6 Best GPS Watches For Outdoor Activities 

The best GPS watches are more than simple navigational tools for outdoor activities. They can give you a sharper edge when it comes to improving your performance, tracking your health, and ensuring your safety. 

A Quick Overview

GPS watches have become essential companions for outdoor enthusiasts like myself who partake in activities such as hiking and backpacking. Their significance cannot be overstated. Let me explain why. These watches excel at providing accurate and reliable navigation. They 

keep us on track by continuously tracking our location in real-time, which is especially crucial when exploring unfamiliar terrains. 

Thanks to their route planning and following capabilities, we can enjoy enhanced safety and convenience throughout our journeys. These watches also facilitate the review of our routes, allowing us to share our experiences with others and discover new trails. 

Additionally, many GPS watches are equipped with safety features like SOS alerts and location sharing, providing us with a sense of security and the means to seek assistance during emergencies.

Here, we at RilorWilderness created a comprehensive rundown of some of the top GPS watches in the market.

Best GPS Watches For Outdoor Activities: A Rundown

Best GPS Watches For Outdoor Activities Reviews

1. Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Multisport GPS Watch - Editor's Pick

Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Multisport GPS Watch Review

The Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Multisport GPS Watch is a high-performance timepiece designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. Its rugged construction and advanced features make it an ideal companion for various activities.

One of the most impeccable features of this watch is its scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens, ensuring durability and clear visibility even in challenging environments. The 1.4-inch always-on display provides continuous access to important information without compromising battery life.

With a built-in LED flashlight and navigation tools like a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter, you can confidently explore the outdoors, day or night. The watch includes 30+ built-in sports apps to track your performance and provide advanced metrics for a variety of activities.

The watch's navigation capabilities are enhanced with updated multiband frequency and GNSS network support, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo systems. This provides improved positioning accuracy, making it easier to navigate your surroundings. With preloaded TopoActive maps, you can explore various terrains, and additional maps for golf courses and ski resorts worldwide add to the versatility of the device.

Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, you can download maps directly to the watch without the need for a computer. This feature ensures you have access to maps for any continent, empowering you to venture off the beaten path.

2. Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch Review

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch, Tactical Edition, is a robust timepiece designed to meet U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance (MIL-STD-810). It incorporates tactical features that make it an excellent choice for mission-ready individuals. These specifications prove that it is one of the best GPS watches for hiking and backpacking. 

One of the key highlights of this watch is its dedicated tactical features. It is compatible with night vision goggles, allowing for seamless integration with tactical equipment. The Jumpmaster activity provides essential data for airborne operations, and waypoint projection and dual-position GPS format enable precise navigation in the field. In addition, the stealth mode allows you to disable wireless communication and data sharing, ensuring maximum operational security.

The solar charging feature sets Instinct 2 apart by providing virtually unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode, assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions. This is particularly beneficial during extended missions or outdoor activities where power sources may be limited.

Built to withstand demanding conditions, the watch is water-rated to 100 meters and is thermal- and shock-resistant, thanks to its fiber-reinforced polymer case and scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® glass. These features ensure its durability in challenging environments.

The Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch also offers essential tracking capabilities for outdoor adventures. The built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter aid in navigation and elevation tracking. It supports multiple global navigation satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, enabling reliable and accurate positioning information.

3. Suunto 9 Peak Titanium

Suunto 9 Peak Titanium Review

The Suunto 9 Peak Titanium is a sleek and durable GPS watch designed for outdoor adventurers. Its ultra-thin design allows it to fit comfortably under a jacket sleeve and avoids getting caught on backpacks. With dimensions of 43 x 10.6 mm and weighing just 52 g, it offers a lightweight and unobtrusive option for those on the move.

One of the standout features of the Suunto 9 Peak Titanium is its impressive battery life. In Performance mode, it can last up to 25 hours on the best GPS setting, and in Tour mode, it can extend to a remarkable 170 hours. The watch incorporates Suunto's intelligent battery technology, which sends smart reminders based on your activity history to ensure you're fully charged for your next outdoor activity. If the watch detects a low battery during an exercise, it will suggest switching to a different battery mode to preserve power.

Durability is a priority with the Suunto 9 Peak Titanium. It features a silicone strap, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, and a grade 5 titanium bezel, making it capable of withstanding tough conditions and rugged environments.

