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10 Best Garmin Hiking Watch 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin 010-02293-10 Instinct Solar, Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch with Solar Charging Capabilities, Built-in Sports Apps and Health Monitoring, Graphite

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,262
Battery Life
Durability and Water Resistance
Navigation Features

Most important from
3024 reviews

Battery Life
The Garmin Instinct Solar strikes a perfect balance between usefulness, simplicity, and features, especially for those who prioritize battery life and long-term usability over flashy aesthetics.
Durability and Water Resistance
The watch is rugged and versatile, holding up well even in tough conditions like mountain biking crashes, thanks to its durable design.
Navigation Features
Navigation is robust with features like breadcrumb trails and route tracking, although it lacks preloaded maps, which some might miss.
Heart Rate Monitoring and Fitness Tracking
The Instinct Solar offers a wide range of tracking capabilities, including a reliable heart rate monitor and multi-sport tracking profiles, without the need for a chest strap.

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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,262
Battery Life
Durability and Water Resistance
Navigation Features

Most important from
3024 reviews

Battery Life
The Garmin Instinct Solar strikes a perfect balance between usefulness, simplicity, and features, especially for those who prioritize battery life and long-term usability over flashy aesthetics.
Durability and Water Resistance
The watch is rugged and versatile, holding up well even in tough conditions like mountain biking crashes, thanks to its durable design.
Navigation Features
Navigation is robust with features like breadcrumb trails and route tracking, although it lacks preloaded maps, which some might miss.
Heart Rate Monitoring and Fitness Tracking
The Instinct Solar offers a wide range of tracking capabilities, including a reliable heart rate monitor and multi-sport tracking profiles, without the need for a chest strap.
#2

Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition, 51mm, High Performance Smartwatch, Advanced Training Technology, Built-in Flashlight, Black

Rating
9.6
Battery Life
Durability

Most important from
361 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is phenomenal, lasting almost two weeks between charges depending on usage.
Durability
Despite the high cost, the watch's utility and durability with titanium and sapphire glass make it worth the investment.

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.

Rating
9.6
Battery Life
Durability

Most important from
361 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is phenomenal, lasting almost two weeks between charges depending on usage.
Durability
Despite the high cost, the watch's utility and durability with titanium and sapphire glass make it worth the investment.
#3

Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Amp Yellow and Black

Rating
9.3
Battery Life
GPS Accuracy
Durability

Most important from
274 reviews

Battery Life
This watch is incredibly comfortable and durable, with battery life that outlasts previous Garmin models, even with extensive GPS use.
GPS Accuracy
The screen is beautiful and the GPS accuracy is unmatched, surpassing even the Apple Watch Ultra in performance.
Durability
This watch is incredibly comfortable and durable, with battery life that outlasts previous Garmin models, even with extensive GPS use.

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.

Rating
9.3
Battery Life
GPS Accuracy
Durability

Most important from
274 reviews

Battery Life
This watch is incredibly comfortable and durable, with battery life that outlasts previous Garmin models, even with extensive GPS use.
GPS Accuracy
The screen is beautiful and the GPS accuracy is unmatched, surpassing even the Apple Watch Ultra in performance.
Durability
This watch is incredibly comfortable and durable, with battery life that outlasts previous Garmin models, even with extensive GPS use.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Hiking Watch

Choosing the right Garmin hiking watch can significantly enhance your outdoor adventures by providing essential data and features tailored to your needs. When selecting a hiking watch, consider the specific activities you plan to engage in, the environments you'll be exploring, and the type of data and functionality that will be most beneficial to you. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your watch meets your expectations and requirements.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy is crucial for a hiking watch as it determines how precisely the watch can track your location and route. This is important for navigation, tracking your progress, and ensuring your safety. GPS accuracy can vary based on the watch's technology and the environment. Watches with multi-GNSS support (using multiple satellite systems) generally offer better accuracy. If you often hike in dense forests or mountainous areas, opt for a watch with high GPS accuracy to ensure reliable tracking.
Battery LifeBattery life is a key consideration, especially for long hikes or multi-day trips. It determines how long the watch can operate before needing a recharge. Battery life can range from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the watch and its settings. Watches with extended battery modes or solar charging capabilities can be beneficial for longer adventures. Choose a watch with a battery life that matches the duration of your typical hikes to avoid running out of power when you need it most.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance are important for a hiking watch as they ensure the watch can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Durability refers to the watch's ability to resist impacts, scratches, and general wear and tear. Water resistance indicates how well the watch can handle exposure to water, such as rain or river crossings. Look for watches with high durability ratings and water resistance of at least 50 meters if you plan to hike in wet or rugged environments.
Navigation FeaturesNavigation features like topographic maps, route planning, and breadcrumb trails are essential for hikers who venture into unfamiliar territories. These features help you find your way, track your path, and return to your starting point. Some watches also offer turn-by-turn navigation and waypoint marking. If you frequently explore new trails or remote areas, choose a watch with comprehensive navigation features to enhance your safety and confidence.
Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass (ABC Sensors)ABC sensors provide valuable information about your altitude, weather changes, and direction. The altimeter measures elevation, the barometer tracks atmospheric pressure to predict weather changes, and the compass helps with orientation. These sensors are particularly useful for high-altitude hikes and navigating in challenging conditions. If you hike in mountainous regions or need precise environmental data, a watch with reliable ABC sensors is a good choice.
Smart FeaturesSmart features such as smartphone notifications, music control, and contactless payments can add convenience to your hiking experience. These features allow you to stay connected and manage your essentials without needing to access your phone. While not critical for hiking, they can enhance your overall experience. Consider your preference for staying connected and the added convenience when deciding if smart features are important for your hiking watch.
Heart Rate Monitoring and Fitness TrackingHeart rate monitoring and fitness tracking provide insights into your physical performance and health. These features track your heart rate, calories burned, steps taken, and other fitness metrics. They can help you monitor your exertion levels and ensure you're staying within safe limits. If you want to track your fitness progress or have specific health goals, choose a watch with accurate heart rate monitoring and comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities.

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