9 Best Gps Hiking Watches 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a premium smartwatch tailored for running and triathlon enthusiasts, making it quite suitable for hiking as well. It excels in GPS accuracy, providing precise navigation with full-color, onboard maps so you won’t get lost on your adventures. The watch offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, though it’s reduced to 10 hours when using GPS with music, which is still decent for long hiking trips.

Durability is another strong suit, as it is built to withstand rigorous physical activities and is water-resistant, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Additionally, its robust fitness and health tracking features include VO2 Max monitoring, pulse ox sensor, and various performance metrics, useful for keeping tabs on your health during hikes. Connectivity is well-covered with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and smart features like music streaming and Garmin Pay add convenience.

A potential drawback is its user interface, which, while feature-rich, might have a learning curve for those not accustomed to high-tech smartwatches. However, once familiar, it is user-friendly. This watch is ideal for avid hikers who also appreciate detailed fitness tracking, music integration, and smart features on their adventures.