Human nature is full of curiosity, which drives them to seek and discover new places. There is nothing more rewarding and rejuvenating than a hike. But heading out for hiking is more challenging. It needs proper gear, including the best hiking watch 2022.
A hiking watch is not a simple watch; it must have crucial features that direct you have an enjoyable and safe hiking experience. But how do you know which is one that fits your needs?
Contents
Best Hiking Watch 2022
From core functionality to statement style, we have figured out everything which you’ll need when going for a hike. So, adventure junkies, we will walk you through with watches that are proving ABC and GPS and other enjoying features that make your hike everlasting.
Top 21 Picks of the Best Hiking Watches
Hiking Watch | GPS | WATER RESISTANT | THERMOMETER | RATING | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CASIO F91W-1 | No | Yes | No | 4.6 | |
Garmin Instinct | Yes | Yes | No | 4.6 | |
Casio Men’s Pro Trek | Yes | Yes | No | 4.5 | |
Casio Men’s Pathfinder | No | Yes | Yes | 4.6 | |
Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire | No | Yes | No | 4.6 | |
Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR | No | Yes | No | 4.3 | |
Timex Expedition Grid Shock | No | Yes | Yes | 4.5 | |
Garmin Foretrex 401 | Yes | Yes | No | 4.7 | |
Suunto Traverse | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.3 | |
Garmin Fenix 3 HR | Yes | Yes | No | 4.3 | |
Garmin Tactix Bravo | Yes | Yes | No | 4.3 | |
Casio Men’s SGW-1000-1ACR | No | Yes | Yes | 4.4 | |
Garmin Epix | Yes | Yes | No | 3.8 | |
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro | Yes | Yes | No | 4.5 | |
Suunto 9 GPS Watch | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.0 | |
Lad Weather Altimeter | No | Yes | Yes | 3.6 | |
EZON Military Watch | No | Yes | Yes | 3.6 | |
Casio Men’s SGW-450H-2BCF | No | Yes | Yes | 4.1 | |
Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRW3500 | No | Yes | Yes | 4.6 | |
Suunto Traverse Alpha | Yes | Yes | Yes | 4.3 | |
Garmin Tactix Charlie | Yes | Yes | No | 4.6 |
1. CASIO F91W-1 – Digital Watch, Resin Strap
What’s a more fancy watch without fear of losing, scratching, or complicating? The CASIO F91W-1 comes with no fancy features, but it’s not a fuss. Without complicated features, it is a bulletproof hiking watch. This watch all about keeps track of time as well as the date. Another thing which you liked it’s morning alarm feature. Its plastic material has a built-in stopwatch to keep track of your hiking time. With a simple user interface, it costs under $20, which makes it the best Casio watch for hiking.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: No
GPS: No
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Inexpensive
- Daily alarm
- Hourly time signal
- Auto calendar
- Microlight
- Reliable
- Hiking gear
- Casual wear
- Simple interface
- Accurate
-
- No fancy feature
2. Garmin Instinct – With GPS and Robust Outdoor Design
The Garmin Instinct has a great sweet spot for the toughest environment. With core hiking features, it includes rugged GPS, 3 axis compass, barometric altimeter, multiple global navigation satellite systems, ABC sensor, and more. It is neither too small, not too big, with the perfect size, it is designed to withstand in all challenging situations. The silicone replaceable straps are snugly fit. There is a bezel that protects its glass from scratching too. You will stay connected with smart notifications and battery life up to 14 days. Hence it is the best Garmin hiking watch.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- course navigation, ABC function as well as elevation profiles
- Strom alarm, ultra track, Auto Climb, power-saving function
- Has area calculation, saved waypoints
- Trackback, hotkeys, inReach as well as Xero support
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Withstand in all environmen
- Give more accurate
- Affordable price
- Bluetooth connectivity
-
- Doesn’t support Wifi as well as No onboard music support
3. Casio Men’s Pro Trek – High Depth Water Resistance and Solar Power
The Casio hiking watch would be another deal-breaker at a lower price. It has all features like other expensive best hiking watch. With a possibly compact design, new sensor, and advanced Casio original technology, it has improved energy efficiency with high reading accuracy. There are alerts when it comes to sudden changes in pressure readings. The display is easy-to-read even if you like to start hiking at dawn. Besides crowded with features, what more could you want for the price of a large pizza?
