Ultimate Guide: The 13 Best Hiking Watches of 2024
Attempting to find the best hiking watches of 2024 isn’t easy. But once you find the best GPS watch for hiking to bring on your adventures, you can sit back and set your sights on what trails to tackle and destinations to conquer.
While most of these are designed for backpacking and hiking, you can still find the best GPS running watches here too, as they will also support your training efforts.
Best Hiking Watches and GPS Watches of 2024
Let’s dive into all of the best hiking watches of 2024 and find you a great partner for the outdoors!
Common Questions about GPS and Best Hiking Watches
Is it worth getting GPS on my watch?
Most definitely. Having a GPS on my hiking watch helps me keep track of distance and time, and the trim trail map shows my route and if I’m on track heading back to the trailhead. For any serious hiker, you need one.
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How accurate are these best hiking watches?
This is a trick question because all GPS is slightly off. However, if I’m not hiking in canyons with big walls, I find my watch pretty on the money. Unfortunately, on a past look, my distance was off by 10 miles because I was walking in the Grand Cayon, and the satellite couldn’t pick up my watch.
Thankfully, most of my hiking isn’t done 5,000 feet below the rim.
Which is the best Garmin watch for hiking?
The Garmin tactix 7 Pro GPS Watch would be my choice if money isn’t an object. This thing has everything you want in the best hiking watches of 2024. Furthermore, recharging capabilities could theoretically last you a year in battery-saver mode. That is CRAZY!
Plus, it comes with tons of other features that are truly incredible.
What is the best bang for my buck GPS watch?
I genuinely think the Garmin Fenix 7s is the best hiking watch for the price. Yes, you can get a more excellent, glamorous look that might last longer due to solar, but this one checks all my boxes. I’ve had it for 1.5 years, and it’s still as top-notch as the day I got it.
The 13 best hiking watches of 2024
Suunto 9 Baro ($299.00)
The Suunto 9 Baro is a GPS watch perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking durability and water resistance. It boasts advanced GPS features like multi-GNSS support, heart rate monitoring, and a barometric altimeter. Its long-lasting battery and sturdy design make it the perfect companion for extended outdoor excursions.
Additionally, its training features make it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and one of the best budget hiking watches on the market.
Features:
- Advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support and barometric altimeter for accurate elevation data
- Long battery life of up to 120 hours in GPS mode, making it an ideal choice for extended outdoor adventures
- Rugged and water-resistant design, with a stainless steel bezel and sapphire crystal glass for added durability
Reasons to buy:
- Advanced GPS features make it an accurate and reliable choice for outdoor activities like hiking and mountaineering
- Long battery saver mode ensures that the watch won’t die in the middle of an extended outdoor adventure
- Rugged design means that the watch can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor activities, making it a reliable choice for those who want a look that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Garmin Tactix 7 Pro GPS Watch ($1,300)
The Garmin Tactix 7 Pro GPS Watch is a rugged, tactical-focused watch that offers advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support and ABC sensors. It also has a pulse oximeter, VO2 max estimator, and various tactical features like night vision mode and a kill switch. In addition, the watch is known for its military-grade durability, stealth mode, and compatibility with the inReach satellite.
Features:
- Solar charging and multi-GNSS support
- Pulse oximeter and VO2 max estimator
- Military-grade durability and stealth mode
- Compatibility with inReach satellite communicators
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for military or tactical operations
- Offers advanced GPS features and ABC sensors
- Known for its rugged construction and comprehensive training features
Related: The best hiking gadgets of 2024
Garmin Enduro 2 ($1,100)
The Garmin Enduro 2 is a lightweight hiking watch with advanced GPS features, including solar charging and multi-GNSS support. It also has a heart rate monitor, VO2 max estimator, and various battery-saving features that can extend the battery life up to 550 days with solar. As one of the best hiking watches, it’s known for its long battery life, lightweight design, and comprehensive training features.
Features:
- Lightweight design and solar charging
- Advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support
- Heart rate monitor, VO2 max estimator, and battery-saving features
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for long-distance hiking or endurance sports
- It offers advanced GPS features and long battery life
- Known for its lightweight design and comprehensive training features
Garmin Fenix 7x Sapphire Solar GPS ($1,000)
The Garmin Fenix 7x Sapphire Solar GPS is a high-end hiking watch with advanced GPS features, including solar charging and multi-GNSS support. It also has a heart rate monitor, ABC sensors, and various intelligent features, such as contactless payments and music storage. In addition, the watch is known for its luxurious design, comprehensive training features, and solar-powered battery life.
Features:
- Solar charging and multi-GNSS support
- Heart rate monitor, ABC sensors, and intelligent features
- Luxurious design and rugged construction
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want a premium hiking watch
- Offers the best GPS hiking watch features and intelligent features, such as contactless payments
- Known for its luxurious design and comprehensive training features
Garmin fenix 7 Multisport GPS Watch ($700.00)
The Garmin Fenix 7 Multisport GPS Watch is a versatile hiking watch that offers advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support and ABC sensors. It also has a heart rate monitor, VO2 max estimator, and various smart features, such as contactless payments and music storage.
In addition, the watch is known for its rugged design, versatile activity tracking, and comprehensive training features. Easily one of the best GPS watches on the market.
