Are you planning for your next hiking expedition? You require the best GPS watch for hiking. A good hiking watch should have some important attributes. Such watch should provide crucial information such as date, time, location, altitude, sunset, and sunrise, as well as air pressure. This information is important because they can assist you in planning for your hiking activities. For instance, you need to plan for different things such as navigation, weather outcome, and so on. Because of that, hikers and people who engage in different outdoor expeditions look for watches with specific GPS features. There are several of such watches on the market today. The problem is how to select the most superior quality outdoor watches among them. GPS watches have several benefits. Some people avoid using it because such watches require longer battery life. Some of them are very expensive, and prices tend to scare users from buying them. In addition to these, some are designed with state of art engineering that they feature complicated interface. There are watches without all these complications. While looking for this type of watches, you must ensure that they have features, which are useful for the hiking activities. Some of the features to look out for include a barometer, altimeter, as well as compass.

​These are great features and they are needed for hiking and other related activities such as backpacking, mountaineering, as well as trekking and similar outdoor activities. If you are a hiker and you are finding it hard to lay hands on the best GPS watch, the following information will assist you to make the best choice.

Best GPS Watch For Hiking Review

1. Garmin Fenix 5 Sapphire - Black with Black Band Perhaps, the most popular hiking GPS watch on the market today is the Garmin Fenix 5. This is a replacement for the popular and highly rated Fenix 3. This is one of the newest outdoor watches, as it was introduced to the market just in 2017. It has fantastic features that make it better than several others out there. Some of the great attributes include high color resolution, and display. The watch is ruggedly constructed, and this means that it is good for harsh outdoor conditions it is often subjected to. Furthermore, it is durable, because it is designed with the finest quality raw materials on the market, which includes bezel stainless steel. Moreover, the lens is designed from Sapphire glass. When you are looking for this kind of watch, features to look out for include durability and abrasion resistance. This model satisfies all these. This makes it highly outstanding. The watch is suitable for different outdoor activities such as running, swimming, backpacking, cycling, climbing, trekking, mountaineering, and so on. It is good for different kinds of outdoor programs. Most importantly, it is good for everyday use. Thus, the watch has multi uses.

​Elegance The watch is elegant. Because of the beautiful design, you can use it for different things. Most people use the watch for business meetings. It makes you look important. Hiking Features Most importantly, the watch has all the features relevant to a hiker such as compass, thermometer, altimeter, as well as a barometer. Both the altimeter and the compass are GPS calibrated. This makes it easier for the user to read. Automation Another great feature is that the watch can set time automatically. It can easily detect your location and set the time automatically. In addition to that, you can customize it by importing points of interests to you, as well as routes. It makes provision for saving of activities and other information you want to recall later. Fitness The watch is equipped with important fitness features such as recovery advisor, V02 estimator, as well as race predictor and so. Because of this, the watch can be used for other kinds of activities like skiing, running, mountain biking as well as swimming and so on. For customization, you can easily connect it with widgets, apps, and so on. If you want, you can easily synchronize this watch with your smartphone, and it can be synchronized with an android and iOS devices. You can easily read your mail, texts, and other important notifications on your phones. Most importantly, you can easily pair the watch with certain Garmin products like the Virb action camera. This means that you can easily control that camera right from your watch. The watch is currently available in three sizes. In all, this model is good and it is recommended for camping, hiking, backpacking and so on. Moving it around is easy, and it is not difficult to use. It is highly recommended as it is affordable.

What we liked It can be used for different sports.

It ensures accurate measurement.

The watch is waterproof for at least one hundred meter.

It is durable and beautifully designed.

The watch features a long battery life What we didn't like The color can bland

​Final Verdict

This shortcoming notwithstanding, this watch is the most superior quality GPS wristwatch for hiking. If you are looking for the best, you can consider this brand.