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Including GPS, location memory as well as moment setter
- Has storm alarm, alarm calendar, as well as the stopwatch
- Full auto LED Backlight with countdown timing measuring unit
- Large side button and one-press access to digital compass
- Great accuracy
- High performance
- Tough construction
- Power saving mode
- Solid and durable
-
- A bit bulky and No navigation system
4. Casio Men’s Pathfinder – Multi Sensor Sport Watch
Indeed, it is the best hiking watch. The Casio Men’s Pathfinder brings three core ABC sensors to provide ultimate accuracy. The coolest feature about the watch is it can run up to 6 months on a single charge. It is because it has a solar charging feature as you go outside, it will stay charged. There is a bright backlight that easies to read and use, whether it’s day or night. For easy viewing, it has Triple Sensor data features atmospheric pressure and direction. It is the best hiking watch with a compass. Also, there are four buttons labeled clearly. Lastly, its impressive quality with each needed feature makes you more than happy. Here is a thoroughly compilation of hiking G shock.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Comes with digital compass, altimeter, barometer as well as thermometer
- Up to 6 months of battery life
- Stainless steel case added durability
- Water-resistant but not for scuba diving
- Has quartz movement as well as digital display
- Value for the price
- Clearly labeled buttons
- Easy to use interface
- Solar charging
- Good accuracy
-
- Might be bulky for you
With a big price tag, the Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire offers standout features. It has a bright display that offers great readability in all ambient conditions. With a protective PVD-coated stainless steel bezel, it has easy to press button and reinforced housing for extra durability. This hiking watch ensures reliability in more challenging environments than GPS alone. It features advanced GPS and GLONASS. Also, Transflective technology allows even more readability under harsh sunlight. It is water-resistant and scratch-resistant with wifi ability and has a suite of outdoor features.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Full-color map guidance as well as ultimate multisport GPS
- All outdoor navigation features
- Connected features such as smart notifications
- Rugged endurance and elegant style
- Outstanding readability as well as wrist-based heart rate
- Three-axis compass
- Smart connectivity
- Reliable and accurate
- GPS and band heart rate monitor
- Presence of TOPO Map
-
- Battery life could be improved
- Data tracking feature has pitches
6. Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR – Push Notifications of calls and Text
The Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR is the best GPS watch for hikers. It delivers a standout battery life that promises to withstand in every step of your way. Yet, it is the best smartwatch for hiking, which offers wireless connection to your smartphone. However, it has a large size which feels solid on your wrist. Aside from this overwhelming feature, it makes your way safe. With the app to adjust, there is no better companion out there to make every move count than this. It’s a watch to explores whether it’s personal best or mountain.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Great battery life with 5 sec GPS accuracy
- Route navigation, trackback including speed, pace as well as a distance measure
- Heart rate, bike power support
- Suunto app support
- Enrich, relive as well as share
- Extremely accurate GPS
- Rugged and durable design
- Allow wireless connectivity
- Comfortable and easy to use
-
- Might trouble with the initial set up
- Does Not count steps
7. Timex Expedition Grid Shock – 3 Military Time Mode & Adjustable Strap
The two things you’ll love to hear about this watch hiking are practical and inexpensive. The Timex Expedition Grid Shock promises it will be there with you last mile. It’s got a 10-year battery life, which will be a perfect choice for casual hikers. It has rugged construction for possible durability. This feature also makes it shock resistant.
