Confession: I’ve never climbed a rock wall before, nor did I ever plan to. But when Garmin offered me a break from the hustle of CES 2025 to try out its latest rugged smartwatches, I couldn’t resist. The chance to test the Solar Instinct 3 — a watch boasting "endless" battery life with sufficient sunlight — was too tempting to pass up.
Built to Withstand the Adventure
The Garmin Instinct 3 watches make a bold first impression. Their rugged, almost aggressive design screams durability, and they seem more than capable of handling the inevitable knocks and tumbles that come with activities like rock climbing.
While the Solar Instinct 3 is powered by sunlight and promises nearly infinite battery life, its sibling, the AMOLED version, is equally impressive with a bright, colorful display and a solid 24 days of battery life per charge.
Functionality at Your Fingertips
Both models feature an array of buttons — two on the right and three on the left — for navigating their robust interfaces. It’s a departure from the touchscreens most of us are used to, but it’s a design choice that makes sense for outdoor adventures. Once you get the hang of the layout, the interface feels intuitive.
The displays on both watches are crystal clear, even mid-climb. I had no trouble glancing at my wrist to check metrics while scaling the V0 rock wall Garmin set up for us. Yes, I actually climbed — and tracked every move using the Solar Instinct 3 on one wrist and the AMOLED model on the other.
Comfortable and Feature-Packed
I tested the larger 50mm versions of the watches (there are also 45mm options). Despite their rugged build, they felt surprisingly comfortable, even during activity. With battery life that encourages all-day wear, these watches are also great for sleep tracking. Garmin’s health tracking suite includes features like a daily “battery level” score to help users balance fitness and wellness activities.
As expected, the Instinct 3 delivers standard smart notifications, though it lacks microphones and speakers, so you won’t be taking calls. Starting at $399.99 for the Solar version and $449.99 for the AMOLED, these watches offer a more affordable entry into Garmin’s rugged lineup. However, they lack detailed topo-active maps, a trade-off for the lower price point. That said, GPS and robust navigation features are still included.
A Bright Idea
One standout feature I loved was the built-in flashlight, available on both models. Situated between the top lugs, the flashlight activates with a double button press, allowing you to adjust brightness or switch to a red light. It’s a small but thoughtful touch, especially for users who dislike glaring white light in the dark.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Garmin Instinct 3 rugged smartwatches deliver on their promises. They’re stylish, durable, and packed with practical features, all while maintaining incredible battery life. For those seeking a rugged smartwatch alternative to pricier options like the Apple Watch Ultra, the Instinct 3 offers excellent value and performance.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or, like me, climbing your first rock wall, the Garmin Instinct 3 is up to the task.