Ah, the great outdoors.

So calming, so refreshing. So easy to get lost in if you don’t have the right equipment, such as the best hiking watch.

When you’re heading out into the wild these days, there is a lot more options in terms of technology available in selecting the best watch for hiking.

So, while the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will always serve as valuable resources, you don’t necessarily have to depend on memory or old tricks of the trade to make it through the woods.

Hiking watches are a very handy tool given their features, which are designed to help make your experience outdoors more enjoyable.

Features to Look For in a Hiking Watch

When you’re looking for the best hiking watch for your journey, there are three major features that experienced hikers consider important: a barometer, an altimeter, and a compass.

A barometer can detect changes in the atmospheric pressure, resulting in you being your own weatherman and predicting the weather. If the pressure is increasing, you’re destined for better days ahead.  If it starts to drop, you’re looking at cloudier conditions. If the barometric pressure drops rapidly, incoming storms are a good bet. It’s helpful to have a barometer when scaling mountain ranges where storms can come in rapidly.

Since being prepared for the elements can literally mean life or death during long or particularly difficult hikes, this is one item you’ll want to make sure is checked off.

An altimeter tells you how high above sea level you are. This may not seem that important, depending on what type of trek you’re taking, but it goes hand in hand with the third most important watch tool: a compass.

It’s easier to find your way on a map (you did remember the map, right?) if you know how high above sea level you are. The compass obviously gives you the cardinal direction to give you your bearings, and should be brought on small or large outings.

Some other basic functions that are useful to have, but not necessarily essential, include GPS and heart rate tracking. You’ll also want something that won’t break if you’re dealing with rough terrain. Watches made for hiking typically have durable outer cases that can withstand hard bumps.

Best Hiking Watch Reviews

Besides the key three features, there are a number of different combinations that may or may not be useful or needed, depending on the type of hike you’re gearing up for.

Price may also play a factor, so we’ve tried to hit various price points for comparison.

Before heading out on your next adventure, look through the list of best hiking watches here to determine what will work for you.

Suunto Core Hiking Watch

VOTES: 118

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LAD Weather Sensor Sport Watch Hiking Watch

VOTES: 101

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Suunto Traverse Hiking Watch

VOTES: 96

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Casio Pro Trek PRW 3000 1A Hiking Watch

VOTES: 92

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Suunto Ambit3 Sport HRS Monitor Running GPS Hiking Watch

VOTES: 89

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EZON H011 Hiking Watch

VOTES: 78

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Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire Hiking Watch

VOTES: 60

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Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS Hiking Watch

VOTES: 43

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Picture	Title	Votes
	Suunto Core Hiking Watch	118	Check Price
	LAD Weather Sensor Sport Watch Hiking Watch	101	Check Price
	Suunto Traverse Hiking Watch	96	Check Price
	Casio Pro Trek PRW 3000 1A Hiking Watch	92	Check Price
	Suunto Ambit3 Sport HRS Monitor Running GPS Hiking Watch	89	Check Price
	EZON H011 Hiking Watch	78	Check Price
	Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire Hiking Watch	60	Check Price
	Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS Hiking Watch	43	Check Price

Suunto Core Hiking Watch

If GPS isn’t on your list of necessities in a hiking watch, but you want a quality name brand and great basic features, then the Suunto Core is your best hiking watch .

It’s no surprise that both Garmin and Suunto have repeat offenders on this list, because they both have put forth reliable pr…

If GPS isn’t on your list of necessities in a hiking watch, but you want a quality name brand and great basic features, then the Suunto Core is your best hiking watch .

It’s no surprise that both Garmin and Suunto have repeat offenders on this list, because they both have put forth reliable products over the years, so with Suunto, there is some brand dependability.

It of course incorporates the ABC’s of a quality hiking watch, and throws in some extra, too, like the thermometer. It automatically switches between altimeter and barometer modes.

This Suunto hiking watch provides weather information from the atmospheric pressure trend graph and if a storm happens to be rising while you’re out, the storm alarm goes off.

