10 Best Hiking Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin vívoactive 6 is a versatile GPS smartwatch suitable for hiking and general fitness enthusiasts. Its built-in GPS enables accurate route tracking, essential for outdoor adventures. The watch offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, minimizing the need for frequent charging during multi-day trips. The bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display ensures that stats are easily visible even in daylight.

It includes key ABC features—altimeter, barometer, and compass—that assist with navigation and weather awareness on the trail. The watch also monitors heart rate from the wrist and provides extensive health insights like stress levels, sleep quality, and energy monitoring, which can help with pacing during hikes. In addition to hiking, it supports over 80 sports apps and guided workouts, making it an excellent all-around fitness tracker.

Smartwatch functions such as notifications, alarms, and cycle tracking add to its convenience. For those seeking a reliable GPS watch with good battery life and a rich set of health features, the vívoactive 6 presents a solid option.

The Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is a high-end hiking watch designed for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable performance and durability. It features a bright 1.3-inch round display housed in a tough fiber-reinforced polymer case with a titanium bezel, making it highly scratch-resistant and durable for rugged conditions. The solar charging lens extends battery life by harvesting sunlight, allowing users to spend weeks on the trail without worrying about recharging in smartwatch mode. Its built-in GPS, enhanced by multi-band SatIQ technology, offers accurate positioning essential for navigation in remote areas.

This watch includes a comprehensive set of ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass) along with a built-in LED flashlight to help maintain awareness and safety during night hikes. Health and training features cover 24/7 monitoring of heart rate, pulse oxygen levels for altitude acclimation, and advanced sleep tracking to aid recovery. GarminOS supports smartwatch functions such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling notifications and syncing with other devices. Although the battery capacity is listed as 30mAh, the solar charging capability effectively extends battery life significantly.

Weighing 73 grams, it is somewhat heavier than simpler watches, which may be noticeable during long hikes. This watch is ideal for serious hikers and multisport athletes seeking detailed insights and dependable gear, while casual walkers might find it more complex and costly than necessary.

The SUUNTO Vertical 2 is a solid choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who want a reliable, feature-packed GPS watch. It shines with its impressive battery life—up to 65 hours in GPS mode and 20 days as a smartwatch—making it great for long trips where charging options are limited. The bright 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen makes maps and data easy to see, even in tough light. Built from durable materials like titanium, it can handle rough outdoor conditions and is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about rain or sweat.

It also includes the important ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass) and a newly improved heart rate sensor that provides more accurate readings during activities. The dual-band GPS and route adjustment features help you stay on track, which is a big plus for hiking in unfamiliar areas. On top of that, it supports over 115 sports modes, so it adapts well beyond just hiking.

With a price generally higher than entry-level options and a slightly heavier build (about 10.5 ounces), it might feel a bit bulky for some users. While it has smartwatch features, it’s more focused on outdoor and fitness use rather than extensive smart notifications or apps. If you’re looking for a rugged, long-lasting watch with strong navigation and training support tailored for serious hikers and adventurers, the SUUNTO Vertical 2 fits well. For casual hikers or those wanting a lighter, simpler device, there might be easier, less expensive options.