Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The life-saving feature that convinced me to switch from Garmin to the Apple Watch 24/7.
*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 nearly two decades wearing Garmin devices, I switched to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for one reason: 24/7 fall detection that calls 911 directly. If the watch detects a hard fall and you don't respond, it contacts emergency services with your location using cellular, your phone, or satellite. Garmin's Incident Detection only works during tracked activities and alerts a personal contact, not 911. For solo hikers or anyone who spends time in the backcountry, that direct emergency line makes the difference. I still carry my inReach for deep wilderness trips, but the Apple Watch covers everyday risk better than any Garmin I've used.
---
*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.
The life-saving feature that convinced me to switch from Garmin to the Apple Watch 24/7.
*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 nearly two decades wearing Garmin devices, I switched to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for one reason: 24/7 fall detection that calls 911 directly. If the watch detects a hard fall and you don't respond, it contacts emergency services with your location using cellular, your phone, or satellite. Garmin's Incident Detection only works during tracked activities and alerts a personal contact, not 911. For solo hikers or anyone who spends time in the backcountry, that direct emergency line makes the difference. I still carry my inReach for deep wilderness trips, but the Apple Watch covers everyday risk better than any Garmin I've used.
---
*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.
