Hiking isn't just about navigating trails; it's about embracing the great outdoors. And what better way to enhance your hiking experience than with the right technology on your wrist? In our comprehensive guide, we'll help you choose the best hiking watch to elevate your adventures in 2023.
Quick Answer - The Best Hiking Watches of 2023
Reviews - The Best Watches for Hiking
1.Garmin Fenix 6 - Best Hiking Watch Overall
Key Specs:
Altimeter: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features:
Heart rate tracking and Pulse Ox sensing
Supports multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo)
Always-on, sunlight-readable display
Garmin Pay™ contactless payments
Pros:
Water-resistant up to 100 meters and provides up to two weeks of battery life.
Cons:
Expensive
The Garmin Fenix 6 is the pinnacle of hiking watches. With its extensive features, including heart rate tracking, Pulse Ox sensing, and support for multiple satellite systems, it's a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Its exceptional water resistance and battery life make it a reliable companion on extended hikes.
2. Casio Pathfinder - Best for Day and Long-Distance Hiking
Key Specs:
Altimeter: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features:
51-mm stainless steel case
Resin band with buckle closure
100-meter water resistance
Barometer
Backlight with afterglow
Solar-powered
Pros:
Amazing value for money
Affordable
Solar-powered battery with a long (6-month) life
Cons:
Lacks GPS
The Casio Pathfinder offers unbeatable value for day hikers and long-distance trekkers. Its solar-powered battery lasts up to six months, ensuring you won't run out of power on extended adventures. While it lacks GPS, its affordability and durability make it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
3. Casio Pro Trek - Best for Ultralight Hikers
Key Specs:
Altimeter: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features:
Barometer
200-meter water resistance
Efficient, large-capacity solar battery
Duplex LCD layout provides a 2-layer display
Pros:
Compass supports magnetic declination correction
Barometer
Ultralight design
Cons:
No GPS
Slightly pricey
The Casio Pro Trek is tailor-made for ultralight hikers who prioritize weight savings. While lacking GPS, it compensates with a barometer and efficient solar battery. The duplex LCD layout offers a clear display, and its magnetic declination correction is a handy feature for navigation.
4. Suunto 7 - Best for Fitness Enthusiasts
Key Specs:
Altimeter: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features:
Barometer
Digital compass
Calorie and step counter
Wireless connection
Sunrise and sunset times
Heart rate monitor connection
Pros:
Versatile with five sports modes
Data tracker and overviews
Bluetooth connection
Cons:
Short battery life with advanced features
Fitness enthusiasts will love the Suunto 7. With a host of sports modes, a heart rate monitor, and wireless connectivity, it's designed for active lifestyles. While it excels in versatility, its battery life may shorten when using advanced features.
5. Garmin Forerunner 935 - Best for Multi-Sport Use
Key Specs:
Altimeter: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features:
Heart rate monitor
Lightweight design (1.7 oz)
Barometer
Pros:
Easy to learn and use
Ideal for a wide range of sports
Cons:
Altitude readings not always consistent
Relatively short battery life for hiking
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is a multi-sport watch suitable for various athletic endeavors. Its lightweight design ensures comfort during extended activities. While it's versatile, be aware of occasional altitude reading variations and its relatively short battery life during hikes.
6. Garmin Fenix 6X Pro - Feature-Rich Multi-Sport Watch
Key Specs:
Altimeter: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features:
Solar charging
Wireless connectivity
100-meter water resistance
Pre-loaded activity profiles for sports
Material: Titanium
Pros:
Solar charging
Feature-rich
Cons:
Expensive
The Garmin Fenix 5 is packed with features, including a wrist-based heart rate monitor and pre-loaded activity profiles. Its wireless connectivity keeps you connected on the go. While feature-rich, solar charging is its unique feature and it comes at a premium price.