Furthermore, there are vibrating alarms as well as timers. When dark, you can use its Indiglo night-light. Consider this watch if you don’t need a fancy feature. Besides that, it is best for short hikes up and down a trail.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Comes with Chronograph function tracks your personal bests
- Has shock-resistant as well as water-resistant properties
- Indiglo backlight feature told you time in the dark
- Rugged construction as well as scratch-resistant mineral glass
- Up to 10 years of battery life
- Multiple time zones
- Vibration alarms
- Easy low light reading
- Lightweight and durable
-
- Doesn’t have GPS functio
8. Garmin Foretrex 401 – Provide Screen Customization and TrackBack
The Garmin Foretrex 401 is the best GPS watch hiking. Even it has a slightly unconventional design, but it shouldn’t put you off it. It is a slim wrist-mounted GPS navigator. It combines a high-sensitivity waterproof GPS receiver, a barometric altimeter, and an electronic compass. Hence, it is ideal for hikers. Also, it is connectable with USB to your computer to send data wirelessly. It keeps retracing your path back to where you started, so don’t worry about getting lost. Moreover, it lasts 17 hours on a single charge.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Display in the dotted line of your path
- 17 hours of battery life
- Easy to read LCD
- Save locations as waypoints
- A high sensitivity GPS receiver
- Electronic compass as well as a barometric altimeter
- Highly durable
- Reliable GPS readings
- Great battery life
- Improved performance
- Maximum accuracy
-
- Might be uncomfortable
9. Suunto Traverse – Upload Routes and Battery Life Up to 100 Hours
The Suunto Traverse is the best watch for hikers who love long hikes. This watch lets you know where you exactly are. It comes with minimalist and unassuming display. There is integrated GPS and GLONASS navigation, which help you find your way in the wild. If you want to retrace your steps, there is an automatic breadcrumb feature so you can track your steps when needed. Also, the rugged construction makes it more strong and powerful. What’s a more beautiful gift then it keeps you exploring hour after hours? Up to 100 hours of battery life. Indeed, it is the best hiking watch for outdoor adventure.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Has GPS and GLONASS for the route as well as POI navigation
- GPS time update, vibration alarm, mobile notifications
- Compass, sunrises and sunset times
- A backlight in flashlight mode
- Offer real-time breadcrumb view of your recorded route
- Tracking for speed, distance, as well as altitude
- Lightweight design
- Large display
- Vibration alerts
- Rugged and easy to use
-
- With smartphone sync
- With Poor Battery Life
10. Garmin Fenix 3 HR – Provide Chroma Display & Wireless Connectivity
The Garmin Fenix 3 HR is the best GPS watch for hiking. With uncompromising construction, it has all outdoor navigation capabilities. It has integrated Antenna with EPO, and GLONASS properties get a more accurate position than GPS alone. It makes a statement on the trail and off. Apart from its true performance, it has a serious style that stands up to the roughest conditions. It is the best altimeter watch. Also, it features an LED backlight display, battery saver mode, and battery life up to 40 hours.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Reinforced housing for extra durability
- Protective Stainless steel bezel as well as buttons
- 3 axis compass, altimeter and barometer, and trackback feature
- Ultra trace battery saver mode with 40 hours battery life
- Wrist-based heart rate
- Water rating
- Wireless connectivity
- True accuracy
- Versatile GPS tracking
-
- A bit bulky and No on-watch maps
11. Garmin Tactix Bravo – High-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS positioning
When it comes to navigation watches, the Garmin Tactix Bravo is impossible to list out. At its core, it has improved for military and tactical use. It ensures you provide all the features that you imagine. Though itis a bit more rugged, have a bombproof design. It has the ability to read a map with different coordinate systems. It features high-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS with auto-calibrating altimeter, 3 axis compass, and barometer. Overall, it is the best GPS watch for hiking without matter how long you will hike up.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Built-in tactical features