This watch is simpler, but that is also what makes it a great basic piece to get back to nature with if you are hiking or camping.

It doesn’t connect to your smart phone or get notifications, but on the bright side, you’ll be truly immersed in nature and disconnected from hectic daily distractions.

With its sunrise and sunset feature, you’ll be able to plan that relaxing walk well to either catch a great view, or make sure you don’t walk in too dark an environment.

Pros:
• Storm alarm alerts you to upcoming poor weather change.
• Lots of interchangeable bands sold separately to accommodate any style.

Cons:
• No GPS.
• Not compatible with a heart rate belt.

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118

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LAD Weather Sensor Sport Watch Hiking Watch

If you want to check off the three basic requirements of a hiking watch, but are super concerned about the weather as you hike, the LAD Weather Sensor Sport Watch is the best hiking watch for you.

The weather function on this affordable timepiece is designed to warn you when a storm is about it h…

If you want to check off the three basic requirements of a hiking watch, but are super concerned about the weather as you hike, the LAD Weather Sensor Sport Watch is the best hiking watch for you.

The weather function on this affordable timepiece is designed to warn you when a storm is about it hit, so you have some added awareness to take cover, or be prepared.

The digital compass can be calibrated and there is also a thermometer built into this watch, but some reviewers found that with cross-checking, it could be off by a few degrees.

Which may or may not be a deal breaker, unless you are very sensitive to temperature dips.

The barometer and altimeter graph will track your last 24 hours, so you can see how the weather has been changing during your course, too.

The best feature about this hiking watch could be the price.

At a mere $45.00 on Amazon, it’s a great option for those looking to get more serious into hiking, but aren’t sure they want to make the commitment to a high-tech, ultra-gadgety hiking watch.

If you’re just looking to hit the basics before hitting the trails, this is a really great watch.

Pros:
• The price allows you to try out hiking as little as you want without feeling like you threw your money away.
• Weather function warns you when a storm is about it hit.
• Clear manual walks you through set-up of the watch.

Cons:
• No GPS feature.
• No heart rate tracking feature.

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101

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Suunto Traverse Hiking Watch

If you aren’t looking for more advanced training options, but still want a quality hiking watch that will satisfy your weekend warrior ambitions, Suunto Traverse is the best hiking watch for you.

Of course, it has the three key functions every hiking watch should, but like it’s athletically g…

If you aren’t looking for more advanced training options, but still want a quality hiking watch that will satisfy your weekend warrior ambitions, Suunto Traverse is the best hiking watch for you.

Of course, it has the three key functions every hiking watch should, but like it’s athletically geared counter-part, it can be connected to the Suunto Movescount app, allowing access to your workouts and the ability to import points of interest.

The watch is also equipped with Bluetooth, so you can sync it to your phone easily and then manage the watch settings from your phone.

For better or for worse, it will also show you notifications from your phone when paired.

Most users found that the GPS synced well and gave accurate readings throughout the use of the watch, which could be a while, since a lot of reviewers also positively reviewed the watch’s battery life.

There’s a step-counter feature and GLONASS navigation, but if you’re looking to vary up your sports focus, this watch does not carry a multi-sport feature.

But, if you’re planning on some more serious hiking, then the lens is comprised of Sapphire glass, so should withstand the basic wear and tear.

Pros:
• Design is sleek.
• Can be synced with phone for app management and to receive phone notifications.

Cons:
• No Multi-sport mode for those who like to vary up their workouts.

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Casio Pro Trek PRW 3000 1A Hiking Watch

If you want a watch that doesn’t scream outdoor enthusiast, the Casio Pro Trek PRW 3000 1A is your best hiking watch because in terms of style, it blends the classic elements of a watch with the features of a hiking watch.

It still hits those three essential elements of incorporating the barome…

If you want a watch that doesn’t scream outdoor enthusiast, the Casio Pro Trek PRW 3000 1A is your best hiking watch because in terms of style, it blends the classic elements of a watch with the features of a hiking watch.

