Outdoor Watch
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Outdoor Watch
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These timepieces have the features you need for hiking, biking, snowboarding, and more.
Getting away from the myriad screens we see everyday, from smartphones to computers to e-readers, and spending some quality time in nature is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle, but there’s one essential gadget we recommend taking along for the ride on your next outdoor adventure.
Today’s smartwatches and fitness trackers are filled with features you can’t take advantage of on a typical treadmill runs. Where these t ech gadgets really demonstrate their power is in the great outdoors. Features like a compass, GPS to track your location, and an altimeter to measure elevation take your smart timepiece from being a useful toy to actual survival tool when backpacking, snowboarding, or trail running.
We picked out the 15 best outdoor watches available now—from an affordable adventure watch to the best hunting watch—to meet the needs of every kind of nature activity you have planned. Because getting away from it all and partaking in some exercise outside is one of our favorite ways to recharge, but a little technology can make it that much better.
· Best outdoor watch for: fitness, triathlons · Water resistance depth: 100 meters
Let’s say you’re most commonly enjoyed outdoor activity is running the local track rather than climbing a mountain. In that case, you can get away with purchasing an outdoor watch for under $100. We’d recommend a budget-friendly outdoor watch, like the Timex Ironman 30-Lap, which isn’t a smartwatch, but it gets the job done when it comes to tracking your laps, biking, or running times. You can even take a dip with it.
· Best outdoor watch for: basic fitness, Android users · Water resistance depth: 50 meters
An easy-to-read display and sporty silicone band make the Fossil Sport Smartwatch a good entrée to the world of outdoor fitness watches, especially for Android lovers. For a reasonable price, it provides GPS, 24-plus hour battery life, heart rate and fitness tracking, and smartphone notifications. You’ll get access to Google music through Bluetooth headphones, and you can choose from a myriad of colors to gleefully express yourself. One major call out is the built-in Google Assistant. It’s like having the world of information around your wrist. This one is swim-proof, too.
· Best outdoor watch for: hunting, fishing, all-weather · GPS tracking with automatic shock detection · Water resistance depth: 100 meters
For the avid hunter or fisherman, we like the Suunto Traverse Alpha. Besides boasting two different types of satellite navigation, GPS and GLONASS, it also has specific features that make it the perfect hunting watch, like shot detection and a red backlight for nighttime use. It is extremely durable and shock resistant to thrive in all weather conditions. It operates in temperatures ranging from -5 degrees all the way up to 140 degrees. The location tracking is based on the moon phase calendar that helps you best determine hunting and fishing times.
· Best outdoor watch for: simple climbing, hiking, cross-country running, swimming tracking. · Water resistance depth: 50 meters
You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the most essential features of a good adventure watch. The Timex Ironman GPS is a lightweight, easy-to-use outdoor watch, just under $100 that connects to GPS for real-time pace, speed, and distance stats. This humble time piece is a bit smarter than it looks. In the (what we can now call) retro-looking digital face, it’s actually tracking and uploading your activity data to third party apps like Strava so you can take a deeper dive into your performance when completed. Sure, it doesn’t have bells and whistles like Bluetooth or flashy graphic displays, but that can take away from your experience in nature, right? It’s super easy to use, lightweight and lights up at night. It even has hydration alerts to keep even the simplest guy up to date with technology.
· Best outdoor watch for: extreme rugged activity · Water resistance depth: 200 meters · Mud, shock and water resistant · Altimeter, thermometer, barometer, digital compass
The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster is probably the most rugged outdoor watch on this list, boasting the utmost utility. Take advantage of its altimeter, thermometer, barometer, and digital compass on your next mountain backpacking trip. It comes at a hefty price point, but with a 25-month battery life, it can take you (and save you) on your most extreme adventures.
· Best outdoor watch for: long-distance runners, endurance activities · Water resistance depth: 100 meters · Barometer
There are a lot of smartwatches that track your heart rate right from your wrist these days, so why do we recommend purchasing the Suunto 9 with its heart rate belt accessory? Because removing heart-rate tracking from your wrist frees up a ton of battery life, making the Suunto 9 one of the best outdoor watches for ultra-marathons and long endurance activities, lasting up to 120 continuous hours. If you need a rugged outdoor watch that takes you past mile 26, consider this one. It has 80 different sport modes and is water resistant up to 100 meters. The belt isn’t entirely necessary, as the watch is great on its own, just recommended.
