Best Hiking Watches of 2023

JUMP TO: GARMIN FENIX 6X PRO / CASIO PATHFINDER PAG240 / SUUNTO 9 BARO / COROS VERTIX 2 / GARMIN INSTINCT 2 SOLAR / CASIO PRO TREK PRW2500T / POLAR GRIT X / SUUNTO CORE / BUYING ADVICE

The Short Version

The Long Version

Ever set off on a hike only to realize it’s been so long that you’ve completely forgotten the route?

Or tried to follow your friends’ directions and got totally lost?

Or maybe you found a cool new trail last weekend but know you’ll never find it again?

…Sounds like you might need a hiking watch!

At the high end of the price spectrum, you’ll find hiking watches fully equipped with GPS, preloaded maps, and turn-by-turn navigation, so you’ll never stray off the beaten track again (unless, of course, you want to!).

Plus, if hiking is just one of many activities you love, there are heaps of hiking watches that can be used for a whole range of sports, often with specialized training programs for each.

And, on top of that, many let you store music, are smartphone compatible, and can even monitor your general health… so you might find yourself wearing it as much around the house as you do on the trail.

 
 

But if you don’t need all those fancy features, and want to save some cash, you’ll be pleased to know that there are loads of awesome options out there with way lower price tags – and even the most affordable options usually come with the classic ABC sensors, a durable design, and a decent waterproof rating.

So – whether you’re after something techy or rugged, you’re a multisport lover or hiking is your one and only, you’re saving up or have cash to splash – there’s a hiking watch out there with your name on it.

Here, we’ve brought you a range of hiking watches to suit every kind of budget, so you can find the one that’s right for you – happy hiking!

If you love reading this review of the best hiking watches, then you'll likely love reading some of our other hiking and backpacking content:

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Looking for your very first hiking watch? Not sure what all those techy terms really mean? Be sure to check out our buying guide at the end of the article where we explain it all in detail!

Best Overall: GARMIN FENIX 6X PRO

BATTERY LIFE: 14 days (smartwatch mode); 36 hrs (GPS); 72 hrs (GPS saver); 48 hrs (battery saver)

DISPLAY: Color

GPS: Yes

WATER-RESISTANCE RATING: 100 m / 330 ft

WEIGHT: 93 g / 3.3 oz

DIMENESIONS: 51 x 51 x 14.90 mm

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Turn-by-turn navigation, preloaded maps, smartwatch features general fitness monitoring, music storage

CONS: Expensive

It might look like little more than a smartwatch thanks to its sleek design, but the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro is one seriously sturdy device packed full of trail-friendly features.

Of course, it comes with all the basic features you’d expect to see in a hiking watch, including a compass, barometer, and altimeter, but it doesn’t stop there.

With Galileo and GLONASS GPS support, you can discover new routes and track them in detail, and there’s also a huge range of preloaded maps (topographic, road and trail... and even ski routes!). What’s more, the turn-by-turn navigation makes staying on course a breeze, and you’ll be able to read your route with just a quick glance thanks to the large, color display. Plus, if you do get lost or run into trouble, you can easily alert your emergency contacts thanks to the assistance feature.

Although these features make the Fenix 6X Pro an awesome choice for hikers, it also has various profiles specifically catered for running, cycling, swimming… and pretty much every sport you can think of. Plus, no matter what you’re into, you can optimize your training thanks to the clever training, planning, and analysis features, including interval training and advanced workout modes. On top of that, you can also keep an eye on your general health thanks to features like stress-tracking and heart-rate and hydration monitoring.

The sleek design and smart features, like smartphone compatibility and music storage, make this an awesome watch for daily wear. Yet, despite its sleek design, this watch can certainly handle life in the great outdoors thanks to the 100-meter water-resistance rating and sturdy Gorilla glass. Although this glass is pretty strong, if you’re outdoor gear tends to get thrown around a bit, why not check out the Garmin 6 Sapphire which, as the name suggests, features a seriously strong sapphire lens.

The battery life varies depending on what mode you’re in, but even in full GPS mode you’ll have up to 3 days’ juice, so you don’t need to remember to charge before every hike. If battery life is a big thing for you (perhaps you plan on taking your watch on some multi-day hikes), then you could always opt for the 6X Pro Solar instead, although it costs a fair bit more.

