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10 Best Hiking Watches 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin Venu 3S Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel 1.2-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 41mm French Gray Case and Silicone Band

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,499
GPS
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitor

Most important from
3330 reviews

GPS
Fitness tracking is spot-on, with accurate data for running, biking, and swimming, alongside seamless GPS tracking.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting several days even with heavy use.
Heart Rate Monitor
Automatic workout tracking and precise heart rate monitoring provide invaluable health insights.
Smartwatch Features
The Body Battery feature helps understand energy levels throughout the day, and sleep and stress tracking are invaluable for overall well-being.

The Garmin Venu 3S is a stylish smartwatch with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, designed for health and fitness enthusiasts. It boasts a long battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, which is excellent for extended use without frequent recharging. The built-in GPS is essential for hiking, providing accurate location tracking. However, it lacks specific hiking-oriented features like an altimeter, barometer, and compass (ABC), which are crucial for serious hikers for navigation and weather prediction.

On the positive side, the watch includes a heart rate monitor, stress tracking, and Body Battery energy monitoring, which provide valuable health insights. Its durable design with a stainless steel bezel and silicone band ensures it can withstand physical activities. The smartwatch features such as phone call handling, text responses, and compatibility with both Android and iOS make it versatile for everyday use.

The wide range of sports apps and animated on-screen workouts can benefit users looking to diversify their fitness routines. Despite its strengths, it may not be the best fit for hardcore hikers who require advanced navigation tools. Casual hikers and fitness enthusiasts looking for a combination of health monitoring and smart features might find it a compelling option.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,499
GPS
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitor

Most important from
3330 reviews

GPS
Fitness tracking is spot-on, with accurate data for running, biking, and swimming, alongside seamless GPS tracking.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting several days even with heavy use.
Heart Rate Monitor
Automatic workout tracking and precise heart rate monitoring provide invaluable health insights.
Smartwatch Features
The Body Battery feature helps understand energy levels throughout the day, and sleep and stress tracking are invaluable for overall well-being.
#2

Garmin vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Black

Rating
9.8
GPS
Battery Life

Most important from
5173 reviews

GPS
The tracking and health features, including sleep tracking and GPS, are impressively detailed and motivating.
Battery Life
The battery life is significantly longer compared to Fitbit, making it a reliable choice for extended use.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a feature-packed health and fitness GPS smartwatch designed to cater to various needs, including hiking. One of its standout features is the bright, colorful AMOLED display, which offers clear visibility in various lighting conditions. With up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, it provides ample usage time for long hikes without frequent recharging. The built-in GPS ensures accurate tracking of your hiking routes, a crucial feature for outdoor activities.

Additionally, the watch includes extensive health monitoring features such as wrist-based heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, sleep score, and Body Battery energy monitoring. These features help you better understand your overall health and fitness levels. However, the vívoactive 5 lacks dedicated altimeter, barometer, and compass (ABC) sensors, which may be a drawback for serious hikers who rely on these tools for navigation and weather forecasting.

Durability-wise, the watch is designed for various activities, including swimming and HIIT workouts, indicating it can withstand rigorous use. Smartwatch features like music download, Bluetooth connectivity, and various sports apps add to its versatility. The device also offers personalized insights on sleep and recovery, as well as adaptive training plans via the Garmin Connect app. Despite its comprehensive health and fitness features, the absence of ABC sensors might make it less appealing to hardcore hikers. Nonetheless, for casual hikers and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable and multifunctional smartwatch, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is a solid choice.

Rating
9.8
GPS
Battery Life

Most important from
5173 reviews

GPS
The tracking and health features, including sleep tracking and GPS, are impressively detailed and motivating.
Battery Life
The battery life is significantly longer compared to Fitbit, making it a reliable choice for extended use.
#3

Garmin Enduro™ 3 – 51 mm, Solar, Sapphire, Ultraperformance GPS Smartwatch, Extreme Battery Life, Detailed Mapping, Built-in LED Flashlight, Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black UltraFit Nylon Strap

Rating
9.5
Battery Life

Most important from
92 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is leaps and bounds better than the Fenix 7, offering almost a 20-day difference.

