My Garmin Solar Instinct watch battery said 8 days power left this morning. By midday it was down to 2 hours, at the end of school the low battery warning came on. By the time I got home it was completely dead. I bought it 2 years ago for backpacking/hiking, but it's essentially worthless at this point. 🤬
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@Nshrubs hmm looks like it is a common issue, just quick search shows 2-3 years frequent timeline for issue. I'd guess it isn't actually specced for serious long term use despite marketing. Just this one link has person that had issue 3 times https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation-archive/f/instinct-solar/382252/instinct-solar-issues
@CliffsEsport Yep. I was just researching the same. Now I'm just pissed. It was not an inexpensive watch, & I bought it because the battery life was supposed to be up to 20 days plus the possibility of charging via solar, which on a longer backpacking trip would be a huge bonus.
@Nshrubs Yeah scummy design/companies. I haven't been able to wear watches for long time bc fibromyalgia trigger, so don't know that niche. Other than Apple watches good for home/city, I've recommended for fall detection. Possibly @ai6yr or someone in his Mastodon circle has some good suggestions. He's into HAM & SAR related beyond hiking.
@Nshrubs Not sure which one you have, there are different gens? Bit of work to change the battery it looks like if yours is similar to this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIU_NpCMtxA
Garmin instinct solar battery replacement
YouTube