Overall, the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro is packed full of features that make it an awesome watch for hiking as well as heaps of other activities. The main drawback is the price (it certainly doesn’t come cheap) but, in this case, we think you get what you pay for.

BATTERY LIFE: Several years (and can run off a solar charge for several months)

DISPLAY: Monochrome

GPS: No

WATER-RESISTANCE RATING: 100 m / 330 ft

PRICE: $

PROS: Easy to use, solar powered, lots of time zones, highly accurate timekeeping, affordable

CONS: No GPS, no fitness monitoring

If you’re tired of looking at expensive hiking watches packed full of features you know you’ll never use, then a simple watch like the Casio Pathfinder PAG240 could be just what you’re looking for.

The PAG240 has a range of features that make it super handy for day-to-day wear, including multiple alarms, a stopwatch, and a calendar. On top of that, it features the classic ABC sensors all hiking watches should have (as well as a thermometer).

The interface is intuitive, the buttons are clearly labelled, and the bezel features detailed markings to help with your orientation. Plus, you’ll have no problem using this watch in the dark thanks to the awesome LED backlight – when the autoillumination is enabled, it’ll turn on each time you tilt your wrist to view the watch (which is super hand when you’re wearing gloves!).

Unlike a smartwatch, you never need to worry about the battery on this thing – it’s solar rechargeable, and it might not need replacing for over a decade! Oh, and there’s even a battery power indicator to make sure you never get caught out unawares, and there’s even a battery saving function for times of need.

With a 100-meter water-resistance rating and a titanium strap version available (the PAG240T model), this is one rugged watch. Sure, if you’re after a watch that can track your routes, help you train, and monitor your general fitness, this isn’t the watch for you. But if you want a dependable watch with some hiking-friendly features, and a significantly lower price tag, then look no further.

Best for Multisport Use: SUUNTO 9 BARO

BATTERY LIFE: 14 days (time mode); 7 days (with tracking and notifications); 25–170 hrs (training mode with GPS)

DISPLAY: Color

GPS: Yes

WATER-RESISTANCE RATING: 100 m / 330 ft

WEIGHT: 81 g / 2.86 oz

DIMENESIONS: 50 x 50 x 16.8 mm

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Importable routes and waypoints, Bluetooth connectivity, durable materials, good battery, accurate GPS, storm alerts

CONS: Expensive, no music storage, clunky interface, heart rate monitor lacks accuracy (unless paired with chest strap)

If you’re an all-round sports enthusiast who loves tracking your progress — especially if heading deep into the backcountry — then you’re going to love the Suunto 9 Baro.

This highly durable watch really is built for life in the great outdoors – it features a stainless-steel bezel, an incredibly strong sapphire glass lens, a water-resistance rating of 100 meters… and it’s even been successfully tested against US military standard 810H. And if that isn’t enough, there is also a (more expensive) model with a titanium bezel.

What’s more, the Baro 9 makes an awesome hiking companion thanks to its accurate multi-satellite support (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, and BeiDou) and safety storm alerts. Although it doesn’t come with any preloaded maps (like the Fenix 6X Pro), you can import waypoints and GPX routes via the Suunto App – and you can even find popular routes in your area thank to the heatmap feature.

Once you’ve decided on a route, you can select either waypoint or turn-by-turn navigation, and we like that you can zoom out to get a wider view of your route even in navigation mode.

The Suunto 9 Baro is compatible with various training apps, including Strava and Komoot, which makes it super easy to track your routes and share them with friends.

But the Baro 9 isn’t only for hikers – there are heaps of features catered for swimmers, runners, and cyclists, and there’s an impressive 80 different sport modes in total. What’s more you can easily switch between sports mid workout, making this a great option for any triathletes. Plus, no matter what sport you go for, there are heaps of training programs to make sure you get the most out of your workouts.

Although you’ll be able to control music from your phone using this watch, be warned that you won’t be able to store music on it directly. Also, you can keep on top of your general health too by using features like sleep tracking and heart rate and stress monitoring — but be warned that we found the heart rate monitor unreliable, so you’ll want to pair it with a chest strap for any serious monitoring.