It still hits those three essential elements of incorporating the barometer, altimeter and compass.

The barometer is viewed as a trend graph, which is nice when trying to predict the weather.

When significant weather changes are in store, there is a pressure change indicator, alerting you to potential upcoming change.

It throws in a thermometer as well and the time is calibrated up to six times a day by calibration radio, ensuring that if nothing else, you will know what time it is when you arrive where you’re going.

A nice perk to this phone is that the battery is rechargeable via solar energy and lasts up to seven months without exposure to light.

We suggest using the watch to navigate you away from anywhere that doesn’t have any light for seven months, which this option could do!

It throws in some basic features like sunrise and sunset data, too, if you’ve made it to the sunnier climate.

It doesn’t offer as many unique or customizable features and while it does work well for basic hikers, it doesn’t incorporate GPS or offer any downloadable routes for the more advanced trainers.

Some wearers have also reported the watch resetting itself, so another time piece may be useful to carry around as a back-up.

Pros:
• Not too large and fits a more common watch style.

Cons:
• Doesn’t incorporate GPS for added navigational features.
• Can’t pair this watch with a heart rate belt for advanced training.
• Can inadvertently reset itself without warning.

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92

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Suunto Ambit3 Sport HRS Monitor Running GPS Hiking Watch

If you’re more into hiking and outdoor activities over water activities, the Suunto Ambit3 could your best hiking watch .

While it can be used while swimming, some buyers have found that their readings are not as accurate when used in the water.

However, if you like to have routes set for you i…

If you’re more into hiking and outdoor activities over water activities, the Suunto Ambit3 could your best hiking watch .

While it can be used while swimming, some buyers have found that their readings are not as accurate when used in the water.

However, if you like to have routes set for you instead of making it up as you go, this hiking watch allows you to download routes from the Suunto Movesount app and plan your next steps before heading out.

The watch has altimeter, barometer and compass features, and also GPS and thermometer features.

The display is more basic, but because of this, many wearers found it was easy to use and understand. You can track your distance, save your workouts (including calories burned) and, a great feature, find a route back to your starting point.

So it would be equally effective trying to find your car at the mall during Christmas shopping season, and possibly worth it just for that feature.

The features are not as numerous other watches, but you can download other features to use with the watch and also sync it to your phone.

It’s also compatible with a heart rate band, for even better training information. It incorporates GPS, but some people found that it would require resyncing when the GPS signal was lost under trees or even on high hikes.

Pros:
• Long Battery Life, so you won’t be stranded on longer hikes.
• Very user friendly.
• Able to provide directions back to starting point.
• Connects via Bluetooth.

Cons:
• A number of users were dissatisfied with the shipping condition, or missing parts, feeling that they had received a refurbished product instead of a brand new watch, but found buying direct from Suunto had better results.
• Not as accurate in the water.
• Can lose GPS signal.

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89

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EZON H011 Hiking Watch

The EZON H011 is a standard basic hiking watch that is best for people who aren’t extreme athletes.

It’s an altimeter, barometer and electronic compass, and also has a thermometer and calendar, too.

It’s waterproof up to an extent, but it doesn’t recommend diving with the watch on, so if…

The EZON H011 is a standard basic hiking watch that is best for people who aren’t extreme athletes.

It’s an altimeter, barometer and electronic compass, and also has a thermometer and calendar, too.

It’s waterproof up to an extent, but it doesn’t recommend diving with the watch on, so if you’re trying to recreate a jump into the water fall scene, this isn’t your watch.

If you are just looking to add some additional features to a great everyday watch, then this is the best hiking watch for you.

One of the bigger hurdles users faced was setting the watch up, since the instructions were hard or impossible to understand.

However, once it gets up and running, the battery can last up to a year and you have a basic hiking watch ready to go.

The EZON is idea if you want to wear a watch every day, but you might like going on a hike occasionally.

