For a decade, Nomad’s watch bands have been built almost entirely around one wrist: the Apple Watch. That’s changing. The accessory maker has launched its first real lineup for Garmin, and it’s aimed at the runners, hikers and multisport athletes who make up Garmin’s core audience, not the casual smartwatch crowd.
The new range has two waterproof straps made from FKM fluoroelastomer, a material worth understanding before you buy. FKM is denser and more resistant to sweat, oils and wear than standard silicone. That’s why it has become the preferred rubber for premium dive and sports watches, and why Nomad’s Apple Watch sport bands built a following. It also tends to attract less lint and feels less sticky over long sessions, which matters when a Garmin might stay on your wrist for a week-long training block or a multi-day trek.
The Sport Band is the everyday option. It’s a 22mm QuickFit strap with perforations for airflow, shown on the Forerunner 970, and it comes in Mesa Orange, Lunar Gray and Carbon Black. The Rocky Point Band targets the bigger, tougher watches. At 26mm, it suits Garmin’s larger models such as the Fenix 8, and it comes in Carbon Black or a bright Sol orange with a choice of natural or black hardware. Nomad already uses the Rocky Point name in its Apple Watch range, so the Garmin version extends an existing design rather than debuting a new one.
For wearers who want something dressier, Nomad also offers its Active Band Pro in 22mm quick-release form. It’s made from Horween leather, in black with silver hardware or brown with black hardware. It’s not the obvious pick for a sweaty long run, but it does soften the look of a sports watch at the office.
The bigger story is Nomad’s move itself. Garmin owners have historically had fewer premium third-party strap choices than Apple Watch owners, who can pick from a crowded market. Garmin’s QuickFit system makes swapping straps simple, yet most options have been either Garmin’s own bands or generic alternatives. A recognisable accessory brand bringing its materials to the platform gives Garmin buyers a better middle ground.
What’s missing is broader coverage. The lineup sticks to 22mm and 26mm widths, which leaves out owners of smaller Garmin models. Nomad hasn’t said whether 20mm versions or other Garmin families are coming. Given how quickly its Apple Watch range grew, that seems like the natural next step, and the one Garmin owners will be watching for.