The battery life is impressive no matter which mode you’re in (and there are options to extend it when GPS is on), and we love that you get reminders when you’re running out of juice, so you’ll never get caught out.

While it might not have quite as many features as the Fenix 6X Pro, the Suunto 9 Baro excels when it comes to durability, and should definitely be considered by anyone looking for a watch they can use for multiple sports. You can read our in-depth review of the Suunto 9 Baro watch here.

Best Battery: COROS VERTIX 2

BATTERY LIFE: 60 days (time mode); 140 hrs (standard GPS)

DISPLAY: Color

GPS: Yes

WATER-RESISTANCE RATING: 100 m / 330 ft

WEIGHT: 91 g / 3.2 oz

DIMENESIONS: 50.3 x 50.3 x 15.7 mm

PRICE: $$$$

PROS: Awesome battery life, incredibly accurate GPS, informative display, multisport options

CONS: Very expensive, no music streaming, routes must be imported from other apps

With a battery life of 60 days in time mode, and 140 hours in standard GPS mode, the COROS Vertix 2 boasts one of the best battery lives around for a watch that’s packed full of high-end features.

When it comes to tracking, the Vertix 2 is highly accurately thanks to the support of the big five satellite systems. Plus, you’ll be able to navigate even when you wind up near rocky walls or tall buildings thanks to its capacity for dual satellite communication.

COROS typically preloads the full color topographic and road maps for the region the watch is sold in but, if you’ll be heading further afield, you can download maps for elsewhere for free from the COROS site. What’s more, you can upload routes from other apps (like Strava) and place them over the top of the map to help you navigate while you’re on the move.

We also love how detailed the screen is – with eight customizable fields, you can easily keep track of key information – like elevation gain, distance, pace, and more – while you hike.

The touch screen is incredibly easy to use, and you can play downloaded music with just a few scrolls (although you can’t stream music). It also features modes for various other sports, as well as preloaded strength exercises, and you can customize your own workouts for running, cycling, and swimming. On top of that, you can keep an eye on your heart rate thanks to the in-built electrocardiogram.

One thing the COROS is lacking compared to other watches in its price range is the turn-by-turn navigation feature – you’ll have to get used to breadcrumb trails instead. Although this might put off some people, turn-by-turn navigation isn’t really essential when it comes to hiking, as you’ll have plenty of time to study your next turn in advance, so it’s more likely to put off keen runners.

Constructed from highly durable materials (like coated sapphire glass and titanium) and with a 100-meter water-resistance rating, this is one solid watch. Combined with its incredible battery life and highly accurate GPS, this makes the COROS Vertix 2 an incredibly reliable watch.

It might cause a serious dent in your wallet but, if your hikes often take you into the back and beyond, or you love hikes that take several days to finish, the Coros Vertix 2 could be a winner.

Best Budget GPS: GARMIN INSTINCT 2 SOLAR

BATTERY LIFE: 28 days smartwatch mode 30 hours GPS mode (without solar); unlimited smartwatch mode 48 hours GPS mode (with solar charging)

DISPLAY: Monochrome

GPS: Yes

WATER-RESISTANCE RATING: 100 m / 330 ft

WEIGHT: 53 g / 1.87 oz

DIMENESIONS: 45 x 45 x 14.5 mm

PRICE: $$

PROS: Solar charging extends battery life, monitors heart rate, sleep, and stress, multi GNSS support, great for multiple sports

CONS: No mapping

If GPS is a must-have feature for you, but you aren’t fussed about having every single high-end feature that often comes alongside GPS hiking watches, then the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar could be right up your street.

The Instinct 2 Solar comes with all the classic ABC sensors you’d expect to see in a hiking watch, and it also makes use of GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems for high-level tracking. On top of that, it’s packed with smart features, like weather and phone alerts, and you can monitor your general health too thanks to the heart rate monitor and stress and sleep trackers.

Another huge plus of the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is its incredible battery life –with the help with the help of a little solar charging (yep, the battery is solar rechargeable), it can last for an unlimited time frame in smartmode, and even with GPS (expedition mode). … But if you aren’t fussed about this awesome battery life, and would like to save some cash, then you’ll be pleased to know it’s available at a cheaper price without this feature – see the standard Garmin Instinct 2. Personally, though, we think that it’s worth the extra $100 or so for this upgrade.

The Instinct 2 Solar comes with preloaded profiles for a range of sports, including surfing, running, and cycling (as well as hiking, of course), but the lack of mapping functionality might be a turn-off for some. The black-and-white screen is operated by buttons rather than touch screen, giving it more of an old-school vibe than some of the flashier hiking watches on the market… but it’s helped to keep the price down.

Overall, we think the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, with its awesome battery life, GPS feature, and multisport features, has a lot to offer at a relatively competitive price point. Plus, if you want to save even more cash, consider shopping around for the previous model – the Garmin Instinct Solar – now often available at a discount and making only a few small compromises on battery life and features.

Best Water-Resistance: CASIO PRO TREK PRW2500T

BATTERY LIFE: Up to 5 months

DISPLAY: Monochrome

GPS: No

WATER-RESISTANCE RATING: 200 m / 656 ft

WEIGHT: 113 g / 4 oz

DIMENESIONS: 56.3 x 49.0 x 15.0 m

PRICE: $

PROS: Highly water-resistant, solar rechargeable, affordable, automatic time calibration, tidal information

CONS: No GPS, lacks the fancy features found in premium hiking watches

If you’re after a watch that’s just as comfortable in the water as it is on land, then you should definitely check out the Casio Pro Trek PRW2500.

The Pro Trek comes fully equipped with the classic ABC sensors, as well as a handy thermometer, and information is clearly displayed in graph form as well as numerically. It also has all the classic Casio functions, like a timer, stopwatch, and alarm, and we love that this watch displays the atomic time, so you can be sure it’ll stay accurate for years to come.

On top of that this watch is highly waterproof (with a water-resistance rating of 200 meters), and it displays a tide graph for your chosen coastline that can be used to obtain future tide predictions. These features make this an awesome watch for surfers, snorkelers, and kayakers, and you certainly don’t need to worry about getting caught in a downpour while you’re hiking.

The lack of color screen, GPS, and other high-end features might be major drawbacks for some, but they’ve helped to keep the price extremely low and the battery life extremely long. Oh, and speaking of battery, this thing runs off a solar rechargeable battery that can keep going for as long as two years.

Sure, it might not be the flashiest hiking watch around, but if you’re after a dependable, affordable timekeeping device with some extra feature that’ll come in handy for hikes as well as water-based activities, then the Casio Pro Trek PRW2500 might well be the one for you.

Best Lightweight: POLAR GRIT X

BATTERY LIFE: 7 days (normal use); 100 hrs (low GPS); 40 hrs (full GPS)

DISPLAY: Color

GPS: Yes

WATER-RESISTANCE RATING: 100 m / 330 ft

WEIGHT: 64 g / 2.3 oz

PRICE: $$

PROS: 130 sports modes, turn-by-turn navigation, ultra-lightweight

CONS: Can’t create routes

Weighing in at just 64g, the Polar Grit X is an awesome hiking watch for anyone who hates wearing anything heavy on their wrist. It’s also extremely stylish, with a sleek profile and all-black design (although different colors are available), making it a great watch for day -to-day wear.

But don’t let this fool you into thinking this watch can’t handle life on the trail – the stainless-steel case and bezel, combine with a Gorilla glass lens, make this watch one tough cookie.And if that isn’t enough, check out the Grit X Pro or Titan models which are made of even tougher stuff.

GPS-wise, the Polar Grit X uses GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS for highly accurate readings, and we love that it gives you 2-day weather forecasts so that you don’t run (or hike) into any nasty surprises. You can get intel on your down and uphill performances via the Hill Splitter feature, which is awesome if you like to compare your performance over time. 

Although you can’t create routes using the Grit X itself, you can import routes created in Komoot (one of the most-used apps when it comes to trailblazing) and follow them using the turn-by-turn navigation feature.

