Best Hiking Watches of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Exceptional battery life
• Loaded with features such as GPS, compass, altitude, barometer, weather, etc
• Extremely durable
• Outstanding GPS accuracy
• Intuitive user interface
• Solar charging option offers sustainability

Reasons to Avoid

• On the expensive side
• Display may be difficult to read in low light for some users
• Slight learning curve for non-tech savvy users
• Bulky, may not be suitable for small wrists
• Not suitable for casual wear due to its robust design

The Important Specs

• Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 16.2 mm
• Battery Type: rechargeable lithium-ion, solar charging
• Display Type: sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
• Water Rating: 10 ATM
• Memory/History: 32 GB

Review Roundup

The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar is a stand-out timepiece with an impressive lineup of features and staggering battery capacity that is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiasts. It blends style, functionality and durability in a single package.

Right off the bat, the solar charging capability of this watch deserves a special mention. Users have raved about it since it provides a significant boost to the battery life, especially when out in the sun. This feature reduces the need for frequent charging, which is particularly handy during multi-day hikes.

Many customers loved its top-notch health and fitness tracking tools such as heart rate monitor, sleep tracker, blood oxygen level monitor, and an array of advanced running dynamics. Additionally, the watch hosts a variety of sport modes like yoga, swimming, running, etc., making it a versatile choice for the outdoorsy type.

GPS navigation is and always has been, a crucial part of any hiking watch and Fenix 7 Pro Solar doesn't disappoint. Users found the GPS to be accurate and reliable, even in dense, challenging environments. Moreover, the added topo maps and live tracking make navigation a breeze. This feature seems to be highly appreciated by many users who regularly venture out into the wilderness.

The design of this product has been something of a hit with customers. They have loved the sturdy, rugged look that is paired with a smart, sleek finish. Further, they found the watch extremely comfortable to wear, even after prolonged usage. The watch is also rated highly for its water resistance, which makes it a perfect buddy for water-related activities.

If we delve into the negatives, some users have mentioned that the watch can be a bit complicated to set up initially. There's a learning curve that can appear daunting to some, particularly if they're not familiar with smartwatches or Garmin's system. Moreover, there are also occasional complaints about the watch's hefty price tag. But, most people agree that the cost is justified when considering the wealth of features and durable build quality.

Reasons to Buy

• Robust build for harsh terrain
• Excellent satellite reception
• Solar powered for extended use
• Waterproof to handle extreme weather
• Multi-sport tracking for various activities
• Clear, easy to read display

Reasons to Avoid

• Pricey for some budget
• Complex interface may be challenging for beginners
• Lack of touch screen, wholly dependent on buttons

The Important Specs

• Altimeter: Barometric
• Display Type: Digital
• Power Source: Solar
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Satellite Systems: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
• Sunrise/Sunset Times: Yes

Review Roundup

In the realm of outdoor gear reality, the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar is akin to a Swiss Army Knife in terms of multifunctionality, performance, and sturdiness. With a sleek and robust design, it convincingly checks off most boxes for avid hikers, climbers, and backpackers.

The watch largely shines in the area of durability. The titanium housing, unsurprisingly sturdy, proved its mettle for numerous users who engaged in rigorous outdoor adventure activities. With the titanium and solar power combination, the watch serves as a trusty companion for challenging hikes and climbs during daylight hours.

Its solar charging feature is an undeniable crowd-pleaser. Imagine this - you're hiking around with the luxury of having your watch battery consistently refueled by the sun. For users who found themselves in multi-day hikes and lacked the convenience of charging outlets, the solar power feature was the true knight in shining armor.

Beyond its durability and solar charging, a lot of buyers found the features of altitude profiles, compass, and weather updates as powerful aids during their outdoor excursions. The watch's altitude features seemed accurate for most users, and its ability to display the current, as well as forecasted weather, turned out to be quite useful, especially for planning hikes or climbs.

However, some users were less enthusiastic about the gadget's interface. A handful of buyers found it less intuitive than expected, claiming its usability leaves room for improvement. Some users also expressed dissatisfactions with the touchscreen responsiveness, which was occasionally described as erratic.

The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar doesn't forget the fitness enthusiasts - the heart rate monitor, calorie tracker, and step counter features are all in place. The GPS tracking feature saw mixed reviews, with some users noting exceptional accuracy, while others had less satisfactory experiences.

