Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

New Garmin tactix 7 AMOLED Edition may be the perfect smartwatch for deep-country camping and hiking

This outdoor watch should be on your radar

Garmin tactix 7 – AMOLED Edition
Garmin

If you’re in the market for a new tactical timepiece, look no further than Garmin’s latest offering: the tactix 7 AMOLED. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill outdoor smartwatch. Garmin has once again raised the bar with the tactix 7 AMOLED Edition. Here’s what makes it one of the greatest outdoor smartwatches of 2023.

One of the standout features of the tactix 7 AMOLED Edition is its bright and easy-to-read AMOLED display. Whether you’re exploring during the day or in pitch-black darkness, this display can adapt to the situation, ensuring you have the information you need at your fingertips without straining your eyes. Plus, it can dim when the mission calls for stealth, keeping you concealed from prying eyes.

When night falls or you find yourself in low-light conditions, the built-in white and green flashlight comes to your rescue. It provides quick access to a bright, steady beam in either green or white light. In NVG mode, the white light is disabled, and the green flashlight becomes dimmable, perfect for maintaining a low profile while preserving your night vision.

With up to 31 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, the Garmin tactix 7 AMOLED Edition ensures you stay connected and informed during extended adventures without worrying about recharging. Equipped with preloaded maps, multi-band GPS support, and outdoor sensors, the tactix 7 AMOLED Edition enables you to navigate your world with confidence. The included Applied Ballistics software, accessible via the AB Synapse Garmin mobile app (unlock fee required), is a game changer for long-range shooting enthusiasts.

Tested to U.S. military standards (MIL-STD-810) for thermal, shock, and water performance, this smartwatch boasts a rugged yet sophisticated design. Its large 1.4-inch display ensures you can read vital information even in challenging conditions. The traditional button controls work flawlessly in any environment, while the responsive touchscreen interface provides quick access to selections and functions.

More features of the Garmin tactic 7 AMOLED Edition

The Garmin tactix 7 AMOLED Edition doesn’t stop with the above features — there’s more to look forward to:

  • Jumpmaster Mode: Calculate high-altitude release points according to military guidelines and navigate to your objective once you’ve jumped.
  • Dual-Position Format: Easily sync your location with others by displaying both the universal transverse Mercator and military grid reference system on the same screen.
  • Projected Waypoints: Set and save remote geo positions to be used later for navigation.
  • Hunt Activity: Track your hunt and mark hunt-specific waypoints directly on your watch.
  • Direct to Navigation: Navigate straight to a location or waypoint in the worldwide aeronautical database or choose the Nearest function to find the closest airport.
  • Weather Reports: Access aviation weather, including NEXRAD radar, METARs, and TAFs, to stay informed about winds, visibility, barometric pressure, and more.
  • Outdoor Maps+: Subscribe to Outdoor Maps+ for premium mapping content, such as satellite imagery and enhanced topo maps, downloaded directly to your watch.

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone simply seeking to enjoy military-grate tech, the Garmin tactix 7 AMOLED Edition could be your ideal partner.

Editors' Recommendations

Sarah Joseph
Contributor
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
We tested all of Outdoor Vitals’ lightweight hiking clothes: Here’s our verdict
Find out if this lightweight gear is worth purchasing
Jenny in Utah in Outdoor Vitals hiking gear

In May 2023, I had the privilege of visiting the Greater Zion area in southwestern Utah to test backpacking and hiking gear from Outdoor Vitals. This direct-to-consumer company develops and sells camping gear, hiking clothes, and backpacking essentials that are light and simple to carry on the trail. I tested pants, a hoodie, and two jackets produced by the company.

The gear was demonstrated as part of a visit to Zion National Park in early May, with temperatures in the high 60s during the day and low 40s at night. I got to test the hiking clothes on a bit of the East Rim Trail and in The Grotto. I was also able to test its latest backpack for longer treks on the trail, as well.

Read more
This new Patagonia jacket is the first GORE-TEX jacket to feature 100% recycled, pfc-free GORE-TEX fabrics
The newest addition to the Patagonia line features the latest in eco-tech from GORE-TEX
The Patagonia Stormshadow jacket, featuring GORE-TEX laminates recycled from ocean plastic.

Since it hit the market in the '70s, GORE-TEX has been the industry-leading waterproof membrane, and as industry standards in eco-tech advance, it has shown a renewed commitment to staying at the front of the pack. Along with the new ePe membrane made without PFC chemicals, GORE-TEX has begun making laminate layers from 100% recycled plastics, and this newest advancement is being debuted in the latest Patagonia jacket.

The Patagonia Stormshadow Parka is one of the warmest jackets in the Patagonia line, featuring 700-fill down — 100% reclaimed from down products — beneath the fully GORE-TEX membrane and PFC-free DWR finish. It's not surprising that Patagonia was an early adopter and collaborator on technological advancements in ensuring that you not only get a great quality jacket but that it doesn't cost the earth. Here's how the newest eco-tech advancements from GORE-TEX and Patagonia keep you dry.

Read more
7 wild edible plants every outdoor enthusiast should know about
Hangry while hiking? Try one of these wild edible plants
A bee on a purple chive flower.

If you're anything like us, you love the hustle and bustle of daily life while out camping. One of the most exciting aspects of being out in nature is the the opportunity to forage for edible plants that grow abundantly in your area. Not only does this add a touch of freshness to your camp food, but it gives you a new appreciation for nature.

In this article, we'll highlight some edible plants that grow wild around much of the United States. But make sure that you exercise caution and identify these plants properly! It's always a good idea to consult an expert just to make sure.

Read more