Simon, a friend from way back, is now based out in the United States. He’s a keen runner and hiker. Amongst his repertoire of achievements, he’s completed a number of ultra-marathons, regularly canoes long distance along the rivers in New York state and skis. His preferred hiking watch is the Garmin Tactix Bravo.

Here are Simon’s thoughts on this watch:

I love it. It does everything that I need especially as I do a large range of activities… snow shoe, xcountry ski, hike, run, indoor run, row, bike, kayak etc.

There are many pros to this watch, too many to list so here’s a quick rundown of the points that matter to me. Whilst it’s not as up to date at watches like the Fenix 6 (reviewed here), the rugged design and no nonsense functionality make it one of the best hiking watches I’ve ever used. In fact, it’s the perfect all-rounder and I’ve used it for ultra marathons, kayaking and long distance bike rides.

Did I mention the price? It’s way less expensive that many of the more modern watches.

Garmin’s regular updates of the Tactix help keep the watch at the forefront of the multi-activity sports watch clan. I’m sure there will come a time when technology leaves it behind in favour of cutting edge devices, but for now it does exactly what I need it to.

Great to create bespoke workout screens. This lets me multi activity workouts. Whilst we’re on the topic, the hardened screen is great although any extra protection will ensure a much longer life. As you’d expect from any watch aimed at serious hikers and sportspeople, it has been engineered to be rugged and then some. Even though it’s no spring chicken and has taken a few knocks there is very little sign of wear (the surround has a few scuffs and scrapes

In my opinion it’s… ‘One watch to rule them all, one watch to find them, one watch to bring them all… and in the darkness bind them’ :@)

I can’t finish this review without adding a few cons.

The Tactix is a little too bulky to wear all day and especially at night to gain sleep data. I use a Vivosmart during the day and night when I am not specifically exercising which is far smaller and lighter.

Large form means it is liable to get knocked about when wearing all day.  The black finish tends to take abuse and show nicks and therefore seems much older than it is.

Slow screen changes when you put a bespoke screen on (see pic). Once I created my own screen the change to other screens sometimes takes seconds.

On the down side, the plastic strap breaks quite easily… specifically the ‘ladder rungs’ on the non-clasp side that the clasp locks into.

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