Trekked to Everest Base Camp wearing Garmin Fenix 8, discovered favorite functions of 4 and annoyances of 2.
The Garmin Fenix 8, a premium GPS watch, has proven its worth during an 80-mile, 11-day trek to Everest Base Camp. Its standout features and superior performance make it an ideal companion for long, challenging expeditions.
### Extended Battery Life and Advanced Navigation Tools
The Fenix 8's extended battery life, offering up to 28 hours of GPS use with gesture mode, was crucial for this multi-day adventure, where charging opportunities were limited. Its advanced navigation tools, improved upon the Fenix 7, provided highly reliable support in the remote, rugged Himalayan environment.
### AMOLED Display, Smartwatch Functions, and Rugged Build
The Fenix 8's crystal-clear AMOLED display improved visibility and readability in varying light conditions, from bright mountain sun to dim teahouse interiors. The watch also supported voice commands and could make and take phone calls, significantly upgrading communication when network coverage was available. Tested in harsh trail environments, the Fenix 8 proved rugged, responsive, and accurate, essential qualities for high-altitude trekking.
### Comparison with Garmin Fenix 7, Coros Pace 3, and Other Outdoor Watches
Compared to the Fenix 7, the Fenix 8 upgraded with more navigation tools and a superior AMOLED screen, enhancing user experience and situational awareness on long treks. The Fenix 8 was compared with the Coros Pace 3 for heart rate and distance metrics. While the Coros Pace 3 remained a competent control watch, the Fenix 8’s additional functions and sturdier build gave it an edge on extended, remote expeditions. The Fenix 8 AMOLED Sapphire is noted as the flagship Garmin model and is highly recommended by ultralight backpackers for its accuracy, battery life, and trail functionality, outperforming many other GPS watches on the market.
### Limitations and User Preferences
However, the Fenix 8's battery life, when used in GPS mode for at least six hours a day, did not meet the user's expectations. Additionally, the user expressed interest in the option to review routes in 3D video animation, a feature not available on the Garmin Fenix 8 but offered by the Suunto app.
### Practical Applications on the Trek
The Fenix 8's altimeter was used more than any other feature during the trek, starting at an elevation similar to Breckenridge ski resort in Colorado and reaching 17,598ft (5,354m). The watch's LED flashlight was used for navigating in the dark during the trek, including finding ways to shared bathrooms in teahouses at night and for early alpine starts. The flashlight could be dimmed to red light mode, which was helpful for walking safely without blinding companions during night hikes. The Fenix 8 was also used to navigate during the pitch-dark hike up Kala Patthar to watch the sun rise over Everest at 3am.
In conclusion, the Garmin Fenix 8's combination of long-lasting battery life, enhanced navigation, a tough and user-friendly design, added smartwatch capabilities, and trail functionality make it superior to previous Garmin models like the Fenix 7 and competitive alternatives such as the Coros Pace 3, delivering reliable and comprehensive support for serious trekkers in extreme environments.
The Garmin Fenix 8's versatile features, such as extended battery life for GPS use and advanced navigation tools, proved valuable during the 80-mile Everest Base Camp trek, particularly in the challenging Himalayan environment where charging opportunities were limited. Moreover, the Fenix 8's smartphone capabilities, including voice commands and the ability to make and take calls, enhanced communication during the expedition when network coverage was available.