7. COROS APEX 2 Pro - Best for Racers
Key Specs:
Altimeter: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features:
Track Your Recovery
Silicone/Nylon Band
Water resistant to 200 meters
Barometer
Digital compass
Power-saving function
Weather alarm
Pros:
Underwater Heart Rate
Feature-packed
Cons:
Not ideal for budget-conscious hikers
With an even more durable exterior, redesigned GPS antenna for stronger performance, enhanced navigation experience, next-generation optical heart rate sensor, and longer GPS battery life, the APEX 2 and APEX 2 Pro watches are the most powerful wrist-worn tools to guide your training and track your movements across the wilderness. Get ready to train smarter and go longe
8. Garmin Epix - Ideal for Hiking and Mountaineering
Key Specs:
Altimeter: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features:
Touch screen
Built-in maps
50-meter water resistance
8GB memory
3-axis compass
Smart Notifications
Pros:
Wireless connection
Detailed worldwide maps
Exceptionally long (16-week) battery life
Cons:
Expensive
No thermometer
The Garmin Epix excels in hiking and mountaineering adventures. With built-in maps and a 16-week battery life, it's a reliable companion. Its wireless connectivity and smart notifications keep you informed. However, it comes at a higher price point and lacks a thermometer.
9. Amazfit T-Rex 2 - Budget-Friendly for Hikers
Key Specs:
Altimeter: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features:
Weather sensor function
150+ Sports Modes
Digital compass
Barometer
10 ATM Waterproof
Pros:
Very accurate compass
Affordable
Great price/quality ratio
Ultra Long 24-day Battery Life
Cons:
Thermometer accuracy may vary
Inaccurate heart rate tracking
Hikers on a budget will appreciate the affordability of the Amazfit T-Rex 2. It offers a reliable compass and a handy weather sensor function. While the thermometer's accuracy may vary, it provides excellent value.
10. Garmin Instinct Crossover - For Adventurous Hunters and Fishermen
Key Specs:
Altimeter: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features:
GPS with altitude and air pressure calibration
Compass
100-meter water resistance
Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
Hunting and fishing calendar
Information about tides, sunrise and sunset, and moon phases
Pros:
Loads of useful and accurate information
50-hour battery life
Durable design
Cons:
No thermometer
Adventurous hunters and fishermen will find the Garmin Instinct Crossover invaluable. It provides an abundance of useful information, including hunting and fishing data. With a rugged design and 50-hour battery life, it's built for outdoor challenges. However, it lacks a thermometer.
How to Choose the Best Hiking Watches
Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass (ABC Features)
Hiking watches often come with three essential features: altimeter, barometer, and compass, collectively known as ABC features. These tools help you navigate terrain, monitor weather changes, and estimate your altitude. More advanced models offer detailed elevation tracking and barometric pressure graphs.
GPS Integration
Some hiking watches include a built-in GPS, providing accurate location data. GPS-equipped watches are especially valuable in remote areas, as they offer real-time tracking, distance measurement, and location-based data. Consider your navigation needs when choosing between GPS and non-GPS models.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Wi-Fi-enabled watches allow data exchange between your watch and other devices, such as smartphones and laptops. This feature enables you to upload trail data, including distance and altitude, for comprehensive trip analysis. Additionally, you can receive GPS updates and weather forecasts directly to your watch.
Water Resistance
Most hiking watches are water-resistant, but the depth of water resistance varies. Some watches can withstand immersion in shallow waters, making them suitable for water-based activities. Consider the depth of water resistance based on your intended use.
Design and Style
If you plan to wear your hiking watch daily, consider its design and style. Some models blend seamlessly with casual or business casual attire. Pay attention to the face size, as a lower-profile design may suit your preferences better. Choose a design that matches your lifestyle.
Budget
Hiking watches come in a wide price range, influenced by features such as GPS capability. Consider your budget and the features essential for your hiking needs. Basic models offer ABC features, while high-end watches double as GPS wrist computers.
$70-$200: Basic ABC hiking watches with altimeter, barometer, compass, timers, and alarms.
$200-$500: Watches with atomic timekeeping, GPS, and stylish designs suitable for everyday wear.
$500+: High-end watches with GPS, heart rate monitors, and advanced features for athletes and extreme adventurers.
Choose the hiking watch that aligns with your budget and outdoor pursuits.
Note: Prices and availability may vary. Be sure to research and compare models before making a purchase.
In this detailed guide, we've explored the best hiking watches of 2023, highlighting their key features, pros, and cons. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, an ultralight hiker, or an adventurous hunter, there's a hiking watch tailored to your needs. Select the one that complements your outdoor adventures and enjoy the convenience of having essential data at your wrist. Happy hiking!
Comments