The best hiking watches that you can buy today are super powerful.
Technology has taken some huge leaps. The apps, screens, battery life, and storage space have improved massively in the past year.
I have tested the Garmin 6X Pro, and the Garmin Fenix 7 watches extensively for the past thirteen months.
The benefits offered by the modern GPS watch are worth every penny spent.
If you hike once a week or more, I recommend getting a GPS watch to track your activities.
Top reasons to buy a GPS watch for hiking
1) Improve your health and fitness
The Garmin Fenix 7 is like magic. Once you start tracking your hikes or runs, you won’t stop. As the data piles up, you feel compelled to improve, move faster, and go further.
I track all my activities (hiking, running, biking, skiing) with my watch. You can analyze the data and metrics in several apps to optimize your performance. I use Garmin Connect and Strava.
For hiking, I always aim to improve my average pace. Last August, I was hiking a mile in about 20-24 minutes. After intense training this Fall (350+ miles, 80,000+ feet), I can now hike a mile in about 14-18 minutes. During these three months, I lost more than 15 pounds. I am now stronger, lighter, and faster on my feet.
A hiking watch will push you to work hard and make gains quickly.
2) Navigation
Knowing my precise location, elevation, and distance from my starting point with a quick glance is overly satisfying. No more digging in my pockets for my iPhone.
3) Performance metrics and data
When I hit the trails, I like to know my current pace, heart rate, and blood oxygen level.
This data helps me decide how to manage my hike or run over the full day.
Top benefits of owning a GPS hiking watch
Sometimes, I feel like I get more value from my watch than my iPhone.
What I love most about my Garmin Fenix 7 watch:
- Transformed my health and fitness in just a few months
- It encourages me to get stronger and move faster
- Helped me lose excess weight (15+ pounds in 3 months)
- Advanced sports apps and performance tracking
- Heart rate monitoring on hikes (helps set my pace)
- Track distance and altitude gain on hikes with a glance
- Pulse OX for understanding altitude acclimation
- Navigation with a compass and topographic maps
- Route tracking on hikes
- Daily sunrise and sunset times
- Temperature low and high for the day
- Sleep tracking and optimization
- Receive mobile notifications
- Control Spotify when my phone is stored away
- The touchscreen makes watch navigation easy
- Garmin Pay is handy
Now that you know why to buy a hiking watch and the benefits you will get, let’s dive into our list of the best hiking watches you can buy right now.
How to choose a GPS hiking watch?
There are a lot of overlapping features in these watches.
For example, they all have wrist-based heart monitors, Pulse OX, sleep tracking, 10 ATM water rating, ABC (altimeter, barometer, compass) sensors, sports apps, safety and tracking features, and more cool features.
This is where the watches on this list differ the most:
- Battery life span
- Screen quality and size
- Touchscreen or button navigation
- Solar charging
- In-watch topographical maps
- Price
The importance of these factors will guide your purchase decision. Refer to the table below.
| Watch | Price | Maps | Touch Screen | Smartwatch Mode Battery Life | Battery Saver Mode | Battery Life With GPS | Expedition Mode GPS |
| Garmin fēnix 7X – Solar Edition | $899.99 | Yes | Yes | 28-37 days | 90-365 days | 89-122 hours | 62-139 days |
| Garmin fēnix 7 – Sapphire Solar Edition | $899.99 | Yes | Yes | 28-37 days | 90-365 days | 89-122 hours | 62-139 days |
| Garmin fēnix 7 – Solar Edition | $799.99 | Yes | Yes | 18-22 days | 57-173 days | 57-73 hours | 40-74 days |
| Apple Watch Ultra | $799.99 | Yes | Yes | 18 hours | 18 hours | 36-60 hours | 36-60 hours |
| Garmin fēnix 7 – Standard Edition | $699.99 | Yes | Yes | 18 days | 57 days | 57 hours | 40 days |
| Garmin fēnix 6X – Pro Solar Edition | $549.99 | Yes | No | 21-24 days | 80-120 days | 60-66 hours | 45-56 days |
| Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar | $549.99 | No | No | 28-70 hours | 71 days (unlimited with solar) | 25-31 hours | 40-327 days |
| Suunto 9 Peak Pro | $549.99 | No | Yes | 21 days | 30 days | 40 hours | 70-300 hours |
| Garmin fēnix 6X – Sapphire Edition | $499.99 | Yes | No | 21 days | 80 days | 60 hours | 46 days |
| Garmin Instinct Crossover Standard | $499.99 | No | No | 28 hours | 71 hours | 25 hours | 40 days |
| Garmin Instinct 2S Solar | $449.99 | No | No | 21-51 days | 50 days (unlimited with solar) | 22-28 hours | 25-105 days |
| Garmin fēnix 6X – Pro Edition | $399.99 | Yes | No | 21 days | 80 days | 60 hours | 46 days |
| Garmin Instinct 2 Standard | $349.99 | No | No | 38 hours | 65 hours | 30 hours | 32 days |
Best GPS watches for hiking and backpacking in 2023
As mentioned, I bought a new hiking watch recently. I got the Garmin Fenix 7 solar. This is the number one and best watch on our list. The Fenix 7 is the best Garmin watch for hiking and backpacking adventures. I can’t say enough good things about this GPS watch. I use it every day, all day long.
1) Best Overall GPS hiking watch: Garmin Fenix 7 Editions
The Garmin Fenix 7 watches are our top recommendation. These are the most powerful GPS watches for hiking, trail-running, and backpacking.
This watch has a touchscreen that looks super crisp. It also has full-color topographic maps, a super long battery life, and the best built-in sports and navigation apps.
Please read my complete review of the Garmin Fenix 7 watch editions for all the details.
Reason to buy this watch
This watch has the most advanced navigation and topographic mapping features. The screen is the best. Longest battery life of all watches (solar editions).
Pros
Longest battery life
Touchscreen
Improved screen resolution
Tough, rugged design
Built-in sports apps
Advanced performance metrics
Superior navigation and mapping apps
ABC sensors (altitude, barometer, compass)
Wrist-based heart monitoring
Pulse OX for checking high-altitude acclimation
Garmin pay
Sleep tracking
Built-in flashlight
Cons
High price (yet totally worth it)
Where to buy the Garmin Fenix 7 watch
2) Best value watch: Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
The Garmin Fenix 6 pro watches have many of the software and app features found in the new Garmin Fenix 7.
The Fenix 6 does not have a touch screen, the screen resolution is not quite as sharp and crisp as the Fenix 7, and the battery life is a bit less. However, all in all, it is still an amazing watch.
You can find some incredible deals for the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar and the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar.
They are currently forty to fifty percent off the original price!
Please read our complete review of the Garmin Fenix 6 watch for more information.
Until the Garmin Fenix 6 watches are sold out, they rank as the runner-up and best technology and features for the current price.
Reason to buy this watch
Get the most advanced navigation and mapping features for a very low price of about $400. I loved my Garmin Fenix 6X Pro, and for this low price, it is a total steal. Get one while they last.
Pros
It has most apps found in the Garmin Fenix 7
Long battery life
Tough, rugged design
Built-in sports apps
Advanced performance metrics
Navigation and mapping apps
ABC sensors
Wrist-based heart monitoring
Pulse OX for checking high-altitude acclimation
Garmin pay
Sleep tracking
Cons
No touch screen
Great, but not excellent screen quality
Where to buy the Garmin Fenix 6 watch
3) Runner-up watch for 2023: Garmin Instinct Crossover Standard and Solar Editions
Once the Garmin Fenix 6 watch editions are completely sold out, the Garmin Instinct Crossover will become the number two choice on our list of the best hiking watches. We expect that to happen in early 2023.
The Garmin Instinct Crossover watch has many in-watch app features of the Garmin Fenix 7.
