The Best GPS Watches for Hiking
If you’re serious about hiking, you already know how essential a good GPS watch can be.
It’s not just about tracking your steps or heart rate; it’s about having a reliable way to navigate, stay safe, and push yourself further on the trail.
But with so many choices out there, finding the right GPS watch for your hikes can feel overwhelming.
So, in this guide, I’ll cut through the noise and break down the top picks.
This way, you can find the right watch to match your own pace and style out there.
Best GPS Watches for Hiking by Category
Best Overall: Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
Good for: Hikers who need a reliable, feature-packed GPS watch with excellent battery life and durability.
Best Overall
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
Product Highlights
- High-resolution display with both touch and button controls
- Multi-GNSS and topographic maps for advanced navigation
- Solar charging for extended battery life
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
- Water-resistant and impact-resistant for tough outdoor conditions
The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro earns its spot as the best all-around GPS watch for serious hikers, combining top-tier features with rugged build quality and a battery that won’t quit halfway through a long trek.
Its multi-GNSS support keeps you accurately tracked, even in thick woods or off-the-grid locations where lesser models might fail.
And with both touchscreen and physical buttons, the Fenix 7 Pro is built to handle whatever conditions come your way, making it reliable and easy to navigate no matter what you’re up against.
Best Budget: Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
Good for: Budget-conscious hikers seeking essential GPS functionality without sacrificing durability.
Best Budget
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
Product Highlights
- Military-grade toughness with water resistance
- Multi-GNSS support for reliable tracking
- Solar charging extends battery life
- Basic fitness and health tracking
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar gives you solid GPS essentials at a price that doesn’t overreach.
Built to military standards, this watch can take some hits and still perform.
With multi-GNSS support and solar charging, you get reliable tracking and extra battery life for those longer hikes.
It’s rugged, covers the health-tracking basics, and offers a strong choice for hikers who want dependable GPS without splurging on extras.
Best for Battery Life: Suunto Vertical Solar
Good for: Hikers embarking on long trips who need extended battery life and reliable navigation.
Best Battery Life
Suunto Vertical Solar
Product Highlights
- Battery life up to one year with solar charging
- High-resolution display with easy-to-use controls
- Built-in maps and navigation tools
- Weather forecasting for safety alerts
The Suunto Vertical Solar is built for those who need serious battery life—it can last up to 60 days with solar charging, which is hard to beat.
This makes it ideal for multi-day hikes or long backpacking trips where charging options are slim.
Equipped with navigation, weather forecasts, and maps, it’s a solid choice for anyone heading deep into the backcountry and needing a reliable, all-in-one tool on their wrist.
Best for Multisport Use: Garmin Forerunner 965
Good for: Multi-sport enthusiasts needing versatile tracking across activities.
Best Multisport Use
Garmin Forerunner 965
Product Highlights
- AMOLED display with vivid colors and easy readability
- Advanced metrics for multiple sports
- Multi-band GPS for precise tracking
- Supports music storage and streaming
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is made for those who mix hiking with running, biking, or other outdoor activities.
Its bright AMOLED display and in-depth sports metrics set it apart for tracking performance across multiple sports.
And with a lightweight design, it stays comfortable during long outings, making it a versatile pick for the multi-sport adventurer.
Best Durability: Coros Vertix 2
Good for: Hikers in need of an exceptionally durable GPS watch for rugged environments.
Best Durability
Coros Vertix 2
Product Highlights
- Multi-GNSS support for strong signal reception
- Ultra-long battery life up to 40 days in UltraMax mode
- Military-grade durability and design
- Customizable data screens for tailored insights
The Coros Vertix 2 is built for the toughest conditions, with military-grade durability, a long-lasting battery, and multi-GNSS support for accurate tracking.
This watch is designed for those who push into challenging, rugged environments and need a device that can keep up with them.
It’s reliable, tough, and ready for whatever the wilderness throws your way.
Best Lightweight Design: Garmin Enduro 2
Good for: Hikers seeking a lightweight GPS watch that doesn’t compromise on features.
Best Lightweight Design
Garmin Enduro 2
Product Highlights
- Lightweight, comfortable design with a thin strap
- Solar charging for extended battery life
- Basic mapping and health tracking features
- Multi-GNSS support for reliable connectivity
The Garmin Enduro 2 is a featherweight GPS watch that doesn’t skimp on battery life, thanks to solar charging.
Ideal for hikers who prioritize comfort, its streamlined design provides the core GPS and health-tracking features without weighing you down.
If you’re looking for something light yet reliable, the Enduro 2 is a smart pick.
Best for Health Tracking: Polar Grit X Pro
Good for: Health-focused hikers seeking detailed wellness insights alongside navigation features.
Best Health Tracking
Polar Grit X Pro
Product Highlights
- Comprehensive health metrics, including sleep and recovery insights
- Multi-GNSS support for accurate tracking
- Compass and barometric altimeter for elevation tracking
- Battery life of up to 40 hours in GPS mode
The Polar Grit X Pro is a great choice for hikers focused on health metrics, providing thorough tracking for sleep, heart rate, and recovery.
Along with solid GPS and fitness insights, it’s made for those who want to monitor their health and performance closely on the trail.
Conclusion
From my own time on the trails, I can say that choosing the right GPS watch makes a real difference.
For me, battery life and durability have always been top priorities.
When you’re out on a multi-day hike, away from easy charging, a watch with long-lasting battery life like the Suunto Vertical Solar or the Coros Vertix 2 is invaluable.
I’ve also come to appreciate the reliability of multi-GNSS tracking in areas with heavy tree cover—nothing worse than losing your way when the trails aren’t clear.
The right GPS watch is like a reliable hiking partner, always ready for the next stretch.
Looking to gear up for your next adventure?
Check out The Ultimate Beginner Hiking Equipment Guide for a comprehensive breakdown of all the essentials you need to start your hiking journey!
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