You can also obtain bespoke training programs using the FitSpark training guide, and you can use the Strava Live Segments feature to push yourself that bit harder when you’re on the go.

The Grit X features modes for an impressive 130 sports, and you can get detailed programs and stats for your runs and swims. It also monitors your heart rate, sleep patterns, and energy levels to make sure your general health stay in tip-top shape, and the phone notifications mean you can stay connected while you’re on the move.

It might not have quite as many extra features as watches like the Fenix X Pro or the Suunto 9 Baro, but the Polar Grit X has plenty to offer, and at a lower price point too.

Best On A Budget: SUUNTO CORE

BATTERY LIFE: 12 months (in time mode)

DISPLAY: Monochrome

GPS: No

WATER-RESISTANCE RATING: 30 m / 100 ft

WEIGHT: 64 g / 2.26 oz

DIMENESIONS: 49.1 x 49.1 x 14.5 mm

PRICE: $

PROS: Automatically detects altitude changes, storm alarm, affordable, good battery life, affordable, suitable for snorkeling (up to 10 m)

CONS: No GPS, no fitness monitoring

If you don’t have much cash to splash, but are looking for a watch with some hiking-friendly features, then you should definitely check out the Suunto Core.

The ABC sensors mean you can keep track of the direction, elevation, and weather while you hike, and we love that there are storm alarms to warn you when bad weather is on the way. The Suunto Core also provides sunset and sunrise information, so you’ll never get caught out in the dark, and there’s a battery life indicator too.

Despite having a waterproof rating of just 30 meters, this watch is suitable for snorkeling as deep as 10 meters (and it’ll even tell you what depth you’re at), which is awesome if you’ll be hiking past any tempting snorkeling spots.

The Suunto Core is also refreshingly stylish for a basic ABC watch – they tend to be big bulky things (with stylish designs reserved for more expensive models). The battery is user-replaceable and will need replacing after approximately one year, but you’ll get a warning in advance to make sure you don’t run out of power while you’re on the move. Although the watch itself is well-built and should last for many years, the straps aren’t quite as durable and will need replacing every now and then, adding to the overall cost.

Despite this, the Suunto Core remains an excellent choice for anyone willing to forsake flashy high-tech features in favor of a simple, and affordable, hiking watch.

BUYING ADVICE FOR HIKING WATCHES

As we’ve seen, hiking watches vary considerably when it comes to factors like features, style, and, of course, price. But what are the most important things to think about when you’re shopping around? Read on to find out.

Construction

DURABILITY: All good hiking watches need to be robust enough to handle those inevitable bumps and scrapes they’ll suffer on the trail. Mineral and gorilla glass lenses are pretty hardy and scratch-resistant, but the more premium hiking watches will use the ultra-strong sapphire glass. Stainless steel and plastic are also used for outdoor watches, but some of the more expensive watches opt for titanium instead thanks to its light weight.

WATER RESISTANCE: Hiking watches also need to have a decent waterproof rating to see them through any downpours too. At a minimum, you want a 30-meter rating, which is enough to withstand some gentle splashes. Ideally, you want either a 50- (enough for quick submerges) or 100-meter rating (enough for swimming), especially if you’ll be using your watch for watersports too.

WEIGHT: For casual hikes, it doesn’t matter too much how heavy your watch is but, if you’ll be heading out on multi-day hikes and carrying a load of gear on your back, you’ll most likely want a lightweight watch. Light watches are also the preferred choice for sports like running and swimming, but bear in mind that you might end up sacrificing some durability if you go for a super sleek design.

STYLE: Hiking watches come in a huge range of styles. Traditionally, they tended to be chunky, highly robust devices, like the Casio models reviewed here. Nowadays, though, many hiking watches are essentially smartwatches, and they tend to be more stylish, since they’re designed for frequent wear. But don’t worry, if you like the sound of a sleek modern watch, but aren’t fussed about all the techy features, then there are some options out there (like the Suunto Core).

Basic Features

While there’s no strict rule about what makes a watch a hiking watch, these basic features make a great start.

