11 Best Watches for Hiking and Mountaineering [2023] Honest Review

Are you looking for the best watches for hiking and mountaineering? I’ve got you covered with my in-depth review of the top 11 watches.

Are GPS Hiking Watches Worth it?

Not everyone needs mountain watches. But they are good for 👎🏻

• 🥾 Mountaineers, Trekkers, Hikers
• 🚴‍♀️ Multi-sport Athletes
• 🌏 Group Leaders
• 💗 Fitness & Wellness Enthusiasts

This review is targeted at people that want the best mountaineering watch to track their progress and not end up lost in the wild.

You’ll Also Like My Related Articles:

📡 Best Two Way Radios for the Mountains
💥 Best Inexpensive Trekking Poles
💡Best Headlamps for Backpacking and Hiking

So, let me share with you the best watches for hiking and mountaineering that offer both functionality and durability. Let’s get started!

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What Are the Best Watches for Hiking and Mountaineering?

I’ve listed where to find them on amazon here, but you can also shop at REI and I’ve included how to find them in the detailed review further down.

Click on Best Mountaineering Watches to See Prices & Purchase	⭐️ Why is it good? 🔥
Garmin Fenix 7x	Overall Best Performance
Garmin Fenix 7S	Most Stylish: Queen Worthy
Coros Vertix 2	Best for Battery Life

Next Best GPS Watches for Hiking:

• Garmin Instinct 2 GPS Watch
• Garmin Instinct 2 Surf Edition
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS 40mm Smart Watch
• Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition
• Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music
• Casio G-SQUAD GBD-H2000
• SUUNTO 9 Baro
• Amazfit GTR 3 Smart Watch

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Overall Best

1. Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar : Best GPS Watch for Mountaineering

We highly recommend the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Smartwatch for anyone looking for a high-quality multisport GPS watch. It’s the best Garmin watch for mountaineering overall.

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Pros

• Large, always-on display
• Long battery life
• Includes Wearable4U Ultimate Earbuds + Power Pack

Cons

• Learning curve to figure out all of the settings
• Earbuds can be difficult to pair with the watch or phone
• Battery charger may not hold a charge well

This watch is perfect for anyone who wants to take their hiking to the next level. With 30+ built-in sports apps and real-time stamina tracking, you’ll be able to track your progress and improve your performance.

The wrist-based heart rate monitor, stress tracking, and enhanced sleep tracking provide 24/7 monitoring to help you optimize your health and wellness.

The long battery life and solar power capabilities make this watch perfect for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. You won’t have to worry about running out of battery during your adventures.

Plus, the built-in LED flashlight and TopoActive maps make it easy to navigate in any environment.

While there may be a bit of a learning curve to figure out all of the settings, the watch is intuitive once you get the hang of it. The earbuds can be a bit difficult to pair with the watch or phone, but they provide a great listening experience once connected.

Watch Features	Yes/No
GPS Enabled	Yes
Battery Life	122 hours solar
Water Depth Resistance	100 meters
Solar	Yes
Display Size	1.4 inches

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2. Garmin fēnix 7S Solar Multisport GPS Watch: Most Stylish – For Queens of the Mountain

If you’re looking for a reliable GPS watch that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Garmin fēnix 7S Solar Multisport GPS Watch is worth considering.

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Pros

• The solar-powered battery life is impressive, lasting up to 7 days.
• The smaller size and rose gold design make it a stylish option for those who want a GPS watch that can go from trail to dinner table.
• The 30+ built-in sports apps and real-time stamina tracking are great for athletes who want to take their training to the next level.

Cons

• The menu system may be complex for those who are new to GPS watches.
• The price point is higher than some other GPS watches on the market.
• Some users have reported issues with syncing music from Spotify.

We’ve been using the Garmin fēnix 7S Solar Multisport GPS Watch for a few weeks now and we’re impressed with its performance. The solar-powered battery life is a game-changer, allowing us to use it for a full week without needing to charge it. The smaller size and rose gold design make it a stylish option that we can wear all day, whether we’re hitting the trails or grabbing lunch with friends.

We’ve found the real-time stamina tracking to be particularly helpful, giving us insights into how our body is responding to different types of exercise. The watch also offers 24/7 health and wellness monitoring, tracking heart rate, respiration, stress, sleep, and more.

While we appreciate the advanced features of the Garmin fēnix 7S Solar Multisport GPS Watch, we do acknowledge that the menu system may be complex for those who are new to GPS watches.

If you are concerned about battery on a long backcountry trip, you can get a solar charger for backpacking for insurance.

Additionally, the price point is higher than some other GPS watches on the market, which may be a consideration for some buyers. Finally, some users have reported issues with syncing music from Spotify, so that’s something to keep in mind if you plan to use the watch for music storage.