· Best outdoor watch for: hiking, mountain biking · TOPO U.S. mapping · Barometer · Water resistance depth: 100 meters
Over 100,000 topographic maps of the entire United States make Garmin’s Fenix 5 one of the best, most advanced hiking and mountain biking watches we have come across. It has top-notch navigation tools making it a true survival watch that’s ideal for taking on multi-day trips. The battery life gives you 12 days in smartwatch mode and the built-in navigation sensors that detect more difficult trails, bike paths, and elevation. It tracks and stores all activity, so you can review and share it later with the GarminConnect community. It’s also extremely durable with scratch-resistant sapphire and coated stainless steel.
· Best outdoor watch for: extreme winter sports, golfing, climbing. · TOPO mapping · Pulse OX sensor · Heart rate sensor · Water resistance depth: 100 meters
This elegant luxury tool is Garmin’s MARQ Adventurer. It’s a true survival watch that features a ClimbPro ascent planner, allowing you to see elevation gain in real time. It also has a Pulse Ox sensor to monitor heart rate and blood oxygen saturation levels, making it the perfect winter sport companion for skiing, snowboarding, or trekking. Plus, in the style department, the watch’s classic, vintage look feels vaguely Indiana Jones-inspired. Aside from it inspiring you get outside and moving, it has other wellness-focused features like a daily stress score, reparation and hydration tracking. One charge will last up to 12 days, making it ideal for any long adventure.
· Best outdoor watch for: everyday use · Smartwatch capabilities · Blood oxygen sensor · Sleep tracking · Water resistance depth: 50 meters
We don’t have to tell you about the Apple Watch Series 6 (but if you live under a rock, read this ). So, the question remains: is the Apple Watch good for hiking? While it might not be the first tool that comes to mind in your arsenal of outdoor gear, its GPS capabilities, plethora of compatible hiking and outdoors apps, and the fact that it’s totally waterproof makes it’s a great outdoor accessory. It’s a versatile item, appropriate for everyday activities and beyond. And you can switch out the band, from a bracelet or leather version to a durable sport band with a new clasp-free fit. Aside from basically being an iPhone on your wrist that tracks your every move, the latest wellness features include a blood oxygen sensor.
· Best outdoor watch for: swimming, diving, flying, surfing, etc. · Water resistance depth: 1000 meters
By the looks of it, you’d never think this is a sport watch. Breitling is the go-to watchmaker for pilots and divers due to its long history of incorporating advanced navigation tools into its timepieces. If your outdoor sport of choice is diving, surfing, or swimming, this is one of the best waterproof watches to keep up with you. Its design is on the fancier side (and so is the price point), but it’s a keepsake item you’ll likely have forever without fail, even in the deepest waters.
· Best outdoor watch for: any rugged outdoor activity · Water resistance depth: 100 meters · Smartwatch capabilities · Barometer
If you’re looking for an outdoor watch that touches upon just about everything, look no further. This tech-savvy wellness watch features a barometric altimeter, a compass and multiple GPS systems. It brings a whole lot of important features at a really great price point. It’s constructed to the U.S. military standard 810G, which means it’s rugged, shock and thermal resistant. You get 14 days of battery with just one charge, or more if you turn off some GPS features. It’s the perfect marriage of an old-school outdoor barometer timepiece and the latest in smartwatch capabilities. If a one-size-fits-all watch existed, this would be it.
· Best outdoor watch for: overall outdoor fitness, extreme sports. · Water resistance level: 50 meters
As you probably know by now, Suunto is a household name making some of the best outdoor watches on the market. The Suunto 7 GPS Fitness watch features over 70 pre-configured sport modes and a GPS function. Multi-faceted athletes love how versatilely smart it is, when it comes to precise fitness tracking. It does just about everything you would expect a fitness watch to do. Plus, it runs off a Google system, so you if you’re an Android user, it’s even more convenient through Google Fit and Pay. But if not, it allows you to download and sync different apps to track and record your workouts. It’s made with a gorilla glass face and a water- and shock-proof exterior, so there is no worrying of damaging this bad boy.
· Best outdoor watch for: running and convenience. · Smartwatch capabilities · Water resistance level: 50 meters · Altimeter
The Garmin Forerunner 645 has a laundry list of features to make your life more convenient. It’s dubbed as best for people always on the move because of its seamless integration with Garmin pay and offline music streaming services. Also, it can store up to 500 of your favorite songs. You can leave your phone and wallet at home, and still be prepared for whatever activities the day throws at you. This watch monitors your heart rate, performance, and automatically evaluates your current training status. The GPS mapping system and altitude tracking is known for its precision and accuracy, allowing runners to strive for more.