The aesthetics of the watch gained much applause, with its modern look and feel, comfortably large display, and band choice offering a more muted appeal. The watch, however, is more on the heavier side, and some users found this inconvenient on longer excursions.

One common demand among the users was for improved battery life. While the solar charging feature does make up for that, the overall battery life of the watch was considered less impressive by several users.

Despite some minor gripes, the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar emerged as a versatile and durable timepiece that combines outdoor survival, navigational features, and fitness tracking rather effectively. From customer reviews, it seems that the watch is not just a gadget, but a reliable tool for outdoor adventures that demand durability, versatility, and power.

Reasons to Buy

• Top-notch GPS accuracy
• Long-lasting battery life
• Incredible durability
• Protected against water
• Clear, high-resolution display
• Full-featured sports tracking

Reasons to Avoid

• Somewhat complicated interface
• Premium price point

The Important Specs

• Gps: GPS/GLONASS/Galileo
• Battery Life: Smartwatch mode: 2 weeks; GPS mode: 36 hours
• Water Rating: 5 ATM
• Rugged Design: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and fiber-reinforced polymer
• Screen Display: 240 x 240 pixels

Review Roundup

The Garmin Forerunner 955 speaks to all the outdoor buffs out there with its impressive set of features, both killer and filler. Like a trusted friend, this hiking watch promises to be by your side, whether you're trekking through the wilderness or simply out for a weekend jog. However, it doesn't just score points for company - it brings some serious features to the table that will make your outdoor activities more enjoyable and rewarding.

One of the standout selling points is its precise GPS navigation, minimizing the risk of you getting lost. It's like having a miniature, wrist-mounted guide leading the way. And it doesn't stop at hiking - it's just as useful for runs, bike rides, and swims, with accurate track-keeping functions for all these different exercises.

Battery life is an important deal for an outdoor watch, and the Forerunner 955 is a knockout performer in this department. It can keep going for up to two weeks in smartwatch mode (which is ideal for daily use), and up to 20 hours in GPS mode. Thus, you can head out on a day-long adventure, fully confident that this little companion won't let you down.

Accuracy is another key consideration, and the 955 doesn't disappoint. Online reviewers have applauded it for its near-perfect tracking capabilities, and it also features a heart-rate sensor and the ability to monitor VO2 max, meaning it'll keep you informed of your fitness levels over time.

Tech lovers will definitely appreciate the smartwatch capabilities: email alerts, call notifications, and even the ability to control your music right from your wrist. However, it should be noted that some users were slightly annoyed by the amount of time it took to sync the watch with their phones.

Is it the prettiest watch? No. But what the Forerunner 955 lacks in stylishness, it certainly makes up for in features and durability. The watch has a sturdy, functional design that can take the beating of active outdoor use, yet still display the digital face clearly, even under direct sunlight.

While the Garmin Forerunner 955 is not cheap, the justified balance between price and functionality is clear. Many buyers stressed that the wide range of features, watch durability, and detailed accuracy make the investment worth every penny. Even with a few minor niggles, the majority of users have found it to be a top-notch piece of gear on their outdoor escapades.

Reasons to Buy

• Affordable price point
• Long battery life
• Reliable and accurate GPS tracking
• Waterproof
• User-friendly interface

Reasons to Avoid

• Slimmer features compared to higher priced models
• Screen visibility may be challenging in bright conditions
• Not built for intense physical resilience

The Important Specs

• Battery Life: Up to 24 hours in GPS mode
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+
• Gps Technology: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo satellite support
• Screen Display: 128 x 128 pixels resolution
• Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters

Review Roundup

If you’re on a budget and looking for a versatile hiking watch that always delivers, your search might just end with the Garmin Forerunner 255. This small but mighty watch nails just about all the nuts and bolts of essentials you’d need in a hiking companion on your wrist.

Designed to be robust yet lightweight, this watch doesn't burden your wrist on those long treks but also promises to withstand all the ruggedness of the trail. Users particularly praise its comfortable fit and hardly notice it's there during their hikes.

As for GPS, the Forerunner 255 doesn't disappoint. Its accurate tracking feature is spot-on with hiking trails and paths, and users rave about its effective tracking of distances and speed. Certainly, it’s easy to know where you’re heading with this nifty device. Yet, some users have noted that the satellite connection can occasionally be a little slow, especially in dense forest areas or cloudy conditions.

