More and more people are hearing the call of the wild and turning their eyes to the horizon. GPS watches for hiking have gained popularity because of burgeoning adventurous mindsets and advancements in technology. Applications like MyFitness Pal, Strava, and Runkeeper allow beginner to advanced athletes, hiking enthusiasts, and tried-and-true thru-hikers to easily track their distance. Most smartwatches offer some step-tracking or heart-rate monitoring function, however, not all watches include a GPS feature. A global-positioning-system feature allows the wearer to navigate unfamiliar terrain, report emergencies efficiently, and track topographical changes.
A GPS watch for hiking isn’t mandatory for getting outdoors and enjoying a walk in the woods. However, a GPS watch can decrease risk and increase adventure for those planning to travel far, hike often, and even incorporate overnight backpacking trips or high elevation mountaineering excursions.
Before exploring our carefully curated list of GPS hiking watches, let’s consider the following questions to determine if you need a GPS watch and what you should look for.
Table of Contents
- 1 Why is a GPS hiking watch important?
- 2 What should I look for in a hiking watch?
- 3 Best Overall GPS Watch for Hiking
- 4 Best Watch for Multi-Sport Athletes
- 5 Best Budget Watch
- 6 Best Watch for Day Hikers
- 7 Best Watch for Thru-Hiking
- 8 Best Watch for Training
- 9 Easiest to Use Hiking Watch
- 10 Best Watch for Day Hiking and Biking
- 11 Best Watch for Mountaineering
- 12 Best No-Frills Watch
- 13 Best GPS Watch for Daily Use
- 14 Quick Recommendations
- 15 Watch Buying Guide
Why is a GPS hiking watch important?
A GPS watch is essential if you desire meticulous data like elevation gain, mileage tracking, and heart rate. A GPS watch differs from a regular smartwatch because it will be more geared towards reporting information related to exercise and your environment. If you plan to spend time outside walking, running, rafting, climbing, or biking, a GPS watch can be extremely important to staying on your planned course or changing plans mid-journey and selecting a new route.
Other fitness-oriented gadgets like wearable fitness trackers use estimations to figure out calories burned and distance traveled. Typically, the wearer would start the tracker when they started exercising and stop it upon finishing. A GPS watch actually communicates with satellites to track your real-time location on the globe, measuring the distance you’ve gone and the elevation you’ve gained with real data.
What should I look for in a hiking watch?
While this question will be person-specific, there are a few specs you shouldn’t forgo. If you’re in the market for a GPS hiking watch, make sure your watch has at least the following:
- Waterproof or water-resistant. Even a little sweat can work its way into the watch and cause it to malfunction. If you don’t plan on swimming, paddling, or rafting in your watch, then a water-resistant watch should be sufficient.
- Altimeter, barometer, and compass. If you desire to do any sort of bushwacking off the beaten path or overnight adventures, having these features just might save your life.
- Distance tracking. Even if you don’t care how far you’ve traveled, distance tracking can help hikers stick to a schedule. It can also be crucial if you become lost and need to report your distance from a point of interest or the trailhead.
Most, if not all GPS hiking watches will include these features. Some may be more detailed or advanced than others. Additionally, certain GPS hiking watches will offer a software system that allows for further examination of details collected by the watch while out on the trail. Now let’s get into it!
Best Overall GPS Watch for Hiking
Garmin Fenix 7
Technical Specifications
- Price: $699
- Water rating: 100 meters
- Display type: Memory-in-pixel
- Battery Life: 18 – 22 days, depending on usage and mode
What we love
This watch is a level up from the Fenix 6 in that it’s battery life has dramatically improved. If you opt for a solar mode, your battery life jumps even more. Runners, hikers, and bikers will enjoy the easy-to-use and interpret interface.
What we don’t
The price is a little steep for someone dipping their toes into the GPS watch world. Reviews claim that the colors can sometimes look ‘muddy’.
Product Overview/Review:
Garmin is known for making high-performance watches that priotizie ultra-accurate global positioning systems. The new Garmin Fenix 7 is no different. It offers tools for those looking to run competitively, learn more about pacing, or complete long, adventure-style trail runs in the mountains. The Fenix 7 sports a rugged design and is water resistant up to 100 meters. Getting caught in a summer rainstorm won’t slow this hiking watch down.
Best Watch for Multi-Sport Athletes
Coros Vertix 2
Technical Specifications
- Price: $699
- Water rating: 100 meters
- Display type: Memory-in-pixel
- Battery Life: 140 hours in GPS mode, 60 days in smartwatch mode
What we love
We love how versatile the Coros Vertix 2 is for multisport athletes. The high resolution is easy to read on the fly, which is helpful if you’re planning to participate in fast paced or high stakes sports such as backcountry skiing, climbing, or trail running. One of the watches best features is its offline mapping which doesn’t charge users extra or limit the amount of maps you can utilize.
What we don’t
Unlike other GPS watches on this list, the Coros Vertix 2 doesn’t offer solar charging. However, it does far make up for it with its long battery life. Some reviewers even found that it kept ticking (tracking) long after its estimated battery life. The Coros Vertix 2 also doesn’t offer contactless payment, but time spent on the trails is fortunately priceless.
Product Overview/Review:
This watch is the bee’s knees when it comes to map enthusiasts. Both topographic and landscape maps are compatible with this watch while the 32GB of storage allow ample space to download whatever navigation tools you may need. The GPS works extremely well, even in wooded or covered areas.
Best Budget Watch
Garmin Forerunner 55
Technical Specifications
- Price: $169
- Water rating: 50 meters
- Display type: Memory-in-pixel
- Battery Life: 20 hours GPS mode – 14 days smartwatch mode
What we love
This watch is a lot of bang for its buck. At under $200, the Garmin Forerunner 55 offers a lot in the way of training and exercise tools. You get a GPS, heart rate monitor, plenty of training tools, workout suggestions, and more. For most day adventurers who don’t want to spend a ton of money on a tool they aren’t sure about quite yet, the Garmin Forerunner 55 could be your best pick.
What we don’t
If you’re looking for a watch with solid mapping ability, this isn’t it. The monochrome display is a little difficult to read in bright light and you wouldn’t want to reply on it for route finding should you get lost in the backcountry.
Product Overview/Review:
This is Garmin’s entry level GPS hiking watch. Those training for any type of race be it swimming, biking, or running will fall in love with the watch’s training guidance, working suggestions, and estimated recovery times. Many tests proved that the Garmin Forerunner’s heartrate monitor is way more accurate than competitors.
Best Watch for Day Hikers
Suunto 9 Baro Sport Watch
Technical Specifications
- Price: $399.20
- Water rating: 100 meters
- Battery Life: 3 different modes, 25 – 120 hours
What we love
Suunto makes beautiful and effective watches, continuing to perfect their products with each new release. The Suunto 9 Baro Sport Watch is one of the best GPS hiking watches on the market right now. With intelligent battery modes, the watch will alert you to how much battery life is left while your out on your adventure, giving you the option to switch up modes should you need to conserve juice.
What we don’t
Many reviews report that the heart rate monitor is inaccurate but if you’re planning to use this watch for long distance hiking instead of interval training, it won’t be a concern. Additionally, hikers aren’t able to load maps on this watch, meaning they’ll still have to rely on their phone or another source for route finding.
Product Overview/Review:
The Suunto 9 includes a GPS and a barometer so you can gain accurate representations of your altitude and elevation gain. The barometer is capable of predicting weather changes, alerting those out on the trail to seek shelter or prepare for rain. Thru-hikers can take advantage of this long lasting battery, compass, barometer, and altimeter.
Best Watch for Thru-Hiking
Garmin MARQ Adventurer Watch
Technical Specifications
- Price: $1,750
- Water rating: 100 meters
- Display type: 1.2 inches
- Battery Life: Approximately 12 days
What we love
We love all the features the Garmin MARQ Adventurer Watch offers. There isn’t anything it can’t do, except heli-evac you off the mountain. This watch comes with all the bells and whistles, including Pulse Ox – an oxygen monitor that is especially useful at higher elevations.
What we don’t
The price tag is steep, but if you can afford it, there really isn’t a reason not to splurge on the cadillac of GPS watches.
Product Overview/Review:
The Garmin MARQ Adventurer watch comes with a sleek, stylish Italian vacchetta leather strap so you can quickly slip from hiking in the Dolomites to dining on the shores of Lake Como without having to change your watch. If you have enough money to drop on this bad boy, you’ll probably be adventuring in Northern Italy, right?
Trendline™ topographical maps aid with route finding allowing travelers to discover new places or reroute themselves to avoid getting lost. With storage space for up to 2,000 songs, you won’t have to forgo tunes on any outdoor journey. Contactless payment with Garmin Pay, a heart rate monitor, and preloaded activity profiles for numerous sports including golfing, swimming, running, biking, and hiking make it easy to diversify your activity portfolio.
Climbers will dig the ClimbPro ascent planner to get beta on current and upcoming climbs, including gradient, elevation gain, and distance. Multiple global navigation systems are avaiable to wearers of the MARQ, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. A 2-tone compass bezel and ABC sensors offer information about elevation and weather. There really isn’t much this watch can’t do.
Best Watch for Training
Garmin Forerunner 245
Technical Specifications
- Price: $279 – $350
- Water rating: 50 meters
- Battery Life: 6 hours in GPS mode
What we love
The music storage on this watch is unmatched. This watch was designed for training purposes. So if you’re taking your tennis shoes to the trail, the Garmin Forerunner 245 will keep you company the whole way.
