For people who enjoy hiking, running, mountain biking, or outdoor adventures, a high-quality GPS watch is a must and one that features a long battery life. After all, you wouldn’t want your smartwatch to die in the middle of a hike. The best outdoor watches for hiking are durable, can handle inclement weather, comfortable to wear, and will include features like a compass, maps, and barometric altimeter. But with so many rugged watches in the market, choosing the best smartwatch for hiking can be difficult.
Buying the right smartwatch means avoiding the features you don’t need, as extra functions will consume more battery life. Therefore, in this review, we’ve chosen the best outdoor watches for hiking from the market for every budget after extensively testing them. Check out their features, specs, and detailed review.
Here is the list of the best outdoor watches for hiking:
#1 Garmin Fenix 7 (Best smartwatch for hiking overall)
Specs & Features
- 1.3in touchsreen with 260 x 260 resolution.
- Topo maps, compass, thermometer, and barometric altimeter.
- Bluetooth, ANT+, and WiFi connectivity and GPS+GLONASS tracking.
- Heart rate monitoring, safety, activity, and fitness tracking.
- Stress and sleep tracking.
- VO2 Max, Pulse Ox, and blood oxygen sensor.
- Various sports modes, including hiking, HIIT, and water sports.
- Music storage, and Garmin Pay.
- 136 hours max battery life in GPS mode.
- 10ATM water resistance.
Review
The Garmin Fenix 7 smartwatch is the best smart watch for hiking due to its maps and a wide range of training modes like hiking, skiing, HIIT, and water sports.
It comes in 42mm and 50mm sizes for a better choice. This watch boasts preloaded full-color Topo maps. But you can also download maps of your choice.
A multi-band GNSS offers improved tracking and distance accuracy in problematic satellite coverage areas.
Other features that make it the best smartwatch for hiking include stress and recovery tracking, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation monitoring.
It also comes with Bluetooth, WiFi, and a wireless sensor network technology for activity tracking.
Turn-by-turn navigation and BackTrack functions won’t let you get lost. While a barometer and altimeter will help you measure altitude and air pressure during hiking.
Garmin Fenix 7 provides a solar-powered display with an incredible battery life that offers max 136 hours of activity with GPS tracking.
A 10ATM water-resistant rating makes it rugged enough to endure swimming. Considering all these features, we can easily say that Fenix 7 is the best smartwatch for hiking on the market right now.
#2 Apple Watch Ultra (Best Outdoor Watch for Apple Users )
Specs & Features
- 1.92in Retina LTPO OLED with 502 x 410 resolution.
- NFC, WiFi, and 5.3 Bluetooth connectivity.
- GLONASS and multi-band GPS tracking.
- Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, and altimeter.
- FDA-approved ECG, heart rate, and temperature sensor.
- Apple Store, and Pay.
- 36 hours of battery life and 12 hours in GPS mode.
- IP6X water resistance.
Review
It is not wrong to say that the Apple Ultra Watch is the best smartwatch for hiking when it comes to the Apple lovers. This adventure watch is fit for passionate hikers, bikers, trail runners, and water sports enthusiasts.
This watch offers a rugged look and an extensive battery life of 36 hours with daily use in all Apple Smartwatch designs.
You can use back-to-the-start and GPS features to track your activity, while a compass, barometer, and altimeter can help you profoundly while hiking.
The Apple Ultra Watch also boasts an FDA-approved ECG monitor and temperature sensor for health tracking.
It supports text and calls notifications, Apple Store, and Apple Pay. A built-in temperature sensor will measure your body and water temperature while swimming.
An IPX6 water-resistant rating allows swimming and diving but not scuba diving. These features make it the best smartwatch for hiking for the Apple users.
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#3 Garmin Instinct Solar 2 (Best GPS watch with Solar Power)
Specs & Features
- Sunlight visible display with 176 x 176 resolution.
- Breadcrumb navigation uploaded GPX routes and storm alerts.
- Outdoor recreation modes.
- GPS, GLONASS, Bluetooth, ANT+ connectivity.
- Safety, activity, wellness, and fitness tracking.
- Barometric altimeter, digital compass, thermometer, accelerometer.
- Heart rate and Pulse Ox sensors.
- 28 days battery life in smartwatch mode with solar power.
- Supports Garmin Pay and Connect IQ store.
- WR100 water resistance.
Review
Garmin Instinct Solar 2 takes the 3rd sport for the best smartwatch for hiking. The smartwatch is perfect for hiking, golf, and HIIT activities.
