Garmin Instinct GPS Watch Is Built For Outdoor Adventures

Garmin is a name probably most associated with in-vehicle navigation systems but it has dipped its hand into anything and everything you can put a GPS in. And, yes, that includes wearables naturally. It has, in fact, a line of smartwatches and fitness trackers and there are no signs of it slowing down. In fact, it has just launched the Garmin Instinct, a rugged smartwatch that's built like a tank and looks the part as well.

While most smartwatch vendors are trying hard to disguise their completely digital watches as classy analog fashion timepieces, the Garmin Instinct is unapologetic in its design. If form follows function, Garmin is making it clear that this isn't one you'd wear to a Gala. But if hiking, camping, running, or firefighting is your thing, then the Instinct is going to be your digital lifeline.

The Instinct meets the military standard for thermal, shock, and water resistance (of up to 100 meters), more popularly known as MIL-STD-810G. That's thanks to the fully vented silicone bands and the chemically-strengthened scratch-resistant monochrome display.

The Garmin Instinct is designed this way so that you can take it wherever you go. And with GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo navigation systems, you'll always know where you do go. Through the heart rate monitor and heart rate variability algorithms, the Instinct will be able to clue you in on you physiological state at any time.

Being a connected watch, it also does the usual job of keeping you informed of appointments, messages, and calls. The Garmin Instinct is compatible with both Android and iPhones via the Garmin Connect app. The outdoor wearable is available now for $299.99 and comes in Graphite (Black), Tundra (White), and Flame Red color options.