It doesn’t have a touchscreen or in-watch mapping. It does have Tracback routing, so you can follow a line on the screen as you hike and follow it back to where you started.
Reason to buy this watch
The Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar edition has the longest battery life of all watches. It has an Expedition GPS Mode that delivers up to 327 days of battery life. This is perfect for long backpacking trips or thru-hikes.
If you want a super powerful watch but would like to save some money, The Garmin Instinct Crossover editions are a great option. This watch costs $200-400 less than the Garmin Fenix 7 editions.
Yet, it has many of the same in-watch features as the Garmin Fenix 7. The primary difference is that the Instinct Crossover does not have the powerful high-resolution touchscreen of the Fenix 7. This cuts the price down. If you want access to maps, you can pair this watch to your apple or android device and use the Garmin Explore app.
Pros
Pairs with Apple and Android devices
Longest battery life
Tough, rugged design
Built-in Garmin sports apps
Advanced performance metrics
Tracback routing
Wrist-based heart monitor
Pulse OX to monitor high-altitude acclimation
ABC sensors
Garmin pay
Sleep tracking
Great looking luminescent hands
Cons
No maps
No touch screen
Where to buy the Garmin Instinct Crossover watches
Currently, these watches are for sale on the Garmin website only.
4) Best budget GPS watch for hiking: Garmin Instinct 2
There are many different editions of this watch.
We recommend the Garmin Instinct 2 Standard, Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, or Garmin Instinct 2 Camo editions for extra style points.
Reason to buy this watch
A powerful watch at the most affordable price.
If you want to start tracking and analyzing your activities for the lowest price possible, then the Garmin Instinct 2 watch is the top choice.
You get all the amazing Garmin in-watch sports apps, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, pulse OX, sleep tracking, ABC sensors, trac-back routing, smart notifications, and much more.
Depending on what edition you choose, the retail price is $349-499. The Garmin Instinct 2 is the cheapest GPS watch.
This watch costs $400-600 less than the Garmin Fenix 7 watches. Yet, it has many of the same in-watch features as the Garmin Fenix 7. If you want maps, pair the watch to your mobile device and use the Garmin Explore app.
Pros
Long battery life
Cheaper price
Tough, rugged design
Powerful Garmin built-in sports apps
Tracback routing
Wrist-based heart monitor
Pulse OX to monitor high-altitude acclimation
ABC sensors
Sleep tracking
Cons
No maps
Less functional, more traditional screen
Where to buy the Garmin Instinct 2 watches
5) Most Innovative: Apple Watch Ultra
Apple now has a spot on the list of the best GPS watches for hiking and backpacking. Previous versions of the Apple Watch did not offer enough relevant features for backcountry expeditions. Enter the Apple Watch Ultra.
Reason to buy this watch
You are a dedicated fan of Apple. If you already use Apple products, then you will probably not be disappointed.
The powerful, high-resolution touchscreen is a worthy feature. I also love that it has a microphone. Instead of just reviewing your smart notifications, you can reply with the microphone.
Pros
Apple product
Powerful display
Touchscreen
In-watch maps
Military-grade durability
Microphone for voice commands
Speaker
86-decibel emergency siren
Heart rate zone monitor
New dual-frequency GPS system
Sleep tracking
Blood oxygen levels
Cons
Price is high
Battery life is average
Not specifically a hiking watch
Apple product
Where to buy the Apple Watch Ultra
6) Most Stylish GPS Watch: Suunto 9 Peak Pro
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is the newest and most powerful Suunto watch. It caters to tracking trail running, mountain biking, and other activities. But not specifically hiking and backpacking. Thus, it is at the bottom of our list. Of course, you can use this watch to track your hikes. But not in the same way that Garmin watches track hikes.
Reason to buy this watch
The main reason to buy this watch is its beautiful sleek design.
Another reason to buy this watch is the touchscreen.
However, we see the Suunto 9 Peak Pro as more of a running watch than a hiking watch.
