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10 Best Gps Hiking Watches 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smart Watch 48mm, Fitness Watches with GPS (with Privacy), AI, Voice Control, Offline Maps, for Android or iPhone, 170 Sports Modes, 328ft Water-Resistant, Black

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,124
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Durability

Most important from
782 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The GPS and health feature set accuracy is proven, with results closely matching those of the Garmin Venu 2.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, consistently lasting 18 days with general use and even longer with reduced notifications and brightness.
Durability
Durability is a standout feature, with the watch surviving a full kitchen remodel without any scratches or damage.
Connectivity
Setting up the watch is easy, and it offers good notifications and text reply capabilities, even without call functionality.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Navigation and menus are smooth and responsive, with a mix of buttons and touch screen enhancing usability, especially with gloves.

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smart Watch is a robust option for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. It excels in durability, with its 316L stainless steel bezel, and can withstand extreme temperatures from -22°F to 158°F. Its water resistance makes it suitable for freediving up to 147 feet, which is quite impressive. The ultra-bright AMOLED display ensures visibility in all lighting conditions, with special modes like Night and Glove Mode enhancing usability in low light or while wearing gloves.

For navigation, this watch offers precise turn-by-turn directions and supports six satellite systems for accurate GPS positioning. The inclusion of free global maps and dual-band GPS caters well to hikers and adventurers. The battery life is another strong point, lasting over three weeks with typical use or up to 180 hours in GPS mode, making it reliable for extended trips.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the 170+ sports modes and AI-generated training plans that provide real-time updates and guidance. The watch also includes essential sensors like an altimeter, barometer, and compass (ABC), which are crucial for outdoor activities. However, there are a few drawbacks. While the watch boasts comprehensive features, the interface may require some time to get used to, especially for those not familiar with the Zepp OS. Additionally, despite its many features, it may not offer the same level of heart rate monitoring accuracy as some specialized fitness trackers. The connectivity options are solid with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but the absence of LTE might be a limitation for some users.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,124
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Durability

Most important from
782 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The GPS and health feature set accuracy is proven, with results closely matching those of the Garmin Venu 2.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, consistently lasting 18 days with general use and even longer with reduced notifications and brightness.
Durability
Durability is a standout feature, with the watch surviving a full kitchen remodel without any scratches or damage.
Connectivity
Setting up the watch is easy, and it offers good notifications and text reply capabilities, even without call functionality.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Navigation and menus are smooth and responsive, with a mix of buttons and touch screen enhancing usability, especially with gloves.
#2

Garmin Forerunner® 255, GPS Running Smartwatch, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Slate Gray

Rating
9.6
Battery Life
Fitness and Health Tracking
Connectivity and Smart Features

Most important from
558 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, with users averaging around 9 days between charges, significantly outlasting Apple Watches.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is an excellent introduction to the Garmin platform, providing valuable fitness data for walking, running, cycling, and general workouts.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Seamless connectivity with Apple devices, including iPhone and MacBook Pro, enhances user experience.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The always-on display is easy to read in all lighting conditions, making it convenient for outdoor activities.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a well-rounded GPS smartwatch that caters to both hikers and runners. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, offering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, making it reliable for extended outdoor adventures. The always-on display is bright and clear, which is crucial when navigating in sunlight. Its suite of fitness and health tracking tools, such as heart rate variability and sleep monitoring, can help users keep tabs on their overall wellness and training status.

Navigation features are solid, but they might not be as advanced as dedicated hiking watches. The watch includes built-in sports apps and allows for personalized training plans, which can be beneficial for users looking to improve their running or hiking performance. The morning report feature is a nice touch, summarizing key metrics to set you up for the day.

On the downside, while it offers great functionality for fitness enthusiasts, the Forerunner 255 may be less appealing for casual users who don’t need extensive health insights or training plans. Additionally, some advanced features, such as Running Dynamics Pods, require separate purchases, which could add to overall costs. The device is also primarily focused on running, so serious hikers may miss some navigation-specific features that other dedicated hiking watches offer. In terms of connectivity, it supports Bluetooth and is compatible with Garmin's smartphone app, allowing for easy data syncing and workout customization. The user interface is designed to be user-friendly, making it relatively easy to navigate through various features. This smartwatch is particularly suited for those who seek a blend of fitness tracking and reliable GPS navigation in a sleek, lightweight design.

Rating
9.6
Battery Life
Fitness and Health Tracking
Connectivity and Smart Features

Most important from
558 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, with users averaging around 9 days between charges, significantly outlasting Apple Watches.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is an excellent introduction to the Garmin platform, providing valuable fitness data for walking, running, cycling, and general workouts.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Seamless connectivity with Apple devices, including iPhone and MacBook Pro, enhances user experience.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The always-on display is easy to read in all lighting conditions, making it convenient for outdoor activities.
#3

Garmin 010-02540-34 fenix 7 Sapphire Solar, adventure smartwatch, Solar Charging Capabilities, rugged outdoor GPS watch, touchscreen, health and wellness features, Black DLC Titanium with Black Band

Rating
9.4
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Durability

Most important from
2746 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The GPS accuracy is exceptional, locking onto signals almost instantly, even indoors, and providing reliable navigation.
Battery Life
The Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire boasts impressive battery life, with one user noting it lasted 20 days on a single charge with all sensors on.
Durability
The watch's durability is impressive, with users highlighting its ability to withstand rough usage and harsh conditions.
Mapping and Navigation
The Connect App integration is seamless, allowing users to create navigation courses and track detailed metrics.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate monitoring is highly accurate, matching readings from commercial gym equipment.