For hikers and other serious athletes, Fenix 5S is the best choice for them. It is one of three sizes of Garmin Fenix 5 watches. The watch is lighter than several others are. In addition to that, it offers the best in terms of performance. It is light, because of the compact design. Perhaps it is more compact than other versions of the same brand. ​Most importantly, the watch is equipped with the most advanced features such as navigation functions, activity profiles, as well as performance metrics and so on. Furthermore, it has heart rate features. It has important features that can help you monitor your performance. Apart from the fact that you can wear it for your sport activities, it is designed to be used anywhere. It is a versatile and multipurpose GPS watch. ​Compact The watch is compactly designed. This means that you can wear it with ease. You can use it for different kinds of sport without feeling the weight. Functions Furthermore, the wristwatch is preloaded with different activities. This means that you can monitor your performance as you engage on these activities. It features heart rate technology. Synchronization It is possible to synchronize it with your smartphone so that you can get smart notifications, read mail and SMS messages and so on. Moreover, you can connect it to an online fitness community and you can monitor your performance over time. Performance In terms of performance, this watch has edges over others because of the bright and high resolution display. It features a backlight and because of that, you can read time and other things without difficulties. Connectivity The watch is Wi-Fi enabled; this means that you can easily connect to a wireless network and automatically share things with friends and relations the Garmin system. Sensors The wristwatch has the most important outdoor sensors, which make it suitable for hiking activities. It features GLONASS and GPS features like three axis compass, altimeter, barometer, as well as gyroscope and so on. What we liked It is lightweight.

The watch is durable.

It features GPS properties.

One hundred meters waterproofed.

Versatile and multipurpose watch. What we didn't like Software can at times freeze. Final Verdict In all, this brand is one of the best GPS watches for hiking. It is recommended as it has all the features you look out for. The watch is durable, functional, compact, and light. Check The Latest Price ​ Looking to buy an ​low budget watch? Check out our review on Best ​Budget ​Hiking ​Watch

3. Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire - Slate Gray with Black Band This is the third type of Garmin Fenix 5. A high quality and high resolution GPS watch. This model is suitable for different kinds of sporting and outdoor activities. It is remarkably different from others because of the outstanding readability in any ambient condition you find yourself. The watch features the most transitiveness technology, and that is why you can read the watch and monitor your performance under any severe sunlight. Moreover, connectivity is another great attribute. It does not only synchronize with your smartphone, it is equally Wi-Fi enabled. Thus, you can easily connect to any network and upload items for sharing. In addition to these, it has other fantastic features that set it apart: Multi sport The watch is meant for different kinds of sport. Its use cannot be restricted to hiking. It displays in full colors, and that is why you can monitor your performance with ease. The model has all the important navigational features. Durable The product is meant for different kinds of outdoor activities. It can withstand any activity, because of the superior stainless bezel materials used to produce it. Moreover, it is ruggedly designed and this means that it can last for a long time. Sensor Furthermore, the watch has important navigation features as well as GPS features, which include barometer altimeter, three axis compass, and gyroscope and so on. It equally features GLONASS and this means that you can track your activities with ease. Programs The watch has preloaded programs, which makes it easier for you to do many things. It has run profiles. With these, you can monitor your performance through a widget. You can equally train and do other things and monitor your progress. Connections Most importantly, it can connect to your smartphone. You can easily receive and read notifications. Because of the online connection, you can share with the fitness community. Its app features enable you to customize the use of the product. Elegant style You have seen that the watch can be used for different sports. It can equally be used for other purposes. You can wear it for ceremonies. Because of the protective stainless bezel steel, you can wear it with confidence. It is waterproof; you can use it up to one hundred meters inside water. Most importantly, the battery life is long. You can use this model with confidence. What we liked It is durable.

The model is a multipurpose GPS watch.

Complete GPS features.

