Review: is Garmin’s Fenix 8 the perfect adventure travel watch?
This rugged fitness-focussed watch boasts customisable software, two weeks battery life, and every feature you need.
By Staff Writers, March 14 2025
As any frequent traveller can attest, there are some essentials that make life on the road infinitely better.
Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds are number one, with power banks and packing cubes probably tied for number two.
I’m adding another to that list: the Garmin Fenix 8 watch.
Having spent a solid amount of time testing it, the Fenix 8 has fast become an indispensable tool.
Garmin's rugged Fenix 8 smartwatch is built for adventure.
Be it on the other side of the world or enjoying nearby Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the Fenix 8 keeps me connected, safe and on track – no matter where my travels take me.
One of the standout features is the built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to take calls on the go or even interact with the phone when out of mobile coverage range.
Garmin's rugged Fenix 8 smartwatch is built for adventure.
The same goes for offline voice assistance, which is handy to check directions or control music hands free.
Another aspect that sets the Fenix 8 apart is the touchscreen interface.
Garmin's rugged Fenix 8 smartwatch is built for adventure.
It’s very user friendly, and ideal for someone who’s not always tech savvy.
You can easily adjust settings, track workouts, and navigate through different menus without feeling overwhelmed.
Garmin's rugged Fenix 8 smartwatch is built for adventure.
Though not something in my wheelhouse, the Fenix 8 also boasts scuba-related functions for tracking dives and monitoring depths, and it capable of withstanding pressures equivalent to 100 metres.
When you’re away from home, the watch features dynamic round-trip routing, which lets you enter how far you want to go and provides suggested routes back.
Garmin's rugged Fenix 8 smartwatch is built for adventure.
You can also download TopoActive maps to view terrain contours and access preloaded maps for golf courses and ski resorts.
Those used to charging their smartwatch at the end of each day will appreciate the Fenix 8’s extended battery life of up to two weeks, while the Solar edition of the watch is significantly improved by the ability to charge itself wheel you’re on the move.
Garmin's rugged Fenix 8 smartwatch is built for adventure.
Beyond the travel features, Fenix 8 supports Garmin pay contactless transactions, tracks pulse and O2 saturation, suggests daily workouts, and also includes a small but mighty flashlight.
The Garmin Fenix 8 is available in three versions – Amoled, Solar and E – and comes in three sizes: 41mm, 47mm and 51mm – starting from $1,349.