One standout feature users love is the battery life. Most users report that even in full GPS mode, they get a good 15 hours of usage, allowing for day-long hikes without the worry of the watch dying on you. Naturally, battery life extends significantly in basic watch mode.

The Forerunner 255’s heart rate monitor is something owners applaud. It's generally accurate and gives insights into your health and fitness levels during hikes. However, those seeking professional sports training data may find it slightly lacking in precision at high-intensity workouts.

A big win for hikers is how user-friendly this watch is. Setting up and navigating through the features is pretty straightforward. Your mom, your granddad, or your tech-averse buddy wouldn’t have a hard time figuring their way around it. That said, some users find the screen size a tad small, which occasionally makes readouts difficult in bright sunlight.

As for added features, this budget watch manages to pack in a few impressive ones. This includes smart notifications to keep you connected, built-in sports apps for the multisport enthusiast, and even a safety feature that sends your location to contacts if you’re in distress. Note, though, these are relatively basic and not as advanced as high-end models.

In terms of durability, it seems like the watch can handle not just the trail's roughness but also time's test. Users have reported their Forerunner 255 working flawlessly even after years of regular use.

Finally, the style quotient is admittedly subjective, but simple functionality seems to be the main theme. Users report it is quite minimalistic and unobtrusive, with no flashy aesthetics. So, if you are someone focusing more on function than form, you’d probably enjoy this watch.

Reasons to Buy

• Phenomenal battery life
• Excellent GPS accuracy
• Dependable durability
• Water resistance up to 100 meters
• Bright, easy-to-view display
• Comprehensive sport tracking features

Reasons to Avoid

• User interface can be complicated for beginners
• Higher price point

The Important Specs

• Display: 1.4" Sapphire Glass touchscreen, 280 x 280 pixels
• Battery Life: Up to 140 hours in full GPS mode
• Sports Modes: 20+ pre-installed
• Water Resistance: 100 meters
• Satellite Systems: GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU, GALILEO, QZSS

Review Roundup

The Coros Vertix 2 is an impressive piece of gear, jam-packed with features that would make any hiker's heart flutter. Built to be sturdy and highly durable, there's no overlooking its rugged aesthetic that simply screams outdoor adventure.

But what really sets it apart in the hiking world is its strikingly long battery life. Serious hikers and backpackers will agree, there's nothing quite as reassuring as setting off on a journey knowing that your gear won't give out on you. With the Vertix 2, Coros has taken this to the next level. You can say adios to battery anxieties as this model can last up to 60 hours in full GPS mode and an unbelievable 140 hours in ultra-max mode, making it a real champion in the max battery life department.

Of course, battery life wouldn't count for much if the watch didn't have the features to match. Thankfully, the Coros Vertix 2 does not disappoint. It offers detailed tracking for over 20 sports modes, including hiking, biking, swimming, and even climbing, giving you massive flexibility whatever your outdoor activity. And for those into altitude mountaineering, it's got an integrated SpO2 sensor and it can work flawlessly in extreme temperature as low as -4ºF.

GPS accuracy is top-notch, backed up by dual satellite systems for more accurate tracking. I mean, who really wants to get lost in the middle of nowhere? So, whether you're in a dense forest or out on the open trail, you can rely on the Vertix 2 for the right directions.

Many users have highlighted its sleek and user-friendly interface which is pretty straightforward. You can easily set up navigation routes and have real-time information at a glance. Another impressive feature is the ability to receive and even respond to messages without reaching for your phone, a handy plus in challenging outdoor conditions.

However, despite its notable qualities, it comes with a pretty steep price tag. Some might argue that with the deep functionalities and exceptional battery life, the cost might be justified. But for the average hiker, this hefty investment could be a slight turn-off.

Some users have reported minor nitpicks like occasional delays in syncing data, but this does not detract from the overall functionality and performance of the watch. The good thing is that Coros seems keen on continuously improving the software through updates, which is quite commendable.

The Coros Vertix 2, with its impressive battery life and multifunctional capabilities, is undoubtedly a leading contender among outdoor adventure watches. It has its few downsides, like the price and minor sync issues, but for those who require advanced features and long-lasting battery for their outdoor pursuits, this watch is still a solid choice.