Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Review: A Rugged GPS Watch That Keeps Going
What Is It?
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a durable GPS smartwatch built for serious outdoor use, offering nearly unlimited battery life thanks to solar charging. Engineered to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, this no-nonsense wearable is designed for hikers, trail runners, tactical operators, and adventure seekers who need reliable tracking and health monitoring far from the grid.
It combines advanced outdoor features—like multi-band GPS, altimeter/barometer/compass, and health insights—with extreme battery life and a rugged design that holds up in any condition.
Key Features
Solar Charging: With sufficient sun exposure, the Instinct 2 Solar can provide unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode—perfect for extended backcountry trips.
Military-Grade Durability: Meets MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance (rated to 100 meters).
Multisport Tracking: Supports over 30 activity profiles including hiking, biking, running, swimming, and strength training.
Multi-GNSS Support: Access to GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems for superior accuracy in challenging environments.
Health & Wellness Tracking: Includes 24/7 heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, Pulse Ox, sleep scores, and Body Battery™ energy monitoring.
Smartphone Integration: Get smart notifications, calendar alerts, and even text responses (Android only) when paired with a phone.
Custom Styles & Editions: Available in Surf, Tactical, and Camo Editions with activity-specific features like tide data or night vision goggle mode.
Battery Life: Up to 28 days in smartwatch mode, and 65+ days with solar exposure. GPS mode runs up to 30 hours (48+ with solar).
Performance in the Field
The Instinct 2 Solar is built to disappear on your wrist but deliver serious data when it counts. Its button-based interface is optimized for use in rain, with gloves, or while on the move—making it more practical in real-world outdoor scenarios than touchscreens.
GPS acquisition is fast and accurate, and health tracking remains reliable even during high-motion activity. Battery performance is one of the biggest highlights—users report going weeks without a charge, especially with regular sun exposure.
The display is monochrome, but that’s intentional: it maximizes visibility in bright sun and minimizes power consumption. And despite its utilitarian look, it’s surprisingly lightweight and comfortable for 24/7 wear.
Best For
-
Backpackers and thru-hikers who need long-lasting GPS and wellness tracking off-grid
-
Tactical or emergency responders requiring durable and mission-ready tech
-
Everyday fitness users who prefer rugged gear over fashion-forward smartwatches
-
Eco-conscious adventurers who want to reduce charging via solar power
Final Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar nails what it sets out to do: provide a rugged, solar-powered GPS watch that can handle anything you throw at it. While it’s not trying to compete with OLED-display smartwatches or touchscreen fitness trackers, its unmatched battery life, toughness, and reliability make it a category leader.
If your adventures take you into the wild and beyond, the Instinct 2 Solar is a worthy wrist companion—one you might forget to charge… because you won’t need to.
Rating: 9.3/10
