If you are looking for a device that is useful in hunting operations, hiking and scientific fieldwork, this Garmin Foretrex 601 review article is for you.
In a Glance
Garmin Foretrex 601 is the perfect option for outdoor enthusiasts, it includes all the different tools from barometric altimeter and navigation sensors to smart notifications and long-lasting battery for an amazing adventure.
We have all at one time or another traveled long distances.
Imagine you have to travel to a place where your phone won’t have coverage.
What device would allow you to connect to a GPS without an internet connection?
Garmin Foretrex 601 has satellite GPS, compass, and map.
Do you want to know all the advantages of this Garmin GPS smartwatch? Keep reading!
Garmin Foretrex 601 Review
Simply put, this device can guide you accurately from one place to another using satellite GPS.
And that’s not all, you will have these and more advantages (more on that later!) through a lightweight device that you can wear on your wrist.
| Garmin Foretrex 601 |  |
| Resistance | Built according to military standards for thermal, shock, and water performance (MIL-STD-810G). |
| Weight | 3.2 oz (90g) |
| Battery | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. It exceeds 48 hours in navigation mode, up to 1 week in UltraTrac mode and up to 1 month in watch mode. |
| Physical dimensions | 0.9 x 2.9 x 1.7 in (2.2 x 5 x 4.3 cm) |
| Satellite Technology | Multi-GNSS + Galileo Navigation. |
| Price |  |
Garmin Foretrex 601 Key Features
In this Garmin Fortex 601 review, we’ll take a closer look at its key features to better understand why this it’s one of the most popular Garmin’s products.
Battery Life
The Garmin Foretrex 601 has an exceptional long-lasting battery life.
It can work continuously and uninterrupted for 48 hours in its navigation mode. That means you can use it with absolute freedom for two days without worrying about running out of power.
The duration can be even longer if you use one of the other modes. For example, in UltraTrac, the operating time is 1 week in total. Clock mode, on the other hand, offers the longest run time, up to 1 month.
Satellite Systems
The satellite location, as I already pointed out, is a feature that stands out in the Garmin Foretrex 601 for its versatility.
It does not work with a single satellite system, but with three. The first of these is GPS, the best-known positioning system. The other two are Galileo and GLONASS.
Together, all three increase the accuracy margin considerably. You will be able to know where you are better and much faster.
By having three systems the Garmin Foretrex 601 is useful in environments or complicated geographical environments.
With just one, tracking would be difficult. This is ideal if you like to explore remote areas or far away from civilization.
Smart Notifications
The Garmin Foretrex 601 also features a smart notification system.
Through it, you can receive all kinds of messages and alerts on your device. It will even notify you of any incoming emails.
This real-time notification system allows you to stay permanently connected. The Foretrex will maintain this function in any geographic location, so you will always be informed.
Navigation Sensors
The Garmin Foretrex 601’s positioning system is supported by three navigation sensors.
- Accelerometer. comes with 3 axes.
- Barometric altimeter: responsible for determining the height above sea level.
- Compass: composed of 3 different axes.
Garmin Foretrex 601 Buttons Information
The use of this device is not very complicated. It’s just a matter of time and practice to get used to it.
Once you know what each button does, you will be able to navigate through the menus and it will be intuitive – you’ll see how easy it is!
In case you are wearing gloves, you will be able to use the buttons without any problem.
As for the power button, it’s a little recessed which will prevent you from accidentally turning on the Foretrex 601.
Garmin Foretrex 601 Menus
When reviewing the Garmin Foretrex 601, I noticed that once you get a handle on the menus, you’ll be able to program things quickly and easily.
Here are the best things that I personally liked about this GPS watch:
- Lightweight.
- A backlight is included.
- Comfortable and modern design.
- Compatible with night vision goggles.
- This device can tell you your elevation and forecast short term changes in the weather.
- It adds Applied Ballistics Elite software that calculates aiming solutions for long-range shooting.
Garmin Foretrex 601 Waypoints
Waypoints are the coordinates for locating landmarks. They allow you to plot routes by sequentially aggregating points.
They can be stored in the Foretrex 601 memory, and there are three ways to do this:
- By connecting them manually.
- You can load waypoints from a computer using Garmin BaseCamp software.
- By creating the waypoints when you are at a physical location.
Garmin Foretrex 601 Reviews – What Do Customers Say About This GPS Watch?
On Amazon, the Garmin Foretrex 601 has a rating of 4.7 stars. Undoubtedly, this is a very good rating that makes its quality clear.
Moreover, the device has more than 900 positive global ratings.
Among the features that buyers highlight are the ease of use, the simplicity of its buttons and the long-lasting battery life.
| Garmin Foretrex 601 PROS | Garmin Foretrex 601 CONS |
|---|---|
| - Waterproof. | - Poor quality strap. |
| - Compact size. | - Slow satellite reception acquisition. |
| - Accurate GPS. | |
| - Built-in clock. | |
| - Shock and high/low-temperature resistant. |
Garmin Foretrex 601 Buyers’ Guide
Customers often have very similar questions.
Here, I put together the most frequently asked ones so that you can resolve any possible doubts.
Does The Garmin Foretrex 601 Work as a Watch?
Yes, it does! The Garmin Foretrex 601, in addition to its advanced functions, can work as a regular watch. In that sense, you will be able to know the time at all times.
Does it Connect with Garmin Apps?
Yes! The Foretrex 601 can be linked with all official Garmin apps. Among them is Garmin Connect Mobile, which includes the Live Track function for other explorers to follow your route.
Does it include a Backlight?
Yes, the Foretrex 601 has a very bright backlight. It is intended to serve as a flashlight in case you need to illuminate an area to improve your visibility.
Garmin Foretrex 601 Available Styles
When you purchase your Garmin Foretrex 601 you will be able to choose between two different models.
The main difference between them is that one works with six batteries. The other, on the other hand, supports up to 12, so it will be useful for longer explorations.
You can check the available models here.
Final Thoughts – Is Garmin Foretrex 601 Worth it?
The Garmin Foretrex 601 is the ideal companion for any type of exploration.
It will give you security and precision when it comes to positioning which will make the experience more enjoyable!
In addition, if that were not enough, you will have at hand various functions that will help you to solve any unforeseen event.