Those training for more intense situations won’t find it meets all of their requirements, but at the very least, it does have the date and time part down, along with alarms.

Pros:
• This hiking watch is priced decently compared to other models.

Cons:
• Not compatible with a heart rate monitor.
• Instructions are not very clear to set the watch up.
• This hiking watch set up in Metric units.

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78

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Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire Hiking Watch

With the Fenix 3 Sapphire , Garmin has ultimately made a smartphone in watch form for hikers.

The materials used are built to last, so you can look at the price tag as more of an investment that can stand up to whatever the weather throws at it.

If you love to hike through extreme elements, this …

With the Fenix 3 Sapphire , Garmin has ultimately made a smartphone in watch form for hikers.

The materials used are built to last, so you can look at the price tag as more of an investment that can stand up to whatever the weather throws at it.

If you love to hike through extreme elements, this is the best hiking watch for you.

The lens is made of Sapphire glass and the bezel is stainless steel, so small scratches won’t phase this piece.

It ticks off the altimeter, barometer and compass requirements, and throws in some navigation and tracking features.

It also has a thermometer feature, if you need to plan your daywear by layers.

The watch uses GPS to automatically update the compass and altimeter, and it can auto-update your time based on your location.

A nice feature about this watch specifically is that you an import routes you’d like to take, or areas of interest and the watch will give you the directions of how to get there.

You can also save information regarding your activities, so if you’re preparing for a race, you’ll be able to look back and see how well your training is (or isn’t) going.

Users really liked the heart rate data that the watch tracked, too, for training and general health monitoring.

If you prefer to stay connected in nature versus unplugging, this watch lets you take the office with you. You can sync the watch to your real smartphone so you can still be reached via text, e-mail and other notifications.

As a bonus, you can also get different straps to match your style, so you’re adventure ready right out of the boardroom.

Pros:
• Very durable through harsh conditions.
• Good selection of activities available.
• Can be paired with different apps and accessories to customize what’s available to what you need.

Cons:
• Users had to get used to the watch not being a touch-screen, which can be a little adjustment if you’re used to working with them daily on your phone.
• If you’re not an extreme sports enthusiast, the price might be too high to justify the expense.
• Wearers thought the watch was thicker and thus heavier than comparable watches, and it is on the larger side.

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Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS Hiking Watch

Garmin has long been the pro when it comes to all things GPS, and they didn’t make an exception with hiking watches.

The Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof GPS Hiking Watch is one of the best hiking GPS watches if you want a reliable, sensitive GPS feature.

This watch delivers, incorporating techn…

Garmin has long been the pro when it comes to all things GPS, and they didn’t make an exception with hiking watches.

The Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof GPS Hiking Watch is one of the best hiking GPS watches if you want a reliable, sensitive GPS feature.

This watch delivers, incorporating technology that provides high performance even in traditionally reception poor areas, such as deep canyons or heavy tree areas.

Really, it’s more like a very small GPS unit that you happen to be able to strap to your arm.

It also allows you to keep track of your routes and waypoints and is compatible with an add-on heart rate monitor.

If you get lost, you can take advantage of the watch’s TracBack feature that retraces the user’s steps, showing you the path you took in a dotted line on the screen.

No Hansel and Gretel breadcrumbs for the savvy hiker wearing this. But remember: safety first. Make sure you have other ways of navigating other than a hiking watch alone for the best experience

For example, along with a water bottle it’s always good to pack extra batteries. With the Foretrex 401, the battery also lasts up to 17 hours and is just run off replaceable AAA batteries.

So even if your battery doesn’t last as long as you, you can have some replacements on hand.

A neat feature about this hiking watch is that you can not only store your waypoints to return to them easily, but you can share them and routes wirelessly with other Foretrex users.

So if you’re starting from different points, you can be sure to meet up in the end.

Pros:
• Is compatible with different accessories, including bikes and heart rate monitors.
• Can share waypoints with other Foretrex users.

Cons:
• A bit awkward to wear due to the shape, so it’s not ideal for everyday wear.

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