The first time I used a GPS watch on a trail vs my phone

I ran the Eagle Creek trail in Oregon for years with just my phone for navigation. This summer I finally grabbed a Garmin Instinct off a friend's recommendation. The difference was wild - my phone died 4 hours in because of cold temps and rain, but the watch lasted the whole 12 mile loop. No more stopping to fumble with a wet screen every switchback either. What kind of battery life do you guys actually get out on multi day trips?

2 comments

2 Comments

park.iris18d ago

The cold killed my phone battery on trail once too, exact same problem.

dylan41318d ago

I read something online from a guy who tested batteries in a freezer. He said lithium ion batteries lose about 20% of their charge at 32 degrees, and it gets worse the colder it gets. Keeping your phone in an inside pocket close to your body helps a ton (like, against your chest or something). I've started putting my phone in a wool sock before stashing it in my pack for winter hikes, and it seems to keep it warm enough to not die on me.