This rugged watch boasts a MIL-820 military-grade design and great visibility in sunlight.
It features various sports modes such as EMOM and AMRAP, and provides breadcrumb navigation and GPS tracking while hiking.
You can also wear the Garmin Instinct Solar watch in up to 100m of water during water sports.
The Garmin Instinct Solar smartwatch features Heart Rate Variability, stress, and breathing rate tracking during activity.
You can upload GPX routes or check fitness metrics like Training Effect, recovery, and VO2 Max via Garmin Connect.
An unlimited 30 hours of battery life with GPS tracking and 28 hours in battery saver mode make it an excellent sports watch. The solar power feature makes it the best smartwatch for hiking for many smartwatch users.
#4 Polar Grit X Pro
Specs & Features
- 1.2in MIP display with 240 x 240 resolution.
- Precision Prime hardware.
- GPS, GLONASS, Bluetooth connectivity.
- H10 heart rate sensor, wellness, and sleep tracking.
- 130+ sports training modes and running analytics.
- Music controls, compass, accelerometer, and barometer.
- TrackBack and upload routes powered by komoot and Hillsplitter analytics.
- FuelWise fuelling recommendations.
- 100 hours long battery life in training mode.
- WR100 water resistance.
Review
Polar Grit X Pro is a military-grade GPS watch for hiking, biking, running, and water sports. It is an affordable version of Garmin’s top-end outdoor watches.
Polar features FuelWise for planning adventures, an H10 heart rate sensor for health monitoring, and VO2 Max for activity tracking.
It comes with TrackBack breadcrumb navigation, GPS, compass, accelerometer, and barometer to help you view routes and measure altitude.
You can also upload routes via komoot app and track your ascents and descents via Hillsplitter while hiking.
A 100m water resistance allows you to swim and dive without worry and the recovery feature enables you to test recovery after running or cycling.
It offers seven days of battery life in smartwatch mode, 40 hours in GPS mode, and 100 hours in training mode.
However, you may find that Polar Grit X doesn’t offer detailed Topo maps. But it is worth buying when it comes to its 130 sports profiles and endurance limit.
#5 Suunto 9 Baro
Specs & Features
- Military standard 810H hardware.
- Real-time Back Track navigation and heat planning with route maps.
- FusedTrack + GPS for distance accuracy and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Altimeter, heart rate monitor, and compass.
- Follow maps on the Suunto app, weather forecasts, and sea level analytics.
- Stress, recovery, activity, and sleep tracking.
- 80+ sports modes.
- 25-70 hours of battery life in GPS mode.
- WR100 water resistance.
Review
Suunto 9 Baro is a military standard multi-sport watch with built-in FusedAlti technology that combines GPS with a barometer to improve distance and altitude tracking accuracy.
Its rugged design helps to withstand extreme and freezing temperatures and humidity. You will also receive storm alerts if there is a drop in temperature.
This smartwatch features over 80 sports modes including hiking, biking, running, and water sports.
A battery life of up to 70 hours with GPS won’t interrupt your hike, while a 100m water-resistant rating will allow you to wear it during outdoor water sports.
Other features of Suunto Baro 9 include stress and recovery tracking and heart rate monitoring.
It also comes with in-built heat planning maps to find popular adventure spots and real-time Back Track navigation, which won’t leave you stranded.
#6 Coros Vertix 2
Specs & Features
- 1.4in display with 280 x 280 resolution.
- GLONASS, dual-band GPS watch, and all-satellite dual frequency.
- Works TrainingPeaks, Strava, Komoot and more.
- Preloaded maps plus downloadable Topo region maps.
- Altometer, gyro, 3D compass, barometer, and training sports mode.
- Music storage and GoPro/Insta 360-degree camera controls.
- Stress tracking and ECG sensor.
- 140 hours of GPS battery life.
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- 10 ATM water resistant.
Review
With an excellent battery life of 140 hours in GPS mode, Coros Vertix 2 6th Gen smartwatch matches the top-end Garmin’s Fenix series regarding stamina levels.
It offers a dual-band GPS for improved accuracy, an ECG sensor to measure Heart Rate Variability, preloaded maps and music, and Insta360 camera controls.
Coros Vertix 2 boasts Topo, Landscape, and Hybrid offline global mapping to make your hiking activity enjoyable.
An EvoLab feature gives training analytics to rival Garmin and Polar outdoor watches. Moreover, while hiking, your fitness data includes real-time tracking.
This smartwatch offers a 10ATM water-resistant rating allowing you to wear it while swimming or performing water sports.
