There are few activities more rewarding and rejuvenating than a hike. Getting far away from busy cities and crowded neighborhoods for a little peace within nature is one of my favorite escapes. It’s even better when I can get somewhere that phone signals don’t reach and I can leave almost all my technology behind, everything except for my watch!
When I’m hiking, my watch is an invaluable tool, offering me information on my location and the shifting meteorological patterns. The great thing about a hiking watch is, while they include advanced features from topographical maps, to weather and many don’t require internet connectivity. That means I can actually disconnect for a few hours on my hikes.
The number of quality hiking watches on the market has grown in recent years and the buying decision can be daunting to a first-time buyer. The most recent models have so many new features it can be hard to decide. For this list of top hiking watches, we’ve included everything from full-featured GPS solar-powered smartwatches to more budget-friendly rugged watches.
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Best Hiking Watches
Garmin, Casio, and Suunto are all well-established watchmakers in their own right, though, of course, Casio is by far the brand with the most name recognition worldwide. What each of these brands has in common is that they all know sports watches. A watch for a sports or hiking aficionado needs to be durable, comfortable, and functional.
Keep reading as we look at each company and three of their best-hiking watches, plus one watch by a lesser-known company that is deservedly getting some attention. Any one of these 10 watches would be a great companion on your next hike.
We’ll start with one of the most impressive brands, Garmin.
Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar – Top Pick
Garmin is a market leader when it comes to multi-functional smartwatches and the “Fenix” line of watches has been our go-to hiking watch for years.
In 2020 Garmin upped the ante with their new Solar-powered line of watches, including the more recent reiteration of the Fenix, the new Fenix 6X Pro Solar.
The premium Multisport GPS Watch comes equipped with solar-powered technology. Depending on the battery mode and ambient light can give you up to 80 days of power reserve making it a perfect companion outdoors.
Battery life on long hikes can be a deal-breaker so this is really where the new Garmin line excels but when it comes to features the Fenix 6X Pro Solar will be able to deliver in spades.
Preloaded topographical maps and trails, total ascent/descent and vertical speed are just a few of the features that make this a great companion for any serious hiker or trail runner. The navigational system used here also comes with a barometer, altimeter, gyroscope, and 3-axis compass and its GPS that utilizes GLONASS, Galileo, and GPS satellites.
Additional features also improve overall convenience, such as the Garmin Pay support, allowing users to utilize contactless payment. The Fenix 6X also hits the mark regarding its multimedia features as it is compatible with popular music streaming services.
If you find the Fenix 6X Pro’s price too steep, we recommend checking out the previous model that we had recommended as our top pick until recently, the Fenix 5X Plus. The Fenix 5X comes with base similar features but with less memory and a bulkier build and lacks the solar battery.
Casio G-Shock GW9400-1
The G-Shock line launched in the 80s, and while they came out of the gate in impressive fashion, the line hasn’t been resting on their laurels. Recently, G-Shock released the Master Of G Series, a line of watches designed specifically with the various branches of the military in mind. These watches combine typical G-Shock durability with great tech for anyone out in the elements.
One of the best examples is the Rangeman GW-9400 Solar Watch. This particular watch is part of the “land” military-style watches (along with the Mudmaster line). While it isn’t technically billed as a “sports” watch, the GW-9400 would be a valuable accessory on any hike.
This is an atomic watch, which means it uses radio signals to calibrate the time by atomic clocks, making this the most accurate watch you will ever own. On top of that, the watch uses a solar-powered battery that doesn’t need to be recharged for seven months and will last the lifetime of the watch. Considering that this watch uses G-Shock’s proprietary “floating module” and other shock-resistance technologies makes this a long-lasting watch.
For the hiker, the functions that will be most exciting are the altimeter, digital compass, barometer, and thermometer. Other useful features include a stopwatch and a case that’s mud-resistant as well as water-resistant up to 200 meters. It can display the time for 31 different time zones and has sunrise/sunset data. It’s a watch designed for the toughest terrains, so it will have no trouble keeping up with your hiking routine.
This is a great digital watch, but what hikers will miss most is the GPS. There aren’t any maps or ways to indicate exactly where you are. That might not be a big factor if you’re someone who mostly stays to familiar trails, but it could be sorely lacking for anyone that likes to explore. Read more about the on GW9400-1 Casio.com
Casio Men’s Pathfinder Triple Sensor
If the Rangeman line is a little too intense for your tastes, Casio offers much of the same features in their non-G-Shock timepiece, the Pathfinder Triple Sensor Multi-Function Sports Watch (read reviews on Amazon).
Like the GW-9400, this is a solar-powered watch that can go months without a charge. It also has a power-saving setting to help prolong the battery as long as possible.
It includes many of the same hiker-friendly features as the GW-9400, including an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and digital compass. It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters (instead of 200), so, again, it could be worn in a swim but shouldn’t be taken for any deep dives.
Other familiar features include world clocks, a stopwatch, daily alarms, and a calendar. It’s a stainless steel watch with a resin band, so the Pathfinder is considerably tough, albeit not as durable as a G-Shock. For most hikes and outdoor activities, though, this watch will be plenty strong to handle what you’ll be throwing at it.
