot of reviews before I bought the watch, and many have said that the one thing they absolutely fell in love with is the flashlight. Something you wouldn’t expect, I know, but many have admitted they never realized how useful it would be until they actually needed it. I heard many saying they use it in the middle of the night when going to the kitchen for some water or whatnot, and they don’t want to turn all the kitchen lights on, and in many other low-light situations around the house that when you really think about it, can be quite often. With the Fenix 7 pro’s heart rate monitor, which is quite accurate (about 98% according to 3rd party testing), and I personally use for every workout to verify what heart rate zones I’m in (which is very important to determine how hard you’re endurance training, bc under an endurance training program, there are days you wanna train aerobic, and days you wanna train anaerobic, and not knowing can really derail your goals), I’ve read via a subreddit that a woman’s garmin fenix watch predicted her pregnancy when the Fenix’s heart rate monitor started to show a pattern of irregularities in her resting heart rate. She goes to the doctor, and they confirm her pregnancy. So do with that information what you will. But for me, since I am very physically active and I was looking for something that could help me track my performance data/progress, there really wasn’t anything better than the Fenix 7 pro. For you, I think it’s a matter of accepting what’s possible in technology at the moment, which for you would be a handheld gps device. Good luck, and stay safe on your travels.
I have the old fenix 6. I like the map primarily when I'm out town. Me and the wife went to Montana. I really just need it to get me back to my start point incase phone gets no signal and it didn't in the mountains but the watch was fine. I use a galaxy watch for everyday use . I get pics from home security cameras, can answer calls, type text messages in a pinch and can download my own music on watch. If garmin would combine that with the mapping software and the great battery life which the galaxy watch doesn't have and priced it at 1500 I would by it. As it stands right now until they do I won't by another one.
When i saw black diamond come out with this pack I was very interested. I love my BD distance 22l and I think Ill be considering this for a bigger pack at some point in the future. I cant wait to see what you think about it with a few miles on it! Cheers
Hey Kane! Totally agree with you. I'm a big fan of pushing myself and doing big trips, but I also love to get out even just for a quick overnighter. Micro adventures can be so rewarding, and they are a great way to test out some gear and dial in your systems. Loved the video mate! Cheers, Zeb.
Tarps are more prevalent in the Japan , Asian and European Market .Here in the U.S they Like bulky EZ ups. I went from EZ ups to tarps from Japan. You can manipulate tarps like origami.
@@wayout6092 I 100% understand that. There is something different about tarp camping which is very different from tent camping - and some people will always prefer it. I was talking about it from a weight perspective, where not so long ago the way to get the lightest shelter possible was by using a tarp setup. I just don’t think that’s the case anymore. Most people will opt for an integrated hybrid shelter because of the ease of use and extreme low weight. Look how popular the dcf zpacks and durston tents are.
Thanks a lot this was quite helpful. I’m in between right now, because I’m looking in some gear to approach ice climbing and mountaineering objectives. I never skied but I am a decent snowboarder so I was heading for the splitboard direction but your advice is quite good. Especially thinking of some situations when glacier travelling and hitting deep powder or when the snow get’s mushy after a day of bad pacing, snowshoes seem to be a good companion (although they might cause the bad pacing themselves). 😅
Hi Kane, not sure if you get notifications for very late comments, but I'll try: At 09:10, you mention having used the Ridgerest down to very low temperatures. Did you mean stand alone, i.e. without an inflatable pad on top of it? (I am very curious about this because I think I - a bony side sleeper - have finally found a way to make such a closed foam pad comfortable.)
The stoves are great but the pumps are a joke and not even close to milspec I will go as far as saying a liability, look at optimus polaris thats what the UK royal marines use in real life, not some consumer type lets go hike on a glacier will they know if we get sprayed in peteol kinda thing.
Just got mine in the mail today, and my battery has the type C charging port. If I didn't watch this video to see if I could figure out how you charge it, I never would have noticed that port on the battery. All I could find in the guide/ instruction was that it is rechargeable. No where on how to charge.....
As another commentor said,I agree with him ,that yes ,a map and compass can tell you exactly where you are at any given time. I'm Ex Army Infantry soldier who was taught ,trained on everything possible about fieldcraft/ orienteering. Incl being blindfolded and dropped off in very remote isolated,barren places, and then made to perform certain tasks using map and compass,incl escape and evasion. I really do recommend people learn these map,compass skills just on case their electronic devices fail fr one reason or another,which they do sometimes.
I started out with tarps decades ago, then went to tents, then a hammock, now I'm back to tarps. I like my 10x10 heavy duty. Almost exclusively use ridgeline set ups. Only because I carry a rifle or bow, so no hiking sticks for me. Thanks for sharing. Mike.
Well back in the old days ie 80s, 90s Use to love going to the local university the ones I was near always had a place you get the USGS maps. Could spend a good amount of time just looking at all the maps and picking out the ones I would need for for an upcoming trip. Still have my maps from my trips to New Mexico and the BWCA. Fun to just get them out and take the trips again. 🙂
From your point of view You should Use apple ultra or phone. you dnt need or you dnt have to use a real full USA Military dress for going to a theater to watch a war movie.
