Fenix 5X for hiking/backpacking

Former Member over 7 years ago

I bought this watch recently and I will be doing a backpacking trip in February. I downloaded a 1:24k open source topo map for the area (North of Georgia)

I need to know how to use this watch for backpacking purposes, I mean, I need the details. What I have in mind is the following: I enter the points in basecamp and using the detailed topo maps (with trail routing), this software calculates a route. I then rename it and upload it to the device. Then basically follow this route using the device

What would be the equivalent step by step guide to achieve this? If you have seen this guide, please provide the link

thank you in advance

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

I have been playing a bit more with the 5X and what I do is 1. Select Activity "hiking" (I have already set it up to use detailed 24K topo map and not the included 100k topo map) 2. Select Navigation 3. Select either a [uploaded] course (basecamp) or a [uploaded] Saved Location (watch calculates route) 4. Start activity ... Is that what you normally use? Any particular considerations to take into account?

0 zippy8500 over 7 years ago

I have a few videos on my YouTube channel that might be of some use to you , including adding saved locations to the watch using the sendpoints app that you can navigate to (far easier and convenient than basecamp whilst out in the field) and using it for backpacking etc,
heres a link to one of the videos showing the 5x in use on a hike
https://youtu.be/YPPyaERDIYA

and the video showing the sendpoints info
https://youtu.be/pHFtkkSPscw

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

thank you zippy

I also found this:
https://hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/how-to-get-free-garmin-gps-maps-for-hiking/

https://hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/creating-a-hike-garmin-gps/

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

I've never used navigation features while backpacking. I've always felt like it's very easy to follow a trail. What do you get out of this?

I'd recommend getting a Tempe unit, possibly even two. I'm curious, and want to know the low temp outside and in my tent, use that info to refine my sleep system for future trips.

I find it useful (sometimes, depending on the trail and season) to mark water sources as waypoints and then send them to the watch before the trip.

0 zippy8500 over 7 years ago

The navigation features are very useful if the trails aren’t so well marked out and not so easy to follow , the watch can be invaluable in these cases , especially on longer trails