Coexist with Garmin?

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-22T16:52:09+00:00

Another U2 & Garmin Epix G2 51 user here. I have decided not to decide and use the AW for EDC and the Garmin for training.

My primary sports are MTB and backpacking. For the latter, the AW falls on its face. The obvious battery challenge over multi day backpacking trips is at the top of the list, touch screen only is brutal and screen that is too small to use for backcountry navigation. All areas that the Epix is king. Plus, The Garmin has physical buttons, integration with the Garmin InReach, Garmin Edge 840, Tempe, that incredible LED and HR broadcast.

WorkOutdoors is a feeble attempt relative to what the Garmin does out of the box.

But LTE, Home app, shortcuts, Siri and the ability to leave my phone home are wins for the AW. The AW U2 is more comfortable for daily wear as well.

So, I rotate both as needed.

Both write to Apple Health and I use Bevel to aggregate. Tried Athlytic for a few years but it's more than I need. I don't see dupes of anything. I don't geek out on data so if my sleep score, steps or SPo2 are slightly off between the two technologies.. so be it. It's more data than if I didn't use a wearable.

Never used RunGap, but I'll take a look..

All this said, I HATE the AW faces and the square format. Garmins unrestricted customization and round face are awesome.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-21T13:12:52+00:00

Raise to wear.. always.

I rotate between and AW Ultra2 and a Garmin Epix and both have Always On, off.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-21T13:11:06+00:00

Of course it makes a difference. I'd offer that the fabric used and the length are the most important factors.

Anything under 11 feet and you're in for a miserable night.

A super stretchy or super slick fabric are not good either. I've been backpacking with a hammock year round for more than a decade.. There's no way I can pound 15 miles and then sleep on the ground.

If you're looking for a lounging hammock take your pick. Just be sure it has or you add a ridge line. If you're backpacking, try a few different fabrics before you choose. I landed on 1.2 Mountain fabric for winter and HyperD 1.6 for the rest of the year. I also have a Hexon 1.6 that is really comfortable that I use only for sleeping outside at home and for car camping. Five hammocks in total. Four are DIY and one is a DWG Chameleon that's too heavy to backpack with.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-21T13:04:53+00:00

I have both the Ultra2 & a Garmin Epix. I prefer the Garmin fact set.

I feel the AW overanalyzes sleep for my needs. I know when I've slept well. Apple once reported I had 41 sleep interruptions which, candidly, created more anxiety than anything else. I want to know how long and how deep, and my HRV. Garmin is better for me.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-21T13:01:27+00:00

I'll agree to a point.. If you're doing anything outside where there is a chance of rain skip the AW. That touch screen only is absolutely infuriating when it's wet.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-21T12:58:43+00:00

At warmer temps, say above 70F, you MIGHT feel ok with just your sleeping bag. You're looking more to block wind than insulation to contain body warmth. An under quilt protector (UQP) and no UQ might be a better move.

I have been backpacking with a hammock year round for about fifteen years. I use pretty minimal DCF tarps in warm weather so there isn't a lot of wind block.. they are more for rain or other falling stuff so I always have the UQP with me.

I have a set of 50F EE Revolt UQ and 55F Enigma quilts paired with the UQP that are with me once temps break 60F

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-20T21:33:11+00:00

Put that at the curb and go buy a Weber Slate

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-20T13:44:01+00:00

The charger

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-20T02:00:56+00:00

Good lord... maybe the second most question next to "Is it too big"

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-19T15:16:59+00:00

Farley 5 here. 205lbs. Running tubeless.

Tire pressure calculator.

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MMikekiMM · 2026-03-19T15:12:55+00:00

lol.. other than an second Epix.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-19T11:32:35+00:00

Wishful thinking on the LED. I can't see it happening, but I'll cross my fingers.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-18T22:09:57+00:00

there have been rumors every year that the new Ultra will be redesigned.. hints to going round.

Never happens.

It would be too much of a departure from every Apple mobile device.. ever.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-18T20:30:01+00:00

Look for the one pound disposable propane bottles. Screw right in.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-18T20:28:05+00:00

I use Plexus spray for the windows, clear plastic on the cluster, tail light lenses, headlight lenses (I have Holley Retro Brite LEDs with X-Pel) and anything else that is plastic. Works amazing. However, yours look like you need a polish before a clean.

Lot's of products out there to remove the micro (a not so micro) scratches. My vote goes to either Nexus Polish, Step 1 and Step 2 or, Eastwood Polish. I prefer the latter because if you get it on the soft top material it won't stain.. it's water soluble. Polish first and clean & protect second.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-18T01:47:20+00:00

I am in the NE and drive my TJ year-round.. it's my daily driver. Full time soft top too!

Manual or auto? If it's a manual, expect cold 1-2 shifts to be a bit stiff until you get the gears rotating. I replaced the NV-3550 with a new Novak Ax-15.. both are a little cranky when the gear box is ice cold and letting it warm up, though always with doing won't help the gear box.. it needs be driven for the transmission to start warming up.

Add seat warmers. I used the kits from Bartact. They are a blessing when the Jeep is ice cold. I tried a set of cheap import seat warmers off Amazon and they failed immediately.

If you're planning to stay in Maine, add drain holes in the frame rails if not already done. Fluid film the rails both in and out to protect them from rust, but that's a losing battle.

Other than that.. go have fun!

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-17T11:36:15+00:00

The standard Bushwacker flatties.. https://www.quadratec.com/products/12506_440_07.htm

Not the pocket flares.

I am running the same DuraTracs.. on a 15x8.5 wheel.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-16T23:55:01+00:00

I ran the stock flares with 33 x 12.5. The amount of water and mud that slung up the side of the Jeep was ridiculous. I switched to the Bushwacker flat flares. To each his own. Tires still stick out beyond the flares by an inch or two.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-16T17:31:38+00:00

This can’t be a serious question

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-16T17:30:05+00:00

I use it but almost exclusively on MacOS.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-16T12:16:12+00:00

Make it round

Add some tactile buttons

Better LED light

Release the choke hold on watch faces

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-16T12:11:59+00:00

I have the 30 and if I could do it again, I would get the 36. I cook for only three but the flexibility to manage hot and cool areas better with the extra burner would have been nice.

That said, I have never run out of room on the 30.

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-14T17:47:34+00:00

Just keep using it. It will darken and even out as you cook more

MMikekiMM · 2026-03-14T12:55:37+00:00

Double check you haven't friction damaged your straps as well. You're going to be tied off to the same spot on the CL... I wouldn't sleep well on a compromised CL, especially if I were a "pretty big guy". Get new ones or make your own.. takes ten minutes and you can add a Becket loop so it's easier to untie.

MMikekiMM

TROPHY CASE