BWCA Navigation using Garmin Fenix Boundary Waters Gear Forum
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Gear Forum
      Navigation using Garmin Fenix     
 Forum Sponsor

Author

Text

01/11/2018 06:53AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
My wife just got a Garmin Fenix 5 watch which has lots of navigational aids, even a paddle stroke counter. I am wondering if anyone has experience using a Garmin Fenix 3 or 5 for navigation in the BWCA? Thoughts, tips, experiences? My main concern is whether it is fully functional in the BWCA to rely on it.

I have an older Garmin etrex but its on life support and am wondering if I need to upgrade or if we rely on the Fenix for our next trip in June.
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
01/11/2018 07:02AM  
I have zero experience navigating with a Garmin Fenix, but assuming you are taking a map for backup anyway . . . why not give it a try?

Staying found on the map is usually all that's required, occasionally the compass is used for a bearing on larger waters.
 
01/11/2018 07:13AM  
Yes of course I have Fisher maps and compass. I normally take GPS coordinates for major points, entry, portages, campsites or fishing spots I have interest in, etc. GPS really helps on a foggy or windy day.
 
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14416)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
01/11/2018 10:14AM  
Welcome aboard Andrew. I have not used the model you asked about. I have used other electronic compasses and it was fine for navigating the lakes up there. I did have to recalibrate my electronic compass when I got there to the local magnetic variation.
 
01/11/2018 12:00PM  
Hi aruthenb!

Just some research, Garmin Forum

Not familiar but am looking at info. Other than an electronic compass how will it be used to navigate? Can waypoints be installed? I see it can track, but can it project a route? If it can accept a route input can it be done in the field? Does it require a computer/tablet/smartphone to add routes?

butthead

PS: For anybody interested but does not have one, pdf manual bh
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next