The watch is designed to support adventure activities with its barometric altitude measurement, route navigation on the watch itself, and sport-specific heat maps accessible through the Suunto app, available for both iPhone and Android devices. These features enhance your outdoor experience and provide valuable insights into your performance.

The Suunto 9 Peak Titanium combines a slim and stylish design with robust durability and exceptional battery life. Whether you're hiking, climbing, or engaged in other outdoor activities, this watch is built to accompany you on your adventures and provide essential features to enhance your experience and performance.

4. Suunto 9 Peak Pro

Suunto 9 Peak Pro Review

The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is one of the best GPS watches created by Suunto, thanks to its entirely new chipset architecture. It boasts superior GPS capabilities, allowing for accurate location tracking, pace monitoring, and distance measurement, even in challenging environments. 

One of the standout features of the Suunto 9 Peak Pro is its excellent battery life. In the best GPS mode, it can last up to 40 hours, surpassing many similar-sized sports watches. In daily use, it offers an impressive battery life of up to 21 days. Additionally, the watch charges quickly, taking only 1 hour to go from empty to full. Even with just 10 minutes of charging, you can get enough battery power for 2 hours of training.

The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is designed to withstand the toughest conditions. It has been tested according to the highest military standard of toughness (MIL-STD-810H) against temperature shocks, drops, pressure, sand, ice, and salt. This ensures its durability and reliability in demanding environments.

When paired with the Suunto app, the watch provides access to maps and route planning for a wide range of sports and adventuring needs. This feature enhances your outdoor experience and enables you to plan and navigate your activities effectively.

Overall, the Suunto 9 Peak Pro combines powerful performance, extended battery life, and robust durability. Whether you're engaging in sports, exploring the outdoors, or tracking your fitness goals, this watch offers advanced features and reliability to support your activities.

5. COROS VERTIX 2

COROS VERTIX 2 Review

The COROS VERTIX 2 is a high-performance outdoor GPS watch that offers impressive battery life and advanced GPS capabilities.

With up to 60 days of regular battery life and 140 hours in full GPS mode, the VERTIX 2 provides extended usage without the need for frequent charging. This represents a significant improvement over its predecessor and ensures that you can rely on the watch for extended outdoor adventures.

The watch is equipped with the ability to communicate with all five major satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and Beidou) simultaneously. This simultaneous multi-GNSS connection results in improved accuracy, particularly in challenging GPS environments such as urban areas with tall buildings, dense forests, or rock formations. Navigating through these difficult terrains becomes more accurate and reliable with the VERTIX 2.

Featuring a 1.4-inch screen with 16% higher resolution compared to its predecessor, the VERTIX 2 provides a clear and detailed display of information. This allows you to easily view key metrics, maps, and other important data at a glance, keeping you informed and updated during your outdoor activities.

The watch is designed to withstand various weather conditions, with a working temperature range of -22 to 122°F (-30 to 50°C). Whether you're exploring cold mountain peaks or enduring hot desert trails, the VERTIX 2 can handle the extremes. Furthermore, the VERTIX 2 boasts a water resistance rating of 10 ATM (100 m/492 ft.), allowing you to use it confidently in water-related activities such as swimming, snorkeling, or even diving.

6. Garmin Forerunner 955

Garmin Forerunner 955 Review

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is a feature-packed GPS watch designed specifically for runners, offering advanced navigation, long battery life, and safety features. It is a top GPS for outdoor activities, and its navigational features are downright impressive.

With multiband GPS and built-in full-color maps, the Forerunner 955 provides confident navigation whether you're running in the city or exploring trails. The maps help you stay on track and find your way, enhancing your running experience.

Featuring an always-on, full-color display, the watch is designed to be light on the wrist and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. This ensures that you can easily view your data and maps during your runs without any visibility issues.

The battery life of the Forerunner 955 is impressive, offering up to 15 days in smartwatch mode, 42 hours in GPS mode, and 80 hours in UltraTrac™ mode. This extended battery life allows you to use the watch for long periods without worrying about recharging.

The GPS functionality of the watch has been improved to provide superior accuracy, even in challenging environments where GNSS signals may be reflected, weak, or typically don't penetrate well. This ensures that you receive precise information about how far you've run and your running speed.

In terms of safety, the Forerunner 955 is equipped with assistance and incident detection features. If you feel unsafe or if the watch detects an incident, it can send messages with your location to your emergency contacts, providing an added layer of security during your runs.

Why Use A GPS Watch For Outdoor Activities

When heading into the great outdoors for hiking and backpacking, a reliable navigation tool is essential. A GPS watch is a game-changer, offering benefits that enhance your outdoor experience. Let's explore why choosing a GPS watch is a smart decision:

• Reliable Navigation: GPS watches provide accurate navigation and precise positioning, even in remote areas. With a GPS watch, you can confidently explore new trails and find your way back.

• Real-time Tracking: GPS watches offer real-time tracking, allowing you to monitor metrics like distance, speed, pace, and elevation. This data helps you analyze your performance and set goals for future adventures.

• Safety Features: GPS watches have safety and emergency functions to keep you protected. They can call for help in critical situations and transmit your location to emergency services or contacts. Some watches provide weather updates for informed decisions.

• Customizable Features: GPS watches offer customization for hikers and backpackers. You can mark waypoints, create personalized routes, and enjoy geocaching. Tailor your outdoor experience to your preferences.

• Seamless Integration: GPS watches sync with smartphones, computers, and apps for easy data sharing. Review routes and performance metrics, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Stay connected and manage your data effortlessly.

• Long Battery Life: GPS watches last for extended adventures. They have long-lasting batteries, ensuring you won't run out of power. Power-saving modes further extend battery life for uninterrupted functionality.

How To Choose The Best GPS Watch For Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Backpacking, Running, etc.)

GPS Watch Integration and Data Storage

During our extensive review, we found that all the GPS watches we tested seamlessly connect with an accompanying app, allowing you to store your data securely in their database. Through these apps, you can conveniently access your logbooks, explore data, and effortlessly share your activities with friends. It's worth considering that database capabilities vary among different brands, so keep this in mind when choosing your preferred brand.

Among the world's finest GPS watchmakers, Garmin stands out not only for its exceptional products but also for its remarkably robust online platform. Utilizing Garmin Connect as the primary data repository, the platform offers unparalleled versatility. You can effortlessly utilize your data across various platforms. Additionally, Garmin has its own app store featuring integrations with numerous third-party applications.

By embracing Garmin's ecosystem, you gain access to an exciting range of features. You can engage in challenges, upload workouts, explore and add new apps, and customize your watch with additional features based on your preferences. 

Furthermore, you have the opportunity to acknowledge and compete with other users within your friend groups, fostering motivational support. If this kind of user experience aligns with your needs, we wholeheartedly recommend Garmin as the optimal choice.

Navigational Features

In a GPS watch, we believe that the most valuable features are bread-crumb mapping and a dedicated ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass). These features prove indispensable, particularly during our training and testing endeavors in mountainous or intricate terrain. When you find yourself bushwhacking down the mountain with limited visibility, these features can be a game-changer. 

If you anticipate venturing off the well-trodden paths, we strongly recommend opting for a watch that includes these features. And despite the use of navigation apps like Gaia or TrailForks, nothing beats the convenience of having an on-wrist compass guiding your way.

REA: How To Read A Hiking Compass

Certain high-end contenders offer turn-by-turn navigation with built-in maps that offer various layers, points of interest, and more. These watches allow you to upload a course from the app and receive audible beeps to indicate turns along the way. In cases where heavy fog obscures your surroundings, the Sight n' Go feature can be quite handy. Simply point your watch toward a specific location, and it will guide you there. 

For backcountry enthusiasts, navigating via a smartphone might be more convenient due to the larger screen size. However, when it comes to making quick decisions like choosing the right path on a bike trail, a swift glance at these maps on your watch can be easier than retrieving your phone and opening an app like Gaia.

READ: How To Use A Topographic Map

Satellite Networks

When it comes to GPS devices, connecting with more satellite networks is key for improved accuracy. This is especially crucial in tricky signal areas like canyons and dense forests.

To enhance your GPS experience, search for devices that can link up with multiple satellite networks. These include GPS, GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System - a Russian navigation system that collaborates with GPS to provide position data), and Galileo (the European navigation system). Galileo is even believed to offer superior accuracy compared to GPS in the United States, potentially resulting in faster and more precise signal acquisition.

Furthermore, consider systems that utilize WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System). WAAS rectifies data errors received by a GPS device, delivering your location within a 3-meter range at least 95 percent of the time.

Battery Life And Runtime

When it comes to challenging endurance events like multi-day runs spanning over 100 miles, and even up to 250 miles, having a reliable and long-lasting battery is crucial.

If you're on the lookout for a watch to accompany you during ultra distances, it's vital to carefully consider the battery life specifications. Think about the maximum duration you'll be going without the opportunity to recharge. In some cases, having a power brick and USB cable at hand can be a practical solution for on-the-go charging.

Several factors come into play when it comes to battery life. Power-hungry features like map processing, music playback, smart notifications, and audible cues for milestones can significantly impact battery consumption. Additionally, traveling in areas with a weak GPS signal, such as dense foliage or canyons, can further drain the battery faster. When the device struggles to communicate with satellites, it consumes more power.

Many watches offer battery-saving modes like UltraTrac or Endurance Mode. However, we advise against relying on these modes as they disable certain watch features, collect less data, and record fewer GPS points. 

This compromise can lead to a loss of accuracy. Since the purpose of a GPS watch is to provide an accurate representation of your activities, we recommend reviewing the specifications for regular GPS battery lifetimes. This way, you can ensure that you're using the appropriate settings during your events to maintain accuracy and reliability.

Functional Accessories

While the built-in features of GPS watches generally suffice for most users, certain types of information can only be obtained through additional accessories that connect to your watch via Bluetooth. For instance, the onboard optical heart rate sensors often lack the proper fit for accurate readings, prompting many individuals to opt for a heart monitor strap to ensure precise heart rate measurements.

In addition to heart rate monitors, there is a wide array of accessories available for purchase. These include cadence and speed sensors for cycling, running dynamics pods, and various other options. 

All these sensors connect to your watch through Bluetooth or ANT+ technology. Before making a purchase, it's important to check which platforms your watch supports, as not all watches are compatible with both Bluetooth and ANT+ connections.

Additional Features To Consider When Choosing The Best GPS Watches For Outdoors

Geocaching And Waypoints

Let's talk about waypoints and how they play a significant role in GPS devices. Waypoints are simply GPS coordinates that can be programmed into your device beforehand or used on the fly to mark important spots like stream crossings or turns during your journey. 

They're an essential feature found in all GPS devices, but it's important to note that different units come with varying memory capacities and can hold different quantities of waypoints. Now, when it comes to geocaching, these coordinates are the key to uncovering hidden treasures.

Construction And Durability

One notable advantage of GPS devices over smartphones is their ruggedness. These devices are built for the wild, meaning they should be able to withstand a few bumps and drops along the way. It's even better if they are at least water-resistant or fully waterproof. 

Many GPS devices proudly hold an IPX7 rating, ensuring they can brave being submerged under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes without any worries.

User Interface

The screen of your GPS unit plays a crucial role, especially in terms of readability and convenience. Most GPS devices offer easy-to-read screens that display maps showing your precise location. While some devices come with touch screens, it's important to note that this feature may come with an extra cost. 

For instance, the Garmin InReach Messenger is equipped with a compact screen, but it can be connected to a dedicated app on your smart device to display larger map images and facilitate note-taking for a more comprehensive experience.

SOS / Emergency Messaging Capabilities

In addition to their GPS capabilities, some GPS units can also function as Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) or satellite messengers. This means that users have the ability to make SOS calls from almost anywhere in the world, utilizing networks like Iridium or Global Star to coordinate the dispatch of help. 

Furthermore, these devices enable users to send short text messages to friends and family, even in areas without cellular coverage. It's important to note that accessing these services often incurs an additional cost, typically requiring a subscription. It's worth mentioning that the latest iPhone models now offer similar functionalities as well.

Conclusion

When it comes to hiking and backpacking, selecting the best GPS watch is a game-changer for your outdoor escapades. By taking into account crucial factors like navigation, battery life, durability, connectivity, and additional features, you can find the ideal GPS watch that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.

Make sure to conduct thorough research, compare different models, delve into customer reviews, and seek expert advice to make an informed decision. Investing in a top-notch GPS watch will undoubtedly elevate your hiking and backpacking experiences, instilling you with confidence as you navigate the wilderness and amplifying your overall enjoyment of nature's wonders.

So, without hesitation, equip yourself with the perfect GPS watch and set out on unforgettable adventures, knowing that you have a reliable and capable companion adorning your wrist.

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