Once again, the biggest drawback to the Pathfinder is its lack of GPS and map functions. Of course, these Casio watches also tend to retail for considerably less than the Garmin, so you’re getting what you pay for. In the case of the Pathfinder, that’s a strong, well-equipped solar watch. Read more about the on PAG240-1 Casio.com
Suunto Spartan Sports Wrist HR
One watch that definitely gives Garmin’s Fenix line a run for its money is the Suunto Spartan Sports Wrist HR (check its availability on Amazon). This GPS-enabled smartwatch has a touchscreen, is water-resistant up to 100 meters, and uses a battery that will last up to 12 hours in “training mode” (i.e., while using GPS trackers).
More than just a hiking watch, this is an all-around sports watch that has different trackers for running, swimming, and cycling. First and foremost, it tracks heart rate, steps taken, calorie consumption, pace, distance, altitude, and speed on land and in water. This is a watch for serious sports enthusiasts who are looking to improve their performance and better understand how their bodies are behaving, even while sleeping.
Other features include route maps guided by GPS, a digital compass, sunrise/sunset data, and Bluetooth. The touchscreen functionality is the main feature that sets this windswept, black watch apart from the Garmin Fenix 5. It’s a very durable watch, with scratch-resistant crystal for the face and a stainless steel bezel. It doesn’t quite achieve the G-Shock level of durability, but for your typical active needs, the Suunto Spartan will be more than strong enough. See full specs of this watch on Suunto’s website.
Polar Grit X GPS Watch
This modern watch is designed to tackle the great outdoors. The overall durable build and multi-functional of the Polar Grit X also meet the U.S. military standard 810G proving highly resistant to impacts, temperature drops, and moisture.
When it comes to features it includes an altimeter, barometer, and compass along with a built-in GPS with 100-hour battery life!
The Polar Grit X also automatically detects elevations, allowing you to track data such as speed, distance, and altitude during your hikes.
Additionally, this watch also features a weather forecast making it handy for those who love camping for multiple days or planning longer through hikes. The Grit X comes with Polar’s new “Hill Splitter” features that automatically counts your hill repeats as well as turn-by-turn route instructions when paired with Komoot.
Casio PRG-300 Pro Trek
From the Pathfinder, we travel over to Casio’s Pro Trek line of watches, specifically the Men’s PRG-300-1A2CR Pro-Trek.
This watch doesn’t set itself apart from the Pathfinder in any major way, and that’s kind of the point. Casio does a certain kind of sports watch very well, and they offer it in a variety of styles and looks.
This solar-powered, digital watch essentially mirrors the Pathfinder in hiking features (altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and digital compass) and other general accouterments (stopwatch and countdown timer). It’s also water-resistant up to 100 meters and has an incredibly long-lasting battery.
There’s nothing in this watch that really sets it apart from the Pathfinder, and it doesn’t have all the functionality of the GW-9400. It also doesn’t have GPS. Yet, for those admitted shortcomings, this is still a great watch that you can pick up for less than $300 and that won’t let you down when you’re on the trails.
There is a more rugged Pro Trek model that made our list of best titanium watches that you may also want to consider.
Casio has been putting out these types of reliable, durable watches for so long that it’s just kind of assumed that their timepieces will do the job. They’re not always the prettiest of watches (I prefer the sleeker design of the Garmin watches), but they definitely have a distinct design. Read more about the on PRG300-1A2 Casio.com
Suunto 9 Baro
For a slightly stronger watch with a longer training mode battery life (up to 25 hours), check out the Suunto 9 Baro. It retails for slightly more than the Spartan (see price on Amazon), which places it at the higher end of the Suunto line. For that extra green, you get a highly accurate fitness and activity tracker.
This GPS watch has an altimeter and barometer with a storm tracker and air pressure alert. Like the Spartan, this is a multi-sport smartwatch with a touchscreen that can operate in multiple modes, depending on which activity you’re doing. The Baro is equipped with the most advanced and accurate tracking software that Suunto has to offer.
Furthermore, the Baro is specifically designed to be extra tough for the most arduous training, so this is a timepiece that would best serve someone who is training for a triathlon or some other equally strenuous activity. Of course, if you just want it for hikes, it can definitely handle it, but in its price range.
Here’s a closer look at the 9 Baro by DC Rainmaker on Youtube:
See full specs of this watch on Suunto’s website.
Suunto Core
If the Baro and Spartan seem a bit overstuffed for your needs, I would go with the Suunto Core.
In addition to being more affordable (check Amazon price here), the Core keeps things relatively simple. It foregoes health trackers and all the other features that make for helpful training partners and just gives you what you need for a good hike.
Those features include a compass, altimeter, barometer, and sunrise/sunset tracker. These are basic features that will take the guesswork out of any hike or climb and can be invaluable in new terrain. It even has a weather alert function, as well as other common watch features like a stopwatch, countdown timer, and alarms.
