If you are an avid hiker then you need the best hiking watch. A good hiking watch will provide you important information such as location, air pressure, altitude, and sunrise/sunset times so you can plan your hike efficiently.
Other very important features are altimeter, barometer, and compass. An altimeter shows you how high above sea level you are which makes it easier to find your precise location on a map. A barometer allows you to predict the weather by showing you changes in atmospheric pressure. It is known that when the atmospheric pressure is falling that means the weather will worsen while if the atmospheric pressure increases then the weather will improve.
The compass shows you the four cardinal directions which are important for you to navigate your route. Another great important quality a watch should offer its user is durability. Most watches have robust cases which allows for extra protection especially on a long trip or hike. There are also many different materials used for watches that can provide extra protection such as Sapphire glass lenses to be resistant against any scratches or wear and tear.
For hikers who want to make their hiking experience even better make sure to pick the best hiking watch for you. Below is a list of the top rated watches on the market.
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 11 Best Hiking Watch List
- 1.1 1. Garmin Instinct
- 1.2 2. Garmin Fenix 6
- 1.3 3. Casio Pro Trek PRW-2500T
- 1.4 4. Casio Pathfinder
- 1.5 5. Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch
- 1.6 6. Suunto Core Outdoor Watch
- 1.7 7. Casio SGW Hiking Watch
- 1.8 8. Suunto Ambit 3
- 1.9 9. Suunto 9 Baro
- 1.10 10. Suunto Traverse
- 1.11 11. Casio G-Shock Mudmaster
- 2 Conclusion
Top 11 Best Hiking Watch List
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Garmin Instinct |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Garmin Fenix 6 |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Casio Pro Trek PRW-2500T |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Casio Pathfinder |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Casio SGW Hiking Watch |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Suunto Core Outdoor Watch |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Suunto Ambit 3 |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Suunto 9 Baro |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Suunto Traverse |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Casio G-Shock Mudmaster |
| Check On Amazon |
1. Garmin Instinct
The Garmin Instinct has many features and is a great choice for your hiking adventures. It has three navigation systems which are GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, so you can enjoy your hike without the fear of getting lost. These features allow the watch to direct you back to your starting point if at any time you have wandered off route.
It also has the ability to let you plan your own route through the Garmin website and connect it to your watch. The Garmin Instinct is also water-resistant up to 100 meters, has a 3-axis compass, and a barometric altimeter. The battery of this watch is also another upside with it offering 16 hours of charge in GPS mode, 14 days charge in smartwatch mode, and 40 hours of charge in battery saver mode.
2. Garmin Fenix 6
The Garmin Fenix 6 is a smartwatch that is designed with many sports including hiking in mind. It is designed to withstand harsh outdoor activities and conditions. The bezel of the watch is made with stainless steel, titanium, or DLC steel and the lens is made from Sapphire glass which allows for the watch to be resistant to abrasion and is very durable.
The Garmin Fenix 6 also features a 3-axis compass, barometer, thermometer, and altimeter which is calibrated automatically through GPS. It is important to note that you need to connect it to an external temperature sensor, like the Garmin Tempe, for a more accurate temperature reading. The GPS in the watch allows your watch to automatically set the time based on where you are and offers tracking and navigation tools.
The hiking watch can be connected to your smartphone through the Garmin Connect mobile app which is available for both iOS and Android devices. This allows you to not only use your watch for your outdoor/sporting activities but to be used to receive texts, emails, alerts, and other important notifications throughout your day.
A bonus, useful feature is that the watch has a Bluetooth connection to pair with your Garmin Virb action camera, granting you the ability to control the camera directly from the watch. The Garmin Fenix 6 watch comes in two different models, Base and PRO, along with the three different sizes such as 42 mm/1.7 in, 47 mm/1.9 in, and 51 mm/2.0 in.
You are also able to personalize your watch with apps such as the weather forecast and whatever you think would be useful to you to have in the palm of your hand. The watch is available in three different sizes and comes in two models. There is a PRO model that allows for Wi-Fi, music, and maps to be connected to your watch.
This watch is not only great for the outdoors but it is stylish enough for you to wear on an everyday basis. Aside from all the features mentioned above, the watch is able to be connected with your phone in order to pay wirelessly through the Garmin Pay feature.
The only downside to this watch would have to be its price and short battery life, but if you are looking to invest in a good watch that will last you a long time then this watch is worth the money!
3. Casio Pro Trek PRW-2500T
The Casio Pro Trek PRW-2500T has many features such as a compass, barometer, thermometer, and altimeter. The battery of this watch is a definite plus, with a solar-rechargeable battery the battery can last up to five months. The watch also shows pressure change and has extra features such as a stopwatch, countdown, and calendar alerts.
The time on the hiking watch is maintained by calibration radio signals that are received 6 times per day. The barometer shows a trend graph so you can predict the trend of the weather. This barometer feature can come in handy during long hikes.
The only downside to this watch is that it does not have a GPS, so it is a little withdrawn from technology. But if you are looking for a standard watch without the frills then this is definitely a good option for you. The Casio Pro Trek PRW-2500T comes with a titanium band and is water-resistant up to 200 meters.
4. Casio Pathfinder
The Casio Pathfinder is one of many watches that does not come with a GPS but has many other features that make it an excellent watch. Usually, watches without GPS offer you similar features as other watches at a lower price with longer battery life. The watch has a solar-rechargeable battery that would give you up to six months of battery life if not exposed to the sun. The Casio Pathfinder includes a barometer, thermometer, altimeter, and digital compass. It is also a great watch if you go into different temperatures as it was designed to work really well at low temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Added features of this watch include the calendar, alarms, world time, stopwatch, and backlight.
5. Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch
The Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch is a great choice if you are looking for a durable watch that can withstand different terrains. It is made with scratch-resistant mineral glass, is water-resistant up to 100 meters, and has a battery that can last up to 10 years. It has many features such as occasion reminders, a hydration mode that will send you reminders throughout your workout to drink some water, and vibrating and audible alarms. The Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch is also shock-resistant due to its resin case that comes with a stainless steel top ring. If you are looking for a watch that will last you years, then this is the watch for you!
6. Suunto Core Outdoor Watch
The Suunto Core Outdoor Watch is a great watch for any hike. It has great features such as a compass, barometer, and altimeter. It will help you track your performance, see the weather, and track your direction. The watch has a battery life of one year, is water-resistant up to 30 meters, and can read depth up to 10 meters. It is a great watch to have on any hike especially since it gives you weather alerts when bad weather is expected or fast approaching.
7. Casio SGW Hiking Watch
The Casio SGW-1000-1ACR is affordable and simple to use. It has a triple sensor that lives up to its name for rugged and dependable watches. The hiking watch is equipped with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and temperature sensor. The temperature sensor allows you to take the temperature of the area of environment around you.
The watch has a water resistance of 100m which makes it highly durable underwater. It features an automatic calendar to keep track of your dates and provides daily alarms to ensure you wake up early for your next hike.
One downside about the Casio SGW is the triple sensor design – it needs to calibrate sensors often to maintain temperature accuracy. It can take some effort to master the watch but once you do the calibration process will be quicker and easier to use.
8. Suunto Ambit 3
If you are looking for a watch that provides great durability and functionality then this is the best hiking watch for you!
The Suunto Ambit 3 watch provides a GPS, compass, thermometer, barometer, and altimeter. It has a high-performance GPS antenna which provides the user great reception wherever they go. You have the option of connecting your watch to the Movescount app to show you data such as speed, elevation gain, and distance to keep track of your progress.
If you’re not keen on technology or this is your first smart watch, Suunto Ambit comes with a user-friendly interface to guide users on how to use the watch. As a granted bonus, you can also create your own apps for the watch which adds more flexibility.
The Suunto Ambit 3 watch is Bluetooth compatible which allows you to connect to your Smartphone. This feature allows you to see incoming and missed calls, messages, and other important notifications from your phone once you connect to the Movescount app.
The watch comes in four different versions which are the Suunto Ambit 3 Peak, Ambit 3 Sport, Ambit 3 Vertical, and Ambit 3 Run. The information above is specifically for the Suunto Ambit 3 Peak which is geared towards hikers.
9. Suunto 9 Baro
The Suunto 9 Baro watch comes with a stainless-steel bezel and a color touch screen. It has sapphire glass which prevents abrasion. Its features include GPS, barometer, compass, thermometer, and altimeter. It also has buttons on the side of the watch so if you do happen to be wearing gloves you can easily still access your information.
The watch includes a Heatmap feature in which you can see popular routes near you and you are able to plan your trips accordingly. You are also able to import your own routes you wish to take so you can plan your route to your convenience.
Through the Movescount app, you are able to keep track of your workouts and how many calories you’ve burned. The Suunto 9 Baro also tracks the distance you have traveled, shows your current speed, and if you do happen to get lost can find a route back to your starting point.
Another feature that this watch provides the user is Bluetooth connectivity so you are able to connect to your smartphone and receive notifications right to your watch!
10. Suunto Traverse
The Suunto Traverse watch is geared towards more recreational outdoorsmen so it is very elegant compared to other watches from this brand. It does have some great features such as vibration alerts, flashlight backlight, step counter, and GLONASS navigation. These are all added features to the usual features the Sunnto watches come equipped with which are a barometer, altimeter, thermometer, and compass.
Just like other Suunto watches you are able to connect to the Movescount app in order to show your workouts and plan your routes. The Suunto Traverse also allows you to connect to your Smartphone in order to receive notifications as well as manage settings and data right from your watch. The Suunto Traverse watch is available in both silicone or textile straps as well as either a Sapphire glass lens or mineral crystal lens.
11. Casio G-Shock Mudmaster
The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster is a simple watch that comes with the basics. It has a compass and thermometer with added features which include alarms, backlight, calendar, stopwatch, and world times just to name a few. It is meant for those who are looking for a durable watch for the outdoors. It is designed to withstand abrasions, being made to be bullet-proof so that it can be literally dragged through the dirt if you so desire.
Conclusion
Before setting out to buy the best hiking watch make sure you know what features are most important for you on your specific adventure. Look into all the different features the watch offers you and make the best decision both for your trip and economically.
There are many options for watches and they all range in prices based on the things they offer. Some watches come with and without GPS since not everyone needs the extra features and can do just fine without the digital mapping.
Another important feature that should be weighed in your decision is the battery life of the watch. You need to know what you are using your watch for since you want a watch with a battery life that will align with your goals. There are many solar-powered watches available. There are also watches with a battery life up to a year and then watches that need to be charged every evening.
Make sure to weigh all your options since having the best hiking watch will only improve your adventure, so choose wisely. Happy hiking and cheers to future adventures with your brand new hiking watch.
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