GPS smartwatches for walking/hiking

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Can anyone recommend some good kit please?

Recently bought a cheap one which is so inaccurate with data, it's pointless so sending it back. For example it recorded 18.4 miles in Saturday and I know that helvellyn via striding edge is nowhere near that, more like 7.5 at most

My pal has a fancy Garmin 7 thing but at £500+ that's way more than I want to spend

I can get the Garmin vivoactive 3 which has built in GPS (this is a must for me) for about £130, maybe £150 is my top spend

Anyone have this or can recommend something better for the same price?
 
I use my apple watch now, but previously had a Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire which was rock solid - literally. banged it off all sorts and not a scratch. They not cheap though but if you dont mind a generation or so old you can usually pick them up at a bargain price on FB marketplace.
 
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Had a Garmin 935 which was pretty good - a lighter, similar featured but probably less robust offering than the above - but cheaper too. I don't use one now
 
I use to have a Garmin GPS watch (cant remember the model number), i didn't like it, thought it was pretty useless, too small and fiddly.

Now i just use my iPhone with the Ordnance Survey and RunKeeper apps and i have everything i need, much better than using a watch, much cheaper as well because i have the iPhone anyway.

Hopefully if all goes to plan i will be doing Helvellyn via Striding Edge for the first time next week. Done Helvellyn a few times but never via Striding edge.
 
BigJack said:
I use to have a Garmin GPS watch (cant remember the model number), i didn't like it, thought it was pretty useless, too small and fiddly.

Now i just use my iPhone with the Ordnance Survey and RunKeeper apps and i have everything i need, much better than using a watch, much cheaper as well because i have the iPhone anyway.

Hopefully if all goes to plan i will be doing Helvellyn via Striding Edge for the first time next week. Done Helvellyn a few times but never via Striding edge.
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I'm similar in that I'd recommend ViewRanger app with OS subscription. Have used it for a couple of years now on my Android phone.
 
I use an Amazfit Bip, approx. £50, if you use the Amazfit (now called Zepp) app it syncs with Strava. Has a 45 day battery life and built in GPS.
 
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BigJack said:
I use to have a Garmin GPS watch (cant remember the model number), i didn't like it, thought it was pretty useless, too small and fiddly.

Now i just use my iPhone with the Ordnance Survey and RunKeeper apps and i have everything i need, much better than using a watch, much cheaper as well because i have the iPhone anyway.

Hopefully if all goes to plan i will be doing Helvellyn via Striding Edge for the first time next week. Done Helvellyn a few times but never via Striding edge.
Click to expand...
exactly the same, didn’t like the Garmyn software, now use the OS app and also a Fitbit, which maps distances amazingly close to the OS app.
 
I have a Garmin vivoactive, mainly use it for cycling but for walking as well. I link to starva and I find all the measurements accurate as I need. My only issue is with battery life. I only get up to 5/6 hours. So for long day walks or cycle rides its frustrating to loose data. I bought a Garmin edge for the bike that's solved the rides and just use iPhone with starva for the walks. I have just ordered a portable power charger for my longer walks.
 
BigJack said:
I use to have a Garmin GPS watch (cant remember the model number), i didn't like it, thought it was pretty useless, too small and fiddly.

Now i just use my iPhone with the Ordnance Survey and RunKeeper apps and i have everything i need, much better than using a watch, much cheaper as well because i have the iPhone anyway.

Hopefully if all goes to plan i will be doing Helvellyn via Striding Edge for the first time next week. Done Helvellyn a few times but never via Striding edge.
Click to expand...

Do not underestimate striding edge, it is brutal in places, but enjoy it! Post a thread after you've done it, would be really interested in your thoughts. That's my leg in the grey trousers. Some of the scrambles are a bit hairy!20200901_102027.jpg20200901_102141.jpg
 
Currently have a Suunto 9 Baro for running atm and the GPS accuracy and battery life are incredible - but they're a bit pricey.

Before that I had a Polar M430 which are about £120, served me really well for a marathon, training runs and walks etc. GPS was accurate, good battery life, easy to use and sync with Polar app and Strava (y)
 
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Viewranger on my phone is great for walks. I have a forerunner 10 for runs .... it's crap. I'm toying with the 945 or the Fenix 6 Pro Solar. Stupid money though. The Fenix costs more that I paid for a near mint Saab convertible.

As for Striding Edge, that downclimb is a bit nasty. Swirrall is just as bad if you descend that way.
 
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