The Garmin 010-02540-34 Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is a feature-packed GPS hiking watch designed for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the solar charging capability, which extends battery life significantly. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 22 days with sufficient sunlight, and up to 73 hours in GPS mode with continuous solar exposure, making it ideal for long outdoor trips.

The screen is durable, with a scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens and an always-on 1.3” display that is easily readable in various lighting conditions. The GPS accuracy is enhanced with multi-band GNSS support, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, providing reliable navigation even in challenging environments. Equipped with ABC sensors (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass), it offers comprehensive tracking and navigation capabilities. The built-in maps and Wi-Fi connectivity for map downloads ensure you're well-prepared for any terrain.

Health and wellness features such as wrist-based heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring add to its value, though it should be noted these are not medical-grade devices. The 30+ built-in sports apps and advanced performance metrics cater to a wide range of activities, from running and cycling to skiing and surfing. Additionally, it supports smart notifications, music storage, and contactless payments, making it a versatile companion beyond hiking. At 2.56 ounces, it's relatively lightweight for its rugged build. This Garmin watch is a robust and reliable choice for serious hikers and outdoor adventurers, offering extensive features and excellent battery life.

Rating
9.4
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Durability

Most important from
2746 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The GPS accuracy is exceptional, locking onto signals almost instantly, even indoors, and providing reliable navigation.
Battery Life
The Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire boasts impressive battery life, with one user noting it lasted 20 days on a single charge with all sensors on.
Durability
The watch's durability is impressive, with users highlighting its ability to withstand rough usage and harsh conditions.
Mapping and Navigation
The Connect App integration is seamless, allowing users to create navigation courses and track detailed metrics.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate monitoring is highly accurate, matching readings from commercial gym equipment.

Buying Guide for the Best Gps Hiking Watches

Choosing the right GPS hiking watch can significantly enhance your outdoor adventures by providing essential navigation, fitness tracking, and safety features. When selecting a GPS hiking watch, it's important to consider various specifications that align with your hiking needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to look for and how to navigate them.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy refers to how precisely the watch can determine your location. This is crucial for navigation and tracking your hiking routes. Watches with higher GPS accuracy will provide more reliable data, especially in challenging environments like dense forests or mountainous areas. Look for watches that support multiple satellite systems (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) for better accuracy. If you often hike in remote areas, prioritize higher accuracy to ensure you stay on track.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the watch can operate before needing a recharge. This is important for long hikes or multi-day trips where access to charging may be limited. Battery life can vary significantly, with some watches offering extended modes that reduce GPS accuracy to conserve power. If you plan on long hikes, choose a watch with a longer battery life or power-saving features to ensure it lasts throughout your adventure.
DurabilityDurability refers to the watch's ability to withstand harsh conditions, including water resistance, shock resistance, and overall build quality. A durable watch is essential for hiking, as it will be exposed to various elements and potential impacts. Look for watches with high water resistance ratings (e.g., 50 meters or more) and robust materials like stainless steel or reinforced polymers. If you hike in rugged terrains, prioritize durability to ensure your watch can handle the environment.
Mapping and NavigationMapping and navigation features include preloaded maps, route planning, and turn-by-turn directions. These features are important for navigating unfamiliar trails and ensuring you stay on course. Some watches offer topographic maps and the ability to download additional maps. If you often explore new areas, choose a watch with comprehensive mapping and navigation capabilities to help you find your way.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring tracks your heart rate during hikes, providing insights into your fitness level and exertion. This is important for managing your pace and ensuring you don't overexert yourself. Watches with advanced heart rate sensors offer more accurate readings. If you are focused on fitness and health, select a watch with reliable heart rate monitoring to help you track your performance.
Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass (ABC Sensors)ABC sensors provide altitude, atmospheric pressure, and directional information. These are crucial for understanding your environment and making informed decisions during hikes. An altimeter helps track elevation changes, a barometer can predict weather changes, and a compass aids in navigation. If you hike in varied terrains, choose a watch with accurate ABC sensors to enhance your situational awareness.
ConnectivityConnectivity features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and compatibility with smartphones and apps. These features allow you to sync data, receive notifications, and access additional functionalities. Connectivity is important for staying connected and accessing real-time information. If you prefer staying connected and using apps for tracking and planning, choose a watch with robust connectivity options.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use refer to how intuitive and accessible the watch's controls and menus are. This is important for quickly accessing features and making adjustments on the go. Watches with touchscreens, customizable buttons, and clear displays are easier to use. If you value simplicity and efficiency, select a watch with a user-friendly interface to ensure a smooth experience.

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