What this watch lacks are GPS and a long-lasting solar battery. For that reason, it might not be the ideal watch for taking on a hike into the unknown, but for most casual hikers (myself included), the Core is more than enough.
Suunto also makes the Traverse and the Ambit3 Peak, both great watches. The Traverse is specifically designed for hunting and fishing, while the Ambit3 Peak is a climbing watch. Still, if you like those activities, either one could double as a hiking watch. See full specs of the Core on Suunto’s website.
Garmin Instinct Solar-Powered Rugged Hiking Smartwatch
The Garmin Instinct Solar is another option in the new Garmin solar line-up if you’re looking for paired-down functionality at a more affordable option than the flagship Fenix 6 reviewed above. The Gamin Instinct deliveres old-school rugged construction along with some advanced features to deliver one of the most well-rounded hiking watches to date.
The Garmin Instinct comes with the essential altimeter, barometer, and compass feature, which will assist greatly during hikes and camping trips.
Multiple GPS modes provide an accurate location at all times. In addition, the build of the Garmin Instinct meets the U.S. military standard 810G, which makes it shock and thermal resistant.
As for battery life, this timepiece can last up to 14 days straight with a single full charge, and this is with the GPS turned on.
Buyers Guide To Hiking Watches:
The most necessary features for a hiking watch
Having now looked at 10 of the best sports watches on the market, I’m sure a pattern has started to come into focus. These watches generally have a specific assortment of features that are absolute must-haves for any hikers or outdoorsy types. Let’s take a closer look at some of those features and why they’re so important.
GPS
GPS tracking is fairly vital for anyone who likes to get off the beaten path. A GPS (Global Positioning System) uses satellites to provide real-time positioning data. Understandably, there are people who would prefer not to have a satellite tracking them when they’re on a hike, so hopefully, they have a good sense of direction and a reliable Casio. Otherwise, the Garmin watches, as well as most of the Suunto and the TomTom, come equipped with this feature.
Compass, Altimeter, Barometer
These three features almost always come as a package deal, largely because they function together. A compass provides direction, an altimeter measures altitude (distance above sea level), and the barometer measures atmospheric pressure. Together, these tools help a hiker know where they are precisely and what kind of conditions they can expect. Even more than GPS, these tools are absolute necessities for a hiker, and they don’t require satellite connectivity.
ABC features have become standard issues on high-end watches for skiing, snowboarding, and other adventurous mountain sports where altitude, direction, and weather are major safety concerns.
Thermometer
Less of a necessity than a perk, a thermometer allows a hiker to keep track of temperature changes. This is especially helpful if you will be making a climb during your hike or if you plan on staying out overnight when knowing the temperature can help you make sufficient arrangements. Not every hiking watch will have a thermometer, but it’s nice when one is included.
Health and activity trackers
Here is where we get into the truly optional features. Smartwatches have helped make health and activity trackers popular. Even non-active people have turned to watches to track their daily steps and calorie consumption. If you’re a long-distance hiker or in the midst of training, trackers of these sorts (heart rate, steps, speed, sleep) can be great for helping you progress. For casual hikers, though, they’re probably superfluous. Still, they can be nice to have.
Solar-powered battery
The problem with a lot of the feature-heavy sports watches is that GPS and health trackers tend to use up battery power very quickly. That’s not a concern if you’re only out for a few hours, but if you plan on spending considerable time outside, solar-powered watches offer a handy solution. Additionally, it’s just better for the environment to utilize solar energy, and if there’s something a hiker should appreciate, it’s anything that pleases Mother Nature.
The best hiking watches, like the 10 we’ve looked at above, will combine most if not all of these features into a timepiece that is so much more than an accessory; it’s more like a companion.
Brands
Garmin 
I have to admire what Garmin does with their sports watches. They’re a brand that really seems to get that simplicity of design doesn’t have to mean a lack of features. Take for instance the Fenix line of watches, which manages to pack a whole lot of functionality into sleek, ergonomically designed timepieces.
Casio Pro-Trek
For the last few decades, one of the most innovative companies in watchmaking has been Casio. Besides being one of the big names behind the rising dominance of digital watches in the 1980s, Casio is the brand behind the G-Shock line of nearly indestructible watches.
Suunto
Finnish watchmaker, Suunto, doesn’t have the name recognition of Casio, nor have they quite achieved Garmin’s reputation, but this company, which has been around for over 80 years, knows their trade. They have a wide selection of sports watch lines, all with their own unique pluses and styles.
Almost anyone of their watches would be a good companion on a long hike, but I’m going to focus on three of their best.
Polar
Polar Electro Oy (globally known as Polar) was founded in 1977. In 1982, Polar introduced the Sport Tester PE 2000, the world’s first portable wireless heart rate monitor. And in 1986, they released the first heart rate analysis software.
Polar is one of the most respected brands when it comes to fitness trackers and GPS smartwatches. Polar also introduced the first device with an OHR sensor in 2015; this device is called the Polar A360. In 2016, the Polar M600 was released; this is their first sport-optimized smartwatch
