Instinct 2S Solar - Surf Edition vs Garmin Forerunner 165
Side-by-side on the specs that matter, with category winners and an opinionated take to help you decide.
Choosing between a rugged, self-sufficient adventure watch and a sleek, connected daily fitness tracker for travel.
Pick the Instinct 2S Solar - Surf Edition if your travel involves remote adventures, saltwater, and needing extended battery life off the grid.
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 165 if your travel is city-focused, prioritizing a lighter watch, smartphone connectivity, and detailed daily fitness metrics.
- —Instinct trades a modern smartwatch look for extreme durability and solar charging.
- —Forerunner 165 gives up ruggedness and solar power for a slimmer, more stylish profile.
- —Instinct focuses on core navigation and survival metrics; Forerunner emphasizes connected fitness and daily activity tracking.
Full specs
Ask anything — we'll answer with Instinct 2S Solar - Surf Edition and Garmin Forerunner 165 in mind for travel use.
Pindear may earn a commission when you buy through these links. Winners are determined by numeric spec comparisons only; non-numeric features (app quality, ecosystem, real-world feel) are covered in the verdict.