- Online: www.REI.com
- URL for this product:
- From the U.S. and Canada — Call 1-800-426-4840
- Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT.
- International — Call 1-253-891-2500
- Mon. through Sun., 4 a.m. through 11 p.m. PT. English language only.
This highly sensitive tracker will take your training to new heights; its advanced tracking and training programs accurately follow your progress.
- Easy-to-use right out of the box, no pace-setting calibrations necessary; GPS satellites calculate speed, distance and pace information
- SiRFstar® receiver provides rapid first fix and is sensitive enough to acquire signals in urban canyons and under dense foliage
- Compact ergonomic design mounts on a wristband and features an easy-to-read display
- Virtual Partner™ features lets you program time, distance and pace goals, then shows you if you're ahead or behind your goal
- Calculates calorie consumption based on user's weight, distance traveled and hills climbed
- Records lap history by day and week, stores up to 200 workouts in its memory
- Pace alarm sounds if you're either exceeding or slower than your programmed pace
- Online training log, interactive mapping and performance analysis at www.MotionBased.com , available for FREE or upgrade to the pay subscription
- Time/distance alarm alerts you when you've reached a desired time or distance
- Navigation capabilities let you mark locations, find locations or navigate back to the starting point; mark and save waypoints
- Display is backlit for easy viewing in low light
- Water-resistant construction meets IPX7 standards; submersible 1-meter for 30 minutes
- Operates approximately 10 hours on its rechargeable lithium ion battery, charger included
Imported.
Item 735597
Related Items:
Manuals and Instructions:
Garmin Forerunner 205 Specs
Specification | Description |
| Weight | 2.72 ounces |
| Dimensions | 2.7 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches |
Garmin Forerunner 205 Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Simple controls (20)
- Easy to read (19)
- Easy to set up (15)
- Reliable (14)
- Strong construction (10)
Cons
- Bulky (17)
- Short battery life (7)
Best Uses
- Running (16)
- Hiking (11)
- Adventure (5)
- Daily use (4)
- Cycling (3)
- Primary use:
- Personal (22)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Outdoor enthusiast (18), Gearhead (10), Technically savvy (8), Athletic (5), Professional (4)
Reviewed by 29 customers
Sort by
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Running
Comments about Garmin Forerunner 205:
Overview: I started running last fall. I run 2-4 times per week and I like to run in a formal "race" (5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon) each month.
Pros: The ForeRunner205 has allowed me to learn a lot more about my running. In particular, what each pace feels like. I didn't know how to train well for each race because I am a newbie to distance running (didn't have to worry about pace doing the long-jump and high-jump in high school) and had no sense of what was "too fast" and "too slow" and didn't want to wait until the 1st mile to know my split.
The 2 main benefits: 1.) I can run in any direction I choose rather than following my pre-determined 5K & 10K routes. 2.) I have a much better sense of whether I am running the appropriate pace to train well for an upcoming race
For each run, I just turn the baby on and the satelites phone home while I stretch and then I'm off in any direction I please. I have turned on auto-lap for every 1 mile and set the auto-alarm at every 1 mile as well so it beeps to give me my time/pace/etc automatically every mile. I look at the thing and know: total time on this run so far, total distance on this run so far, time on this mile/lap, distance on this mile/lap, overall pace (min/mile), last mile pace, etc, etc. 3.) importing the info to the PC is cool and allows for even more learning.
Cons: 1.) the buttons to manage the GPS features are difficult to push while running (no problem with start/stop/lap though).
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Read
- Easy To Set Up
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Hiking
- trail running, biking
Comments about Garmin Forerunner 205:
True to form, I obsessed in my research of a GPS trainer that I could use for both running trails and riding pavement on my road bike. Looked at all the wrist-tops, bike-specific stem mounts, and even a few handhelds and finally came home with the 205. In a word, this unit is extraordinary. Simple to use right out of the box, then simple to customize for your own specific activities. I like having a "main" screen which I use for trail running--and power walks with my wife--then being able to easily switch to the "bike" screen for a different data set. And it's so easy to set-up, a caveman could do it. For those who need a HRM and want the option of cadence monitor, you'll need to step up to the 305 or 405. If you can do without those, this thing is a great deal, even at full retail [$].
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Read
- Easy To Set Up
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Bulky
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Cycling
- Geocaching
- Hiking
- Running
- Travel
Comments about Garmin Forerunner 205:
I've had the Garmin 205 for over a year now. This thing is outstanding. I use it nearly every day. I use it for running, cycling, walking, backpacking, and geocaching. At 105 lbs, I have very small wrists, so I find it most comfortable to wear a sweatband underneath the Garmin. It's a little bulky, but it's so useful that I no longer even think about the size. The only thing that I wish could be improved is the battery life. I use it so much, that I have to charge it really often.