Highly legible. What we didn't like The software can freeze. Final Verdict In conclusion, it is certain that this is the best hiking watch in the market. The watch has everything you want for hiking and related activities. It remains the best for hikers. Check The Latest Price 4. ﻿Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR Baro﻿ Another superior hiking GPS watch. The model is good and it can compare with Garmin Fenix 5 watches. It is outstanding because of superior performance. It is a durable watch and designed with the finest quality stainless steel bezel material. If you like, you can use it with gloves because it features buttons. It possesses all the important GPS features such as compass, thermometer, barometer, as well as an altimeter and so on. ​Navigation It is easy to navigate the trail with your watch. Moreover, it makes it easy for you to import GPX routes from Suunto Movescount app. Here you can easily plan your movement before you start. Tracking Another outstanding property includes the tracking feature. For instance with the watch you can easily determine the distance you have covered. Moreover, it can assist you find your way back to where you started your journey. You can easily monitor your current speed and so on. Connectivity Moreover, connectivity is possible through Bluetooth device. With this, you can connect your watch to your smartphone. This makes it easy for you to read mail and receive notifications from your phones. Battery life This model has an edge over several others in terms of battery life. Battery can last longer than you expect. What we liked Connections through Bluetooth.

It features Movescount.

The watch is good for different kinds of sports.

It supports all GPS features. What we didn't like It is very low. Final Verdict In all, this GPS watch is almost the same thing with Garmin Fenix products reviewed above. It has the most interesting features, which can assist you in the hiking activities. Check The Latest Price 5. Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR Running GPS Unit Suunto Ambit3 is a great GPS watch and has an edge in terms of speed, time display, elevation, and distance monitoring. It can track your performance through the GPS technology while it can easily work out your elevation through Suunto Fuzzed Alti. The product is unique, because it will always display an accurate reading. The watch has outstanding functional facility. It features all the GPS properties. In addition to that, it offers different methods of storing your points as you exercise with the equipment. ​Functions The watch has all the basic watch features in addition to the advanced features. For instance, it has features for time, stopwatch, alarm, and so on. Moreover, you can view it very well in the night because of the backlight. Language One outstanding feature is that the watch supports different languages. This means that you will not be limited in using the watch as it can display in your language. Multipurpose The watch is good for hiking and other related activities. You can use it for swimming, as it is water resistant for up to one hundred meter. Battery The battery life is relatively good compared to many other out there. It can last for as long as two hundred hours, but that depends on how you use it. Apps and software In addition, it can support different apps and software. You can use any of the apps to undertake different analysis such as calories burnt, as well as heart rate and so on. Durable The watch is strongly and sturdily constructed. Because of that, you can subject it to different kinds of activities without damaging it. What we liked It is a multipurpose watch.

The watch is ruggedly built.

It has great tracking features.

The watch possesses all the GPS tracking features. What we didn't like The watch is very expensive. Final Verdict In conclusion, this Suunto watch is one of the best from the company. It is apparent from the features reviewed above that it has everything you need hiking. Check The Latest Price 6. Suunto Traverse This is another great product from Suunto. Traverse was introduced to the market a few years back. This is perhaps one of the best collections or models from the company. The watch is unique because of the incredible performance. Furthermore, the watch is very attractive. Many people are using it for outdoor functions. It can be used for different outdoor sports. It contains the most important features for these sports activities. ​GPS Feature When you want this kind of watch, the most important thing to consider includes the GPS features. It has such features like a barometer, compass, Bluetooth chipset, as well as GPS navigation, and tracking features. Though they have similar features like Ambit, it is not a replacement for ambit. Multipurpose The watch is meant for different events apart from hiking. For instance, it is good for walking, trekking, running, climbing and so on. Moreover, it is suitable for everyday use. You have a lot to gain when you use the watch. Elegant The watch looks elegant, which means that it is good for fashion. Despite the fact that it is beautiful, it is ruggedly constructed. This makes it highly durable as it is designed with the composite materials. Moreover, it is scratch resistant, because of stainless steel bezel material. Connectivity Connectivity is possible through a Bluetooth adapter. With this, you can connect to different devices. For instance, it can be easily connected to different devices including an android and iOS devices. What we liked It looks beautiful in appearance.

The product is designed with the finest materials.

It connects fast.

It has features for GPS connectivity. What we didn't like It does not offer enough sport features. Final Verdict In conclusion, this model is one of the best Suunto GPS watches. It has great features that can help different outdoor activities. The model is highly recommended. Check The Latest Price 7. Casio Men's 'PRO TREK' Quartz Resin Outdoor Smartwatch Casio is a great name in watch manufacturing. CASIO WSD F20 is designed for people who want to be active. This model is better than others before it is, because of the GPS feature. It is fitted with interesting features.