- 12-inch high resolution with Chroma display
- Stain steel EXO antenna with GPS/GLONASS
- Bombproof construction and easy readability
- Increased abrasion resistance
- Night vision Google compatibility
- Heart rate monitor
- Color Topo maps
- Wireless connectivity
- Serious style
-
- A bit expensive
12. Casio Men’s SGW-1000-1ACR – 330 Feet Water Resistant & Quartz Movement
Want to get one of the best hiking watches without the hefty price tag? Casio Men’s SGW-1000-1ACR comes without complicated features. It is a triple sensor ABC watch with rugged construction. The amazing thing is that it can measure ambient temperature. Not only that, but it also offers a compass, barometer, and altimeter. Yet, it is the best triple sensor watch. To get true accuracy, you will need to calibrate the sensor frequently. Out of amazing features, it has a solar-powered operation. Overall, this trecking watch is a real steal.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Great battery life up to 3 years
- 5 daily alarm as well as 1 snooze alarm
- Daylight saving on/off
- Large LCD and easy to read figures
- Built-in solar-powered operation
- Durable and affordable
- Low temperature resistant
- Large LCD and easy to read
- Scratch-resistant
-
- The sensor is a bit hard to calibrate
13. Garmin Epix – Touchscreen, App Sync & 8-GB internal Memory
This gear is the best Garmin watch for hiking. It offers detailed and vivid maps, including shaded base-maps worldwide. Another best thing is that it offers 8GB of internal memory as well as extensive mapping support. This best hiking watch offers a single high-resolution screen with all features of a Garmin ABC. Furthermore, this watch provides a full year’s subscription to Birds Eye Satellite Imagery. Indeed, it is the best watch for hiking and outdoors and the best watch for hiking and camping too.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Vivid and high-resolution sunlight visible screen
- 8 GB of internal memory offers a range of maps
- Customize it with a variety of watch faces, data fields, widgets and applications
- Easy and quick access to multiple activities such as hiking, navigation, running, and more
- Vivid and high-resolution touch screen
- extremely stylish as well as luxurious design
- Compatible with Live Track
- Rugged design
- and color mapping features
-
- The battery needs to be replaced after a year as well as touchscreen doesn’t work underwater
14. Garmin Fenix 6 Pro – Multisport GPS, Mapping and Pulse Sensor
This Garmin Hiking GPS watch has a rugged yet sophisticated design. It features a sunlight-readable display with bezels. Due to the Pulse Ox feature, it supports advanced sleep monitoring as well as altitude. For navigation, it comes with preloaded TOPO maps along with built-in sensors. It includes a 3-axis compass, a gyroscope, and a barometric altimeter. Besides that, it runs up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. Best of all, it is the best GPS watch for hiking with maps available on the market.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Sunlight readable display with bezels and rugged construction
- Supports advanced sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation at high elevations
- PacePro technology for grade-adjusted pace
- Built-in sensors for three-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter
- Battery life up to 14 days
- Lightweight and durable
- Multisport GPS smartwatch
- 32 GB onboard music storage
- Custom mode, and long battery
-
- Lack loudspeaker
15. Suunto 9 GPS Watch – GPS tracking & Wrist Heart Rate Monitor
The Suunto 9 GPS Watch is built to last. It has intelligent battery modes such as performance, endurance, and Ultra. It reminds you to charge your watch when it comes to long hikes. Also, it helps optimizing battery use on the go. With GPS, it improves the track and distance accuracy. With the Suunto app, it offers route planning and activity-specific heatmaps of most popular routes over the globe.
