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Currently use a Garmin Forerunner 45 which is perfect what recording runs. The trouble is, i have no sense of direction and hate holding a phone while running. Todays 5 mile run turned into 9 miles because i kept taking wrong turns.
In need of a Watch with a map. Anyone recommended one?
For long trail runs I use dwMap on my old Forerunner which works great - turn by turn directions and vibrates in advance of the turn required.
On newer watch models it provides better map graphic backgrounds, but I haven't felt the need to upgrade.
Fenix does it pretty well. The navigation side isn't brilliant if you want to wing it but if you preplan a route it's easy enough to follow it. You get beeps at junctions and can see if you are off course.
Have a look at the Apple Watch. Depends how good a map you want but my AW Ultra seems pretty decent since the last WatchOS release.
I have the Fenix 6 Pro solely for the maps. I think the Forerunner 945 and newer also have mapping but at a much lower weight.
Mine’s three years old at least and still getting 14 days between charges and regular software updates. Doddle to add extra maps if travelling outside Europe.
Another fenix 6 user here. I've used the maps when trail running somewhere I've not been before. Easy enough to plot a route on your phone and send it to the watch.
I'd presume some of the newer forerunners do it as well. Get the over to DC rainmaker.
I just keep an Edge 530 in a pocket, if it looks like I'm going the wrong way I'll get it out and check. Otherwise just follow the breadcrumb on my Instinct 2.
The forerunner 255 has been good with a preplanned route when I've been somewhere new. Only a breadcrumb line but that's all you really need for running.
Another Fenix 6 user (Pro Solar). The mapping is "ok" within the confines of the display space available. Definitely works best with a predefined route.
I picked up the FOrerunner 955 last year, specifically for the mapping functions.
Haven't used it much, but it's been invaluable for those 'wrong turn taken' moments. The map navigation is clunky, the default zoom it always just 'a bit off' but it has good enough detail to find trails on it.
Another vote for the Fenix.
I have a 6x Pro and it's great for this - I travel a bit for work and often just ask strava to suggest a run of a distance then sync to the watch and follow it. All works fine, including the ability to route back to start when I get lost due to road closures etc.
https://shop.talkytoaster.me.uk/maps/compatibility
Here shows you the watches/devices where you can get OS / OSM quality maps loaded onto it.
my Fenix 5 could load a route onto it and give you directions etc but was against a blank background someitmes making it tricky to work out waht it meant.
Kind of need your budget but in good old tradition of recommending what you own, Forerunner 965, makes the naps look pretty. I tend to use it to generate a route if Im away somewhere I don't know too well.
As a cheaper option if you aren't tied into the Garmin ecosystem the Corus watches do similar for less money.
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2022/11/coros-apex-2-vs-apex-2-pro-in-depth-review.html