Watch Features	Yes/No
GPS Enabled	Yes
Battery Life	46 hrs solar
Water Depth Resistance	100 meters
Solar	Yes
Display Size	1.2 inches

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3. Garmin Instinct 2 GPS Watch : Most Rugged & Durable

If you’re looking for a reliable GPS watch that can withstand tough environments, the Garmin Instinct GPS Watch is a great option.

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Pros

• The rugged design is built to withstand thermal, shock, and water resistance, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
• The watch includes a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, plus multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, and Galileo) support to help track in more challenging environments than GPS alone.
• The battery life is impressive, with up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode, and up to 40 hours in Ultratrac battery saver mode.

Cons

• The watch may feel bulky and heavy on smaller wrists.
• The heart rate monitor may not be as accurate as other models.
• The watch face may be difficult to read in low-light conditions.

One of the standout features of the Garmin Instinct is its rugged design. This mountaineer watch is built to withstand tough environments and is constructed to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance (rated to 100 meters). The fiber-reinforced polymer case adds strength and durability, and the chemically-strengthened, scratch-resistant display is high-contrast enough to read in bright sunlight, so you can take it with you into the extremes you face every day.

In addition to its durability, the Garmin Instinct includes a variety of features that make it a great GPS watch. The watch includes a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, plus multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, and Galileo) support to help track in more challenging environments than GPS alone. You can also monitor your estimated heart rate, activity, and stress, and train with preloaded activity profiles.

Watch Features	Yes/No
GPS Enabled	Yes
Battery Life	30 hours
Water Depth Resistance	100 meters
Solar	No
Display Size	1.2 inches

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4. Garmin Instinct 2 Surf Edition: Best for Dual Hiking & Water Sports

This Garmin Instinct 2 Surf Edition Smartwatch is a great investment for anyone who’s into outdoor water activities and hiking.

Pros

• The surf activity profile allows you to record the number of waves surfed, maximum speed, and distance.
• The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 28 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode.
• The wearable4U E-Bank is a great addition to keep your watches charged at all times.

Cons

• The watch is quite bulky and may not be comfortable for everyone.
• The price point may be a bit high for some consumers.
• The GPS tracking may not be as accurate as some users would like.

We’ve been using the Garmin Instinct 2 Surf Edition Smartwatch for a while now and we’re impressed with its features. The surf activity profile is a great addition for surfers, allowing you to keep track of your progress and stay up to date on ocean conditions. The battery life is also impressive, lasting up to 28 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode. The wearable4U E-Bank is a great addition to keep your watches charged at all times.

One downside is that the watch is quite bulky and may not be comfortable for everyone. The price point may also be a bit high for some consumers. Additionally, the GPS tracking may not be as accurate as some users would like.

Watch Features	Yes/No
GPS Enabled	Yes
Battery Life	30 hours
Water Depth Resistance	100 meters
Solar	No
Display Size	1.2 inches

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5. COROS VERTIX 2: Best for Battery Life

If you’re looking for a durable and reliable GPS watch for your outdoor adventures, the COROS VERTIX 2 is definitely worth considering.

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Pros

• The redesigned user interface with global offline mapping provides a seamless navigation experience.
• The dual frequency GPS system ensures accurate location tracking in any terrain.
• The watch has an impressive battery life of up to 60 days in normal use.

Cons

• The watch is quite bulky and heavy, which may not be comfortable for some users.
• The price point is on the higher side, making it less accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
• The touchscreen can be unresponsive at times, requiring multiple taps to get a response.

The watch is built with premium materials, including a sapphire glass screen with a Diamond-Like-Coating and a titanium bezel that is 3x more scratch-resistant than the original VERTIX. It is also water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it ideal for swimming and other water activities.

One of the standout features of the VERTIX 2 is its dual-frequency GPS system, which communicates with all five major satellite systems simultaneously. This results in highly accurate location tracking, even in challenging environments like deep forests or tall buildings. The watch also comes with global offline mapping, which provides topographical, satellite, and hybrid maps for easy navigation and makes it one of the best climbing watches.

The VERTIX 2 has an impressive battery life of up to 60 days in normal use, thanks to its next-generation chipset and processor that is 20% faster than the original VERTIX. The watch can display up to eight data fields on a single page, making it easy to track your progress during your workouts.

The watch comes with multiple sport modes, including run, indoor run, trail run, track run, hike, mountain climb, bike, indoor bike, pool swim, open water, triathlon, gym cardio, GPS cardio, ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, ski touring, multisport, strength, training, speed surfing, windsurfing, whitewater, flat water, rowing, and indoor rower. The ongoing support and updates ensure that the watch stays relevant and up-to-date with the latest features.