What’s more? It offers real-time bread crumb display, points of interest, sunrise/sunset times, and storm alarm. Indeed, it is the best Suunto Watch for Hiking out there.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Durable multisport GPS watch, barometric altitude, and long battery life
- Track accuracy in Ultra-long runs
- Intelligent battery modes as well as reminders
- stay connected with weather trend, storm and sunset/sunrise times
- Sapphire glass as well as wrist heart rate
- Multisport mode
- Great construction
- Good battery life
- Best for extreme adventures
-
- Quality could be improved
16. Lad Weather Altimeter – Useful in Hiking, Climbing, Camping, Cycling, Fishing
This watch has all exiting and advanced features which you need in any outdoor activity. The Lad Weather Altimeter is made of robust and durable material. So, there is no need to worry about it as it has scratch-resistant properties. It has an appealing look and lightweight design. It includes an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, digital compass, and stopwatch. Overall, the hikers watch screams, style, and class. This watch is related to best watch for hiking under $100.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Weather sensor function
- Digital compass, barometer as well as altimeter
- 24 hours of graphs and negative display
- Precise Quartz movement
- Strong acrylic dial window
- Very accurate
- Useful features
- Great battery life
- Durable quality
- Affordable price
-
- No GPS
17. EZON Military Watch – Multi function Swiss Sensor & Strong Battery Life
The EZON Military Watch lets you fully enjoy outdoor recreation. It covers all the basic features that require in nice hiking watch. It comes with strong construction with a creative dial in black color. Like other high-end watches, this one also provides great accuracy against ABC and thermometer readings. Additionally, it features such as sunset/sunrise time, countdown timer, stopwatch, EL backlight, and weather forecast. With the 18 months of battery life, it is waterproof as well.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- The built-in sensor of altimeter, barometer, and compass
- A thermometer as well as the weather forecast
- Sunrise and sunset times
- Worldwide time of 48 cities and 24-time zone and alarms
- Waterproof, flexible and lightweight
- Long-lasting battery
- Sleek and comfortable
- Flexible material
- True accuracy
- Military-style look
-
- No GPS and Lightening could be better
18. Casio Men’s SGW-450H-2BCF – Low-temperature resistance & Twin Sensor
Let’s enjoy both features of analog and digital watch in the Casio Men’s SGW-450H-2BCF. It offers the most reliable features such as dual time, ABC readings, and scratch-resistant crystal glass display. This watch ensures to withstand in toughest adventures. Indeed, it is the best hiking watch for men. Some others include a countdown timer, five alarms, stopwatch, daylight saving time, and world time. You will never leave this watch. Overall, the features and rugged case make this watch tough to beat.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Quarts movements with analog-digital display
- Featuring altimeter, thermometer, barometer, low-temperature resistance
- Has 52 mm stainless steel construction with mineral dial display
- Built-in solar battery-powered feature
- Accurate sensors
- Sleek and comfortable
- Dual time
- Scratch-resistant mineral glass
- Analog and digital displays
- Great battery life
-
- Might be bulky and Reflective display
19. Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRW3500 – 55mm Case Diameter & 200m water Resistant
The Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRW3500 provides more accurate readings. It is a solar-powered battery. It lasts up to 11 months in a single charge. With stainless steel rotating bezel and digital dial, it offers great features. There is triple sensor Version 3, multi-band 6 atomic timekeeping, low-temperature resistance, digital compass with bearing memory. Unlike other models, this hiking watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters. With the built-in atomic timekeeping technology, it allows you to synchronize six transmission stations worldwide. Indeed, it is the best hiking watch. Cherry on the cake is this belongs to a best hiking watches under $200.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: No
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Accurate thermometer and excellent illumination
- Atomic timekeeping and ABC features
- Offers five alarms, world time and stopwatch
- Solar-powered battery and lasts up to 11 months
- Built-in ABC features
- Great battery life
- Dual time
- Lightweight and durable
- Great accuracy
-
- Might be straps are uncomfortable for you
20. Suunto Traverse Alpha – Handmade GPS watch & knurled stainless steel bezel
Indeed, the Suunto Traverse Alpha is the best watch for hiking camping. It is designed to withstand regardless of the weather conditions. There is a customizable backlight. Also, it has GPS functionality. With the sunset and sunrise feature, it will automatically update time on your based on your time zone. With the minimalistic design, it is bright enough. Besides, it offers compatibility with the SuuntoMovescount App. For accuracy, it has an automatic breadcrumb trail. Overall, it would be a great choice for hikers who adventures daily on unknown trails.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: Yes
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Activity tracking such as steps count and calories count
- Alarm, incognito backlight, altimeter
- Notifications through Bluetooth
- Barometer with notifications
- Up to 14 hours of battery life
- Excellent GPS functionality
- Great battery life
- Radio communication
- Rugged design
- Water-resistant
-
- Poor multisport tracking
21. Garmin Tactix Charlie – 1.2” sunlight readable display & Tactical Features
Last but not least, the Garmin Tactix Charlie combines smart features with tactical functions. It has a rugged design and stainless steel buttons. There is a built-in Elevate wrist-based heart rate monitoring. Also, you will get built-in navigation sensors such as GPS and Glonass. Additionally, it has a sunlight-readable display and preloaded TOPO mapping plus routable map navigation. Lastly, it has a great battery life, which lasts up to 12 days on a single charge. Indeed, it is the best outdoor hiking watch.
