10 Best Garmin Hiking Watch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Instinct Solar is designed for those who love outdoor activities, especially hiking. One of its standout features is the solar charging capability, which significantly extends the battery life, making it ideal for extended outdoor adventures without frequent charging. The watch is rugged, built to withstand tough conditions, and meets U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, allowing it to handle various environments. With GPS, Glonass, and Galileo systems, its navigation capabilities are robust, providing accurate tracking even in challenging terrains.

Equipped with a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, the Instinct Solar is well-suited for hikers who need reliable navigation tools. It also supports multiple built-in sports apps and health monitoring features, including heart rate monitoring and Pulse Ox, helping users keep track of their fitness and overall health. However, it's important to note that it is not a medical device, and its health-related readings should not be used for medical purposes.

The watch offers smart features like Bluetooth connectivity, but it lacks the full set of smart features some other smartwatches provide, such as a high-resolution display or extensive app compatibility. The screen resolution is relatively low at 128 x 128, which may not appeal to users seeking high-definition visuals. The Garmin Instinct Solar is a strong choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability, long battery life, and reliable navigation tools over sleek aesthetics and advanced smart features. Its performance in challenging environments makes it a worthy companion for adventure seekers.

The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition is a high-performance smartwatch designed with advanced training technology and robust features, ideal for hiking enthusiasts. It boasts a large 1.4-inch always-on AMOLED display protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and a sturdy titanium bezel, ensuring durability in rugged environments. One of its standout features is the built-in LED flashlight with adjustable intensities, which enhances night-time visibility and convenience.

The watch’s impressive battery life, lasting up to 384 hours, ensures long-lasting performance during extended hikes or outdoor activities. GPS accuracy is enhanced through advanced multi-band reception technology and multi-GNSS with SatIQ, providing reliable positioning even in challenging terrains. Moreover, the device includes comprehensive navigation features such as preloaded TopoActive maps and Up Ahead navigation prompts, making it easier to stay on track during explorations. The integrated altimeter, barometer, and compass further aid in precise navigation and environmental awareness.

Health and fitness tracking are well-covered with the watch's 24/7 monitoring capabilities, including heart rate, HRV status, Pulse Ox, and advanced sleep monitoring, although these metrics are approximations rather than medical-grade readings. The new hill score and endurance score features provide valuable insights into running strength and endurance, beneficial for serious athletes. Additionally, the smartwatch offers advanced training tools like wrist-based running power and strength training features. Smart functionalities such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and compatibility with Android and iOS devices add to its versatility. While the watch is fairly lightweight at 88 grams, the high-end materials and extensive feature set position it at a premium price point, which might be a consideration for some users. The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition is a powerful tool for avid hikers and outdoor athletes seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a well-rounded smartwatch that excels in various aspects, making it a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hikers. Its standout feature is the exceptional battery life, lasting up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode, which is beneficial for extended hiking trips. The multi-band GPS ensures accurate location tracking, even in challenging environments, which is crucial for navigation in the wild.

Durability is another strong point. With a lightweight titanium bezel, it is designed to withstand rigorous outdoor activities. The AMOLED display provides vibrant visuals, making it easy to read maps and metrics even in bright sunlight. The watch also includes essential navigation features, such as built-in maps and turn-by-turn directions, allowing users to confidently explore new trails.

For hikers looking to monitor their health, the Forerunner 965 comes equipped with a heart rate monitor and additional sensors like an altimeter, barometer, and compass (ABC). These features help provide a comprehensive view of one's physical condition and environmental surroundings, enhancing safety during hikes.