Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: I Wish I Knew This Before I Bought It

Video Description

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Review: Real field test of the new LTE + satellite InReach features and what actually works out there. *Lowest Prices I Found:* https://amzn.to/3KIC0S0 *Gear I'm Using Now:* * inReach: https://hkgy.co/inreach * Hiking App: https://hkgy.co/app * Watch: https://hkgy.co/watch * Shoes: https://hkgy.co/shoes * Pack: https://hkgy.co/backpack * Rescue Insurance: https://hkgy.co/insurance *Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):* https://hikingguy.com/gear *Links:* * Incident Detection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT4FEdIsoio * Coverage: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/connectivity/fenix8pro/coverage/ * Forums: https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-8-series * Website: https://hikingguy.com * Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/hikingguy * Monthly Hiking News (free): https://www.patreon.com/c/hikingguy/ * Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Hikingguy I bought the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro with my own money and tested it for hundreds of miles of real backcountry use. On paper, it promises LTE and satellite connectivity built right into a rugged Fenix watch, but in practice, the performance was mixed. In this video, I go deep into what actually works and what doesn’t when you take the Fenix 8 Pro into the field. The Fenix 8 Pro’s satellite connection is powered by Skylo, which uses geostationary satellites instead of the Iridium network that traditional Garmin InReach devices rely on. That change means you need a clear view of the southern sky, and in my testing, messages went through maybe half the time — even under blue skies in Southern California. It’s definitely not the same reliable global coverage that Iridium provides, and Garmin probably should’ve labeled this version as something different than traditional InReach. The LTE connection also behaves differently from a normal cellular watch. By default, it only checks for messages when you open the Garmin Messenger app. To get true real-time messaging or calls, you have to switch on “Always-On LTE,” which drains the battery fast — around 35–40% per day in my experience. The LTE itself uses LTE-M, a low-power data-only system, and while it worked well in some areas, it was spotty in others. You also need an active Garmin InReach subscription to use SOS, and unlike a phone, it won’t call emergency services directly without that plan. Other features like live tracking over LTE worked great, but not over satellite, and even basic functions like voice calls and message reactions came with caveats. There were some frustrating bugs too — including one that stopped tracking my position after sending a satellite message. Garmin’s firmware updates have improved things since launch, but it’s still not something I’d fully trust in a life-or-death emergency. At the end of the day, I think the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is best for people who spend most of their time in LTE coverage and want a connected training watch that can leave the phone at home. For serious backcountry use, I’m sticking with my Garmin InReach Mini 2, which continues to be far more reliable when it really matters. 00:00 Satellite System 02:00 Satellite Connection 03:52 Important LTE Setting 05:58 LTE-M is Different 08:25 SOS Limitation 09:12 inReach Plans 10:46 Breadcrumb Tracking 11:55 Voice Calls 12:42 Incident Detection 13:30 Voice Notes 14:16 Battery Life 15:15 Bugs & Issues 16:58 Recommendations --- *Disclaimer:* Some of these links are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.