*Authors Note: I own this one, and it’s definitely one of the best hiking watches. It does everything I need and has 11 days of battery life at a full charge. It can easily last me 3-4 days in the backcountry in GPS mode.*
Features:
- Advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support
- Heart rate monitor, VO2 max estimator, and smart features
- Rugged design and versatile activity tracking
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who participate in a variety of sports
- Offers advanced GPS features and smart features, such as contactless payments
- Known for its versatile activity tracking and comprehensive training features
Casio G-Shock Carbon Mudmaster ($380.99)
The Casio G-Shock Carbon Mudmaster is a rugged hiking watch with advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support and ABC sensors. It also has a heart rate monitor, thermometer, and various rugged features, such as mud-resistant buttons and carbon fiber construction. The watch is known for its durability, sound design, and comprehensive sensor suite.
Features:
- Advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support and ABC sensors
- Heart rate monitor, thermometer, and mud-resistant buttons
- Rugged construction with carbon fiber and stainless steel
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want a durable, rugged hiking watch
- It offers advanced GPS features and a variety of sensors
- Known for its mud-resistant buttons and carbon fiber construction
Coros Vertix 2 ($699.99)
The Coros Vertix 2 is a high-end hiking watch with advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support and ABC sensors. It also has a heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, and a variety of smart features, such as contactless payments and music storage. In addition, the watch is known for its luxurious design, comprehensive training features, and rugged construction.
Features:
- Advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support and ABC sensors
- Heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, and smart features
- Luxurious design and rugged construction
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want a premium hiking watch
- Offers advanced GPS features and smart features, such as music storage
- Known for its luxurious design and comprehensive training features
Suunto 9 Peak Pro ($549.00)
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is a lightweight hiking watch with advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support and ABC sensors. It also has a heart rate monitor, altitude graph, and various innovative features like weather forecasts and smartphone notifications. In addition, the watch is known for its titanium construction, long battery life, and comprehensive training features.
Features:
- Advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support and ABC sensors, making it one of the best hiking watches
- Heart rate monitor, altitude graph, and weather forecasts
- Lightweight titanium construction and long battery life
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want a lightweight, durable hiking watch
- It offers advanced GPS features and a variety of sensors
- Known for its long battery life and comprehensive training features
Garmin Forerunner 945 ($599.99)
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is an advanced GPS watch designed for runners and triathletes. It offers advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support, heart rate monitoring, and smart features like contactless payments. In addition, its lightweight design and long battery life make it an ideal choice for long training sessions and races.
Features:
- Advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support
- Heart rate monitor, VO2 max estimator, and smart features
- Lightweight design and long battery life
- One of the best GPS watches
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for runners and triathletes who want a lightweight, advanced GPS watch
- Offers advanced training features and smart features, such as contactless payments
- Known for its long battery life and comprehensive training features
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch ($349.99)
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch is a rugged, water-resistant GPS watch with a long battery life. It offers advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support, heart rate monitoring, and smart features like music storage.
In addition, its solar charging capabilities make it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay powered for long hikes. For the price, it’s definitely one of the best hiking watches to consider buying.
Features:
- Solar charging and multi-GNSS support
- Heart rate monitor, ABC sensors, and smart features
- Rugged construction and water-resistant up to 100 meters
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want a durable, affordable GPS watch
- Offers advanced GPS features and smart features, such as music storage
- Known for its rugged construction and water-resistant design
Apple Watch Series 8 (starting at $329.00)
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a stylish, advanced smartwatch with GPS capabilities designed for hikers. It offers advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support, heart rate monitoring, and ECG.
In addition, its sleek design and integration with iPhone apps make it an ideal choice for Apple users who want a smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with their digital life. It’s easily one of the best hiking watches with how it connects to your iPhone.
Features:
- Advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support
- Heart rate monitor, ECG, and smart features
- Stylish design and compatibility with iPhone
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for Apple users who want a modern, advanced smartwatch for hiking
- Offers advanced GPS features and health monitoring features, such as ECG
- Known for its sleek design and integration with iPhone apps
- One of the best GPS watches
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Air Men’s Watch, Stainless Steel ($590.75)
The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Air Men’s Watch is a durable, eco-friendly watch with atomic timekeeping and world time features. It runs on any light source, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious hikers. Its water-resistant design and rugged construction make it a reliable choice for outdoor adventures.
Features:
- Eco-Drive technology that runs on any light source
- Atomic timekeeping and world time
- Water-resistant up to 200 meters
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want an eco-friendly, affordable watch for hiking
- Offers precise atomic timekeeping and world time features
- Known for its water-resistant design and rugged construction
Coros Pace 2 ($199.99)
The Coros Pace 2 is a lightweight GPS watch designed for runners and hikers. It offers advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support, heart rate monitoring, and training modes. Its long battery life and affordable price make it an ideal choice for those who want a reliable, budget-friendly GPS watch for their outdoor adventures. For those looking for a less expensive option in the best hiking watches category, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Features:
- Lightweight design and long battery life
- Advanced GPS features, including multi-GNSS support and ABC sensors
- Heart rate monitor, training modes, and smart features
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for runners and hikers who want an affordable, lightweight GPS watch
- Offers advanced GPS features and training modes
- Known for its long battery life and affordable price
Wrapping Up – Best Hiking Watches of 2024
Hiking watches are essential for outdoor enthusiasts who want to track their progress and stay safe on the trails.
The best hiking watches of 2024 provide a range of features, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, weather alerts, and more. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, investing in a high-quality hiking watch can make all the difference in your adventures.
With so many options available on the market today, we hope this list has helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect fit for your needs.
Thanks for taking the time to read and research the best hiking watches of 2024. See ya on the trails!
Until next time adventurers, take care and be safe.
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