New Epix Pro (Gen 2) - Sapphire Edition | 51mm

perhaps I am ignorant, why would you use a map from a small dial than your mobile phone?? (an old timer struggling to adapt to these new gizmos, using epix pro 2 to 20% capabilities  :-(

I run like a headless chicken anywhere I go. And then I need to find a way back. Which is pretty tough when you are always leaving your phone at home while running.

There are two reasons for me:

1) As an ultra runner it's easier to simply view the maps on your wrist mid run and

2) My phone only uses GPS and no other constellations which means it can be fairly inaccurate in the mountains when following trails.

If I were walking I may be inclined to just use the phone (although rain can kybosh that)

Certainly a phone screen can be an ideal way to use maps in some instances, being much larger and easier to see more information. But the reasons I use maps primarily on my watch instead of my phone are:

1. It's annoying to pull out my phone, unlock it with sweaty fingers, open the map app, lock the screen, put back in my pocket, every time I want to see what's around me or I come to an intersection and need to know which way to go.
2. It's hands free, which is especially useful if you're hiking with trekking poles or otherwise doing something where your hands are occupied.
3. The offline mapping capability is, in my opinion, better than any phone map app I've ever seen. Garmin watches essentially use the exact same mapping system as their handheld hiking GPS units. Most people never use the capabilities beyond just what comes built into the watch, but you can get crazy with customizing them and loading additional maps and layers into it. For example https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/epix-2/355117/tutorial-how-to-make-a-raster-jpg-custom-map
4. It allows me to reserve my phone's battery for other more important things, like taking pictures or making calls.
5. I'm already looking at my watch every few minutes anyways, so I might as well have the map there too, rather than having a second device I need to also look at every few minutes.
6. When I start an activity, I only have to start one activity on one device. Using a phone, I'll have to remember to start an activity on my watch, and then also load up the map app on my phone and start a track recording there too.

My first Garmin was a Forerunner 405 with a touch bezel. I moved to the Fēnix 3 (before HR!). Then a Fēnix 5X, folllowed by 6x. I jumped on the Epix when it came out, lamenting the lack of a 51mm option…the grabbed the Pro 51mm (SS) when I could. LOVE IT!!!!!