· Best outdoor watch for: basic fitness · Water resistance level: up to 50 meters
The Fitbit Charge 4 is more known as a fitness watch than an outdoor watch, but it’s a great affordable option that actually holds up against the others on this list. It has built-in GPS, so you can view your pace and distance along whatever path you choose to trek upon. It even shows your heart rate along the course. It’s fully equipped with Fitbit Pay and Spotify, along with over 20 built-in workout modes. The battery lasts up to 7 days, making it a perfect companion for adventurous trips.
· Best outdoor watch for: paddle boarding, water skiing, canoeing, sail racing, and other water sports. · Garmin SailAssist · Barometer · Altimeter · Compass
Shocked to see yet another Garmin on this list? We’re not. The brand is a leader in map-based watches and has a model for just about every niche. The Quatix 5 is the best-in-class multi-sport marine watch. It’s more of a computer system than a timepiece, because of its extensive complex features, making it well worth the hefty price point. It’s compatible with Garmin Chartplotters to provide an autopilot control, remote waypoint marking, data streaming, sail racing assistance, and more. Plus, you get a comprehensive tracking system made to monitor strokes, distance, and velocity. Aside from the water category, it monitors sleep, heart rate variability, and has the capacity to precisely track land activities like biking, hiking, and golfing, too.
Best value Outdoor . Watch – Great deals on Outdoor . | 1 on AliExpress
15 Best Outdoor Watches of 2021 for Adventure Enthusiasts
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By Chris Lininger Last Updated January 27, 2021 /
16 Best Outdoor Watches of 2021 • Every Adventurer’s Must-Have Gadget
Quick Answer: These are the Best Outdoor Watches of 2021!
Price > $$ > Smart Device Compatible > Programmable Routes
Price > $$ > Straightforward Interface > Pressure Readings Under Water
Price > $$$ > Long Battery Life > Storm Warnings
Price > $$$ > Accurate Altitude > Covered with a gorilla glass face
Price > $$$ > Heart-rate monitor > 7 days battery life
Price > $$$ > Built-in safety features > Emergency alert
Price > $ > 2 different global navigation systems > Different sized bands
Price > $ > Waterproof up to 100 meters > Illuminated backlight
Price > $$ > Detects pressure changes > Precision accuracy up to 29,500 feet
Price > $$$ > Customizable smartwatch features > 2 separate satellite navigation systems
Price > $$$ > Mud, shock, and water-resistant > LED-lit face with digital and analog readings
BEST HIGH-END OUTDOOR WATCH FOR PROS
Price > $$$$ > Storage capacity for up to 2,000 songs > Waterproof up to 100 meters underwater
The Best Outdoor Watches of 2021: Performance Breakdown
Battery Type -> Lithium Ion Display Size -> 1.2 inches Water Resistant Depth -> 100 Meters Tracks Steps? -> Yes Altimeter -> Pressure Based Gender -> Unisex
Full Featured Easy to Use Interface Durable
Inconsistencies in milage tracking Struggles with satellite communication under tree cover
Battery Type -> User replaceable battery (good up to one year) Display Size -> 1.875 inches Water Resistant Depth -> 30 Meters Tracks Steps? -> No Altimeter -> Pressure Based Gender -> Unisex
Accurate Altitude Long Battery Life Storm Warnings
Not Smartwatch Capable Battery Not Rechargeable Iffy Software Reliability
Battery Type -> Lithium Ion Display Size -> 1.4 inches Water Resistant Depth -> 100 Meters Tracks Steps and Calories? -> Yes Altimeter -> Pressure-based Gender -> Unisex
Accurate Altitude Long Battery Life Storm Warnings
Not Smartwatch Capable Battery Not Rechargeable Iffy Software Reliability
Battery Type -> Lithium Ion Display Size -> 1.40 inches Water Resistant Depth -> 50 Meters Tracks Steps? -> Yes Altimeter -> Pressure Based Gender -> Unisex
Accurate Altitude All Day Battery Life Storm Warnings
Not Smartwatch Capable Battery Not Rechargeable Iffy Software Reliability
Battery Type -> Lithium Ion Display Size -> 1.2 inches Water Resistant Depth -> 50 Meters Tracks Steps? -> Yes Altimeter -> Pressure Based Gender -> Unisex
Accurate Altitude Long Battery Life Storm Warnings
Not Smartwatch Capable Battery Not Rechargeable Iffy Software Reliability
Battery Type -> Lithium Ion Display Size -> 1.2 inches Water Resistant Depth -> 50 Meters Tracks Steps? -> Yes Altimeter -> Pressure Based Gender -> Women’s
Accurate Altitude Long Battery Life Storm Warnings
Not Smartwatch Capable Battery Not Rechargeable Iffy Software Reliability
Battery Type -> Lithium Ion Display Size -> N/A Water Resistant Depth -> 50 Meters Tracks Steps and Calories? -> Yes Altimeter -> Pressure Based Gender -> Unisex
Accurate Altitude Long Battery Life Storm Warnings
Not Smartwatch Capable Battery Not Rechargeable Iffy Software Reliability
Battery Type -> User replaceable battery Display Size -> 1.5 inches Water Resistant Depth -> 100 Meters Tracks Steps? -> No Altimeter -> None Gender -> Unisex
Accurate Altitude Long Battery Life Storm Warnings
Not Smartwatch Capable Battery Not Rechargeable Iffy Software Reliability
Battery Type -> User replaceable battery (good up to one year) Display Size -> 1.875 inches Water Resistant Depth -> 30 Meters Tracks Steps? -> No Altimeter -> Pressure Based Gender -> Unisex
Accurate Altitude Long Battery Life Storm Warnings
Not Smartwatch Capable Battery Not Rechargeable Iffy Software Reliability
Battery Type -> Lithium Ion Display Size -> 1.23 inches Water Resistant Depth -> 50 Meters Tracks Steps and Calories? -> Yes Altimeter -> Satellite-based Gender -> Unisex
Accurate Altitude Long Battery Life Storm Warnings
Not Smartwatch Capable Battery life isn’t the longest Iffy Software Reliability
Battery Type -> User replaceable battery Display Size -> 2.21 inches Water Resistant Depth -> 200 Meters Tracks Steps and Calories? -> No Altimeter -> None Gender -> Unisex
Tough as Hell Deep water resistant depth Minimalist Design
Massive display face No altimeter No fitness tracking capabilities
Battery Type -> Lithium Ion Display Size -> 1.2 inches Water Resistant Depth -> 100 Meters Tracks Steps and Calories? -> Yes Altimeter -> Pressure-based Gender -> Unisex
Superior craftsmanship Pulse Ox sensor monitors your blood oxygen saturation levels Receive emails, texts and alerts plus has music storage
Very expensive Probably overkill for the average person No other cons – it is a badass watch
Another great hiking watch, the Garmin Fenix Sapphire 5x GPS Watch
Another one of the best outdoor watches, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Watch.
The Fitbit Versa 2 is another great fitness watch.
The Casio Pro Trek is a great watch for any outdoorsman.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Watch
Barometric watches are the most common altimeter technology.
Are you a runner? Go with a watch with excellent fitness tracking capabilities.
Rechargeable batteries are great because they equal less waste.
If only a watch could prompt my next chess move.
https://www.instagram.com/chrislininger/
Chris Lininger is a writer, photographer, and guide from California. He is an advocate for off-beat responsible travel and the preservation of the world's wild places and spaces. Chris is also a founding member of Epic Backpacker Tours and leads expeditions to Pakistan throughout the year. He is currently riding out the pandemic on Madeira Island. Follow his adventures on Instagram .
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Welcome to the ultimate review of the BEST OUTDOOR WATCHES !
One of the things that we take for granted in the modern era is the importance of a good, rugged watch. Most of us probably tend to use our smartphone and all of the amazing apps available to us in our day to day use.
The modern outdoor lifestyle offers many opportunities to track important data points and the technology is here to integrate that data into our daily routine. Do you want to track your fitness stats are you train for a marathon? Maybe you are keen on keeping tabs of the altitude every time you go out on a hike?
Whether you want access to topo maps in the mountains or to monitor your daily step count – there is a watch on my list for every type of outdoor/fitness enthusiasts.
This isn’t your grandpa’s pocket watch—these outdoor watches can do everything from monitor your heart rate to access global navigation satellite systems to track your every move. With so many options on the market right now, you can choose the perfect watch for your own needs and your budget.
Maybe you already have an outdoor watch, but it isn’t holding up to the wear and tear you put on it, or the battery life isn’t long enough for your purposes. Through years of outdoor experiences, we’ve discovered what is necessary for the makings of a good outdoor watch, and we want to share our expertise with you, as well as give you the low down on how to decide what the best outdoor watch for your personal needs is.
So whether you need a reliable hiking watch for a 2-week excursion on the Annapurna track Nepal, or just a smartwatch with altimeter capabilities for the average weekend warrior camping trip, we’ll show you the best outdoor watch to fit your needs, style, and budget.
Whether you’re in the market for a new watch, or just trying to learn more about outdoor watches for when you are ready to buy, this article is the right place to start! With years of outdoor experience, sport/fitness experience, and a taste for technology, we bring all the expertise to you, so you don’t have to do the legwork on researching many individual watches.
Below, I breakdown my top picks based on a variety of factors including price, technological capabilities, best uses, and battery life.
Let’s start with my favorite current watch…
This watch has every tool you could need as an experienced, health-conscious, tech-savvy traveler. With scratch, shock, thermal, and water-resistance, this watch is extra durable with a breathable, flexible silicone-based wristband. You can wear it anywhere!
Including smartwatch capabilities, fit watch applications, a barometric altimeter, a compass, and 3 different GPS systems, this watch does it all and is best suited for the man (or woman) always on the go. You can track your calories, answer a text message, and check your altitude all in the same breath. And if you are a swimmer, this watch has got you covered—it will track your laps for you (as long as you don’t take it any deeper than 100 meters, of course.)
With a watch that does everything, you’ll need a battery that is willing to take on challenges as big as you do. In smartwatch mode, one charge will last two weeks straight! But, to be expected, it will need to be charged more often when you’re using the GPS to navigate your way down a mountain.
The best part is that this hiking watch is in the same price range as your average mainstream fitness watch, and less expensive than a name brand smartwatch.
This is the perfect watch for the avid hiker, whose main goal is to navigate and record altitude during their trip. The digital watch face is backlit and easy to read, displaying the time, altitude, and compass direction all at the same time for quick reference.
This watch also includes a barometer, which can detect changes in atmospheric pressure and predict harsh weather. If there’s a storm coming, you’ll be the first to know when the storm alarm goes off. But don’t worry, this watch is water-resistant and that’s useful for more than withstanding a downpour. It even has accurate pressure readings up to 30 feet below the water’s surface for our underwater trekkers.
This watch doesn’t just tell you the time of day, it even lets you know how much daylight you have left with sunset and sunrise reminders! A simple watch with extraordinary technology, you have every tool you need to blaze your own trail.
This is another watch that will price you around the same price as a fitness watch, but luckily this watch battery will last for a year, so no need to worry about trying to find a place to charge it when you’re hiking through the middle of nowhere! Just replace the battery on your own about once a year.
This high-end watch comes with a high-end price tag, but what good investment doesn’t? If you like to ski, swim, hike, run, walk, sleep, or have a heartbeat… this watch can track it for you. And while you’re doing it, this watch will play your favorite song for you, too. Pair it with your smartphone to check your notifications quickly and conveniently.
This watch can seamlessly transition from a fitness watch with compatible apps and smartwatch capabilities to a rugged hiking watch with the push of a button and look good while doing it. Don’t let the looks fool you, however. This watch will hold up in the roughest conditions with a gorilla glass face and water resistance up to 100 meters below the surface.
Satellite navigation, a 3-axis compass, multiple global navigation systems, road maps, and topographical maps are all easily accessible– with this outdoor watch, you’ll never get lost!
With more than 70 pre-configured sports modes, this watch is every health nuts dream. Take it swimming, running, or (of course) on a good, long hike! The wrist heart sensor will keep your heart rate in check while the GPS tracks your every move.
This Google-based watch is already hooked up with Google Wear OS, Google Fit, and Google Pay, for a quick, convenient payment swipe on an after-run pick me up. If you already have a beloved fitness app of choice, no problem! You can download different apps to sync up with this smartwatch and record your workouts.
Whether you’re 50 meters underwater, climbing a rock wall, or anywhere in between, this rugged watch has got you covered with a gorilla glass face and water-, dirt-, and shock-proof exterior. So no matter how you like to get your body moving, this watch can definitely keep up with your pace!
The watch will automatically download local maps when connected to wi-fi and save maps for offline use, as well as the GPS function. But be sure to charge this fitness watch every day to make sure you have enough juice to record your next workout!
This watch isn’t the most inexpensive on our list, but if you are a fitness guru obsessed with tracking and logging your every step, with the added convenience and style of top smartwatches, this one is a game-changer.
Are you a big runner? Do you strive to achieve better form, balance, and vertical ratio? Have you ever wanted to record your ground contact time? This is the watch for you! It’s basically a personal trainer on your wrist.
With a heart-rate monitor located on the band, a triple-axis digital accelerometer, and a GPS, this watch can track your run down to the last drop of sweat (and it is water-resistant, so sweat away!)
Sync it up to your favorite streaming service to save tunes for when you’re offline and on the go, or download up to 500 songs with in-watch storage! The Garmin Pay feature allows an easily accessible way to pay when out and about.
With a battery life of up to 7 days when in smartwatch mode, this watch is great for the everyday fitness user. It’s worth mentioning if you do like to go out for a hike here and there, of course this watch is equipped with GPS, compass, and altimeter as well; but the battery won’t last as long in GPS mode, which is why this is better suited as a fitness watch mainly.
If you’re a fitness lover and don’t have a workout buddy, this might just be the solution for you. This watch will not only track your calories, heart rate, sleep patterns, runs, workouts, and all that, but it even has built-in safety features to ensure your safety is a priority.
As a female runner myself, I have been out in the early morning hours alone on a run. Having a smartwatch to track my run and knowing it could send out an emergency alert with my location in case of a fall, bike-crash, or any other emergency would be life-changing.
Of course, it also has all the fun features as well! From fitness apps to music streaming, this watch is the perfect workout companion. With a battery life lasting up to seven days, don’t stress about it too much if you’re too tired after your workout to plug it in after you climb in bed.
This watch is bringing a lot to the table for a little price tag.
If you want to try out an outdoor watch but are on a budget or unsure of if you would enjoy using one so aren’t ready to invest, this one has a little bit of everything included for a steal! From hiking watch capabilities to fitness apps to smartwatch notifications, this watch is up there with the best of them.
Coming with different sized bands, this unisex watch is the perfect fit for anyone who wants a reliable outdoor watch. Fitbits are known for their customizable interfaces and fitness applications, but did you know this watch has 2 different global navigation systems, as well as an altimeter for those of us that like to get off the grid from time to time.
This watch will track your workout, your heart rate, your sleeping patterns, and your laps in the pool. Keep it charged every few days and you’re ready to take it on your next adventure!
This watch is the least expensive on the list, and as such, it doesn’t have all the same specs as some of the others. But if you need a reliable watch that can keep up with your fast-paced needs, and aren’t big on smartwatch technology, then this is the perfect watch.
It is waterproof up to 100 meters so you can take it just about anywhere, and with the illuminated backlight and large digital numbers, you can read the face at a glance. So, when you’re taking a few laps around the track or pool, timing a bike ride, or challenging yourself to beat a countdown, this watch can record your times up to 100 hours and recall up to 30 laps.
If a reliable watch is all you need, look no further.
You’re not seeing double– this watch is really solid and. our team have been using them for years. As we said above about the Suunto Core, this watch just has amazing barometric technology. The way the watch detects pressure changes based on not only your altitude for the altimeter but also when you’re standing still to detect the weather is incredible.
With precision accuracy up to 29,500 feet, this altimeter can’t really be beaten. And the watch will record your altitude while on your journey to show you your data later. And if you are unsure of your starting height, that’s okay! This hiking watch even has a “start from 0” option to allow you to compile data on your altitude changes anyway.
If you are a die-hard mountaineer, this may just be the watch for you.
Being satellite-based, this altimeter isn’t going to be as accurate as a barometric altimeter. But with two separate satellite navigation systems, this is going to be almost as accurate as it can get. Not to mention all the other amazing things this watch is capable of!
This outdoor watch can track your workout, count your calories and steps, and monitor your heart rate through the convenience of the wrist strap or more accurately through a chest strap! Having complete running and cycling metrics allows it to help you improve on your balance and form as well.
The swimming-specific features of this water-resistant watch are very useful in underwater depths up to 50 meters. But if the fitness aspects aren’t enough to convince you, customizable smartwatch features and interface might be.
The satellite altimeter isn’t the only amazing quality of this watch, clearly.
This rugged watch is made for the toughest adventurers whose fears know no bounds. This watch is mud-, shock-, and water-resistant up to an astounding 200 meters underwater! That’s at least twice the depth of any other watch on this list.
The design of this watch itself is made with the adventurer in mind. A large, LED-lit face with digital and analog readings allows one to view the time, temperature, compass direction, and more in just a split second. Not to mention the buttons are designed to resist dirt or mud build-up.
Knowing an outdoorsman is always on the go, the battery lasts about 2 years. This outdoor watch is rugged enough to withstand almost anything.
Although all the watches on this list look good, they can’t compete with this classy watch. For the day-to-day wearer who wants to look good and have the convenience of an outdoor watch, smartwatch, and fitness watch capabilities.
Don’t let the sleek looks fool you, however– this high-end watch has incredible features, including a storage capacity for up to 2,000 songs as well as access to streaming services. But that’s not the only apps available on this smartwatch, so customize it however you want.
This watch also comes with 3 different global navigation satellite systems, a barometric altimeter, and the Climbpro ascent planner, which allows every mountaineer to measure their climb’s gradient, distance, and elevation gain. If you are more of a golfer or skier than a climber, this watch has over 41,000 golf courses and 2,000 ski resorts programmed as well as many other sports and fitness-related apps and trackers.
Even though this watch looks decorative, it still has all the amazing features of other outdoor watches and is waterproof up to 100 meters underwater. You can still track your heart-rate, steps, calories, or even blood-oxygen saturation; but for this watch and all the high-end features, you’ll be paying the high-end price as well.
Another watch that has it all, this watch is an older model of another watch that made our list—the best GPS watch for hiking, the Garmin Fenix 6x Pro. This watch comes with a lot of similar features, such as 3-axis compass, gyroscope, barometric altimeter, built-in GPS and GLONASS navigation systems.
Not only does this watch have color TOPO U.S. mapping, but it also gives you the option to plan a specific distance you would like to run/hike/bike/etc., and it will actually give suggestions of good trails near you!
This is another fitness watch that can function as a smartwatch as well, with the option to customize with your own choice in compatible apps and widgets. Everything you need available at flick of your wrist—er, touch of your wrist(watch).
Grouptrack technology allows you to monitor your group’s individual locations in real-time; Livetrack allows other to track your adventures live! You can also track your calories, your heart rate, and your form and performance in a workout.
This rugged watch is scratch-resistant and water-resistant up to 100 meters below the surface, so wherever you go, it can keep up. Easy to change silicon-based watch bands mean you have the perfect fit and style for every occasion.
This is a great pick with a more modest price tag than it’s newest counter-part.
This watch is more focused on fitness. With pre-loaded apps for about any sport, you’ll be able to track your every movement and calorie burned. The wrist-band heart rate monitor makes it easy and convenient to track your heart rate as well as your blood oxygen levels.
Pre-loaded animated workout instructions make your fitness routine even easier. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness pro, you’re sure to find an app to amp up your work out! For runners, there is even a training program to work your way up to running 5k, 10k, or even a marathon which properly paces and pushes you at crucial times and adjusts your plan based on your progress.
With smartphone capabilities, stay connected anywhere you go. The Garmin Pay app also allows you to make purchases with the swipe of your wrist.
All in all, a solid choice for a fitness watch and much less expensive than the average name brand smartwatch.
Another watch coming in at under $200, this Fitbit comes with all the apps, trackers, and widgets these smartwatches are best known for. If you like recognizable tech, this might be the watch for you!
This smartwatch can store 300+ songs or listen to songs via music-streaming platforms. Use Amazon Alexa to help access anything you may need on your watch or within your home (that is Alexa-compatible, of course.)
Some fitness features include 24/7 heart rate monitoring, fitness apps, Sleep Score, and SmartTrack which allows you to track different workouts, like swimming or running, and see your stats. Interchangeable wrist bands allow you to choose between the silicon workout band that you can easily wipe clean, or a jacquard patterned decorative band for everyday wear.
Overall, a great choice for a reasonably-priced, reliable fitness watch.
This watch looks rugged, while maintaining water resistance for outdoor wear, a comfortable cloth wristband, a large display face, and a slim design for daily wear.
The bold face has both analog and a large, digital numeral display that allows the wearer to read immediately while on the go. The mechanical components are highlighted with glow-in-the-dark markers while the digital face is illuminated.
This watch is rechargeable via solar power, making it very convenient for long hikers/campers who don’t have the convenience of electricity as regularly as a smartwatch would need.
The perfect watch for the minimalist who wants a watch to do what watches do best— tell time, set alarms, or use as a stopwatch, while being compatible with the reusable green energy of the great outdoors.
Altimeters come in handy in many outdoor situations. Whether you’re hiking in high elevations, rock/mountain-climbing, or even skiing, having an accurate altitude reading is not only an interesting conversation piece but an important safety precaution.
Barometric Altimeters use pressure readings to determine altitude. The closer to earth you are, the higher the pressure, so the higher your elevation, the lower the pressure. The only issue is weather also effects pressure; so when there is a storm rolling in or a cold front/heat wave, it may affect your altimeter’s readings.
Some watches may try to combat these discrepancies by utilizing GPS readings as well, to determine if you are currently moving (so the pressure differences are likely due to a rising elevation) or in staying one location (pressure differences likely due to an incoming storm.)
The most surefire way to ensure your barometric altimeter is accurate would be to calibrate it every day (or at least when you need it to be accurate.) This can easily be done if you know your current elevation, which can be found on Google Earth.
An altimeter that uses satellite readings simply determines your elevation by getting a reading of how far you are from Earth much in the same way it determines your position on Earth. This isn’t necessarily accurate, as the satellites position also affects your altimeter reading.
This would mostly be accurate if there is a satellite orbiting basically directly above your position. If a satellite can get a reading, it is usually within 35 to 75 feet of your actual reading (GPS is much more accurate horizontally than vertically.)
But satellite readings aren’t always available, especially when in the deep wilderness. So, it’s hard to get an accurate reading. If accuracy is critical to your purpose, a barometric altimeter might be the best choice for you.
Another thing that one needs to consider is which performance features are most important for your needs. If your main purpose for wanting a watch is to track your daily health, like sleep tracking, calories burned, and your heart rate, a fitness watch might be right for you.
If your hobbies include hiking, skiing, rock-climbing, or even scuba diving, you might be more interested in a watch that supports GPS mapping– perhaps map download capabilities for when you’re off the grid, as well as an altimeter.
If you enjoy water sports, water resistance is important. Although all the watches on this list are water resistant, depending on how deep you dive, you may need to ensure they are resistant into a greater depth. Some watches even have special functions for underwater operation or are specialized to track you laps in the pool.
If you desperately want to stay connected with your favorite apps, ensuring your watch is compatible and customizable might be the most important aspect when looking to buy! So these are some things to determine before picking the best watch for you.
Most people rely on smart technology in our daily lives. Whether it be for business or pleasure, having access to the our favorite apps, media, email, and of course our cell phones has become almost expected of us.
For some, this is a blessing– it makes work, school, and entertainment as easy and convenient as the push of a button. But others may want to escape the hyper-technological world and disconnect for a while. Or maybe some just don’t have a need or desire for smart technology in every aspect of their lives.
For these people, having a watch that connects to the world around them isn’t necessarily that important. Maybe you just want a watch that has a good, solid altimeter and a compass for when you get away and get off grid.
Whatever is the best fit for your lifestyle and needs should be the first priority for picking a watch. Also, watches with smart technology need to be charged on a regular basis. Which brings us to our next point.
For some people, choosing a watch with a long battery life is of the utmost importance. If we plan on using our outdoor watch on long hiking trips where we won’t have easy access to electrical outlets for charging our watches, then something with a long battery life is very important.
Of course, a watch that doesn’t have a rechargeable battery means the battery will need to be replaced. This could be once a year or two approximately, but when the time comes, you have to consider if the watch can be changed by you personally or if you will have to pay to have it serviced. How convenient is that for you?
If you don’t plan on staying off grid for too long, than the average smart watch or fitness watch might suit your needs. A lot of watches hold a charge for several days, especially if you aren’t using the GPS/mapping/bluetooth music functions. So this can be very functional for the average user.
Price is always a selling point. Of course we all want to get the most for our money. There are a lot of factors that go into determining the price of a good watch. Most of which are the features we’ve already highlighted, but there are other features, as well.
Some rugged watches are made of really durable material, which may be more expensive than the average watch. There are also high-end watches that are made with quality material, like the best high-end watch on our list which is made with Italian leather.
But all of our budgets are different, and we have to find something that best fits our needs and our wallet. The most expensive watch on the list might not be the best, or even the best for you.
Therefore, once you determine what other features you require in your watch, finding one that hits hopefully all or at least most of your points within your budget should be relatively easy– especially since our list goes over watches within every price range.
By now, you are well versed in the world of outdoor watches. In recent years, the technology and capabilities of the once-humble watch has exploded and us outdoor and adventure people are here to reap the benefits.
From heart-rate tracking and step count to email and blood-oxygen level readings, there is not much that some of these watches can’t do. Since I spend a lot of time in the mountains and work as a guide, I love having a watch that gives accurate altitude readings, storm alerts, and tracking points – all vital data points when leading groups in the mountains.
The best watch for your own needs to going to be different. Hone in on what sort of performance you need out of a watch and make your purchase based on that information.
From all of the watches on our list, it may be hard to pick a favorite. If you are looking for a good all a-rounder that will serve you in a variety of settings, go with our top pick: the Garmin Instinct GPS Watch .
Once you get your hands on a badass outdoor watch, there is no going back. You’ll see.
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