What we don’t
The battery life isn’t even close to impressive when compared to other watches on this list. However, for those popping out for day runs, or even training for a trail marathon, this watch will last the length of their training.
Product Overview/Review:
The Garmin Forerunner 245 comes with advanced running features like running dynamics that can help serious runners improve their form and eventually prevent injury. Garmin Coach adaptive training plans help beginners to elite runners perfect their game plan for race day with dynamic training programs.
The running watch showcases a sleep design making it easy to slip under wind breakers or thermal layers should the weather change on you while you’re playing around outside. A sweatproof silicone band and gorilla glass allow this gadget go through even the toughest of training plans. A bright, full-color transflective watch display allows for ease of reading even in bright sunlight.
Easiest to Use Hiking Watch
Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR Baro
Technical Specifications
- Price: $299
- Water rating: 100 meters
- Battery Life: 40 hours with GPS
What we love
The touch screen on the Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR Baro is easy to use even for those who have never had a GPS watch or smartwatch before. You can quickly switch from route navigation to heart rate monitoring then back to FusedAlti to get a clear picture of where you are and how you got there.
What we don’t
Suunto doesn’t offer loadable maps, making this a bit inconvenient for those who like to learn about their trail on the go. You wouldn’t want to rely on the Suunto Spartan to figure out how to cut through tough terrain.
Product Overview/Review:
The Suunto Spartan is named such for a reason. Similar to Spartan culture, this watch is everything you need and nothing you don’t. It’s tough and durable but feels less bulky than other watches on this list. You may even forget you’re wearing it. Additionally, this multisport watch provides 80 profiles should you decide to hang up your hiking boots for the day and slip into a bike bib instead.
Best Watch for Day Hiking and Biking
Suunto 7
Technical Specifications
- Price: $399
- Water rating: 50 meters
- Battery Life: 12 hours in GPS mode
What we love
Unlike other Suunto watches, the Suunto 7 offers full color maps. It’s a fitness tracker and a smartwatch, allowing those who like to set out on some old dusty road to trust their wrist to know the way. The Suunto 7 works well even in heavy rain and won’t leave you in the lurch.
What we don’t
Without an altimeter, barometer, or compass, you won’t want to rely on this watch for multi-day, high alpine hikes. If you must answer the call of big mountains or vast deserts, piece it together by relying on the Suunto’s accurate GPS and checking the weather, altitude, and elevation gain before setting out.
Product Overview/Review:
If you need a fitness tracker, smartwatch, and GPS all in one manageable package, the Suunto 7 is your best bet. It can track your distance, number of steps, heart rate, and calories burned. It’s much more accurate than your standard fitness tracker because of the GPS feature.
Pair the Suunto 7 with your smartphone to check messages or make calls while on the go. Google Pay and music apps allow you to optimize this watch to your specific needs. Put the Suunto 7 in battery saver mode and use it for up to 40 days.
Best Watch for Mountaineering
Polar Grit X Pro
Technical Specifications
- Price: $499
- Water rating: 100 meters
- Battery Life: 40 – 100 hours
What we love
The temperature ratings on this watch allow it to work in extreme conditions. The Polar Grit X Pro can work in conditions below 0 and in conditions above 100. Adventure seekers challenging themselves in big mountains or harsh, hot climates need a watch that won’t let them down and the Polar Grit X Pro is it.
What we don’t
The display lacks a little color and life, as does the watch itself. But if you’re seeking a lifesaving device for alpine adventures, we bet you won’t care too much about pomp and circumstance.
Product Overview/Review:
This watch features scratch-resistant sapphire glass making it extremely durable, rugged, and long-lasting. Turn-by-turn navigation can help you get back to your campsite each night or find a new way to the summit. A live topographic view allows you to check out peaks and valleys along the route and plan better for what’s ahead.
Best No-Frills Watch
Casio Pathfinder PAG240 Multifunction Watch
Technical Specifications
- Price: $249
- Water rating: 100 meters
- Battery Life: 6 months
What we love
The Casio Pathfinder PAG240 features the time in 48 cities and 31 time zones, making it an awesome choice for those living or working across multiple countries. Because the battery is solar-powered, it can go for 6 whole months. The 1.5 LCD display is easy to read and shows you the most pertinent information including weather, direction, and altitude.
What we don’t
The watch doesn’t do well when temperatures dip into the teens. Winter-weather enthusiasts, powder hounds, or alpine trekkers won’t be able to always use this gadget should some real cold weather set in.