​Display The design is unique. It has a bigger face designed with bezel materials. The big face and the size is one outstanding attribute of the watch. Durable The watch contains series of military grade materials. This makes it strong and durable. It can withstand different kinds of conditions such as shock, pressure, as well as temperature. Water-Resistant Moreover, the watch can be used in water it is water resistant for up to fifty meters. This means that you can use it for diving, windsurfing, and so on. Glass The glass is unique because of the anti fouling feature. This means that the glass will not stain easily. It has the most important component for GPS such as a barometer, thermometer, compass and so on. It displays in two ways, this means that you can read out your performance very well.

What we liked The watch is durable.

It features topographic maps.

The watch displays in two ways.

Michibiki supports. What we didn't like It uses third party software.

​Final ​Verdict

In all, this is a superior quality model, and has everything you want. The display is unique. It is highly durable and strongly recommended.

Another multipurpose GPS watch, this model can boast of seven different colors. It performs different functions and one of them is the GPS. In addition to that, it can easily read weather and has forecast feature. It displays in multiple colors. The model has other fantastic features that set it apart.

​GPS The model has the GPS features and this is why it is most suitable for that purpose. Functions Moreover, it can perform different functions as you can use it to read the weather and make a forecast. Furthermore, it is useful for heart rate purpose. You can use it to track your performance in different activities. Display As you have seen, the watch will always display in color and because of that, you can see your performance very well. It is automatic in its recordings. It is easy to use because it features an instructional manual, which guides you in how best to use the product.

What we liked The watch is durable because of high quality materials.It has wide range of features and that makes it multipurpose.

It has five working modes and you can make your choice.

The watch has all the GPS features and it displays in colors. What we didn't like The watch can be difficult to use

​Final ​Verdict

In conclusion, if you want the best GPS watch for your hiking activity, you can choose this model. It has every feature you desire.

This model is designed for hikers in mind because it has everything that can assist them in their activities. It can help you with directions. Like other products from Garmin, this model is equally of superior quality. It can be used for different activities apart from hiking. The model is waterproofed and this means that you can use it in any season.

​GPS If you want to engage in hiking, this model is great because it has the most sensitive GPS receiver. It can assist you in different areas. Moreover, it has some tracking features that can help you locate your tracking routes. Functions In addition to the GPS features discussed above, the watch can perform other useful functions like monitoring of heart rate and so on. Display The display system is great because it is easy and simple to read. You can easily read any location without difficulties. If you want to hunt or fish, it provides information relevant to these activities.

What we liked It is easy and simple to use.

The product is not difficult to control and provides every information you want.

The battery is durable and can last for up to twenty hours.

Connects to other things through USB. What we didn't like Sometimes, it can display incorrect information.

​Final ​Verdict

In all this is a great waterproofed GPS ​​watch and it is highly recommended for hikers.

A smart product and features a perfect navigational system. It uses the most powerful battery and that is why it cannot disappoint you. The battery can easily monitor your body condition without difficulties. It is suitable for different activities.

​Perhaps the greatest thing with this product is the GPS facilities, which are inbuilt in the system. Thus, you can easily monitor your tracks, distance, as well as speed. Even if you do not use your smartphone, this watch can easily guide you back to your starting point. Therefore, there is no fear of getting lost. Multipurpose Furthermore, you can use this product in at least three other sports such as mountain climbing, surfing, swimming, running, as well as marathon and so on. It has features for these activities. Heart rate Most people use this product to monitor their heart rate. You can check your heart beat rate. Moreover, it can help you to program your movement.

It has other important software that can assist you in your activities.

What we liked The product is good for hiking and other sports.

It is not difficult to use.

It is durable.

You can use it with your smartphone. What we didn't like The battery life is not the best.

​Final ​Verdict

In conclusion, this is a high quality GPS watch and it is highly recommended for you. It has features for your hiking and other activities.