#7 Garmin Enduro 2
Specs & Features
- 1.4in solar-powered display with 280 x 280 resolution.
- Health monitoring and blood oxygen saturation.
- Multi-band GNSS and SatIQ satellite technology.
- Tracks hiking, running, skiing, and mountain biking.
- Barometric altimeter, gyro, and accelerometer.
- Bluetooth, WiFi, and ANT+ connectivity.
- Notifications, texts, and call support.
- Safety and fitness tracking.
- Good Battery life up to 110-150 hours in GPS mode.
- 10ATM water resistant.
Review
Garmin Enduro 2 smartwatch features a power glass display to boost battery life with solar charging, a slim, lightweight design, and a powerful LED torch.
The outdoor smartwatch provides analytics of hill routes, running trails, multi-day hikes, rest stops, and complete performance.
In addition, it comes equipped with heart rate, safety, and blood oxygen monitoring.
A multi-band GNSS system provides a reliable signal in problematic areas, while SatIQ technology turns it off when not needed.
Other features include Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, a barometer altimeter for altitude and pressure measurement, and call and text support.
It offers an excellent battery life of up to 150 hours in GPS mode and 34-46 days in battery saver watch mode. So you don’t have to worry about the battery dying in mid-hike.
A 10ATM water-resistant rating makes it swim-proof and rugged enough to wear during rain.
Buying Guide: What should you look for in the best smartwatch for hiking?
We have considered the following factors when selecting the best smartwatch for hiking:
1. Durability:
Durability is an important factor to consider when selecting the best smartwatch for hiking because you need a watch that can withstand the environment and activities you will be engaging in.
The best smartwatch for hiking should be able to handle extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration and other environmental hazards while still providing accurate timekeeping.
It should also feature strong construction with shock-resistant materials that are waterproof and resistant to scratches and corrosion.
By taking these factors into consideration, you will ensure that the best smartwatch for hiking you choose is durable enough to last through all the outdoor adventures you may take part in.
2. Waterproofing:
Waterproofing is especially important for outdoors watches, as this will protect the watch from damage due to exposure to water, dust, and sweat.
Without waterproofing, the watch may become damaged or malfunction due to exposure to moisture or other elements.
Additionally, a waterproof watch can be used safely in any weather and can go virtually anywhere with you without having to worry about damaging it.
This makes waterproof watches a great choice for activities involving water, like swimming or kayaking, as you can take your watch with you without worry.
Furthermore, waterproofing adds an extra layer of protection against accidental spills or splashes that could otherwise damage the watch.
Ultimately, waterproofing is an important factor to consider when selecting an outdoor watch, as it can help protect the watch from damage and extend its lifespan.
3. Battery Life
The battery life is also very important to consider while selecting the best smartwatch for hiking. Depending on the type and usage, it’s possible for the best smartwatch for hiking to run for days or even weeks without needing to be recharged.
When selecting the best smartwatch for hiking, you should look for a model that has a longer battery life so you can enjoy more time outdoors without having to worry about running out of power.
Additionally, some outdoor watches come with solar or kinetic charging capabilities, allowing them to be powered by solar energy and the movement of your body respectively.
These features can help extend the battery life even further and make it much easier to keep your watch running for longer periods of time
4.Display
The best smartwatch for hiking is designed to be used in a variety of settings and conditions, which means that the display must be highly visible and legible.
Outdoor watches usually have larger, clearer displays than traditional timepieces, which makes it easier for users to read the time without squinting or straining their eyes.
Additionally, many outdoor watches feature LCD screens with backlighting for better visibility in dark or low-light conditions. A good display can also help users keep track of other information, such as temperature, altitude, and GPS coordinates. Ultimately, a clear and legible display is essential for any outdoor watch to be reliable and useful in the field
To further ensure that the display is easy to read, many outdoor watches are designed with high contrast and a variety of eye-catching colors.
This helps the watch stand out in any environment, making it easier for users to spot the time quickly. Additionally, some watches offer adjustable brightness levels that can be adjusted depending on the user’s needs.
Depending on the model of outdoor watch, there may even be features for adjusting the font size or color.
5. Functions
Lastly, we considered the important features while choosing the best smartwatch for hiking. You should always consider what key features and functions you need from the best smartwatch for hiking you choose. Many of the watches available today come with a variety of fancy features, such as GPS navigation, barometer and altimeter readings, activity tracking, and more.
Choose the best smartwatch for hiking that has the advanced features for your needs so you can get the most out of it during your outdoor adventures.
