The Best Hiking Watches For 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Hiking Watches
Best Hiking Watches

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Garmin 010-02064-00 Rugged Outdoor Watch

Designed for extreme conditions, this Garmin Watch is built to withstand the toughest environments. This watch is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones and works with most apps that use GPS functionality. Read Review

2. Best For Price: Suunto Core Classic Outdoor Watch

While hiking, biking, or camping, you can keep an eye on the weather with this reliable outdoor sports watch equipped with a Storm Alarm, Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass to provide you with accurate information. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: Garmin Fenix 6X Pro

The Garmin Fenix 6X Pro is designed to give you high-level performance in every condition. Its internal, rechargeable battery provides up to 21 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 15 hours in GPS mode when used in 50,000 lux conditions. Read Review

4. Best Performance: Casio Men's Pro Trek Digital Sport Watch

This new Triple Sensor Version 3 model provides more precise measurements than earlier models in altitude, barometric pressure, and direction. Read Review

5. Best Durable: AVTREK Men's Outdoor Sport Digital Wrist Watch

AVTREK Men’s Outdoor Sport Digital Wrist Watch is designed with a big screen, durable case, and comfortable band that fits the wrist from 7.08 to 9.45 inches. It has a rugged, solid, and stable construction and is suitable for outdoor activities. Read Review

Hiking is one of the best ways to get in some fresh air and get outside. But only if you're doing it right. Hiking, when done correctly, can help clear your mind and rejuvenate your soul. It can also be one of the best exercises you can do because it works your entire body, from your legs to your core to your arms. And the great thing about it is that anyone can do it.

Even children as young as four or five have been known to enjoy hiking and getting out in nature with their parents or guardians. So, if you're looking for a great way to get outside and enjoy nature without spending hours planning or researching every trail in your area, read on! 

After lots of research based on customer feedback, We think the best hiking watches is Garmin 010-02064-00 Rugged Outdoor Watch. With this watch, you won't lose your bearings thanks to the barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass incorporated right in. You may get back to where you started by using the TracBack tool, which will direct you along the same path you took to get there in the first place. We have provided you with a detailed buyer's guide and many other good choices so you can decide which is the best for your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Garmin 010-02064-00 Rugged Outdoor Watch
Our Score:
9.7
Garmin

With this watch, you won't lose your bearings thanks to the barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass incorporated right in. You may get back to where you started by using the TracBack tool, which will direct you along the same path you took to get there in the first place. 

Throughout the day, the Instinct GPS watch calculates your heart rate and level of activity, and stress, letting you know how much you have accomplished and how hard you are working to do it. When you are ready to begin your training, you can choose from various preloaded activity profiles, including those for running, biking, swimming, and more. The only drawback is that the buttons' locations might sometimes cause them to be accidentally pressed, which can be inconvenient. In general, it has a good appearance and a quantity of many other fancy characteristics.

TOP Choice #2 Suunto Core Classic Outdoor Watch
Our Score:
9.5
SUUNTO

This Suunto watch is versatile and long-lasting, making it ideal for running, swimming, cycling, gym exercises, hiking, and other outdoor sports. It has a design inspired by Scandinavia and is made from highly durable materials. It keeps track of your marks, daily activity, and sleep to assist you in maintaining a healthy balance between your life, training, and recovery.

In addition to dual time zones, a date display, and an alarm, this watch also provides estimated times for dawn and sunset, which can assist you in making the most of the daylight hours, as well as a depth meter that is accurate up to 30 feet. It is easy to read the watch outside, even though it might be difficult to read when inside at times. You can foresee changing weather conditions thanks to the built-in barometer. An intelligent storm alarm can detect a drop in air pressure, which then alerts you to the approach of storms.

TOP Choice #3 Garmin Fenix 6X Pro
Our Score:
9.4
Garmin

The Garmin Fenix 6X Pro enhances wrist heart rate, and Pulse Ox estimates to facilitate more advanced sleep tracking and altitude acclimatization at higher elevations. However,  this is not a medical device and is not intended to be used in any way that would include the diagnosis or monitoring of a medical condition. The advanced training capabilities include PacePro, which adjusts your pace based on the terrain you traverse throughout your activity, and environmentally adjusted VO2 max and training status estimates.

This outdoor navigation is made easier with preloaded TOPO maps, ski maps for more than 2,000 ski resorts around the world, compatibility for several global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo), and built-in sensors that include a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter. It also supports contactless payments using Garmin Pay and music, storage including support for premium streaming, smart notification support, and more.

Triple Sensor Version 3 is an improved CASIO original technology that enables the company to fit sensors that are 95% smaller than those of prior generations into a new kind of compact PRO TREK. Despite smaller sizes, the new sensors in this model enable increased reading accuracy while reducing the model's energy consumption. 

The wearer of a Barometric Pressure Tendency Alarm receives a notification whenever there is an abrupt change in the pressure measurements, indicating impending severe weather. The titanium band that comes standard on the PRW-3500T is lighter than other bands and adds an air of refined sophistication. Because this model is water resistant up to 200 meters and offers Full Auto LED display illumination, it is an excellent option for use in wet and during operations at night. You can set a rotary bezel made of stainless steel to assist you in keeping track of your existing bearings and the bearings you intend to take.

The AVTREK Men's Outdoor Sport Digital Wrist Watch is a durable and rugged watch that is also large and comfortable. The diameter of the eye is 50mm, providing a fit for men with bigger wrists. Featuring a nylon band with stainless steel buckle, this watch offers comfort for the wrist from 7.08 to 9.45 inches. This large watch face has large numbers for easy time reading, and it comes in two different colors to match your style. However, before using it, it is recommended to calibrate it automatically or manually.

