Instinct 3 Solar Sport Watch
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Adventure-ready and solar-powered, the Instinct 3 Solar delivers rugged GPS tracking and endurance-level battery life
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"The Instinct 3 Solar is my go-to adventure watch. The solar charging keeps me powered for weeks, and the multi-band GPS tracking is incredibly precise, even in remote terrain. The rugged polymer build and water resistance mean I never worry about durability, and the altimeter, barometer, and compass sensors make it a must-have for any outdoor pursuit. If you need a watch that’s as tough as your adventures, this is it."
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is built for those who never stop exploring. Whether we’re pushing through high-altitude climbs, navigating dense forests, or taking on long-distance bikepacking routes, this watch keeps us powered, informed, and on track.
The solar-charging lens extends battery life, allowing us to venture farther without worrying about power. Multi-band GPS, heart rate monitoring, and environmental sensors ensure we have real-time data at a glance, while the rugged polymer housing and 10 ATM water resistance provide ultimate durability. The larger 50mm version maximizes solar efficiency, delivering even longer battery life for extreme expeditions.
For adventurers who demand precision, power, and durability, the Instinct 3 Solar is the ultimate companion for every journey
Details
- Solar charging extends battery life for multi-day and off-grid adventures
- GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo tracking for accurate navigation in remote areas
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring and advanced fitness metrics for peak performance
- Altimeter, barometer, and compass provide real-time environmental data
- Water-rated to 10 ATM (100m) for durability in extreme conditions
- Smart notifications keep us connected on the go
- Item #GRMF082
- Housing Material
- fiber-reinforced polymer
- Strap Material
- silicone
- Face Material
- glass
- Movement
- digital
- Pedometer
- yes
- Odometer
- yes
- Altimeter
- barometric
- Barometer
- yes
- Heart Rate Monitor
- wrist-based
- Submersible
- 10 ATM (100 meters)
- Technical Features
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, smart notifications, fitness tracking, stress monitoring, sleep tracking, ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass)
- Wireless
- Bluetooth, ANT+
- Operating System
- Garmin OS
- Dual Times
- yes
- Date Indicator
- yes
- Weekday Indicator
- yes
- Alarms
- customizable
- Backlight
- LED
- Battery Type
- rechargeable lithium-ion
- Battery Life
- up to 28 days (unlimited with solar)
- Low Battery Indicator
- yes
- Face Size
- 45mm, 50mm
- Activity
- hiking, fitness, running, cycling
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited 1 year
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 34 ratings
Review Summary
Here's what customers have to say
The Garmin sports watch offers impressive battery life, especially with solar charging, and is praised for its durability, customization, and accurate activity tracking. However, some users have experienced issues with the heart rate sensor, GPS, and connectivity. The solar-powered display is limited to black and white. While generally a solid sports watch, it has some technical problems that may detract from the user experience.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageAugust 5, 2025
Good watch but needs some work
I like Garmin watches. Have several. My issue with this one is the compass. It doesn't work well. I have other watches with a compass, gps etc... All work well, except for my Instinct. It's just off... I mean WAY off, like 45-90 degrees off. No matter how many times I calibrate it, it doesn't hold. I worked with Garmin to try and resolve. Tried every suggestion they made. Still doesn't work and we're out of options. All the other functions work well, it's just the compass, which is important to me.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 4, 2025
Readable and Reliable
I have owned every Fenix since the original, and this was is amazing! The light weight, solid construction, and THE most readable screen ever make this a great watch. The solar function is impressive as well.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 2, 2025
Great product evolution
Upgraded to the Instinct 3 50mm after using the original for about 5+ years (still running strong). Three key features I really value in the upgrade: 1) Drastically improved battery life with the solar charging capability. My old Instinct was good for maybe 12-14 days if I only used its base watch features like altimeter, alarms, etc. much shorter if I tracked workouts or other efforts. The new watch routinely displays 31-32 days of battery available and I love to see it go up on backcountry trips after being in the sun all day. 2) Much improved monitors - HRM, HRV, Oximiter, sleep, etc. It really delivers on those features. Combined with its existing ruggedness means it’s up for any activity and 3) The larger 50mm display allows Much more data to be displayed clearly and easily. Overall Garmin made a good sports watch into a great watch.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 2, 2025
Awesome watch
Ive had this watch since it came out- I had the Instinct 2 prior. It does everything i need it to and has tons of battery life- and is easily recharged by sunlight. Its light and easy to wear and customizable as to the face. Doesn't have all the fancy features of a fenix 8 but its much easier to wear and tracks most everything you'd need tracked. Id buy it again given the option.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 1, 2025
Amazing!
Switched from an Apple Watch to the garmin instinct 3 solar, the change has been amazing, and the data has been on point! Forever will only buy garmin from here on out!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 1, 2025
Great GPS watch
I like most everything about the Instinct 3. I have a lot of problems starting an exercise, stopping it, and saving it. I seem to always fat finger it and mess up the finish. That might be a Garmin software thing that seems to cause me a problem.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 1, 2025
I love my Instinct 3
I’ve had my watch since April and have only needed to charge it twice. I don’t know what it can all do, but I’m learning. The only issue I have is with the band. I don’t like silicone band so I bought a nylons one that fits better. For the price of the watch you should have a choice of what band you want or have it included.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 1, 2025
Great watch with good visual display
Bought this a few months ago. It’s a good switch from my fenix 5
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 1, 2025
Awesome
Still learning all the features, but love all the tools it gives me to monitor my activities and health.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 1, 2025
Excellent watch!
Very feature rich watch with much better battery life than previous ones I’ve owned. Solar capability is solid, but requires significant direct sunlight to truly be effective. Otherwise a very nice product!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
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