Outdoor retailer REI’s latest sale runs through this weekend and offers discounts of up to 40% across its entire stock, including both Garmin and Fitbit smartwatches. We were able to find savings of up to 33% off normal retail prices, just in time to make for great last-minute gifts for the outdoor enthusiasts on your list.
Which one should you pick? There are many options to choose from. To help you out, we picked out the best deals below. You’re going to want to act fast: These sale prices are only good through Monday, December 16. Free pickup is also available, but there’s still plenty of time to order and get it in time for Christmas. The outdoor retailer is also discounting JBL wireless headphones for a limited time.
Garmin Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire — $600 (20% off)
The Fenix 5X Plus is a big, expensive smartwatch, but it’s well worth the price. With all the standard features of the Fenix 5 line plus Pulse Ox Acclimation and a scratch-resistant sapphire lens. The pulse oximetry sensor is important for climbers. It monitors blood oxygen saturation and provides reports on sleep quality and your acclimation level at the current altitude.
The sapphire lens is fantastic, and our tests have proven that it does make a difference when it comes to durability. Scratch resistance is top-notch, and the watch proved durable in our testing. We think these features are all but a requirement for the type of fitness enthusiast that the Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire is trying to target. Select models are on sale for $600, $150 off the regular retail price.
Garmin Instinct — $200 (33% off)
If the Fenix 5x Plus’ hefty price tag made you do a double-take, you’ll be glad to know you can get a lot of those features in a much cheaper smartwatch, the Garmin Instinct. While it only has a monochrome display, it is still readable even in full sunlight. The durable and rugged construction makes it perfect for outdoor treks. A fiber-reinforced polymer casing resists scratches, while chemically strengthened glass protected by a raised bezel offers impact protection for the screen.
Similar to the Fenix 5 series, the Instinct includes a suite of outdoor sensors and preloaded activity profiles that provide more accurate tracking of your workouts. And this watch won’t let you sit around — if it detects long periods of inactivity, the Move feature gently vibrates to remind you to get up and get moving. REI’s sale right now gets you the Instinct for just $200, the best deal we’ve seen so far on this model.
Garmin Descent MK1 — $800 (20% off)
A dive computer on your wrist, you’ll love how you can plan your next dive with the Descent Mk1. You’ll be able to mark your entry and exit points precisely, and logging and color mapping features allow you to track your route and progress. It also helps you track how much air you’ll have left and will warn you when you’re running low. On dry ground, you’ll get all the same functionality of the Fenix 5X line — so don’t think this watch is a one-trick pony.
At $1,000, it’s one of the most expensive smartwatches on the market today. But for its specialized nature and great reviews from those who own it, you should consider this one if you’re a diver — and the $800 sale price at REI is one of the lowest we’ve seen yet.
Fitbit Charge 3 — $120 (20% off)
Fitbit’s Charge 3 is the perfect combination of function and style. It packs all the necessary fitness tracking functionality in a slim, lightweight, and fashionable design. A touchscreen UI makes it super easy to use, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and water resistance to depths within 50 meters makes it both durable and versatile for a wide variety of fitness activities. You even get an integrated SPO2 sensor, which measures your blood oxygen and analyze your sleeping patterns.
Paired with your smartphone, you’ll be able to receive smart notifications for calls, texts, app alerts, and music playback, and Android devices can send quick replies to texts and other messages. Seven days of battery life means you’ll rarely need to take it off to charge.
Garmin Vivomove HR — $150 (25% off)
At first look, the Garmin Vivomove HR looks like a high-end fashionable analog smartwatch. But it’s actually a simulated analog screen that boasts touchscreen capabilities, and looks stunning. But it’s not all just a fancy shell; the Vivovmove is a capable fitness tracking smartwatch. It tracks calories burned, distance traveled, steps taken, sleep quality, heart rate, and stress levels, and can sync with your phone to deliver text messages and other notifications right to your wrist.
The Garmin Vivomove HR is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a durable, water-resistant fitness tracker that doubles as a great-looking all-day hybrid smartwatch. The 25% price cut is the best price we’ve seen on this particular model so far this holiday season, so we’d strongly recommend you take advantage of this weekend’s sale if the Vivomove’s timeless design appeals to you.
More REI Deals
Fitness trackers aren’t the only things on sale through Monday, December 16th. Here are our favorite deals from across the site right now.
