Garmin has raised the stakes for outdoor adventure enthusiasts with the launch of its new fenix GPS navigator and Altimeter, Barometer, Compass wristwatch (ABC wristwatch). The device builds on the success of Garmin’s fitness and outdoor categories, and is designed to satisfy the requirements of the serious adventurer.
With Garmin’s world-leading GPS navigation capabilities, a built-in barometric altimeter, barometer, 3-axis electronic compass, and 50m waterproof construction, the fenix is the ultimate adventure companion. f?nix even allows wireless unit-to-unit communication so you can share your route with friends – all while functioning perfectly as a day-to-day wristwatch.
At its core, the fenix is equipped with Garmin’s robust GPS navigation, so you can roam the great outdoors with the confidence you’ll always find your campsite again. Keen bushwalkers and hikers can mark up to 1,000 points of interest, as well as access their bearings using the device’s 3-axis electronic compass.
The fenix not only records where you have been, but guides you through the wilderness and back again with its innovative TracBack feature. TracBack records a track log as you move, creating a GPS ‘bread crumb trail’ on your trek or hike.
To keep in touch with others on the trail, the fenix allows you to easily share tracks, waypoints, routes and paperless geocaches wirelessly with other compatible Garmin GPS units and smartphones. The fenix’s ANT+ capabilities and Bluetooth technology keep you in close contact with others while exploring. With Garmin’s free trip-planning software BaseCamp, you can download tried and tested trip routes, or createyour own to share with others.
Being aware of your surroundings is crucial when exploring the outdoors. With the simple touch of a button, you can access the built-in altimeter to provideaccurate elevation information so you can keep track of your ascent and descent.
The device’s built-in barometer and temperature sensor allow you monitor and predict weather changes, helping you stay away from dangerous conditions and determine your clothing and shelter needs. For additional ambient temperature readings, Garmin’s Tempe™ external temperature sensor attaches to your pack, jacket, or shoes.
The fenix is built to endure the toughest outdoor conditions, combining a shock-resistant high-strength housing with a mineral glass lens to protect against scratches. fenix boasts a large LCD display with LED backlight and robust polyurethane wristbands. Waterproof to 50 metres and with a battery life of up to 50 hours in GPS mode and up to 6 weeks in watch mode, fenix is not afraid of any wilderness challenge. Day-to-day watch functions include alarms, tones, vibration alerts, timer, stopwatch and world clock with the ability to display several times zones at once.
The fenix is also ideal for lovers of outdoor fitness activities. The device is compatible with Garmin’s heart rate monitor, which provides accurate heart rate data to challenge and improve your fitness.
Mountain bikers can also take advantage of the f?nix in conjunction with Garmin’s speed and cadence sensor, which tracks distance, speed and pedal cadence, even as you cycle through rough terrain.
The fenix represents the latest breakthrough in design and engineering excellence from Garmin, which has spent over 20 years developing technologies that have shaped the navigation industry worldwide.
The Garmin fenix is available from August 2012 with a recommended retail price of $449.

Inga Yandell
Explorer and media producer, passionate about nature, culture and travel. Combining science and conservation with investigative journalism to provide resources and opportunities for creative exploration.