← Gear database

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar vs Garmin Montana 700i

Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is the lighter option — 338 g lighter than the Garmin Montana 700i (87% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.
Spec Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Garmin Montana 700i
Weight 52 g · 0.052 kg · 0.11 lb 390 g · 0.390 kg · 0.86 lb
Brand Garmin Garmin
Category Navigation Navigation
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
52 g

Rugged GPS smartwatch with solar charging, 28-day battery in smartwatch mode, and unlimited battery in expedition GPS mode. Altimeter, compass included.

Check price Full details →
Garmin Montana 700i
390 g

Ruggedised GPS with large touchscreen and inReach satellite.

Full details →

HikeLoad is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar vs Garmin Montana 700i: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar wins — at 52 g it is 338 g (87%) lighter than the Garmin Montana 700i (390 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.

See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest navigation page, or browse the full gear weight database.

More navigation comparisons