Specifications
Altimeter/Barometer/Compass: Yes
GPS: Yes
Thermometer: No
Water Resistant: Yes
Features
- Comes with TOPO mapping comes preloaded
- Rugged material as well as a premium performance
- Monitor your performance, training, and recovery
- Built-in tactical features and great battery life
- Rugged construction
- Accurate GPS
- Worth the price
- Rugged design
- Night vision Google compatibility
-
- Battery life could be improved
Buying Guide
A hiking wristwatch does much more than count steps. There are some tips reasons to choose electronics for the best hiking watch. Before going to them, let’s know why you need a hiking watch.
The best hiking watch helps to find directions. It is allowing you to find your direction as well as position using GPS, on-board digital compass, or altimeter. Also, it doesn’t matter whether you are on the mountain or walking; it directs you. Additionally, the GPS function, as well as the ABC sensor, helps elevation of your trek and track the distance.
The best hiking watch helps to anticipate the weather. It keeps tracking the weather because of the built-in barometer or temperature sensor. If you have a hiking smartwatch, it can easily connect to a phone to get a full weather forecast. Additionally, these features help the best hiking watch to detect any change in weather
Last but not least, It is one of the best hiking watch small wrist also helps to achieve fitness goals. It can count steps, calories burned, heart rate, sleep, and more. On the whole, the best hiking watch also syncs your phone, so you can get notifications, check your calendar, and more.
Which Factors Need to Consider?
Let’s look at them.
Price
The first thing is to consider the price. If you want a non-GPS hiking watch, then go for under $100. Well, at such a price, you will not get the brim with features, but you find it simple to use and easily replaceable if they break. While the $500 or above price range is costly but you get what you pay for. These ranges are lightweight, durable, and better quality. Best of all, the high-end hiking watches are packed with smart features. These types of watches are full of every needed feature that you ever imagine.
Easy to Use
When it comes to the easy to use hiking watches, there are two options, such as buttons and touch screens. The touch screen display offers an intuitive interface. It is not doubted that these watches are best if you are accustomed to using a phone or tablet. But there is the biggest drawback which makes a while to think again. The touchscreen display doesn’t work with gloves or wetness on your fingers.
On the other hand, the button display is easier to operate. It is easy to use but difficult to navigate. It requires pressing in a specific order.
Battery Life
The battery life is also an important aspect. The battery life depends on the features that drain the battery. So, the charging time is highly noticeable. If you want a GPS watch, then you will need to charge it every day to keep track of your hikes. While if you have to use GPS after the gap of some days, then go for a battery that squeezes between five to seven days on a single charge.
Besides that, some hiking watches offer power-saving modes. On the other hand, if battery life is an issue, then you should select a non-GPS watch. This type of watch lasts a week, even months.
Additionally, some watches use solar power. It is also a good way to extend battery life.
Weight
Like other essential factors, weight is also a salient point when it comes to packing a backpack. A 5- grams weight is a sweet spot for hikers. It makes a comfortable watch on a wrist.
While above 50 grams’ weight makes you feel the weight on your wrist, so, it’s up to you to decide if the extra features are worth the excess weight or not.