Product Overview/Review:
The Casio Pathfinder PAG240 was designed for individuals who don’t need a host of bells and whistles. An altimeter, barometer, and thermometer keep the wearer informed of changing situations and can help navigate if one loses their way. It’s durable, rugged, and comes with a titanium steel band making it sleep enough to wear after your mountain escapades are over.
Best GPS Watch for Daily Use
Garmin Tactix Charlie GPS Watch
Technical Specifications
- Price: $749.99
- Water rating: 100 meters
- Battery Life: 20 hours
What we love
This watch is fashionable and functional with a sleek, black design that complements all outfits. You can easily wear it to a meeting before hitting the trails after work.
What we don’t
The watch face isn’t nearly as intuitive as other smart GPS watches on this list. For those used to iPhone products, the screen may feel slightly clunky and slow.
Product Overview/Review:
This watch blends smart features fit for the outdoors, including navigation, a waypoint finder, jumpmaster, and dual-position GPS formatting. The 1.2” display is easy to read while biking or running and its navigation can project possible routes while you’re on the go. Garmin makes top-of-the-line navigation products and their Tactix Charlie GPs Watch is no different. The company supplies outdoor enthusiasts and professional adventurers with devices that will carry them over, through, and out the other side of whatever excursion they set out to do.
Quick Recommendations
- Best stylish watch – Garmin Vivoactive
- Best waterproof watch – Garmin Descent Mk2i
- Best Ultralight watch – Polar Vantage M2
- Most durable watch – TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra
- Longest battery life – Garmin Enduro
Watch Buying Guide
You’ll want to determine what types of adventures you’re incorporating into your life before selecting a watch. Since so many of these are tailor-made to specific goals, first identify yours and your method of adventuring before taking the plunge into a new piece of high-end gear.
Reliability
If you plan on being out in the backcountry for days on end of completing thru-hikes of off-the-beaten path trails, having a reliable watch is a must. Read reviews, find a watch with a good warranty, and prioritize spending a little more money.
SOS/emergency
Some GPS hiking watches come with an SOS/emergency feature, however, many charge an additional fee for this service. You’re probably better off relying on a separate GPS device to send an alert should trouble befall you.
Battery Life
Battery life amongst GPS smart watches and GPS watches can vary tremendously. Some require charging every other day, depending on use, whereas others can go months without needing to be plugged in. First, decide how long you’ll average between charges before selecting a watch. The last thing you want in the backcountry or on a week-long bike ride across the state is a watch that dies out from under you.
If battery life is of the utmost importance, investing in a watch with a solar charging battery is your best bet. Consider how long it takes to charge via solar and use its features accordingly to stretch the battery life for as long as possible. Additionally, shop for a watch that offers features you can turn off when you aren’t using to save the battery. You can also consider bringing a portable charger on longer adventures if you are super reliant on your GPS watch for navigation, alitutide, or weather.
Interface
You’ll want a watch you can actually use in a multitude of situations. Consider what interfaces you are most comfortable with. Most watches will implement either a touch screen or navigational buttons that manipulate the watch face display.
Touch screens are usually the easier option for those already familiar with a smartphone. However, some weather makes touch screens difficult to use, like wet or cold climates. Additionally, if you’re one that hikes in winter weather, you’ll need specific gloves to use your watch.
Buttons are the original navigation of GPS watches and many still utilize them for their reliability. If you are confident you can remember and use combinations of buttons to bring up the display you want, then you may consider finding a GPS watch with this type of interface.
Music
Those training for triathlons, marathons, or even a 5K can rely on music to make or break their training plans. Leaving a bulky phone at home or in your pack can be helpful in finding the flow. So many of these watches feature music apps like Spotify that allow you to once again have your favorite songs at your fingertips. Bluetooth integration allows you to synch up your earbuds to the watch and go wireless.
Route Tracking
Data junkies will enjoy a watch with route tracking features so they can analyze their hard work at the end of a long day. Find a watch with GPS so you can more accurately collect information on altitude, elevation, and distance. Route tracking is also important for those looking for forge new paths or stick to tried and true trails.
Style
Fortunately, as the world of watches grows and expands to incorporate more into its audience, watches are getting even more stylish. Some come with exchangeable bands so you can use a silicone, sweat-proof band while running then transition to a fancy leather or cloth band to match your town-day outfit. Some watches even have various colors of metal offering options like rose cold, gunmetal gray, and more.
Weight
Those not used to wearing watches may want to start with something more light weight. A heavy watch can snag against clothing or get caught on other gear. Visit your local mountaineering or outdoor store like REI, Jax Sporting Goods, or Dicks Sporting Goods and try some GPS watches on to get a feel for what your wrist likes.
It’s ok to splurge. Think of a GPS watch as a potentially life-saving tool that can allow you to push a little past your comfort zone each time and explore beautiful landscapes and breathtaking terrain.
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