I've sent two of the zero pumps back because of bad threads, won't try a third. If Flextail would make the threads sturdy like on my Fenix headlamp I've been using for 5 years trouble free that might make me change my mind.
Not sure if it’s widely available in the US and Canada, but they also produce a version called Leukosilk that I sometimes like even better. It’s usually an inch wide, and a white bandaid medical tape material that is thinner and softer. But also less sticky to your skin and socks, which means it comes off faster and can be a disadvantage, but also helps to care for wounds. I‘ve sometimes even used that preventatively applying some strips to usual spots in the morning especially on day hikes, or before the major descent of the day. Sometimes multiple strips overlapping each other. E.g. I got no significant blisters thanks to Leukosilk when hiking from Germany to Italy across the Alps, and it saved me when I did get painful ones on top of my toenails on a trip across Spain. Leukotape is a bit better on the heel or bottom of the foot where you need more cushion.
I have the the TX2's as well, the TX 4 has a way wider fit than normal La Sportiva boots and shoes. I go up a size with most La Sportiva boots and shoes, these TX 4's you can go with your normal shoes size.
If you say that map and compass won't tell you exactly where you are, then you really don't know how to use a map and compass. Learn analog navigation first, then you may be qualified to compare.
In Canada in out federal parks, you can’t leave your camp site without putting everything in your vehicle or trailer. I’ve learned to pack very light so I can put everything away when I leave the campsite.
Totally understand your search!! I had tried "TONS" of hiking shoes, boots, etc... If your anything like me GTX boots make my feet overheat, sweat!! Once you get them wet inside they are never the same. I always take out my insoles every night to dry them out. I change my socks 2 and 3 times a day. Although certain darn tough socks last the day without changing. Soo many companies use GTX. I do like Gortex your the cooler months but been on the search for a quality breathable Mid hiking boot. Gonna try out these Hoka's. I like Oboz because they are tough and offer alot of stability but they don't make a breathable boot. I've tried merrels. Most of them leak even though they are GTX. Lowa zephyrs are a great boot too! They offer both GTX and non GTX. Under armour makes a great mid boot too. Especially the Valsetz. Keen boots are nice too but heavy and they don't offer many breathable boots. Maybe these Anacapas are the answer??!!.. Good review man!!! Thanks! Hike on!!
I like to use map and compass because it feels more bomb prove. and i like to spread out a map and see what lies ahead. On a small screen thats just more difficult. and i like to teach map and compass. it gives more spacial awareness and even with a gps you should know how to read a map to interpret what is shown on the screen. I had difficulties in mountainous regions with the gps signal bouncing off mountains and giving me a wrong location. I have to admit most of my hikes are in area with paths and defined peaks where you can always reference where you are. If I'd hike more off trail I'd use my gps more, although still bringing a map
Yes, it’s a skill worth learning and no batteries to go flat. Been all over European alpine mountains with a range of maps, some wonderful and others well dodgy. Never felt the need for GPS, even in thick low visibility conditions.
Im 60,Army infantry veteran and i always use map and compass,and have always used map and compass...As fr Mobile phone apps etc. One can easily lose it,as its small,one can drain the battery , and one can damage it. The physical Map is big,thus less likely to lose, and less likely to break,damage. Also using phones etc reduces the minds natural ability to seek,find where you are ,and where you going.
I have never really learned how to use a compass. I didn't go to Girl Scouts as a kid, and my father never taught me. I did take a really poorly put together "class " at a MEC store a few years ago, but didn't learn much of anything. So, needless to say, I'm always lost 😂
I don't go off trail much but I try to follow the map when I hike. I took some land nav classes but where I go it's well marked. I can figure out my location if I have gps coordinates
Digital maps are easier to use - BUT, I think that they also reduce overall awareness BECAUSE they are easy. With map & compass, you have to understand the terrain around you. Just like using your car GPS, you can blindly follow its instructions which are frequently inefficient, or worse, not correct. If you use digital tools for hiking OR driving, make sure that you evaluate what they are telling you - which often requires some sort of map.
Precisely, tarps not longer makes sense with the advent of modern tent designs and build materials. These days it’s just a romantic notion or novelty to tarp camp over multi days.
You also have to consider your own hight. A 10 x 10 feet or 3 x 3 m gives you very few set up possibilies when you like me is 2 m unless you prefer to get wet in rain and wind. I need at least 12 x 12 feet or 3.5 x 3.5 m but better is 13 x 13 feet or 4 x4 m or 10 x 13 feet or 3 x 4 m if I don't want to do a lean to or A frame. I think focusing on weight is to lose sight of useability.
In my younger years, i did a lot of cross country backpacking. Didn’t really enjoy following a trail. Of course there wasn’t any gps devices available. Loved using map and compass. Never got lost. When the first gps devices came out a good friend got all screwed up using his garmin gps. Probably his fault. He and his 2 boys were 8 hours late getting back to base camp. Almost called search and rescue.
Without map and compass there is no fun on walking. My GPS serve me most only to make a track of my walk. So i can later find the places where i took some photos. Of course also as back-up. My maps had never an empty battery.
