An 'Amazing' Garmin Smartwatch With a 'Long Battery Life' Is an Ultra-Rare $100 Off at REI Ahead of Black Friday
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Black Friday discounts are starting to roll in and those looking for cool outdoor gear are in luck: Online shops like Backcountry and Dick’s Sporting Goods are already putting up great deals on ski gear, hiking essentials, and more. Now is also a great time to find a smartwatch, because REI has a ton of Garmin models marked down during its winter sale, including one that stands out for its incredible battery life, and it comes in four colors.
Garmin’s Vivoactive 5 Smartwatch is on sale for $200, which is over 30% off of the retail price of $300. This feature-packed smartwatch has shoppers raving about its “slim profile” and “long battery life.” It has over 300 five-star ratings and shoppers say they love it because it’s “super functional.” Those who want an equally functional smartwatch but would like the option for solar charging should instead check out this Garmin watch that’s $250 off.
Garmin Vivoactive 5 Smartwatch in Slate/Black, $200 (was $300) at REI
Courtesy of REI
Smartwatches are just getting better and better at tracking all sorts of active metrics, but Garmin’s can do it with a satisfyingly long battery life. The sleek watch not only looks great, but it’s jam-packed and full of features that will satisfy any fitness junkie, health nut, or someone who enjoys time outdoors. The bright, power-sipping AMOLED screen is easy to read and helps give the watch up to 11 days of battery life when in smartwatch mode. It can monitor your energy levels and offer suggestions based on metrics like sleep, naps, stress, workouts, and more. Over 30 built-in apps can bump up training for activities like walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf, and more. The Garmin Connect app pairs your smartphone to the watch for more health details and free training plans, plus lets you get texts, emails, and other notifications, download music, and even pay for items digitally.
Related: REI’s ‘Best-Fitting’ Hiking Pants That Are ‘Lightweight’ but ‘Super Durable’ Are Only $49 Right Now
Happy shoppers almost universally call the smartwatch “amazing” and share their success with switching over from other major smartwatch brands. “After years of wearing an Apple watch, I finally tried a Garmin—was thoroughly surprised to discover it does as much and more,” said one customer. Another said, “I replaced a Samsung watch which was not holding a charge, and I couldn’t be happier…long battery life and easy to navigate.”
Garmin Vivoactive 5 Smartwatch in Navy/Navy, $200 (was $300) at REI
Courtesy of REI
Others liked that the watch comes with a slew of useful apps. “It auto-uploaded my bike rides to my Strava without me having to physically open Strava,” said one shopper. Another said, “I love it—all of the different activities included, the GPS connection, the connection to all my other apps is fantastic.” The modern design also was a selling point for many: “Would recommend to anyone wanting a sleek design.”
Those looking to upgrade an old smartwatch or just dip their toes into the digital device category can’t go wrong with this one from Garmin. It’s well-designed, easy to use, and has a long battery life, making this $100 off deal a no-brainer. Pop one in your cart soon, as this discount ends on Dec 31—if they don’t sell out far before then.