Design
It is impossible to unconsidered the design of the best hiking watch. For the matter of durability, you should go for a rugged design. It looks cool in the woods. Often, the hiking watches come in bulky design so you can go for replaceable watch bands. The wristbands should be soft and flexible. So, it makes you can wear them when you are not hiking.
Water-resistant
Don’t you want a protective watch that withstands in all situations? Getting a water-resistant hiking watch secures you from worries. You can wear it without fear of damage while washing hands, pouring rain, or doing smoothing else in the rain. But it requires some protection. Each water-resistant watch comes with different degrees of water resistance. In short, don’t wear the best hiking watch while swimming, diving, or doing something else in depth to 100 meters or more.
Having a GPS built-in watch gives real-time data. It is useful to record the position for an entire hike. When you start hiking, turn on the GPS and save the completed GPS track when you are done. The rule of thumb is, it is useful for measuring distance and the elevation change. Also, the saved data can be shared or analyzed on your laptop when you came back home.
Altimeter
It implies measuring altitude while climbing. Along with this feature, many hiking watches support a barometric altimeter. It measures atmospheric pressure. The advantage of the altimeter is that it provides more accurate data then the estimations supplied from the GPS coordinate data.
Keep this in mind, the accuracy of GPS is based on the signal strength. If there is anything that interferes with GPS signal also affects the barometer.
Compass
Last but not least, the compass can be used to get your general sense of direction. The compass has a couple of types. The 2D compass requires you to hold it horizontally while the 3D compass works regardless of any orientation. So getting a hiking watch with compass help, you walk the wrong direction.
Above all, there are so many other features that the best hiking watch 2022 has. These include heart rate monitor, thermometer, barometer, and more. So, it depends on your budget. As you have more budget, the more featured watch you will get.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can hiking watch be used offline?
Yes, all hiking watches can be used offline. You can easily use them for navigation or count your steps. But a hiking smartwatch doesn’t allow mobile syncing when you are offline. In such a case, you are not permitted to download, update weather, receive notifications, and other similar features. It is because a hiking smartwatch requires an internet connection.
Do I need a GPS feature on a hiking watch?
Unlike ordinary watches, the hiking watches come with more advanced and technological features. A hiking watch must-have features such as altimeter, barometer, and compass. But when it comes to GPS in the best hiking watch, it offers more precise over altimeter, barometric as well as doesn’t need any calibration.
Is it worth to buy a cheap hiking watch?
A cheap best hiking watch offers basic features such as ABCs sensor, compass, altimeter, and barometer. Additionally, you can also expect a timer or alarm feature. These features are basic needs when it comes to safe hiking, so it is worth getting a cheap watch if you can’t afford an expensive one. Besides that, many experienced hikers suggest cheap hiking watches because of their simple user interface.
Why should I need to use a hiking watch if I have a GPS on my smartphone?
While a GPS on your phone is no doubt reliable but as compared to GPS hiking watch, it is not that reliable, and the reason is that the battery of your smartphone is insufficient like the battery of GPS hiking watch. Also, it would be easier to access by just viewing on your wristwatch instead of taking your phone from your pocket. It is unsafe as well as you will probably soon get tiresome.
Could I wear my hiking watch while not hiking?
There is no restriction. You can wear your hiking watch whenever you want, but you have to compromise on some aspects of functionality.
How to take care of a hiking watch?
Yes, it is good to keep care of your hiking watch. It can’t cause any damage, such as scratching. You should keep straps cleans and don’t put much strain on it. It keeps its notches safe from any breakage. Also, keep it charge as often as needed.
Now, It’s Your Turn
All in all, being part of safe hiking, you have to choose the best hiking watch which fulfills the basic needs. It is true that everyone has a style and needs to choose, but don’t forget to look for the basic features even if you have a smartphone.
It is because the best hiking watch will save you when your phone’s battery drained. On the market, there are so many options available, but we assure you these listed hiking watches have no exception. If you want to save your bucks in the future, then spend money on these watches. Besides that, if you have any questions, then drop a comment below. Thank you for visiting us. Happy hiking:)