- How long have you owned it:
- More than six months
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate
- Customizable features
- Free Workout Software
- Large display
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Daily Use
- Managing Personal Goals
- Travel
Comments about Garmin Forerunner 205:
Having owned my 205 for more than a year now, I wouldn't go back to running with watches. I am in the Army, and run three to four days a week. The 205 has the ability to give you personalized/custom information regarding every aspect of your run. I have my screen set to show: lapsed time, distance, and pace. I also have it set to beep if I am running either slower or faster than my desired pace. Thanks to the 205, I was able to become a very consistent pace runner. I used to set a goal, and be happy if I was able to come within 1 minute of it...now it's down to 15 seconds or less.
After the run, you download the data into the computer, and it shows you the map/route you completed, and has numerous charts showing time/speed/distance/elevation/pace...et al. It's become my best running partner. I wouldn't give it up for anything.
Here the Cons: Be careful of putting the 205 on the charger while the metal contacts are still wet from sweat/water. All of the people I've known who had problems with their 205's suddenly not working, had just placed it on the charger directly after a run (without wiping it off or letting it air dry first).
Some of my friends who run marathons complain about the "short" battery life. My knees are shot, and I'm very happy if I can crank out a 10-miler, so I haven't run out of battery on any of my runs. However, if you are running in the dark with the backlight on, yeah...the battery doesn't last more than an hour or so. However, once you get home and put the watch on the dock, it automatically begins recharging, and you'll be good to go for your next run.
Overall, it's a great running asset. It's not perfect, but it's certainly worth every penny if running matters to you.
- Gift:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Read
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Training Runs
Comments about Garmin Forerunner 205:
I had the Forerunner 201 which I found inaccurate and lost the satellites easily. Moved to a Polar RS200SD, but I run a lot of hills and the shoe pod was either fast or slow. Garmin 205 rarely loses signal, even in cities, overpasses, trees, etc. However, I just ran the Boston Marathon and it reflected 26.68 miles, nearly a half mile off. If you don't care about your time, no biggie, but if you are going for a Personal Best, this is way too far off. That said, I can not replace this for all of my training runs. Combined with the motionbased[@], it is a winner!
- How long have you owned it:
- More than six months
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Large Screen
Cons
- Hard To Read
- Short Battery Life
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Jogging
Comments about Garmin Forerunner 205:
I use it for running at least 4 times per week training for a marathon. Everything except the pace function works well. The pace readout is all over the place fluctuating in excess of 2 minutes plus in a few seconds without me changing pace to that extent. In summary I can not rely on the pace function. This is in open country as well.
- Gift:
- Yes
- How are you with directions:
- Great w/Directions
Pros
- Easy To Read
- Easy To Set Up
- Simple Controls
Cons
- Bulky
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Hiking
Comments about Garmin Forerunner 205:
I love this garmin and was sad to have to exchange it. Not sure what happened, but it stopped working. I think it was HW related as I uploaded the new SW and had to hold the power button in for it to stay on. Not very easy to run that way. It is unfortunate as I have a race tomorrow and won't have my garmin to track :(. I will have in a few weeks, however. Hopefully this one will last longer than 3 months.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Read
- Easy To Set Up
- Fun
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Adventure
- Hiking
Comments about Garmin Forerunner 205:
I bought this while on vacation during the REI annual sale. It took thirty minutes to set up as I read the manual page by page. I tried it out at Pismo Beach and then headed for Yosemite.
This is a really amazing little tool, even if it didn't sync with a computer. You can customize the two screens to display what parameters you want to watch (time, distance, elevation, time-of-day, etc.) in addition to the track page. When you are ready to head back to the start you just click on "Back to start." Audible and visible alerts are displayed at turning points plus a compass page. You can also change the size of your track screen through a wide range of scales. Amazing!
I had already purchased Topo 2008 for Mac before my trip. Much to my delight I downloaded the just released Training Center for Mac when I got home. I was absolutely shocked to see the uploaded tracks displayed to topos simply by choosing Topo 2008 from a drop down menu. In Training Center you can graph performance with any two parameter you choose. I would have been happy to see the elevation profile alone. I understand that courses uploaded to the 205 will provide elevation profiles on the watch itself. I intend to try and upload some waypoints for a hike in the near future and see if it will display an elevation profile for field use. Run, don't walk and buy a Forerunner 205.
p.s. I have a very expensive Polar Heart Rate monitor and interface in a drawer so that is why I skipped the 305.
avid
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Large Screen
- One Hand Control
- Quick Navigation
Cons
- Bulky
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Jogging
Comments about Garmin Forerunner 205:
This unit is really great. We have used it to track and log our runs/hikes/bike rides for the last several months. It's a great device for all of these activities. Unfortunately, after about 3 months of use, the unit stopped functioning properly ... the power simply drops as soon as the watch goes on my wrist. It seems that Garmin still has some manufacturing issues. REI is great, though, and replaced the unit so we are back up again.