The Garmin Enduro™ 3 is a feature-packed hiking watch designed for ultra-endurance athletes, offering many strengths and a few drawbacks. Weighing just 63 grams, it is lightweight and aims to enhance performance during long activities. One of its standout features is its exceptional battery life, providing up to 90 days in smartwatch mode and 320 hours in GPS mode with solar charging, making it ideal for extended adventures without worrying about frequent recharging.

Its titanium bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire lens, and built-in LED flashlight ensure durability and usability in harsh conditions, while the UltraFit nylon band guarantees comfort during prolonged use. The inclusion of preloaded TopoActive maps and dynamic round-trip routing aids in navigation, ensuring you stay on track and can easily return to your starting point.

Additionally, the watch supports a variety of activities with targeted strength training plans, real-time stamina tracking, and sport-specific workouts, making it versatile for ultrarunners, cyclists, and hikers. On the downside, the Garmin Enduro™ 3 may be considered pricey for some, and its 1.4-inch screen might be small for users who prefer larger displays. However, for those seeking a durable, long-lasting, and feature-rich hiking watch, the Garmin Enduro™ 3 is a compelling choice.

Rating
9.5
Battery Life

Most important from
92 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is leaps and bounds better than the Fenix 7, offering almost a 20-day difference.

Buying Guide for the Best Hiking Watches

Choosing the right hiking watch can significantly enhance your outdoor adventures by providing essential information and features tailored to your needs. When selecting a hiking watch, it's important to consider various specifications that will help you navigate, track your performance, and stay safe. Understanding these key specs will ensure you pick a watch that best fits your hiking style and requirements.
GPSGPS (Global Positioning System) is a crucial feature in a hiking watch as it helps you track your location, navigate trails, and record your routes. A watch with GPS can provide real-time data on your position, distance traveled, and elevation. When evaluating GPS capabilities, consider the accuracy and battery life. Some watches offer multi-GNSS support (using multiple satellite systems) for improved accuracy. If you often hike in remote or challenging terrains, a watch with robust GPS functionality is essential.
Battery LifeBattery life is a critical factor, especially for long hikes or multi-day trips. Hiking watches typically offer different modes, such as GPS mode, smartwatch mode, and expedition mode, each consuming different amounts of power. Watches with longer battery life in GPS mode are ideal for extended hikes. If you plan short day hikes, a watch with moderate battery life may suffice. Always consider your hiking duration and choose a watch that can last throughout your adventures without needing frequent recharges.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance are important for withstanding the harsh conditions you may encounter while hiking. A durable watch is made from robust materials like stainless steel or reinforced polymer, and it should have a high water resistance rating (e.g., 50 meters or more) to handle rain, river crossings, and sweat. If you hike in rugged environments or wet conditions, prioritize a watch with high durability and water resistance to ensure it can endure the elements.
Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass (ABC)The ABC sensors (Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass) are essential for navigation and weather prediction. The altimeter measures altitude, helping you track elevation changes. The barometer monitors atmospheric pressure, which can indicate weather changes. The compass aids in navigation by showing your direction. Watches with accurate ABC sensors are beneficial for hikers who venture into mountainous or unfamiliar terrains. If you rely on precise navigation and weather forecasting, a watch with reliable ABC sensors is a must.
Heart Rate MonitorA heart rate monitor tracks your heart rate during hikes, providing insights into your fitness level and helping you manage your exertion. This feature is useful for monitoring your health and ensuring you stay within safe heart rate zones. If you are focused on fitness and health, or if you have specific health conditions, a watch with a heart rate monitor can be very beneficial. For casual hikers, this feature may be less critical but still useful for overall wellness tracking.
Smartwatch FeaturesSmartwatch features, such as notifications, music control, and contactless payments, can enhance your hiking experience by providing convenience and connectivity. These features allow you to stay connected without needing to check your phone frequently. If you prefer a blend of outdoor functionality and everyday convenience, look for a hiking watch with comprehensive smartwatch features. However, if you prioritize simplicity and focus solely on hiking-specific functions, you may opt for a watch with fewer smartwatch capabilities.

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