The barometer displays the local pressure and the pressure at sea level, while the altimeter displays the current height and a trend graph showing the 24-hour history. The presence of four weather forecast icons implies that it should expect rain. It is adaptable for military training, hiking, swimming, or other outdoor activities. This product has an impressive appearance and is reminiscent of the military. 

6 Suunto Ambit3 Peak Running GPS Unit
Our Score:
8.9
SUUNTO

It doesn't matter if you're climbing a mountain or trying to beat your personal record; what matters is how you get there. Your quest for the perfect GPS watch for outdoor activities and sports ends here with the Suunto Ambit3 Peak. It walks you through each stage of the journey and provides you with everything you require to make progress and remain secure while you are on your quest. There is no finer companion available to make every move count than what you have found here.

Because of its many functions, using this watch can be a little bit tricky. It will take a while for you to become accustomed to using this product, and it requires some effort from you to correctly set up the watch. Despite this, it is still the greatest watch available in terms of its ability to get the longest possible battery life from a GPS signal.

7 Garmin Instinct Solar
Our Score:
8.8
Garmin

This rugged GPS smart Watch features solar charging, enabling it to have an excellent battery life while operating in smart Watches and Expedition modes outside. Tracking your heart rate, stress levels, predicted hours of sleep, and Pulse Ox can help you better understand your overall health and wellness. This can be accomplished by monitoring how your body uses energy. The only issue is that it can suddenly disconnect from your phone, so you need to pay close attention to it.

You can get even more out of the sports you love by using the preloaded activity profiles for activities like running, biking, swimming, and more. When paired with a smartphone capable of receiving them, intelligent notifications delivered to the wrist keep the wearer connected to what is essential. You can track where your travels take you with the assistance of multiple global navigation satellite systems, such as GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo.

More To Consider

8 Military Watches
Our Score:
8.6
WINKONMU

What to Look For in a best hiking watches?

A valuable product is determined by many factors (included below). The process of researching the best hiking watches is pretty significant because of these features related to the products. However, rest assured that we are here to support your challenges.

Having a closer look at the following factors would benefit you a lot. These are the most important things among various ones you need to consider:

Battery Life

You should be able to follow your activities with your watch. Some watches possess batteries that last for at least a year, while others require recharging every evening, and yet others are charged with solar energy. You might want to bring a portable battery charger if your watch needs to be recharged frequently. If you are hiking and your watch dies, you should bring a portable charger with you.

Extra Features

Are you looking for a basic watch or one with all the bells and whistles? The following are some of the features commonly found on watches for the outdoors. You should keep in mind that these features will increase the price but also provide convenience: Music, GPS, compass, heart-rate monitor, barometric altimeter, barometer, altitude...

Weather-Resistant

You will eventually get rained on if you hike enough. A water-resistant watch will save you the expense of purchasing a new one if it gets wet. When wearing your watch in the water, ensure you know the depth of water resistance and what you plan to do. Some watches are water-resistant up to 30 metres and others are water-resistant up to 300 metres. If you want to paddleboard with your watch, 30 metres should be sufficient, but if you want to go deep-sea diving, you need a 300-metre water resistance.

Interface

Make sure you are comfortable using the watch. It may be a touchscreen watch or a watch with buttons. Before you buy a smart watch, you should assess whether the buttons are comfortable for you to use. The buttons on a watch are not affected by your sweat, so you will not have to worry about removing your glove to use the watch if you are hiking in cooler weather. On the other hand, buttons are harder for some people to use.

Design

A rugged design is usually complimentary to a hiking watch's look in the wilderness. They're usually big and bulky and don't have the right appearance for a night on the town. You might be able to use a replaceable watch band to dress it up a bit, if you want to wear your watch outside of hiking.

Comfort

You want the watch band to be comfortable while hiking and you want to make sure it won't irritate your skin. It is important to keep sweat buildup in mind, as soft and ventilated bands prevent it. More importantly, the weight of the watch is important to keep in mind. A watch weighing less than 60 grams (about 2 ounces) is most comfortable.

FAQs

Can Hiking Watches Be Used Offline?

Yes, all hiking watches can function offline for navigation and counting your steps. You will miss the mobile syncing that allows you to transfer your fitness data to your phone for long-term safekeeping, as well as downloading updated weather, receiving notifications, and similar features that require an internet connection.

Do I Need A GPS Watch For Hiking?

It depends on the nature of your hike and how long it will take you to complete it. If you are taking a casual hike or undertaking short excursions, a standard hiking watch might be sufficient. But if you are hiking longer distances or traversing tougher terrain, you should invest in a quality hiking watch with GPS, an altimeter, emergency support, and a barometer.

Can I Use My Phone GPS For Hiking?

Yes, hands-free GPS is available on most modern smartphones. However, if you want a hands-free trip or intend to hike on a route with rough terrain where the risk of breaking your phone screen is high, you might prefer a good hiking watch. GPS chips are frequently utilised independently of WiFi and cellular networks.

Are Hiking Watches Worth It?

If you're going on an extended hike and want altimeter features, a compass, or GPS navigation, the value of hiking watches is clear. You may also measure lap times and track your starting point to find your way back if you need to.

Are Hiking Watches Comfortable?

If you choose wisely, you can find lightweight hiking watches constructed of materials that prevent perspiration, for instance, a rubber watch. You will not be able to detect the watch on your wrist until you require one of its functions, making this an excellent hiking choice.

Can I Use Google Maps For Hiking?

While using a specific hiking maps app is a better choice for navigating to a friend’s house or checking the traffic on the way to work, hiking Google maps is not the best option. Instead, you should use a dedicated hiking maps app that includes trail maps, topographical imagery, and offline functionality.


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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