10 Best Trekking Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a versatile smartwatch with a bright AMOLED display and a battery life of up to 11 days, making it suitable for extended trekking trips. Its built-in GPS is essential for navigation, and the wrist-based heart rate monitor helps you track your fitness levels. The Body Battery energy monitoring and personalized health insights can be valuable for managing your energy levels during long treks. This watch also offers more than 30 indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, and cycling, which can enhance your trekking experience by providing various workout options.

Additionally, it features weather forecasting and a compass, which are crucial for trekking in unfamiliar terrains. The altimeter aids in tracking elevation changes, adding another layer of usefulness for trekkers. However, it’s important to note that while the watch is designed for fitness and health monitoring, it might not be as rugged as some specifically designed trekking watches. The vívoactive 5 is lightweight, weighing only 1.3 ounces, which is a plus for long treks where every ounce counts. Connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enhance its functionality, allowing you to sync data and download music for phone-free listening.

Despite these strengths, the watch does not seem to have specific features like barometer or thermometer, which can be useful in more extreme trekking conditions. In conclusion, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is a solid choice for those who need a comprehensive health and fitness smartwatch with essential trekking features, although it may not be the top choice for extreme treks where ruggedness and specific environmental sensors are critical.

The Garmin Enduro™ 3 is a solar-powered GPS smartwatch designed for ultra-endurance athletes, combining extreme battery life with a variety of features essential for trekking. Standing out with a lightweight design (63 grams), this watch offers up to 90 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 320 hours in GPS mode with solar charging, making it highly reliable for long adventures. Its durability is ensured by a titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens, while an UltraFit nylon strap provides comfort in challenging conditions.

The built-in LED flashlight is a handy addition for nighttime activities, adding to its versatility. Additionally, it includes preloaded TopoActive maps for detailed navigation and dynamic round-trip routing to keep you on track. The watch also supports targeted strength training plans, real-time stamina tracking, and sport-specific workouts, benefiting runners, cyclists, and hikers. With Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity, it keeps you connected seamlessly.

Some potential drawbacks include its relatively high price and the complexity of navigating its numerous features for those less tech-savvy. The Garmin Enduro™ 3's robust array of tracking capabilities—heart rate monitor, altimeter, weather forecast, and compass—make it a strong choice for serious trekking enthusiasts looking for a durable and long-lasting companion on their adventures.

The Garmin Instinct 3 is a rugged and durable GPS smartwatch designed for trekking enthusiasts. It features a solar-charged display that offers unlimited battery life under optimal conditions, which is a significant advantage for long treks where access to charging might be limited. The watch's durability is further enhanced by a fiber-reinforced polymer case and metal-reinforced bezel, making it built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, including thermal and shock resistance, and being water-rated at 10 ATM.

Essential trekking tools such as a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology ensure accurate navigation and positioning, crucial for outdoor adventures. The heart rate monitor and health monitoring features provide valuable insights into your physical condition, although it is important to note that these metrics are estimations and not a substitute for medical devices. The built-in flashlight with variable intensities is a handy addition for visibility and illumination in low-light conditions.

On the connectivity front, the Garmin Instinct 3 supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB, allowing for smart notifications, app downloads, and Garmin Pay contactless payments, adding convenience to your trekking experience. However, the small 0.9-inch screen size might be a drawback for those who prefer larger displays for easier readability. The watch is relatively lightweight at 52 grams, making it comfortable for all-day wear. The Garmin Instinct 3 excels in key areas critical for trekking, such as battery life, durability, and navigation capabilities, making it a reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts.