Garmin Instinct 3 Review: The Ultimate Outdoor Watch for Hiking and Fitness Fans in 2025

Garmin’s Instinct series has always catered to the rugged outdoor enthusiast, combining durability and performance in a no-nonsense package. With the release of the Garmin Instinct 3, the brand continues to improve on its core offerings, while introducing a host of new features to make it even more attractive to adventure seekers. But does it live up to the hype? In this detailed review, we’ll dive deep into the Instinct 3's design, display, performance, features, and more to help you decide if this is the right watch for your next outdoor adventure.

A Rugged, Yet Surprisingly Comfortable Design

When it comes to outdoor adventure watches, durability is a must. The Garmin Instinct 3 doesn’t disappoint in this department. Designed with a rugged aesthetic, it’s made from high-quality polymer plastic, which keeps the watch surprisingly light. At just 59 grams (2.1 oz), it’s a little more than half the weight of some of Garmin’s premium Fenix 8 series, making it comfortable enough for 24/7 wear.

Despite its bulky appearance, the watch’s construction allows for a snug, secure fit on the wrist, whether you’re climbing a mountain or running through trails. Its 10ATM water resistance rating ensures it can withstand extreme outdoor conditions, including swimming, hiking through rain, and even diving, although it’s not designed as a diving-specific watch.

However, one downside we encountered during testing was skin irritation. After prolonged use, our reviewer developed contact dermatitis, which is not uncommon with wearables. Garmin notes in the manual that some users may experience skin irritation, especially if they have sensitive skin or allergies. It's something to keep in mind before committing to long, continuous use.

A Bright, Crisp Display for All Outdoor Conditions

The Garmin Instinct 3 is the first in the Instinct series to feature an OLED display—a significant upgrade over the previous models. The 1.3-inch, 416 x 416-pixel OLED screen is sharp, vibrant, and provides excellent visibility, even in direct sunlight. Whether you're checking your stats during a run or monitoring the time while on a hike, the screen ensures that you can easily see what you need without straining your eyes.

Despite its impressive display, the Instinct 3 does not feature a touchscreen. Instead, it relies on a button-controlled interface. While this may seem like a drawback, it’s actually a positive for users who prefer tactile controls and want to avoid the common issue of accidentally pausing a workout or ending a session too early with touch gestures. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of accidentally hitting the wrong button on a touchscreen watch, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of this system.

Garmin also offers Solar versions of the Instinct 3, which allow for additional battery life through solar charging—perfect for those embarking on extended expeditions. While the OLED screen does consume more battery, the Solar versions provide an innovative solution, ensuring that your watch stays powered up even in remote areas with ample sunlight.

Fitness and Outdoor Features Galore

The Garmin Instinct 3 is packed with features designed for outdoor adventures. For hiking enthusiasts, the watch includes a compass, altimeter, and barometer, easily accessible with a press of the “ABC” button on the side. These features are invaluable for navigating remote areas where traditional maps may not be available.

For those who enjoy running, cycling, or even golfing, the Instinct 3 offers an extensive range of fitness tracking options. There are detailed stats for training readiness, heart rate monitoring, elevation tracking, and more. The watch even syncs with Garmin’s golf library, providing access to thousands of golf courses worldwide.

However, one major omission is downloadable maps. While you can plan routes on the Garmin Connect app and send them to the watch, the Instinct 3 doesn’t display full maps. Instead, you’re left with a line on a blank background—a significant limitation for users accustomed to detailed navigation. To access downloadable maps, you’ll need to step up to a higher-end Garmin model, such as the Fenix 8 or Forerunner 965.

Additionally, the Instinct 3 lacks music support. While this might be a dealbreaker for some, it’s not a huge loss, as the watch can still control music played through a connected phone.

Impressive Performance: Long Battery Life and Reliable GPS

When it comes to performance, the Garmin Instinct 3 excels in several areas. GPS navigation is quick and accurate, thanks to dual-band GPS. This feature is particularly helpful when navigating through challenging environments, such as deep valleys or dense forests. In our testing, the watch had no issues acquiring a signal, and the GPS remained reliable even in areas with limited visibility.

The heart rate sensor, although a previous-generation Elevate V4 sensor, performed excellently during our tests. It provided accurate readings, even during intense exercise sessions. In one test, the Instinct 3 recorded the same average and maximum heart rate as the Fenix 8, a more expensive Garmin model. While it lacks the ECG heart reading feature found in some higher-end Garmin watches, the Instinct 3 still provides highly accurate heart rate tracking for most users.

Battery life is another standout feature. With up to 24 days of battery life in regular use, the Instinct 3 can easily handle multiple days of outdoor activities without needing a recharge. In our tests, the watch lost 49% of its charge after four days of constant use, including activity tracking and notifications. During a 17 km (10.5-mile) run, the watch used only 7% of its battery, meaning it should comfortably last through longer activities like marathons or multi-day hikes.

However, charging the Instinct 3 can be slow. It took over an hour to charge the watch from 6% to 64%, and a full charge took several hours. It’s something Garmin could improve in future models.

User Reviews: Mixed Impressions, but Generally Positive

As of now, the Garmin Instinct 3 has received mixed reviews. It currently holds an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with users praising its lightweight design and reliable GPS performance. One reviewer shared, “I’m surprised that the watch still feels very light on my wrist in regards to the weight.”

However, the 50mm Solar version has received a more lukewarm reception, with some users criticizing the design and the $499.99 price tag. One reviewer remarked, “It looks like something that would cost $19.99 at Walmart.” Despite this, the majority of feedback reflects satisfaction with the watch’s performance, especially for those who appreciate its outdoor capabilities.

Is the Garmin Instinct 3 Right for You?

The Garmin Instinct 3 is a solid option for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who want a reliable, feature-packed watch without breaking the bank. It’s comfortable to wear, boasts excellent battery life, and offers a great range of features for hiking, running, cycling, and more. While the lack of downloadable maps and music support might be dealbreakers for some, those focused on fitness and adventure will likely find the Instinct 3 a valuable companion.

If the bulkier design doesn’t suit you, Garmin offers smaller models like the Forerunner 265 for a more mainstream look, with added music storage and support. For those who absolutely need mapping features, consider the Fenix 8 or Forerunner 965—but be prepared to spend more.

Ultimately, the Garmin Instinct 3 is a highly capable outdoor adventure watch that doesn’t try to do too much. It’s not flashy or feature-packed like some of Garmin’s higher-end models, but it gets the essentials right, making it a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.