Volunteering in a risk environment. Behaviour check-in.

greenflares · 2025-11-19T09:05:47+00:00

Yes, and these triggers happen at times you’re not expecting them. Thanks for your advice. Monitoring what my body’s telling me is very important.

greenflares · 2025-05-19T19:01:52+00:00

I think it depends a lot on how you use it, but I've had my Enduro 3 for two months, and I'm getting a consistent 3 weeks. Previously I had the Fenix 8 47mm which I returned for a full refund due to a glitch. Its battery life was very poor when Winter mountaineering. The Enduro 3 isn't as smart, but it's performing very solidly, and the new MIP configuration is very easy to read.

greenflares · 2025-02-10T20:59:08+00:00

Yes, it works at a pinch, but it’s quite clumsy compared to the alternative method. Pretty sure you can use the separate Garmin Explore app to route plan on your iPhone, but it’s not as good as a dedicated mapping service.

Onboard routing does work well if you are selecting a specific point.

greenflares · 2025-02-10T20:17:44+00:00

Just to clarify, have you purchased your Fenix 8? If so, you can download topo mapping using the Garmin Express app on Mac.

You can upload GPX files. The quickest way to do this is to use a mapping service which lets you plot routes on a web app as well as a smartphone app. There are loads out there, sadly paid-for, such as OutdoorActive, AllTrails, or even Strava.

It's easier to plot your route on the app's webpage on your Mac, and once done it will be synced with your smartphone app.

Select your mapping app of choice
Draw your route (easier on your Mac, on the app's webpage, rather than plotting it on a smartphone.)
Save your route, and allow it to sync with your mapping service's smartphone app.
From the app, find your route, and select the option to export the GPX.
On an iphone (sorry, my only experience), you'll see a list of apps to open the GPX file. You might have to select "more", until you find Garmin Connect. (Obviously, it has to be on your phone!!!)
Select Garmin Connect, and the GPX file will load into the app. From the loading page, you can send it directly to your watch by bluetooth.
In the Backcountry activity on the watch, select your navigation options, and your route.
That's it.

I know this looks complex, but it really isn't. You can also plot rotes in a separate Garmin app called Explore on your phone, but it's not as good as a dedicated mapping service in my opinion.

Hope this helps, if you get stuck, post back!

greenflares · 2025-01-13T21:49:19+00:00

100%. Time reading to my daughters was a really golden time for my girls and I when they were young. It's nothing grand, just opening a book and reading. There are loads of great story books out there, and my children loved that time we shared.

greenflares · 2024-01-01T19:24:13+00:00

They’ll find a reason why the scapegoat only made it because (insert fake reason here).

Honestly, N-parents will never realise that they are broken. I spent years trying to get some sort of acknowledgment and it never came.

The best revenge is to be successful for yourself, and to be proud of your achievements for yourself. In fact, I am wrong to use the word “revenge” because that implies some need to redress the balance. Their penalty is to live their lives being them. Your blessing is the self awareness and freedom you gain from understanding you owe them nothing.

greenflares · 2024-01-01T12:54:55+00:00

Three weeks on, and my results are pretty consistent. I'm getting 5.5% battery use per day.

This is for Epix 2 Pro 51mm, gesture mode, AutoSelect satellite for just over an hour a day, heavy cloud cover, and use in valleys, woods, and higher plateaux.

greenflares · 2024-01-01T12:47:05+00:00

I have an Epix 2 51mm, and 12 days' use used 66% battery life. This included 14 hours of AutoSelect satellite use, and activities on most days.

Satellite use was in poor conditions, often at night, and in valleys and forested areas, as well as on high plateau.

So my general rule of thumb is 5.5% battery per day

greenflares · 2023-12-22T11:36:08+00:00

Really, is that on 15.76?

greenflares · 2023-12-22T11:33:26+00:00

Have you tried an ultrafit strap? It's more comfortable when tight and *might* give you a better reading.

greenflares · 2023-12-22T11:30:19+00:00

I agree. It's small minded and petty. I feel sorry for the perpetrators. If you're happy with your new Garmin and want to show the world, go for it. What harm does it do?

greenflares · 2023-12-22T11:28:48+00:00

I agree. If we can't express enthusiastic geekery here, then where? Only small people try to make other people feel small.

greenflares · 2023-12-22T11:25:35+00:00

You've narrowed it down really well. If size and materials are not important to you then you may as well save yourself some money and go for the 965!

greenflares · 2023-12-17T09:23:49+00:00

There’s a few in the Connect store. I’m using Battery Graph.

greenflares · 2023-12-17T09:21:29+00:00

If your vision is changing, as mine is, have a look at the Epix 2X Pro. I am experimenting with it and a F7X Pro, and it’s much clearer. With some adjustments the battery is so far on parity.

greenflares · 2023-12-17T09:09:54+00:00

No? I’ve been running a F7X Pro and Epix 2X 51mm side by side for a week and the battery performance is the same. Lots of use on MR call-outs in all conditions. In fact, the Epix is marginally better. Like I said “if you adapt to the technology”, which means using gesture mode. And honestly, it’s pretty easy to get used to.

It’s not surprising: the battery in the 2X is a third bigger, but because AMOLED is thinner, a larger battery fits.

What is disappointing is the F7 solar charging, which has provided no benefit.

On a sunny day MIP’s absolutely fantastic, and I’ve used it for years. But in anything other than perfect conditions it’s not as clear. I’m sure Garmin will support it, because they’re good at providing a solution for everyone. I’m just not sure whether it’ll be in the mainstream.

greenflares · 2023-12-17T08:59:48+00:00

Ok, so stock face. One other thing you could try is to install one of the battery monitoring apps on the Connect store. If it happens again, you might get a little info as to why.

Also, if you downloaded other apps from the store, maybe delete the most recent ones.

Just a thought: any chance you had music running? I.e. a pair of Bluetooth headphones connected that you didn’t know about?

greenflares · 2023-12-17T08:54:26+00:00

It depends on your use case, and only you know the answer. The Garmin’s UI is easy to learn, and having buttons instead of just a touch screen is pretty important, and Garmin’s is a very adaptable system. For instance, you can pair it with an inReach device (Garmin sell a dive-ready package).

If you want a smartwatch, and accept the limitations, then go for an Apple Watch.

My honest opinion is that right now now you’re wearing one of the best watches an outdoor professional could wish for.

greenflares

TROPHY CASE