Jason Merrill 
If you love hiking and exploring the great outdoors, having a reliable GPS watch is essential. These watches not only help you navigate your way through unfamiliar terrain, but they also provide valuable fitness tracking features. With the ability to track elevation, position, and distance, GPS watches have become a must-have for any avid hiker. Plus, they now come equipped with improved battery life and mapping capabilities, making them even more reliable than using your smartphone. If you’re in the market for a new GPS watch for your hiking adventures, be sure to check out the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar, Coros APEX 2, Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Garmin Fenix 7X Pro, Suunto 5 Peak, and Oppo Watch Free – all highly recommended options for 2023.
Benefits of GPS Watches for Hiking
Hiking is a popular outdoor activity enjoyed by many adventurers. Whether you’re exploring a new trail or conquering a challenging mountain peak, having the right gear is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. One device that has revolutionized the way hikers navigate and track their progress is the GPS watch. GPS watches offer a plethora of benefits for hikers, making them an indispensable tool for both novice and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Navigation
One of the primary benefits of GPS watches for hiking is their navigational capabilities. These watches utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to pinpoint your exact location on a map, allowing you to navigate with ease. Gone are the days of fumbling with paper maps and compasses; with a GPS watch on your wrist, you can confidently explore new trails and find your way back to your starting point without any unnecessary detours. The accuracy of GPS watches ensures that you stay on track and reach your destination without getting lost.
Fitness Tracking
In addition to navigation, GPS watches also offer advanced fitness tracking features that can enhance your hiking experience. These watches can monitor various metrics such as your heart rate, steps taken, calories burned, and even sleep patterns. By tracking your fitness data, you can gain valuable insights into your performance and progress over time. This information can help you set goals, track your improvement, and ensure that you stay on top of your fitness goals while enjoying the great outdoors.
Features of GPS Watches for Hiking
Now that we’ve discussed the overarching benefits of GPS watches for hiking, let’s dive into the specific features that make these devices so valuable.
Elevation Tracking
Understanding the elevation gain and loss during a hike is crucial for planning and pacing yourself. GPS watches equipped with altimeters can accurately track changes in elevation, allowing you to monitor the difficulty of a trail and adjust your pace accordingly. This feature is particularly useful when tackling steep ascents or descents, as it helps you gauge your energy expenditure and make informed decisions about your hiking route.
Position Tracking
Another essential feature found in GPS watches is position tracking. With this capability, you can constantly monitor your coordinates and know your exact location at any given time. Position tracking is especially helpful when exploring unfamiliar terrain or venturing off the beaten path. In case of emergencies, you can quickly relay your coordinates to rescue teams, ensuring a swift and accurate response.
Distance Tracking
GPS watches excel at accurately measuring the distance you’ve covered during a hike. Whether you’re interested in tracking the length of a trail or monitoring your overall mileage, these watches provide reliable data to keep you informed. By knowing the distance traveled, you can pace yourself, plan rest stops, and assess the overall difficulty of your hike.
Improvements in GPS Watches for Hiking
As technology continues to advance, so do GPS watches for hiking. Manufacturers are constantly striving to enhance their products, addressing common concerns and incorporating new features to improve the overall user experience. Two key areas where GPS watches have seen significant improvements are battery life and mapping capabilities.
Battery Life
Long-lasting battery life is crucial for hikers who embark on extended treks or multi-day adventures. In the past, one of the drawbacks of GPS watches was their limited battery capacity, requiring frequent charging or the need to carry additional power sources. However, recent advancements in battery technology have significantly improved the longevity of GPS watches. Many models now offer extended battery life, with some even utilizing solar power to keep the watch charged during daylight hours. This increased battery efficiency ensures that hikers can rely on their GPS watches for the duration of their outdoor pursuits without worrying about running out of power.
Mapping Capabilities
A comprehensive map is an invaluable tool for hikers, providing vital information about nearby landmarks, trail difficulty, and elevation profiles. Recognizing the importance of accurate mapping, GPS watch manufacturers have made significant strides in improving their devices’ mapping capabilities. Modern GPS watches now feature detailed topographic maps, allowing hikers to explore new areas confidently. With these maps, you can visualize the terrain, plan your routes, and make informed decisions while on the trail. Some watches even offer downloadable maps, enabling you to access specific trail networks, national parks, or wilderness areas for a seamless hiking experience.
Advantages of GPS Watches over Smartphones for Hiking
While smartphones offer a range of features and can be used for navigation, GPS watches have distinct advantages that make them a more practical choice for hiking.
Reliability
When it comes to reliability, GPS watches outshine smartphones in rugged outdoor environments. Smartphones are susceptible to damage from water, dust, and impact, which can hinder their functionality on the trail. On the other hand, GPS watches are purpose-built for outdoor use, designed to withstand the elements and the rigors of hiking. With their durable construction and superior resistance to moisture and impacts, GPS watches provide hikers with a reliable and dependable tool even in challenging conditions.
Durability
Hiking involves traversing harsh landscapes, enduring varying weather conditions, and encountering unpredictable obstacles along the way. Given the demanding nature of the activity, durability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a device for navigation and tracking. GPS watches are engineered to withstand the demands of outdoor adventures, often boasting rugged designs and reinforced materials that can withstand drops, impacts, and exposure to the elements. This durability ensures that your watch remains functional throughout your hiking journey, providing you with the necessary information and peace of mind.
Battery Efficiency
One of the major drawbacks of relying solely on smartphones for hiking is their battery consumption. Smartphones are notorious for their high power consumption, especially when using GPS and navigation apps. Hikers relying on smartphones as their primary navigation tool often find themselves running out of battery quickly, leaving them without a reliable means of communication or navigation. GPS watches, on the other hand, are designed to optimize battery efficiency, allowing hikers to track their progress and navigate for extended periods without draining the battery. This extended battery life ensures that you can rely on your GPS watch throughout your hike, providing you with the necessary information without the worry of a dead battery.
Top Recommended GPS Watches for Hiking in 2023
Here is a comparison table highlighting key specifications for the GPS watches we will review further down in this article:
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Now that we’ve explored the benefits and features of GPS watches for hiking, let’s delve into some top recommended models for the year 2023. These watches have been chosen based on their performance, durability, and overall user satisfaction. Each model listed offers a unique set of features and capabilities, catering to different hikers’ preferences and needs.
Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar
The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar is a top-of-the-line GPS watch specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts. With its rugged titanium case and clear scratch-resistant Sapphire crystal display, this watch is built to withstand the toughest conditions. Key features of the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar include comprehensive navigation functions, barometric altimeter, compass, and sunrise/sunset times. Its impressive battery life, boosted by solar charging capabilities, ensures that you won’t be left in the dark during your hiking adventures.
Coros APEX 2
The Coros APEX 2 is an excellent choice for hikers seeking a reliable and feature-packed GPS watch. This watch offers a lightweight and durable build, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. The Coros APEX 2 boasts impressive battery life, allowing you to track your hikes for up to 30 hours on a single charge. In addition to accurate GPS tracking, the watch offers multiple sport modes and advanced fitness tracking functions such as sleep monitoring and heart rate tracking. With its intuitive interface and robust set of features, the Coros APEX 2 is a reliable companion for any hiking excursion.
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
Garmin has long been a trusted brand in the outdoor GPS market, and the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is no exception. This watch combines rugged durability with solar charging capabilities, ensuring that you never run out of power during your hikes. With its reliable GPS tracking and advanced fitness features, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar keeps you informed about your progress and health metrics. Additionally, this watch boasts an array of outdoor navigation features, including topographic maps, waypoint marking, and compass guidance. The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a reliable and feature-rich GPS watch that can withstand the toughest hiking conditions.
Garmin Fenix 7X Pro
The Garmin Fenix 7X Pro is a top-tier GPS watch designed to meet the needs of serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its premium design and rugged construction, this watch can handle the most demanding expeditions. The Fenix 7X Pro offers advanced performance metrics, including running dynamics, physiological measurements, and training load insights. It also features comprehensive navigation tools, including multi-GNSS support, topographic maps, and route planning. The impressive battery life ensures that you can rely on this watch for multi-day adventures, making it a top choice for hikers seeking the ultimate GPS watch experience.
Suunto 5 Peak
The Suunto 5 Peak is a versatile GPS watch that excels in navigation and fitness tracking. Its sleek and durable design makes it a stylish option for everyday wear, while its robust features cater to the needs of hikers. The Suunto 5 Peak offers extensive navigation functions, including route planning, breadcrumb trail, and point of interest (POI) navigation. It also tracks essential fitness metrics such as heart rate, sleep quality, and stress levels. With its long battery life and impressive array of features, the Suunto 5 Peak is an excellent choice for hikers looking to track their progress and improve their overall fitness.
Oppo Watch Free
The Oppo Watch Free is a budget-friendly GPS watch that doesn’t compromise on features or performance. Its sleek and lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear during long hikes, while its durable construction ensures its longevity. The Oppo Watch Free provides accurate GPS tracking, route navigation, and an array of health and fitness features. This watch offers heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress detection, and various workout modes to keep you motivated during your outdoor adventures. With its affordable price point and robust capabilities, the Oppo Watch Free is an excellent choice for hikers looking for a high-quality GPS watch without breaking the bank.
Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar
Design and Build
The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar stands out with its premium design and build quality. It features a robust titanium case that not only enhances durability but also gives the watch a sleek and stylish appearance. The scratch-resistant Sapphire crystal display ensures excellent visibility even in bright sunlight, and the comfortable silicone strap ensures a secure fit during strenuous hikes. This watch is designed to withstand the toughest conditions, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures.
Key Features
The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar offers a wide range of features tailored to the needs of hikers. Its comprehensive navigation functions include waypoint and route navigation, breadcrumb trail, and digital compass. The built-in barometric altimeter accurately tracks elevation changes, and the sunrise/sunset times keep you informed about daylight hours. Whether you’re scaling a mountain or exploring a dense forest, these key features help you navigate your surroundings and make informed decisions along the way.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar is its impressive battery life. Thanks to the integrated solar charging capabilities, this watch can harness the power of the sun to extend its battery life. With regular exposure to sunlight, the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar can last for weeks on a single charge, ensuring that you have reliable power throughout your hiking adventures. This extended battery life is especially beneficial for multi-day hikes or when access to charging opportunities is limited.
Navigation Functions
The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar excels in providing accurate and reliable navigation functions. The built-in GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO positioning system ensures precise location tracking, allowing you to navigate confidently. This watch also offers waypoint and route navigation, enabling you to plan and follow specific paths. The breadcrumb trail function displays your previous track, making it easier to retrace your steps if needed. The digital compass provides real-time direction information, ensuring that you stay on the right path even in challenging terrain. With its comprehensive navigation features, the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar is a top choice for hikers seeking a reliable and accurate GPS watch.
Coros APEX 2
Design and Build
The Coros APEX 2 is renowned for its lightweight design and durable build. It features a fiber-reinforced polymer casing that offers excellent impact resistance without weighing you down. The comfortable silicone strap is adjustable and secure, ensuring a snug fit during hikes. The APEX 2’s clear and crisp display is protected by a robust and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass lens, ensuring excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. This watch is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures, making it an ideal companion for hikers.
Key Features
The Coros APEX 2 boasts a range of key features that cater to the needs of hikers. Its accurate GPS/GLONASS/BEIDOU positioning system ensures precise location tracking, allowing you to confidently navigate your surroundings. The watch offers multiple sport modes, including hiking, trail running, and climbing, ensuring that you can tailor your tracking to match your chosen activity. In addition to GPS tracking, the Coros APEX 2 provides advanced fitness tracking functions such as sleep monitoring, heart rate tracking, and VO2 max estimation. These features provide valuable insights into your performance and overall health, helping you optimize your hiking experience.
Battery Life
The Coros APEX 2 boasts impressive battery life, making it an excellent choice for hikers embarking on long hikes or multi-day adventures. On a single charge, this watch can provide up to 30 hours of continuous GPS tracking, ensuring that you stay informed throughout your hike without worrying about a dead battery. The long battery life is especially beneficial for hikers who enjoy exploring remote areas or those participating in endurance hikes that span several days. With the Coros APEX 2, you can confidently rely on its battery life to keep you on track.
Fitness Tracking Functions
In addition to its GPS tracking capabilities, the Coros APEX 2 offers a range of fitness tracking functions specifically designed to enhance your hiking experience. This watch accurately monitors your heart rate, allowing you to gauge your effort level and adjust your pace accordingly. Sleep monitoring provides valuable insights into the quality of your rest, helping you optimize recovery during multi-day hikes. The watch also provides altitude and barometric data, giving you a comprehensive overview of your hiking stats. With its advanced fitness tracking functions, the Coros APEX 2 allows you to fine-tune your hiking performance and make informed decisions about your training and recovery.
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
Design and Build
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar boasts a rugged and durable design, perfect for hikers seeking a robust GPS watch. Its fiber-reinforced polymer case offers excellent impact resistance, ensuring that it can withstand the rough and tumble of outdoor adventures. The chemically strengthened Corning Gorilla Glass display is crisp and clear, providing excellent visibility even under bright sunlight. The adjustable silicone strap ensures a comfortable and secure fit, allowing you to focus on your hike without any distractions. The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is built to last, making it an ideal companion for hikers in any terrain.
Key Features
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar offers an array of key features that cater to the needs of hikers. Its precise GPS/GALILEO/GLONASS positioning system ensures accurate location tracking, providing you with confidence in your navigation. The watch offers a variety of sport modes, including hiking, trail running, and climbing, allowing you to track your chosen activity with ease. Additionally, the Instinct 2 Solar provides advanced fitness metrics such as heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and sleep monitoring, helping you optimize your training and recovery. With its intuitive interface and versatile features, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a reliable and feature-rich GPS watch for hikers.
Battery Life
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar sets itself apart with its extended battery life, thanks to its solar charging capabilities. The watch harnesses solar energy to keep the battery charged even in outdoor environments, ensuring that you have reliable power throughout your hike. Under normal use, the battery can last for weeks, making it suitable for multi-day hikes or expeditions. The solar charging feature is especially beneficial for hikers who embark on extended adventures away from charging opportunities. With the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, you won’t have to worry about running out of power during your outdoor pursuits.
Outdoor Navigation Features
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar comes equipped with an array of outdoor navigation features that make it indispensable for hikers. It offers a built-in 3-axis compass, providing real-time direction information to ensure that you stay on track. The topographic maps display detailed terrain information, including elevation changes and landmarks, allowing you to plan and follow specific routes. The waypoint and route navigation functions further enhance your navigation capabilities, ensuring that you never lose your way. The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a reliable companion for hikers who value accurate and comprehensive navigation features.
Garmin Fenix 7X Pro
Design and Build
The Garmin Fenix 7X Pro boasts a premium design and robust construction, making it the go-to GPS watch for serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its titanium bezel and sapphire crystal display not only enhance its durability but also give the watch a sleek and sophisticated look. The adjustable silicone strap ensures a secure and comfortable fit, even during strenuous hikes. With its rugged build and superior resistance to the elements, the Fenix 7X Pro is designed to withstand the harshest conditions, making it an ideal choice for adventurous hikers.
Key Features
The Garmin Fenix 7X Pro offers a wide range of key features that cater to the needs of serious hikers. Its precise multi-GNSS support ensures accurate location tracking, providing you with confidence in your navigation. The watch offers advanced performance metrics, such as running dynamics, physiological measurements, and training load insights. These metrics allow you to fine-tune your training and optimize your hiking performance. The Fenix 7X Pro also boasts innovative features such as PacePro, ClimbPro, and Round-Trip Routing, enhancing your navigation and planning capabilities. With its comprehensive set of features, the Garmin Fenix 7X Pro is a top choice for hikers seeking the ultimate GPS watch experience.
Battery Life
Despite its feature-packed design, the Garmin Fenix 7X Pro offers impressive battery life to keep you powered throughout your hiking adventures. With regular use, this watch can provide up to 24 days of battery life, ensuring that you have reliable power for extended hikes or multi-day expeditions. The Fenix 7X Pro is designed to optimize battery efficiency, allowing you to track your progress, navigate, and monitor your health without worrying about a dead battery. With its extended battery life, the Garmin Fenix 7X Pro is a reliable companion for hikers seeking a long-lasting GPS watch.
Advanced Performance Metrics
The Garmin Fenix 7X Pro sets itself apart with its advanced performance metrics, helping you fine-tune your hiking performance and maximize your potential. The watch provides detailed running dynamics, including vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and stride length. These metrics allow you to identify areas for improvement and optimize your running technique. The Fenix 7X Pro also offers physiological measurements, such as your lactate threshold, recovery time, and training status, helping you monitor your fitness level and avoid overtraining. Additionally, the watch provides accurate training load insights, allowing you to balance your training and recovery for optimal performance. With its advanced performance metrics, the Garmin Fenix 7X Pro is a top choice for hikers who are serious about tracking their progress and pushing their limits.
Oppo Watch Free
Design and Build
The Oppo Watch Free stands out with its sleek and minimalist design. Its lightweight build and comfortable silicone strap make it ideal for hikers seeking a watch that doesn’t weigh them down during their adventures. The crystal-clear AMOLED display provides excellent visibility, even in bright sunlight. The Oppo Watch Free is designed to withstand the demands of outdoor activities, with its durable construction and resistance to water and dust. With its stylish design and reliable build, the Oppo Watch Free is a budget-friendly GPS watch that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Key Features
The Oppo Watch Free offers a range of key features that cater to the needs of hikers. It provides accurate GPS tracking, allowing you to navigate with confidence and track your progress on the trail. The watch offers various health and fitness features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress detection. This information provides valuable insights into your overall well-being and helps you optimize your hiking experience. Additionally, the Oppo Watch Free offers multiple workout modes, enabling you to track specific activities such as hiking, running, or cycling. With its versatile features, the Oppo Watch Free is an excellent choice for hikers looking for a budget-friendly GPS watch that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Battery Life
The Oppo Watch Free offers impressive battery life to keep you powered during your hiking adventures. With regular use, this watch can last for up to 21 days on a single charge, ensuring that you have reliable power throughout your hikes. The extended battery life is especially beneficial for multi-day hikes or excursions where access to charging opportunities is limited. Whether you’re exploring remote trails or embarking on endurance hikes, you can rely on the Oppo Watch Free to keep up with your outdoor pursuits without running out of power.
Health and Fitness Features
In addition to GPS tracking, the Oppo Watch Free provides a range of health and fitness features to enhance your hiking experience. The watch offers heart rate monitoring, allowing you to track your exertion levels and optimize your pace. Sleep tracking provides insights into your sleep quality, helping you prioritize rest and recovery during multi-day hikes. The Oppo Watch Free also features stress detection, alerting you when your stress levels are elevated and prompting you to take necessary steps to manage stress. With its comprehensive health and fitness features, the Oppo Watch Free helps you maintain overall well-being while enjoying the great outdoors.
Final Thoughts on these GPS Watches
GPS watches for hiking offer numerous benefits that enhance both navigation and fitness tracking. With features such as elevation, position, and distance tracking, these watches provide hikers with accurate and reliable information to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. The improvements in battery life and mapping capabilities further enhance the functionality of GPS watches, eliminating concerns about running out of power or getting lost in unfamiliar terrain. Compared to smartphones, GPS watches have the advantage of being more reliable, durable, and efficient in terms of battery usage.
When it comes to choosing a GPS watch for hiking, top recommendations for 2023 include the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar, the Coros APEX 2, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, the Garmin Fenix 7X Pro, the Suunto 5 Peak, and the Oppo Watch Free. Each of these watches offers unique features, durability, and battery efficiency, catering to the diverse needs of hikers. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a casual hiker, investing in a high-quality GPS watch will undoubtedly enhance your outdoor adventures. So, strap on a GPS watch and embark on your next hiking journey with confidence, knowing that you have a reliable and versatile tool on your wrist.
About the Author
As a seasoned hiker, I can attest to the importance of having a reliable GPS watch. The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar has been my go-to companion on countless hiking adventures over the past two years. Its navigation capabilities and accurate elevation tracking have helped me stay on track and tackle challenging terrains across various national parks. The improved battery life of up to 170 hours in ideal conditions is a complete game-changer, allowing me to go on multi-day backpacking trips without worrying about charging.
The upgraded color mapping capabilities provide clear visibility even in direct sunlight. I’ve found the breadcrumb navigation feature invaluable when retracing my steps or finding alternate routes. The weather alerts and storm alarm give me added peace of mind when trekking in unpredictable conditions. The durable titanium bezel has withstood bumps and scratches through all types of rugged terrain.
The comfortable silicone strap doesn’t cause skin irritation even during prolonged wear. The watch face is easy to read at a glance while on the move. The touch screen responsiveness makes navigating menus and settings a breeze even while wearing gloves. The Fitness Level measurement has motivated me to push harder and track my progress over time.
Overall, the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar is an indispensable tool for outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level. I highly recommend it to fellow hikers, backpackers, and anyone who wants a rugged, full-featured GPS sports watch with excellent navigation capabilities and battery life.