ABC: You’ve probably noticed this term a lot while you’ve been investigating hiking watches, but what does it mean? Well, ABC stands for altimeter, barometer, and compass – the three sensors typically found in hiking watches. Altimeters monitor elevation, so you can keep track of your ups and down along the trail. Barometers sense air pressure, which can be used to predict weather changes, and compasses, well… you probably know this one already.

Watches with these features often (but not always) come with a thermometer too, which can be handy for sussing out how many layers to wear before you pack up camp in the morning.

TIMER/ALARM/STOPWATCH: These ones are pretty self-explanatory, but they’re super useful features not to be underestimated. While the alarm and timer are great features for everyday use, the stopwatch gives you a way to time your hikes, or runs if you’re a runner, without splashing out on a watch with fancy tracking features.

DAYLIGHT HOURS: Some watches display sunrise and sunset times, so you can figure out how many hours of daylight you have left. This can be super useful when you’re trying to get home before darkness or when you’re out on a multi-day hike and want to avoid pitching your tent in the dark.

TIDAL INFORMATION: While this isn’t essential for a hiking watch, it can be a useful feature if you’ll be using your watch for surfing, kayaking, or swimming.

Fancy Features

If you love tracking every detail of your route, monitoring your general health, or using your watch to train for various sports, you’re going to want to invest in a hiking watch with at least some of the following features.

GPS: GPS stands for global positioning system, and GPS watches receive signals from satellites orbiting the earth to determine the exact location of the wearer. Although it’s the best-known, GPS is actually just one of many satellite systems used for navigation.

Other key systems include Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, and QZSS. All these systems are known as global navigation satellite systems (or GNSS), although people often refer to GPS when they actually mean any kind of GNSS. Multi-GNSS watches use information from various satellite systems to give highly accurate locations.

FITNESS/HEALTH MONITORING: Lots of the more expensive hiking watches come with various features that let you keep an eye on your general fitness and health. Many come with integrated heart rate sensors, while some can be paired up with chest transmitters instead. Information on your heart rate can be used to optimize your training plans, monitor stress, and also to analyze your sleep, depending on the watch.

Blood oxygen monitoring is another feature that’s popular among high-altitude hikers. Although these features are informative and fun, they will ramp up the cost of your watch, so think about whether you’ll actually use them.

MAPS: Maps are undeniably one of the most useful features you can have in a hiking watch. Although some come with various maps pre-loaded, some will require you to install the maps yourself. The maps you’ll find on a hiking watch vary greatly, and they can be anything from minimalistic maps with very few features to detailed color topographic maps.

 
 

NAVIGATION: Once you’re map-ready, you can start thinking about how you’ll get around. Waypoints are a common navigation feature and are set locations marked on a map, often denoting specific physical features, like a car park, viewpoint, or campsite. Hiking watches typically tell the direction of these points, and how far away from them you are (usually calculated on straight-lines distances, meaning they should only be used for rough reference).

Alternatively, some watches allow for breadcrumb navigation, which either means they mark your route with a dotted trail or allow you to follow dotted routes. Some watches allow you to create your own route, while others let you import routes created in other apps (by you or even by other people).

Finally, high-end hiking watches typically offer turn-by-turn navigation which, as the name suggests, provides indicators in advance of each turn to ensure you stay on track (a bit like satnav in the car).

TRAINING: If you have a specific fitness goal in mind, like summiting Everest or competing in a hiking challenge, then you might want to consider a hiking watch that comes with integrated training programs. They’re a great way to make sure you get the most out of your training sessions, and most offer training programs for various sports. The level of details varies from watch to watch, with some offering basic interval training and others displaying full body workouts.

MUSIC: If you like to hike to a beat, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are heaps of music-compatible hiking watches out there. Like phones, some let you download music onto them directly, while others let you stream music live – so make sure you know what you’re getting yourself in for.

APPS: Already have your favorite hiking routes saved on Strava or some other app and don’t want to start over with a new gadget? Well, fear not, you can access those same routes using one of the many app-compatible hiking watches out there. And it works the other way too, you’ll be able to upload new routes on the app so you can share your favorites with your friends. Just make sure you check out the details – some watches that are advertised as ‘app-compatible’ won’t actually let you upload old routes on to them.

MORE INFORMATION

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