Going out into the woods during a hunt or on a short hike is one of the most rewarding experiences life has to offer. More and more people are trying to get away from the hectic workweek by going into the great outdoors. An escape into the wilderness means that you need to rely less on your phone. A watch is one of the things that hikers should have on them at all time. You’ll be able to shut off your phone and become one with nature.
Choosing a Hiking Watch
Finding a high quality watch for your next hunting or hiking trip can be a bit difficult. The days of watches just telling you the time are long behind you. Many people opt for a basic hiking watch, but most modern hiking watches are packed with technology. They’re packed with a little bit of everything. Choosing a watch with all of the extra features is a matter of personal preference. Only serious hikers are going to need to spend the money on a advanced watch.
Common Hiking Watch Features
- Waterproofing
- GPS
- Altimeter
- Barometer
- Compass
- Thermometer
- Heart Rate Monitor
What’s the Best Hiking Watch?
1. Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire
The Garmin Fenix 5 X Sapphire watch is the absolute best hiking watch currently on the market. Though it doesn’t come cheap you can’t go wrong with the Fenix 5. You’re buying a watch that not only has a wide variety of color options, it’s packed with every feature you could need. You’ll never have to worry about getting lost in the woods again. The watch has built in navigation sensors that include a GPS and GLONASS capability. You’ll be able to track your root in even the most challenging environments. With the additional GLONASS satellites you’ll be able to track yourself where GPS alone can’t. You will also be able to use the included 3-axis compass gyroscope and barometric altimeter. If you can’t find your way with this watch you shouldn’t be out in the woods.
This multisport GPS watch includes full color Topographical U.S mapping system with routable cycling and hiking maps. It’s built for adventure with a rugged design that utilizes a heavy duty stainless steel bezel and completely waterproof design. Water Rated up to 100 meters you won’t have to worry about damaging this GPS watch. It has a high resolution full color display that can be read in all lighting conditions. From harsh daylight to the dimmest lighting the transflective technology responds to the surrounding light conditions to give you a clear picture. The Fenix 5x watch is packed with sophisticated training features to monitor your form and performance. It will show both your aerobic and anaerobic performance so you’ll get a clear picture of your workout. It will tell your heart rate, calories burned, count steps, monitor sleep, and a host of other fitness measurements. You can even profile the different sports you enjoy. Keep track of your golf game, swim profiles and ski runs. It will even tell you how far you are from the golf tee at your favorite course. If you are looking for the ultimate hiking watch look no farther than the Garmin Fenix 5x Sapphire.
2. TomTom Adventurer GPS Hiking & Trail Running Watch
Another great hiking watch is the TomTom Adventurer Gps Watch. The TomTom Adventurer watch offers many of the same features of thhe above Garmin at a much more affordable price. The TomTom Adventurer is the perfect hiking watch for any serious outdoorsman. This GPS Sport watch and music player is more than just a basic smart watch. Featuring multipsort modes for Hiking, Skiing, swimming, biking, running or just going to the gym. You’ll be able to monitor all of your activities both indoor and out. With the special modes you can tailor your watch to elevate all your outdoor adventures. The GPS watch and music player comes with bluetooth headphones included and a battery life that will last up to 6 hours. You can plan and upload a trail onto your watch before you go out and follow it into uncharted territory. You won’t have to worry about finding your way back out with the GPS based trail exploration. The biggest difference between this watch and the Garmin is the map feature. The TomTom adventurer doesn’t use a detailed map view like the Garmin listed above. The TomTom watch uses a breadcrumb trail for you to follow. Just retrace your rout to find your way out of the woods.
The biggest feature the TomTom running and Hiking watch offers is the advanced fitness modes. You will be able to track your heart rate and pulse. The 24/7 activity tacker logs your heart rate steps activity levels and calories burned. The built in music player will keep you motivated while pushing yourself with audio feedback. You can see real time stats like altitude, 3d Distance pace and total ascent and descent. With the advanced training modes you’ll be able to customize your workout for maximum performance. If you don’t need advanced maps functionality this is the hiking watch to buy.
3. Garmin vívoactive HR GPS Smart Watch
If you don’t need all of the advanced hiking watch features try the Garmen Vivoactive HR GPS Smart Watch. This budget GPS smart watch doesn’t have the fancy mapping features like the above watch. What this smart watch does have is a heart rate monitor and accurate activity tracker. You’ll be able to track your heart rate while playing all the sports you love. The Elevate wrist heart technology gives your heart rate all day and night without any additional accessories. The only downside is you won’t be able to monitor your heart rate while swimming like some of the more advanced models.
This isn’t like the above GPS enabled hiking watch. You won’t be able to map out your route in real time. The GPS function is used to track your distance covered while exercising. There are a ton of accessories that will help you get more from your activities. With specific functions built in for a variety of sports. You’ll be able to track your real time stats while running, biking, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, golf, rowing, paddle boarding and various other sports. You will even be able to download over 40,000 golf courses onto the watch to track how many strokes you have on your golf game. If you want a budget hiking watch try the Garmin Vivoactive HR GPS Smart Watch.
4. Timex Mens Expedition Scout Watch
If all you want is a nice watch to wear on your next hike you should look into the Timex Expedition series of watches. Timex is known for making decent watches at an affordable price. When you’re in the woods you don’t need to impress people with a fancy label. All you need is a watch that will withstand moderate abuse and doesn’t cost a fortune. Scratching up a 1000$ watch climbing some rocks will quickly ruin your trip. For the price you really aren’t going to find a more durable watch than a Timex.
The Timex Expedition series of watches are built to look good both in the woods and in the office. The Expedition series of watches come in a wide variety of styles and colors. Most people will find a style they like at an affordable price. They use an attractive sturdy leather band that’s both comfortable and durable. Expedition watches all come with three smaller dials. The Chronographs have 3 sub dials that track minutes seconds and 1/20th of a second for up to 30 minutes. Timex watches are surprisingly durable for the price. You would have to take a serious fall to break the glass on this watch. The Watch is shock resistance to ISO standards and is water resistant up to 100 meters deep. It even includes an indigo back light to easily read it in the dark. If you are looking for an affordable analog hiking watch check out the Timex Expedition series of watches.
What’s The Best Watch For Hiking?
If you want all the newest features you’re going to want the Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire. The Fenix 5x Sapphire has all the newest features you can expect in a smart watch. You’ll be able to see real time topographical maps anywhere you go. If you don’t need all of the newest features you should buy the TomTom Adventurer GPS Hiking Watch or the Garmin vívoactive HR GPS Smart Watch. Both of these smart watches offer a heart rate monitor and a host of activity tracking apps. If you aren’t looking for a smart watch try the affordableTimex Expedition Scout Watch.