Fitness / June 8, 2024

A Ton of Garmin Smartwatches and More Are Up to 33% Off at REI Ahead of Father’s Day—These Are the 4 Best

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.

REI’s major Anniversary Sale is over, but there are still lingering deals on everything from hiking pants to e-bikes to take advantage of. For those seeking great Father’s Day gifts for adventurous dads, the best deals at REI right now are on GPS-loaded Garmin electronics, which are still marked down after the big sale by as much as 33% until June 16.

Garmin’s GPS satellite equipment is very popular among hikers, campers, and athletes. A ton of Garmin smartwatches, including styles from the Forerunner and Instinct collections, are up to $100 off. The ever-popular InReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is also on sale, and the brand even has a selection of cycling equipment that’s marked down. After Men’s Journal looked through all of the Garmin deals at REI, we found four that any dad would be lucky to receive this Father’s Day.

Garmin InReach Mini 2 in Flame Red, $300 (was $400) at REI

Courtesy of REI

Garmin’s InReach Mini 2 is the No. 1 best-selling item on REI’s site right now. If you’re a backcountry hiker or skier, making sure you can reach emergency services or loved ones is paramount. Garmin’s InReach Mini 2 is a text-based satellite communicator that allows you to send and receive messages directly from the device without requiring cell service.

What Shoppers Are Saying: “I used this for hiking in remote places where location, texts, and weather are important…The InReach Mini 2 connects with the app, which has extended features beyond the integrated screen. It does require a subscription to Garmin, but the prices are reasonable and there are many options to select.”

Also Check Out:

Garmin InReach Messenger, $250 (was $300)
Garmin GPSMap 67i, $500 (was $600)

Garmin Forerunner 255 in Slate Gray, $250 (was $350) at REI

Courtesy of REI

Garmin’s Forerunner 255 is built for any workout, and it’s a great option for those who prioritize health tracking. It tracks heart rate variability while you sleep, and provides a sleep score in the morning. Built-in apps track different activities, whether you’re into swimming, running, or cycling. The 255 also offers suggestions for planning a routine, factoring in rest days. Beyond fitness, it’s also a great smartwatch for everyday use and can read and respond to messages and e-mails.

What Shoppers Are Saying: “My Apple Watch was on its deathbed and I needed something that tracked sleep and my health that could be used during cycling. The Apple Watch was not as reliable for riding and the Forerunner 255 fit the bill.”

Also Check Out:

Garmin Vivoactive 5, $250 (was $300)
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar, $500 (was $600)

Garmin Edge 1040 Bike Computer in Black, $500 (was $600) at REI

Courtesy of Amazon

A bike computer isn’t required to ride, but it certainly helps. Garmin’s Edge 1040 Bike Computer is packed with features like maps and speed-tracking, including average and maximum speeds. The 1040 is Garmin’s biggest bike computer and has a longer battery life to match; it can run for up to 35 hours in demanding settings or up to 70 in power-saving mode. Plus, the larger, brighter screen comes in handy when using the map and can show more statistics at a glance.

What Shoppers Are Saying: “The 1040 is very user-friendly and intuitive. It easily [syncs] with my cadence and speed sensors. I do enjoy the larger screen as compared to the 840, and it does not have too much glare. I was concerned about glare from some online reviews, but it’s extremely easy to see and does well in low light or bright sun.”

Also Check Out:

Garmin Edge 840 Bike Computer, $400 (was $450)
Garmin Varia RTL515 Rearview Radar Tail Light, $150 (was $200)

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch in Graphite, $300 (was $400) at REI

Courtesy of Amazon

The Instinct 2 Solar packs Garmin’s fitness tracking features into a rugged package that’s shock-resistant and water-rated to 100 meters. It can be used to track running, swimming, biking, strength training, and more. The heart rate tracking also lets you monitor sleep quality, respiration, and even stress. The solar compatibility gives you unlimited battery in smartwatch mode or up to 48 hours in GPS mode and even pairs with your smartphone for easy notifications. If you’re a fan of the tough look of G-Shock watches but want more smart features, this is the one to buy.

What Shoppers Are Saying: “This watch does it all…It’s super user-friendly, has a ton of different options for fitness tracking, the GPS features are top-tier, and it looks great. More than anything, this watch is tough. I honestly feel like if a nuclear apocalypse happened today this watch would still be ticking tomorrow.”

Also Check Out: