A good and reliable hiking watch is an important tool for every outdoorsy adventurer. It provides you with the exact time and date, and delivers all the necessary information for your outdoor adventures, such as location, sunrise/sunset time, altitude, and more. In addition, a good hiking watch should have many more practical features than a regular timepiece. For instance, it should be equipped with ABC, or altimeter, barometer, and compass features, that can keep up with your outdoor escapades.
These days, there are a lot of watch brands that utilize state-of-the-art technology to craft top-notch hiking watches. As such, it can be hard to narrow down on the very best hiking piece just for you. Worry not because in this list, we have compiled some of the best hiking watches worth grabbing!
20 Hiking Watches: Our Best Picks
1. Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar Edition Ref. 010-02410-23
Considered the upgraded version of the best-selling Garmin Fenix 5, the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar Edition Ref. 010-02410-23 is a must-buy hiking watch. This is a smartwatch designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. It has a high-resolution display and is equipped with GPS to help you automatically determine your location. It also comes with features such as an altimeter, a barometer, a 3-axis compass, and a thermometer.
Performance-wise, the Garmin watch has been proven to deliver all the best practical functions essential for outdoor adventures. The watch’s sleek case is made from stainless steel and titanium, to ensure its durability and resistance to abrasions and impacts. The touchscreen lens, on the other hand, is made from high-quality, scratch-resistant sapphire glass which adds a layer of security to the dial. This is a stylish and versatile watch that is suitable not only for your hiking adventures but can also accompany you on your daily routine. This top-tier hiking watch retails at just $1,169 USD.
2. Casio Pro Trek Ref. PRW-7000FC-1JF
If there is one brand home to some of the most robust and toughest watches in the market, it is definitely Casio. In particular, the Casio Pro Trek Ref. PRW-7000FC-1JF is our recommended hiking watch for your outdoor adventures. This watch has functions including an altimeter, a barometer, a digital compass, and a thermometer. It also comes with a pressure change indicator that automatically warns you if there is any significant environmental change.
Aside from that, the Casio watch utilizes a solar-rechargeable battery which has a life span of up to 5 months, even without exposure to any light. It is also equipped with basic features such as a calendar, a stopwatch, alarms, and a countdown timer. All in all, this Casio Pro Trek model is a long-lasting, highly functional hiking watch that will satisfy every hiker during their outdoor escapades. Retailing at just $729 USD, this high-end hiking watch can easily keep up with any outdoor activities you enjoy.
3. Suunto 9 Baro Ref. SS050088000
Next up, the Suunto 9 Baro Ref. SS050088000 is a high-end timepiece equipped with a color touch screen feature. Designed exclusively for hiker’s needs, it has an altimeter, a barometer, a compass, a thermometer, and a GPS feature. It is also furnished with a stainless steel bezel and a scratch-resistant sapphire glass.
What is fascinating about this Suunto watch is that it allows you to track distances during your walks, shows your current speed, and can find routes back to your starting point. It also comes with a wrist-based heart rate monitor, so you do not have to buy a heart rate belt just to monitor your stats while hiking. This Suunto 9 watch is an incredible hiking watch that retails at just $618.
4. Citizen Attesa Ref. CC4004-58E
If you are an adventure-seeker looking for a long-lasting hiking watch with Eco-Drive technology features, look no further. This Citizen Attesa Ref. CC4004-58E is a top-notch, eco-friendly timepiece equipped with such solar-charging technology and does not require you to use a battery.
This Citizen timepiece also comes with an electronic compass and an altimeter which measures from 1,000 feet up to 32,000 feet. In addition, this Attesa watch, with its hardy titanium case, has a lightweight build which is very practical for a hiking timekeeper. It features a stylish black dial furnished with orange accents and a black polyurethane strap that ensures comfort. Just expect to spend at least $1,949 USD before you can finally wear this one-of-a-kind hiking watch.
5. Timex Expedition Grid Shock Ref. TW4B02500
If you are seeking a timepiece that could challenge the title of best hiking watch, this gilt-edged Timex Expedition Grid Shock Ref. TW4B02500 is right here for you. This watch is designed to accompany every hiker on any outdoor adventure. It has a lot of practical features, such as three time zones, a 24-hour military time zone, a month, a day and date calendar, and a hydration timer. It is also equipped with a shock-resistance feature and a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters, making it quite a hardy timepiece.
When it comes to performance, this Timex watch is equipped with a battery lifespan of up to 10 years. The case is made from hardened resin, while the striking gray digital dial is equipped with an Indiglo backlight that allows for improved readability in poor lighting conditions. It also comes with a black rubber strap that offers comfort. This Timex Expedition Grid Shock watch will give every hiker the freedom to explore the outdoors freely. This hiking timekeeper has an affordable price tag of just $70 USD.
6. Seiko Prospex Alpinist Ref. SBDC091
Seiko launched the Alpinist line back in 1961, which consisted of durable and highly functional timepieces meant to meet the needs of Japanese mountain climbers. Today, one of the best models from this range is this Seiko Prospex Alpinist Ref. SBDC091, which retails at $959 USD. This timepiece is equipped with practical features such as an inner-rotating compass and a magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m.
Moving to its aesthetics, this Seiko Prospex is an exquisite watch boasting a striking green sunburst dial. Its 39.5mm case is made out of stainless steel, perfectly matching the comfortable brown leather strap. This watch is powered by a caliber 6R35 automatic movement, which has 70 hours of power reserve. It also has a 200-meter water resistance rating. If you are looking for a vintage-inspired hiking watch jam-packed with useful features, you should opt for this Seiko watch.
7. Suunto Traverse Alpha Ref. SS022292000
Another top-notch timepiece from Suunto that can keep up with any of your outdoor activities is the durable Suunto Traverse Alpha Ref. SS022292000. This watch is handmade, all the way from Finland, and can withstand temperatures from 5°F up to 140°F. It has a GPS feature, a moon phase calendar, a barometric pressure graph, storm alarms, a sunrise alert, and a weather trend alert. It is also equipped with a red backlight that lets you use the watch efficiently even at night, and a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters. The battery life of this watch can also last up to 14 days, so you can bring it to long expeditions as well.
The case of this Suunto Traverse watch is made out of glass fiber composite with a stainless steel coat that guarantees its toughness. The strap is made out of water-repellent nylon textile, which is quite comfortable on the wrist. If you are searching for the best versatile timepiece that can accompany you during your hiking, hunting, or even fishing activities, this Suunto watch is indeed a must-buy timekeeper. It retails at just $470 USD, a very reasonable price considering its extraordinary features.
8. Casio Pathfinder Multifunction Watch Ref. PAG240
If you are a hiker and a traveler at the same time, the Casio Pathfinder Ref. PAG240 is the right timepiece for you. This Casio watch features a whopping 39 time zones and can track time in 48 different cities. It also comes with a barometer that displays weather-change charts and a sensor that automatically detects altitude, temperature, and direction. On top of all that, this Casio Pathfinder piece is equipped with a powerful solar-powered battery that has a lifespan of up to six months.
The only downside to this watch is that it can only operate in and withstand temperatures higher than 14°F. As such, if you love hiking during winter, then this hiking watch might not be the best choice out there. That said, in higher temperatures, the Casio Pathfinder Ref. PAG240 is still a highly practical and multifunctional watch that can make your hikes easier. Ultimately, this Casio Pathfinder is the best hiking buddy you could ever have, retailing at just $280 USD.
9. Suunto Core Outdoor Watch Ref. SS014279010
The third Suunto watch on the list is also equipped with the standard ABC, or altimeter, barometer, and compass features that all good hiking watches should have. This Suunto Core Outdoor Watch Ref. SS014279010 is a great timepiece that can help you easily track direction, performance, and weather while hiking. The barometric altimeter functions well in terms of recording your hikes, giving you the opportunity to check how you performed later on.
This watch has an average battery of up to 365 days and a depth meter button that you can utilize underwater to measure how deep you are. It also comes with a weather alarm that automatically sounds and flashes if bad weather is on the way. On the whole, the Suunto Core watch is a functional hiking watch that will provide you all the information you need on a hike. Retailing at $299 USD, this high-caliber hiking watch definitely deserves to be on your radar.
10. Garmin Instinct Ref. 010-02293-13
If ruggedness and durability are the key features you are looking for in hiking watches, this Garmin Instinct Ref. 010-02293-13 is an excellent choice. This Garmin Instinct piece is designed and created based on the US Military standards for shock and thermal resistance, and thus proves highly durable. It has a barometric altimeter, a 3-axis compass, a GPS, and a TrackBack feature. It also comes with a substantial water resistance rating of up to 100 meters.
In terms of longevity, this Garmin watch has up to 16 hours of battery life on the GPS mode, up to 40 hours of battery in battery saver mode, and up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. You can also monitor your estimated heart rate and track your activities while on hikes with this hiking piece. The Garmin Instinct Ref. 010-02293-13 is available on a 1.2-inch display and is the perfect companion for your adventures. For just $400 USD, you can purchase this top-tier hiking timepiece.
11. Luminox Bear Grylls Ref. XB.3729.NGU
If you are looking for the toughest hiking watch in the market, this Luminox Bear Grylls Ref. XB.3729.NGU is a great option. This watch boasts a 42mm Carbonox case, with a solid caseback. Its striking black dial is protected by an anti-glare sapphire crystal. The vibrant orange rubber strap also feels very comfortable on your wrist.
This Luminox watch is made for the wilderness, so it can withstand the harshest conditions. If you prefer to use a physical map to keep track of your location while hiking, simply use the watch’s built-in secondary traditional compass. Furthermore, it is also equipped with Luminox’s always-on illumination system to make reading the time much easier. Retailing at just $449 USD, this Luminox Bear Grylls watch is a great hiking piece that can keep up with all your outdoor adventures.
12. Casio G-Shock Rangeman Ref. GW-9400J-1JF
This Casio G-Shock Ref. GW-9400J-1JF is a rugged and highly reliable hiking watch that is worth paying attention to. It comes with a world time feature that displays 31 time zones, a stopwatch, a calendar, a backlight, an alarm, and a low-battery alert. In addition, this Casio G-Shock watch is equipped with a useful triple sensor function that can automatically provide you with information on direction and temperature. It is both shock-resistant and mud-resistant and comes with a 200-meter water resistance rating.
Simply put, this Casio watch is a multifunctional hiking timekeeper that can withstand even the toughest conditions. Retailing at just $449 USD, you should definitely take a look at this robust hiking watch.
13. Polar Grit X Ref. 90081735
Although the Grit X was the first outdoor watch made by Polar, this timekeeper is still equipped with some seriously fine, state-of-the-art features. It has an impressive battery life that can deliver up to 40 hours of service in GPS mode and up to 100 hours power-saving mode.
Since Polar watches focus on endurance and recovery, expect the majority of the features to be useful and highly practical such as a sleep cycle tracker and a Serene breathing exercise app. If you are looking for a simple but highly functional hiking watch that can keep up with your adventures, the $427 USD Polar Grit X Ref. 90081735 is the best choice on the market.
14. Coros Vertix 2 Ref. B09CLR9V32
Known as one of the top-end hiking watches that provides an impressive 140-hour battery life in full GPS mode, the Coros Vertix 2 Ref. B09CLR9V32 is a worthy grab. This watch has many useful features and a colossal battery life that can keep up with any outdoor adventures you enjoy. It also comes with dual-system GPS functionality, a compass, a barometric altimeter, a thermometer, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and many more.
Furthermore, this Coros watch might be the closest you can get to a luxury hiking watch. It is a handsome timepiece, made out of high-quality materials. It boasts a titanium alloy bezel and casing, which is three times more scratch-resistant than steel. This hiking watch is also equipped with a layer of DLC sapphire crystal to protect its digital dial. It is a multi-sport timekeeper that provides all the data you need. Considering its incredible features, it is no surprise why this oversized 50.3mm Coros Vertix watch retails around $700 USD.
15. Garmin Instinct Tundra Smartwatch Ref. 010-02064-01
If you desire a timepiece that can bring the best hiking experience, the Garmin Instinct Tundra Smartwatch Ref. 010-02064-01 is your best choice. Equipped with a barometric altimeter, multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, and Galileo), and a 3-axis compass, it is considered the perfect adventure companion. It also comes with a trackback feature for easier navigation.
In addition, this Garmin watch looks rugged yet elegant at the same time. It has an impressively clean dial with sub-dials that perfectly match the white silicone strap. It is also equipped with numerous connectivity features. To sum up, this is an incredible hiking watch that can accompany you on any outdoor adventure, retailing at just $318 USD.
16. Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Ref. T49905
If you are looking for a rugged and aesthetically pleasing hiking watch, this Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Ref. T49905 is the ideal choice. It boasts an exquisite outdoorsy design and comes with features like a 30-minute chronograph, a date window, and an Indiglo light-up dial.
When it comes to performance, this Timex watch is powered by a top-notch quartz movement. It also comes with a 100-meter water resistance rating, which means it is suitable for swimming and even snorkelling. If you are looking for a hiking watch that can be worn on both your outdoor adventures and during your daily commitments, then this watch is a great option. It retails at just $55 USD, which is a very budget-friendly price indeed.
17. Casio G-Shock Gravitymaster Ref. GWR-B1000-1AJF
When going for a hike in rugged terrains, this Casio G-shock Gravitymaster Ref. GWR-B1000-1AJF is the perfect watch you could bring. It is equipped with practical features such as an alarm, a countdown timer, a stopwatch, a full auto calendar, and a night light function. It also comes with shock resistance and has a 200-meter water resistance rating.
Moving on to its aesthetics, this Casio watch boasts a 46.4mm carbon monocoque case and strap. These perfectly match the striking black dial, which is also equipped with a set of subdials. There is also a non-reflective sapphire glass that protects the dial from any scratches. This hiking watch retails at $899 USD.
18. LAD Weather Watch Ref. LAD004
The LAD Weather Watch Ref. LAD004 is another multi-sport hiking watch equipped with outstanding capabilities. It has the important features you need in a hiking watch such as an altimeter, a barometer, and a compass. This watch comes in a 45mm black plastic case and has a legible digital dial and a black polyurethane strap. Like other LAD watches, this model is also equipped with a layer of acrylic glass to protect the digital dial from any external threats.
In addition, this LAD Weather hiking watch also comes with a pedometer, a timer, live weather forecasting, and a thermometer. Retailing at just $45 USD, this top-notch timekeeper is a perfect companion not just for hiking but also for sports like cycling, camping, and the like.
19. Citizen Men’s Altichron Eco-Drive Ref. BN5030-06E
For an avid hiker looking for a stylish hiking watch, the Citizen Men’s Altichron Eco-Drive Ref. BN5030-06E is the best option. This watch is equipped with an altimeter and electronic compass. It also runs on a top-notch Eco-drive movement, so it is powered through light instead of having to use batteries. Its case is made of titanium, which perfectly complements the striking black dial that boasts orange-and-yellow accents and silver-tone hands. The black polyurethane strap also offers constant comfort on your wrist. On the whole, this Citizen watch is a classy and durable hiking timepiece that can keep up with your outdoor adventures. It retails at $850 USD, a fair price considering the exceptional features it offers.
20. Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar II Ref. T110.420.44.051.00
To complete our list of the best hiking watches, we have the Tissot Touch Expert Solar II Ref. T110.420.44.051.00. This watch has a contemporary and rugged design, boasting a sturdy 45mm titanium case and bracelet. The striking digital dial comes with Super-Luminova finishes, so it is easier to read the time even in low-light environments.
Like the previous hiking watches, this Tissot T-Touch watch is equipped with an altimeter, barometer, and compass. It also comes with a perpetual calendar, countdown timer, day/date display, alarm, and dual time zone. It is powered by a top-notch ETA Caliber E84.301 quartz movement and has a 100-meter water resistance rating. If you are looking for a reliable and practical watch that can keep up with all your outdoor adventures, this $929 USD Tissot Touch Expert Solar II Ref. T110.420.44.051.00 is a great option.
What Is a Hiking Watch?
A hiking watch has a lot of useful features that are far superior to those of ordinary watches. Most hiking watches look like smartwatches, but they are designed exclusively for outdoor activities. They are also built to handle extremely harsh conditions and possess certain primary features including GPS and ABC sensors. For those not in the know, ABC stands for altimeter (used to measure elevation), barometer (used to monitor both weather changes and air pressure), and a digital compass (used to track the right direction). This is perhaps why you have often heard other people talking about hiking watches and referring to them as ABC watches. Some versions of hiking watches are also equipped with maps for easy navigation and a heart-rate monitor to keep track of your heart rate 24/7.
Final Thoughts
When looking for reliable hiking watches in the market, make sure you go for the ones equipped with GPS and ABC sensor features. After all, these are the truly essential features necessary for any good hiking watch. Since many brands offer good options, it is sometimes a bit overwhelming to choose what might fit your needs well. That is why this list features the 20 best hiking watches that can keep up with your hiking adventure. Not only do these hiking watches all come with GPS and ABC functions, but many of them also have a litany of other handy features such as alarms, heart-rate monitors, and more.
Interested to know about the best surf watches in the market today? Why not spare some time to read our article about the 15 Best Surf Watches for Riding Mighty Waves.
Photos from Amazon and Watchshopping.com
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