By taking these key factors into consideration, you can ensure that you find the best smartwatch for hiking and other outdoor needs. And with a durable, waterproof model and long battery life of the best smartwatch for hiking, you will be ready to take on any outdoor activity with confidence.
Best Smartwatch for hiking: Conclusion
Hopefully, our above review for the best smartwatch for hiking will be able to help you pick the best one.
If you are still hesitant, our recommendation for the best smartwatch for hiking is Garmin Fenix 7 smartwatch.
We consider it as the best smartwatch for hiking due to its larger-than-life display, multi-sports features, and performance analytics. This watch comes in multiple designs with built-in GPS+GLONASS for improved distance and tracking accuracy in problematic areas.
Multi-sports modes rival other sports watches and offer hiking, running, biking, and skiing.
While a 10ATM water-resistant rating allows you to enjoy splashing and diving in the water. The best part about Garmin Fenix 7 is its max 136 hours of battery life.
If you want to get the best mapping experience, you need the best smartwatch for hiking we selected on your wrist. Features like TrackBack and turn-by-turn navigation won’t let you wander away, while real-time stamina will give you an insight into how far you can hike.
Best Smartwatch for hiking: Frequently Asked Questions
Which smartwatch is best for hiking?
The best smartwatch for hiking is Garmin Fenix 7 due to its long battery life and other amazing features. It comes with excellent mapping, barometer, navigation, fitness tracking, built-in advanced GNSS tracking, and multi-sport modes, including hiking.
Are GPS watches worth it for hiking?
The answer is yes: they can be a great addition to your hiking adventures! GPS watches are designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts and provide many useful features that make life easier. You can read the features we have listed above for the best smartwatch for hiking review.
GPS watches are incredibly helpful when navigating, as they allow you to track your progress with pinpoint accuracy. This way, you don’t have to worry about getting lost or taking a wrong turn. GPS watches also come with features like altitude, sunrise/sunset times, barometric pressure and temperature readings that can help you stay prepared for the elements
GPS watches are also capable of tracking your performance stats during hikes, such as speed and distance traveled. This information can be used to measure progress over time and can help you plan your next adventure. GPS watches also come with a variety of tracking options, such as breadcrumb or waypoint tracking, which allow you to easily follow routes or create new ones
GPS watches are generally lightweight and durable, making them perfect for long hikes. Many models also offer water-resistance, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain. They often also come with additional features such as timers, alarms, and compasses that can help you plan your trip more efficiently
In conclusion, GPS watches are an excellent choice for hikers. They provide accurate navigation, performance tracking features and a variety of other useful features that make them an invaluable tool in the outdoors. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced hiker, investing in a good quality GPS watch can be beneficial and make your next adventure even more enjoyable.
Is Apple watch good for hiking?
The Apple watch can be a great asset for hiking. The latest Apple watch series has some features that are perfect for those on the trail, such as its built-in GPS, heart rate monitor and water-resistance features. The GPS watch allows hikers to track their location and stay on the right path, while the heart rate monitor helps ensure they are staying in a healthy zone during their hike. Additionally, its water-resistant design makes it safe to wear in wet conditions that may be encountered along the way. With these features, an Apple watch can be a great tool for staying safe and healthy while exploring the outdoors
Other features of the Apple smartwatch make it even more useful on hikes. For example, its Activity app allows users to monitor their daily steps, distance traveled and calories burned, helping them stay motivated and keep track of their progress as they go.
The watch also has a dedicated Workout app that can be used to track hiking sessions, allowing users to look back at their performance and analyze data from previous hikes. With its many features, the Apple smartwatch is an excellent companion for any hiker who wants to stay safe and healthy on their next journey into the great outdoors.
In addition to its features, the GPS watch is also very easy to use and set up. Its intuitive interface makes it simple to access all of its features, while the battery life can last up to 18 hours, enough for even lengthy hikes with no need to recharge. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder so many hikers are turning to the Apple watch as their next hiking companion.
The GPS watch offers features and convenience that make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay safe and healthy while they explore the great outdoors. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and helpful hiking partner, look no further than the Apple watch! It could be the perfect companion for your next outdoor adventure.
What is the best smartwatch for outdoorsman?
The best smartwatch for hiking or outdoorsmen is based on what kinds of sports you indulge in. However, for overall outdoor recreation activities, we can say that Garmin Fenix 7 is the best outdoor watch.
The best smartwatch for hiking and outdoor activities boasts a longer battery life, multi-sport modes, Topo mapping, advanced GPS tracking, durability, and complete performance analytics.