I have the 6s Pro. I wish I had the solar charging version because I think I would use that pretty regularly when backpacking (right now I charge it with a solar panel).

I do use the music, which I didn’t think I would use. I like not having to carry my phone for runs less than 90 minutes. And I listen to music in my tent when I can’t sleep. I didn’t expect that I would do this, but the feature was there, so I used it.

I do like the WiFi. It was buggy for a while, but a software update seems to have fixed it.

I have had zero problems with my 6s and it seems to be extremely durable. I swim in the ocean with it A LOT. I surf with it (there is a cool surf app). I mount it on both my road and mountain bike. I run with it. The trail run app has nice screens that aren’t, by default, on the run screen. I use it when I kayak. It links to my inReach for a quick glance. I like all the measurement metrics and scroll through and read them when I’m bored. The temperature reading has always befuddled me. The only time I think it is accurate is when I’m in my hot tub. In the hot tub, the watch reads an accurate 102. Otherwise, it just confuses me.

I’d buy it again.

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Hillary Trout
San Luis Obispo, CA

Your trip is short. Make the most of it.
https://www.slogoing.net/

Any reason you wouldn't consider the 5 Plus? You can get the fenix 5 plus carbon for $312ish

Wow really?! Where is that at? I see the 5 on Amazon but hear Garmin does not honor the warranty from Amazon sales?

https://bikecloset.com/...ZEAQYAiABEgL5JfD_BwE

Additional 5% off in cart. I just bought mine from Mybikeshop.com and asked them to price match

I’ve got the 6 and love the credit card ability to pay.

I also always leave my phone on silent and my watch alerts me when someone calls.

The open watch swim tracking is the best.

If money isn’t an option, but the 6

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Hillary,

Can you tell me about the navigation abilities on the 6s? I understand the 6s does not have a full topo map, but is it easy to use when uploading a route and tracking the navigation? The regular 5 and 5x are too large for me and I am looking for a smaller option that has navigation for backpacking, mountain climbing, and long trail runs/hikes. Thanks

I would have thought the topo maps on the 6 pro was probably the bigger difference to the 6 than just the music.

The 6 will still allow you to follow a GPS breadcrumb trail with directions.

While there were a few reports of corrosion with early models, I haven't seen that many reports of this in the last 18 months. Keeping the charging port clean, and perhaps more importantly dry while charging, should eliminate most issues. Certainly I have seen no problems with my 6 Pro in 2 years. And pretty much every report I have seen about charging issues, Garmin have dealt replaced it pretty promptly.

Just keep in mind that the 7 is due to come out later this summer, if Garmin stays on the same schedule that they did with the 5 and 6. Once the 7 comes out, you should be able to get the 6 at a pretty good discount. Or, maybe the 7 has some features that you'd really like.

I don't know what your timeline to replace is like, but if might be worth it to wait a few months if you can.