Things to Consider When Choosing a​ Hiking GPS Watch

When you are looking for this kind of watches there are certain factors to look out to pick the best. The most important thing is to ensure that such watch possesses hiking features. The most important of such features includes a barometer, compass, as well as an altimeter. These features are important, because it can help in your hiking activities. When there is a barometer , it helps you to plan your hiking adventure. It can detect any changes in the atmosphere, which means that it can help you to predict weather. Hiking is not good in adverse weather condition. Because of this, you must ensure that barometer is available in the hiking watch you want to buy.

, it helps you to plan your hiking adventure. It can detect any changes in the atmosphere, which means that it can help you to predict weather. Hiking is not good in adverse weather condition. Because of this, you must ensure that barometer is available in the hiking watch you want to buy. Altimeter is equally important, because you can easily determine how far you are above the sea level. You require this in order to have a precise reading, and it is even better than the barometer, though they perform different, but related functions. If you want to navigate, then altimeter is indispensable. Ensure that watch you use has this important feature.

is equally important, because you can easily determine how far you are above the sea level. You require this in order to have a precise reading, and it is even better than the barometer, though they perform different, but related functions. If you want to navigate, then altimeter is indispensable. Ensure that watch you use has this important feature. A compass is equally necessary, because it can help you with location. With your compass, you can determine where you are such as North, South, East, and west and so on. This is equally important for navigation. If you have a map, you can combine it with the compass feature to plan your hiking very well, since you can easily determine your location.

is equally necessary, because it can help you with location. With your compass, you can determine where you are such as North, South, East, and west and so on. This is equally important for navigation. If you have a map, you can combine it with the compass feature to plan your hiking very well, since you can easily determine your location. In addition to these three most important features, there are other important considerations such as a thermometer . You can use this to measure the temperature. This is helpful in planning the type of clothes to wear for your expedition.

. You can use this to measure the temperature. This is helpful in planning the type of clothes to wear for your expedition. These are the major factors to consider, they can affect your hiking ability. Moreover when you are looking for the watch, consider the issue of durability. Since you spend money in buying these watches, it is better that you opt for the most durable watch. These can serve you for a very long time. Moreover, you can consider the heart rate monitor feature. Your health is very important when you are embarking on this expedition. Hiking GPS watches with heart rate monitor can assist you in monitoring your health. There should be a steady pace throughout the hiking activity, and this tool can assist you in achieving that. ​FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Q: How do you charge a GPS watch in the woods? ​There are a few ways to keep your GPS watch charged in the woods. The most recommended is to use a portable battery pack. This accessory offers charging for a variety of electronic devices from GPS watches to smartphones. You an even bring a few with you for longer trips. You can also take along a solar charger to use the sun for generating energy to power your charger. If you are using an RV or camper and have a generator on hand, then you can use the power that is supplied by the generator to plug in your GPS watch until it reaches a full charge. ​Q: What type of watch band is the best for hiking? ​The best watch bands for hiking are those that are strong and durable. Bands made of durable grade rubber are among the best. They are comfortable as well as being water resistant. Moisture from misting, rain or perspiration from the hike won't affect a rubber watchband. They are also reasonably priced and in most cases, easy to replace on the go. It's a good idea to keep a spare on hand. While metal is stronger, the metal bracelets tend to retain heat and cold and this becomes an issue that can affect your comfort. Also, a canvas or nylon watch band provide strength and comfort and their advantage over rubber is that they are less likely to cause perspiration to form around the wrist. Q: Does cold weather affect hiking watch battery life? ​Cold weather does have an effect on battery life. In fact, extremely cold temperatures can cause a battery to drain and to shut down the device that it is powering unexpectedly. A good rule of thumb is that the larger batteries are not as quickly affected by cold temperatures. There are some battery models that are designed to withstand the cold better than others. Read the manufacturer's label to learn more about the type of hiking watch battery that you're considering. Some lithium-ion types perform better than others under extremely cold weather conditions.

Final ​Verdict

These are the best GPS watches for hiking. They have fantastic features.They display graphs for changes in barometric pressure and include a temperature sensor, lap timers and tracking of elevation levels. The GPS feature shows you where you're located in relation to landmark features. You are going to get real value for your money for any of them you choose. They are all recommended.