Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Have firmware updates improved the Garmin Fenix 8? Or still a dud?
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After months of firmware updates, the Fenix 8 is more stable than at launch. Most bugs are minor and won't kill your activities or lose data. If you want Garmin's flagship watch now, it's solid for navigation, battery life, and durability. The Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro are still worth considering if you find a discount. I also compare it to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which handles day hikes and daily life better but lacks the Fenix's multi-day battery and topo routing.
0:00 Garmin Fenix 8
2:10 Epix Pro & Fenix 7 Pro
4:16 Apple Watch Ultra 2
09:50 Recommendations
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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Have firmware updates improved the Garmin Fenix 8? Or still a dud?
*Lowest Prices I Found:*
amzn.to/46lzIAt
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
After months of firmware updates, the Fenix 8 is more stable than at launch. Most bugs are minor and won't kill your activities or lose data. If you want Garmin's flagship watch now, it's solid for navigation, battery life, and durability. The Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro are still worth considering if you find a discount. I also compare it to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which handles day hikes and daily life better but lacks the Fenix's multi-day battery and topo routing.
0:00 Garmin Fenix 8
2:10 Epix Pro & Fenix 7 Pro
4:16 Apple Watch Ultra 2
09:50 Recommendations
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