Pros
Sleek, stylish design
Long battery life
Touchscreen
Improved screen resolution
Military-grade durability
Sapphire crystal lens
Heart rate monitor
Sleep tracking
Pulse OX
Cons
No maps (must pair to phone)
No hiking mode
Smaller screen size
Where to buy the Suunto 9 Peak Pro watch
Choosing The Best Hiking Watch: Top Features + Buying Advice
Altimeter
The altimeter shows you how high you are above sea level. This data is acquired by GPS or is determined by atmospheric pressure. GPS is more accurate and does not require calibration. Knowing your altitude can help you find your location on a topographic map more easily.
Barometer
A barometer detects changes in atmospheric pressure. A rise in pressure indicates improving weather. When the atmospheric pressure falls, the weather worsens (clouds, precipitation). A rapid decline in pressure indicates more severe weather (a storm) is developing. Therefore, the barometer reading is very useful for predicting the weather in your area. Look for a watch that has a storm alarm.
Digital Compass
A compass shows you which direction (your bearing) you are headed and the four cardinal directions (East, West, North, and South). This is an essential hiking tool to use in combination with a topographic map.
GPS
A GPS provides you with the current coordinates of your location instantly. A GPS is the best way to navigate trails and track your hike. The GPS shows your hike duration, travel speed (current and average), distance covered, ascent/descent data, and more. You can track, record, and export data into other apps. You might consider purchasing a solar charging device if you are hiking or trekking long distances over many days. Look for watches that offer multinetwork tracking or multiple satellite networks. GLONASS or Galileo are additional European-based GPS networks. These networks can come in handy when you travel.
Topographic Maps (On Watch)
Topographic maps help you understand the land around you in greater detail. Find and follow your favorite hiking trails on the watch face. If you want maps on your watch, get the Garmin Fenix 7 or Apple Watch Ultra.
Battery Life
This is one of the most important features when buying a hiking watch.
Fortunately, battery life has improved drastically in the past year. All the watches on our list have great battery life.
The Garmin Fenix 7 Solar watches and the Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar offer the longest battery life.
Solar Charging
This is a truly amazing feature found in the best Garmin hiking watches. This feature can extend battery life substantially on long sunny days.
Touchscreen
Only a few of the best hiking watches currently offer a touchscreen. The Garmin Fenix 7, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro, and the Apple Watch Ultra.
Breadcrumb Trail and Route Tracking
If your watch doesn’t have mapping capabilities, it most likely can set a breadcrumb trail.
This feature will draw a line you can follow to return to your starting point.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Tune in to your local sunrise or sunset data to help plan your day.
Thermometer
A thermometer can be handy on weekends or longer hikes. Knowing the air temperature can help you decide what hiking clothes to wear and how to layer them.
Water Resistance
All hiking watches on this list are water-resistant and have a 10 ATM water rating.
Durability
All these watches have durable casings and straps.
The main thing that you may invest in for extra durability is a sapphire glass lens. They scratch less than the more common mineral lenses on most watches. If you opt for a sapphire glass lens, you will have to pay a much higher price tag. Depending on your habits, it may or may not be necessary.
Some of the newer hiking watches market their durability based on standard military testing known as U.S. Military Standard 810G.
Pairing with Satellite Communicators
If you have a Garmin inReach Mini, you can pair it with your Garmin GPS watch.
Mobile Notifications
Receive text messages, emails, and other alerts on your watch when paired with a smartphone or compatible device. Keep up to date while you are on the go!
Music (On The Watch)
If you like to listen to music on the trails, you might want to look for a watch that allows you to store music on it or listen to music from Spotify.
Steps + Calorie Counter
Keep track of your daily fitness habits.
Heart Rate Monitor
Keeping track of your heart rate will help you set a steady pace on your hikes. This will help you maintain your energy on longer hikes. All the watches on this list have a heart rate monitor.
Sleep Tracking
Sleep is important to me, so I love this feature. Knowing my sleep data helps me plan when to go to bed and when to wake up.
