GARMIN Fenix 5X Plus

Price: £750 What does it do? What doesn’t it do? As you’d expect of an eye-wateringly expensive gadget (lower spec models are available for less), the refined and rugged Fenix 5X is fully loaded. Realistically, it far exceeds what most walkers need, but almost everything it does, it excels in. It counts your steps, tracks your heart rate, measures stress, sleep and more. It has a dedicated walk tracking mode, using a built-in GPS to record your route. Everything can be reviewed on a crisp colour screen. The GPS is handy for navigating too, but you need an extra app for an OS grid reference. Among its many sensors are a barometer (for weather alerts and altitude) and an electronic compass. It connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone. Ease of use With so many functions to cycle through, finding your way around takes time. Once familiarised with the intuitive five-button set up, it’s easy peasy. It’s simple to set up and sync, and even with intensive use, it didn’t need recharging for a few days. Browsing the basic topo map is a pain without a touchscreen, but it’s handy for a quick location fix. What’s it like to wear? An outdoor specialist with a truckload of tech on board, the Fenix is inevitably chunky. Though it feels heavy initially, you get used to the weight of it. INFO: Weight: 95g Battery life: Up to 2 weeks (rechargeable) Waterproof: Up to 100m Biometrics: Calories, HR, VO2 max, sleep Smartphone app: Garmin Connect (all OS) Desktop app: G. Express Website: garmin.com