Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for the best way to navigate and keep track of essential hiking data? If so, worry because GPS watches for hiking are here to enhance your experience. These watches help you do away with carrying notepads, maps, and old-school compasses, thus making you hiking life easier and more fun.
Also, the GPS watches are designed with advanced technology that helps in your hiking trials with a GPS, barometer, compass, and other amazing features. With these GPS watches, you’ll be able to know your hiking speed, a number of burnt calories and the distance traveled.
The watches are built to handle various elements, so you can never go wrong when using these GPS watches. Besides, they have advanced and contemporary designs that allow them to be used by hikers, travelers, and other outdoor lovers. Since there are many on the market, below is a list of the best GPS watches for hiking in 2020.
List of the Best GPS Watch for Hiking in Reviews
01. Garmin Forerunner 35, Easy-to-Use GPS Running Watch
With this Garmin Forerunner GPS watch, you’ll be able to quickly track how fast and how far you have traveled even when under a tree cover. It also monitors your heart rate all day and no additional strap is required. The watch has a great display that is display type.
The watch comes with a vibration alert that notifies you of running prompts and also helps track your milestones. Its strap is made of silicone material that is durable and safe. The strap doesn’t break easily.
The Garmin Forerunner GPS watch also helps you track your calories, pace, and other important aspects. It’s designed with elevated wrist heart rate technology perfectly to monitor your heart rate minus chest strap. This watch is compatible with smartphones thus you can connect it to your phone.
Features:
- Live tracking & music controls
- Monitors heart rate
- Track distance, calories, & pace
- Has run/walk mode
02. Garmin Forerunner 235, GPS Running Watch, Black/Red
The Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS watch is designed with the most recent technology. It has tracking features audio prompts; smart notifications and automatic updates that help you monitor your hiking. This watch is well-customized to perfectly fit on your wrist.
It has a 24/7 heart rate sensor that ensures that you don’t overwork yourself during hiking. This GPS watch is known for having high tracking accuracy. It will never give the wrong information. The watch has a large display screen that allows you to easily take the readings.
The Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS watch has a longer life battery that can last for 9 days when in watch mode. It also allows you to receive prompts from your smartphone. With this watch, you’ll be able to see all your incoming calls, texts, emails, and calendar reminders.
Features:
- Smart Notifications
- VO2 Max Estimate
- Larger screen
- Audio prompts
03. Garmin Instinct GPS watch
If you’re looking for a more durable GPS watch, buy this Garmin Instinct GPS watch and all your needs will be met. It has a rugged construction that allows it to withstand all types of environmental conditions.
This watch is built with a 3-axis compass, a barometer, and several global navigation systems. All these features help in keeping track when in harsh environmental conditions. It also helps monitor your heart rate, stress, and activity.
The strap of this Garmin Instinct GPS watch is made with silicone material that is skin-friendly and durable. You can wear it the whole day without feeling uncomfortable. With this watch, you can also navigate the route as it guides you as you move. It has a long-lasting battery that lasts for up to 14 days when in smartwatch mode.
Features:
- Built-in 3-axis compass
- Barometric altimeter
- Constructed to U.S. military standard 810G
- Rugged GPS watch construction
- Long-lasting battery
04. Garmin 010-01863-00 Forerunner 645, GPS Running Watch
The Garmin 010-01863-00 is one of the most advanced GPS watches today. It provides you with a contactless payment solution that allows you to pay using it. This watch support cards from specific banks. It gives you a chance to leave your card and cash at home as you go hiking.
With this GPS watch, you’ll be able to get various running dynamics such as stride length, time balance, and vertical ratio. It can be connected via WiFi, ANT+, and Bluetooth. The watch provides you various monitoring features that allow you to keep track of how you’re doing.
This Garmin 010-01863-00 GPS watch comes with a high-quality battery that can last for 7 days when on smartwatch mode. With its Forerunner 645, you’ll be able to put up an amazing show each time you’re you tire up your shoelace.
Features:
- Reliable 5-button interface
- Housed chemically strengthened glass
- Compatible with smartphone
- Takes Biomechanical measurements
05. SUUNTO Ambit3 Peak HR Running GPS Unit
The SUUNTO Ambit3 Peak GPS watch has been on the market for and it’s loved by many due to its outstanding battery life. With its battery, you’ll be assured of getting 20 hours when on low power mode. It has a large display that allows you to easily take your readings.
It has a rugged design that allows it to be used in all types of weather conditions. The watch is very effective as it has amazing monitoring features that give accurate readings. Its water resistance thus won’t be spoilt even when used in rainy conditions.
This SUUNTO Ambit3 Peak is among the few accurate GPS watches you’ll get. Its casing is made of polyamide material that is durable and skin-friendly thus you won’t feel uncomfortable wearing it. The watch can be connected to your smartphone thus updates you of the incoming texts, emails, and calls.
Features:
- 30-hour battery
- Multiple sports in one log
- Bluetooth Smart
- Moves count training programs
06. Garmin fēnix 5s, Multisport GPS Smartwatch,
The Garmin fēnix 5s is a premium GPS watch that is designed with a good heart rate technology that helps in monitoring your heart rate. Its rugged design makes it suitable for all types of adventure. This watch comes with a rear case, buttons, and stainless steel bezel that make it very easy to use.
With this watch allows you to keep track of your important statistics? You’ll be able to monitor your whole hiking process. It has a compact design that enables you to wear it the whole day without feeling tired or uncomfortable.
This Garmin fēnix 5s has elegant rounded edges with no exposed seams that make it comfortable to wear the whole day. It’s able to store up to 20 hours of your heart rate as you swim or hike. The watch will also provide you with feedback on your running by measuring your ground contact, vertical oscillation, and cadence.
Features:
- Rugged design
- Outdoor sensors
- Compact and comfortable
- Advanced heart rate features
07. Apple Watch Series 5, 44mm
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If you’re on a limited budget, yet you still want a quality GPS watch, don’t look beyond the Apple Watch Series 5. The model is made from a reputable brand, so you can expect nothing short of impressive performance. With the always-on display, you can check your watch while typing, driving, or watching TV.
Apart from that, it features an ergonomic design, which means you can wear it for an extended period without feeling any form of discomfort. It weighs just 36 grams, thus making it a lightweight option to wear.
It also features a stylish design that will appeal to most outdoor enthusiasts. The 44mm case size will fit most wrists without any complications. Therefore, if you want a well-performing watch without spending a fortune, this is the real deal.
Features:
- Stylish design
- Useful always-on display
- Comprehensive fitness features
- 44mm case size
- Lightweight design
08. Coros Apex Premium Multisport GPS Watch
If you’re looking for a durable GPS watch, then consider the Coros Apex Premium Multisport GPS Watch. This model features a titanium alloy bezel for long-term use. It comes with the tract navigation function that will allow the user to import routes and guide your movement. There’s also a digital knob that that helps you to navigate the screens.
This is a versatile GPS watch that can be sued by both men and women. It comes in two size options: 46mm and 42mm for men and women respectively. With multiple band options, you have the freedom of picking a unit that suits your style.
This watch boasts of industry-leading distance tracking through BDS, GPS, and GLONASS. Also, it’s built for longevity. With the UltraMax setting, this watch can run for 100 hours, thus making it one of the most reliable GPS watch for hiking today.
Features:
- Digital knob
- Various watch strap
- Pre-load breadcrumb trail
- UltraMax setting
- In-built Wrist-based heart rate monitor
09. Garmin Tactix Charlie, Premium GPS Watch
The Garmin Tactix Charlie GPS watch is another excellent choice for people that like spending time outdoors. This model boasts of a 1.2-inch high-resolution display that shows critical data. It combines smart features and tactical functions for seamless outdoor navigation.
Also, it features a rugged design that consists of stainless steel buttons, a black titanium cover, and carbon-coated titanium bezel. The bezel is resistant to corrosion and abrasion, thus making it a reliable and durable watch.
The watch comes with in-built navigation sensors like GLONASS and GPS for enhanced functionality. Besides, the battery life is impressive as well, and it can offer up to 12-days service in the smartwatch mode. Overall, this is an excellent watch that will give you value for money.
Features:
- In-built navigation sensors
- Routable color TOPO maps
- Black titanium rear cover
- DLC coated bezel
10. GOKOO Smart Watch for Men
If you want ultimate functionality, consider the GOKOO Smart Watch for Men. This watch will give you accurate data as you go about with your outdoor activities. With the IP67 waterproof rating, this model will still serve you even in extreme weather conditions.
As for the construction, it features Gorilla Glass 4 and 316L stainless steel for durability. The anti-corrosive body further enhances its functionality. You can, therefore, rely on this watch to offer optimal performance for long.
With the in-built Maxell CR2450 610mAh Button Cell, this watch can work for up to 6 months without recharging. The watch is visible even in low-light conditions, thus making it a perfect choice for use at night. Also, it’s a versatile unit that you can use for mountaineering, running, hiking, as well as camping.
Features:
- Compatibility with Android and iOS
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Anti-corrosive design
- Reinforced glass screen
- Quality construction
Conclusion
GPS hiking watches are essential accessories for any outdoor enthusiast. These watches are built to withstand different weather elements while still offering outstanding performance. If you’ve been looking for the best models, then you can trust the above review to give your excellent choices.
All the highlighted models are durable, effective, and come with several amazing features to give you unmatched performance. Therefore, whenever you think about buying a GPS watch for hiking, don’t hesitate to purchase any of these models.
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