- How are you with directions:
- Great w/Directions
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Read
- Easy To Set Up
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Running
Comments about Garmin Forerunner 205:
I use this products on long distance runs to track my pace, time and distance. I love the product's simple display, ease of use and the ability to sync my runs on the computer. Even better, the watch connects easily and works seamlessly with my Mac via the USB port. Also, the USB port can charge the device. Battery power is good as long as you turn off the device when you are done with your run.
- How long have you owned it:
- One-to-three months
- Primary use:
- Personal
Garmin Forerunner 205 Related Items
Things you might need for this item:
Other items like this:
You might also like:
Join REI and Enjoy the Benefits
Members are eligible for an annual refund
on qualifying purchases. Plus, they enjoy many
more benefits. Get a lifetime membership for $20.
How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.
Shopping Cart - |
- Log In or Register
- Store Locator
- |
- Email Sign-Up
- |
- 1-800-426-4840
-
Camping & Hiking
- Gear
- Air Mattresses
- Backpacks
- Bivy Sacks
- Camp Furniture
- Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping Pads
- Tents
- Water Bottles
- Water Treatment
- All Camp/Hike Gear
- Gadgets and Electronics
- Binoculars
- Compasses
- Flashlights
- GPS
- Headlamps
- Knives
- Lanterns
- Camp Tools
- Radios
- All Gadgets and Electronics
- Camp Kitchen
- Coffee
- Containers
- Cookware
- Coolers
- Dishes and Utensils
- Food
- Stoves
- Tables
- All Camp Kitchen
-
Climbing
- Climbing Gear
- Aid Gear
- Ascenders
- Belay/Rappel
- Carabiners
- Climbing Chalk
- Climbing Harnesses
- Climbing Helmets
- Climbing Holds
- Climbing Packs
- Crash Pads
- Rock Protection
- Pulleys
- Quickdraws
- Rock Climbing Shoes
- Ropes
- Caving and Canyoneering
- Webbing and Cord
- Slings and Runners
- All Climbing Gear
-
Cycling
- Bikes
- Cruiser Bikes
- Comfort Bikes
- Folding Bikes
- Kids' Bikes
- Hybrid Bikes
- Mountain Bikes
- Road Bikes
- Urban Bikes
- All Bikes
- Clothing/Helmets
- Cycling Gloves
- Cycling Helmets
- Cycling Jackets
- Cycling Jerseys
- Cycling Shoes
- Cycling Shorts
- Cycling Socks
- Cycling Tights & Pants
- Arm/Leg Warmers
- All Cycling Clothes
-
Fitness
- Fitness Clothing
- Men's Running Clothing
- Men's Swimming
- Men's Triathlon Clothing
- Women's Running Clothing
- Women's Swimming
- Women's Triathlon Clothes
- Women's Yoga Clothing
- All Fitness Clothing
- Fitness Footwear
- Men's Cross-Training Shoes
- Men's Road-Running Shoes
- Men's Trail Running Shoes
- Women's Cross-Training Shoes
- Women's Road-Running Shoes
- Women's Trail Running Shoes
- All Fitness Footwear
-
Paddling
- Kayaking
- Kayaks
- Kayak Accessories
- Kayak Carts
- Kayak Paddles
- Safety Equipment
- Spray Skirts
- All Kayaking Gear
- Canoeing
- Canoes
- Canoe Accessories
- Canoe Carts
- Canoe Paddles
- Canoe Yokes
- Canoe Flotation
- All Canoeing Gear
- Clothing and PFDs
- Dry Suits and Tops
- Paddling Gloves
- PFDs
- Rashguards
- Spray Wear
- Wet Suits
- All Paddling Clothing
-
Snowsports
- Alpine Skiing
- Alpine Skis
- Alpine Ski Bindings
- Alpine Ski Boots
- Ski Bags
- Ski Goggles
- Ski Helmets
- Ski Packs
- Alpine Ski Poles
- Men's Alpine Ski Clothing
- Women's Alpine Ski Clothing
- Gloves, Hats and Socks
- All Alpine Skiing
- XC and Backcountry
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Backcountry Skiing
- Nordic Touring
- Metal-Edge Touring
- Race/Performance Skiing
- Cross-Country Ski Tuning
- Cross-Country Ski Waxes
- Men's XC Clothing
- Women's XC Clothing
- Kids' XC Ski Gear
- All Cross-Country
- All Tele/Randonee
-
Travel
- Luggage
- Carry-On Luggage
- Travel Packs
- Wheeled Backpacks
- Wheeled Duffels
- Wheeled Luggage
- Bike Travel Cases
- Ski Bags
- All Luggage
- Day Bags
- Camera Bags
- Daypacks
- Duffel Bags
- Handbags
- Laptop Bags
- Messenger Bags
- Shoulder Bags
- Travel Totes
- All Day Bags
-
Men's
- Men's Jackets
- Casual Jackets
- Down Jackets
- Fleece Jackets
- Insulated Jackets
- Rain Jackets
- Running Jackets
- Wind Shells
- Ski Jackets
- Snowboard Jackets
- Soft Shell Jackets
- All Men's Jackets
- Men's Clothing
- Pants
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Sweaters
- Swimming
- Underwear
- Vests
- Footwear
- Tall Clothing
- All Men's Clothing
- Men's Accessories
- Balaclavas
- Bandanas
- Belts
- Gaiters
- Gloves and Mittens
- Hats
- Headwear
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Watches
- All Accessories
-
Women's
- Women's Jackets
- Casual Jackets
- Down Jackets
- Fleece Jackets
- Insulated Jackets
- Rain Jackets
- Running Jackets
- Wind Shells
- Ski Jackets
- Snowboard Jackets
- Soft Shell Jackets
- All Women's Jackets
- Women's Clothing
- Footwear
- Pants
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Skirts and Dresses
- Sleepwear
- Sweaters
- Swimming
- Underwear
- Vests
- Petite Clothing
- Plus Sizes
- All Women's Clothing
- Women's Accessories
- Belts
- Gaiters
- Gloves and Mittens
- Hats
- Headwear
- Jewelry
- Scarves
- Socks
- Sports Bras
- Sunglasses
- Watches
- All Accessories
-
Kids'
- Kids' Shops
- Kids' Winter Outfits
- Boys' Clothing
- Girls' Clothing
- Infant & Toddler Clothing
- Kids' Outerwear
- Kids' Shoes
- Kids' Ski Clothing
- Kids' Snowboard Clothing
- Eco-Conscious
- All Kids'
-
Shoes & Boots
- Men's Footwear
- Men's Boots
- Men's Extended Sizes
- Men's Sandals
- Men's Shoes
- Men's Slippers
- Men's Socks
- Women's Footwear
- Women's Boots
- Women's Extended Sizes
- Women's Sandals
- Women's Shoes
- Women's Slippers
- Women's Socks
- Kids' Footwear
- Kids' Boots
- Kids' Sandals
- Kids' Shoes
- Kids' Slippers
- Kids' Socks
- Footwear Accessories
- Gaiters
- Insoles
- Laces
- Treatments
- Winter Traction
- Footwear Gifts
- Footwear Sale and Clearance
- All Footwear
- Brands
-
All Categories
- Alpine Skiing Shop
- Backcountry Skiing Shop
- Backpacks
- Binoculars
- Bikes
- Books and Maps
- Camping and Hiking
- Car Racks
- Climbing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Cycling
- Dog Gear
- Electronics
- Fitness
- Gift Cards
- Gift Center
- GPS
- Hammocks
- Jackets
- Kids'
- Luggage and Day Bags
- REI Gift Cards
- Fast, easy and one size fits all.
- Buy now!
- REI Membership
- REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
- Join REI today!
- Sign up for REI Gearmail®
- and get 15% off selected items!
- Store Locator
- Locate an REI store near you.
- Company Info
- About REI
- Jobs at REI
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Corporate & Group Sales
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Request an REI Catalog
- REI Membership
- Become an REI Member
- Member Help
- Apply for an REI Visa® Card
- We Care
- REI Gives
- Stewardship
- Volunteer
- Eco-Conscious Gear
- Expert Outdoor Advice
- Expert Advice Articles
- Outdoor Videos
- REI Outdoor School
- Store Events
- Online Affiliate Program
- Become an REI Affiliate
- Help
- Help Section
- Contact Us
- Live Help
- Order Tracking
- Returns and Exchanges
- Shipping Info
- 1-800-426-4840
- Product Safety Recalls
Find REI on:
Facebook 
Twitter 
YouTube 
MySpace 
Flickr