Watch Features	Yes/No
GPS Enabled	Yes
Battery Life	140 hours
Water Depth Resistance	100 meters
Solar	No
Display Size	1.4 inches

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6. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS 40mm Smart Watch : Best Smartwatch for Outdoors

If you’re looking for a GPS watch that is stylish, easy to use, and packed with features, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS 40mm Smart Watch is a great choice.

Pros

• The Apple Watch SE is customizable with a range of sizes, colors, and bands to choose from, making it easy to personalize to your style.
• It has excellent health and safety features, including Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and Emergency SOS, which can give you peace of mind.
• The watch is compatible with Apple devices and services, making it easy to use and integrate with your existing tech.

Cons

• The battery life is not as long as some other GPS watches on the market, so you may need to charge it more frequently.
• The watch is relatively expensive compared to other GPS watches, so it may not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget.
• Some users may find the watch’s interface and features overwhelming at first, but with a little practice, it becomes more intuitive.

With access to tens of thousands of apps on the App Store right on your wrist, it’s the perfect personal device for whatever you love to do. Plus, with health and safety features like Crash Detection and Fall Detection, you can feel more secure when you’re out and about.

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7. Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition: Best for Men Wanting an Arnold Vibe

I highly recommend the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition watch for anyone in need of a rugged, reliable GPS watch and wants to look the part of our best gov, Arnold. This Garmin hiking watch should be sponsored by him.

Pros

• The solar charging capabilities provide unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with just 3 hours of sunlight per day.
• The tactical features, such as night vision compatibility and waypoint projection, make this watch perfect for military and outdoor use.
• The all-day health monitoring features, including heart rate, sleep tracking, and respiration tracking, help you stay on top of your fitness goals.

Cons

• The watch face is not customizable beyond the preloaded options.
• The watch is on the larger side, which may not be comfortable for everyone.
• The price point is higher than some other GPS watches on the market.

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition, GPS Outdoor Watch is the best mountain climbing watch and a great option for those who need a durable, reliable GPS watch. The solar charging capabilities are a game-changer, providing unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with just a few hours of sunlight per day. The tactical features, such as night vision compatibility and waypoint projection, make this watch perfect for military and outdoor use. The all-day health monitoring features are also a great addition, helping you stay on top of your fitness goals.

While the watch face is not customizable beyond the preloaded options, the preloaded options are still sleek and functional. The watch is on the larger side, which may not be comfortable for everyone, but the durability and functionality make up for it.

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8. Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music: Best to Listen to Your Jams

We highly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 255S Music for anyone looking for a GPS running smartwatch with advanced insights and long-lasting battery life.

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Pros

• The always-on, full-color display is easy to read even in direct sunlight, making it perfect for outdoor workouts.
• With up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 26 hours in GPS mode, you can track your health and fitness without worrying about constantly charging your device.
• Download up to 500 songs to your watch and connect with your wireless headphones for phone-free listening during workouts.

Cons

• The heart rate monitor during activities can be inaccurate, especially during running.
• The device is intended to give an estimate of your activity and metrics, so it may not be as precise as some users would like.
• Some users have reported issues with the battery life after a few months of use.

The Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music is a great option for runners who want to train and recover smarter. The watch offers training status, running power, multi-band GPS, and daily suggested workouts that adapt to your performance and goals. It also has a race widget that helps you plan your race-day strategy and a morning report with HRV status that reveals your overall health alongside the day ahead.

One of the standout features of the Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music is its long battery life. With up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 26 hours in GPS mode, you can track your health and fitness without worrying about constantly charging your device.

You can also download up to 500 songs to your watch and connect with your wireless headphones for phone-free listening during workouts.

While the heart rate monitor during activities can be inaccurate, especially during running, the watch still provides a continuous picture of your health, from training and recovery to sleep quality and overall wellness. Additionally, the Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music offers personalized daily suggested workouts and completion time predictions based on course details, weather, and performance.

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9. Casio G-SQUAD GBD-H2000: Most Sustainable Best Watch for Mountaineering

If you’re looking for a GPS watch that can track all kinds of workouts, the Casio G-SQUAD GBD-H2000 is a great option.

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Pros

• Packed with functions for tracking all kinds of workouts, including heart rate monitor and GPS
• Made from renewable organic materials, so it’s environmentally friendly
• Water-resistant up to 200 meters, making it great for swimming

Cons

• Some users have reported issues with the CASIO WATCHES app
• May be too bulky for some users
• Some users have reported that the heart rate monitor is not always accurate

The watch comes packed with functions for tracking all kinds of workouts, including heart rate monitor and GPS. We found the heart rate monitor to be fairly accurate, although some users have reported issues with it.

One of the standout features of this watch is that it’s made from renewable organic materials, so it’s environmentally friendly. We appreciate that Casio is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact.

The watch is also water-resistant up to 200 meters, making it great for swimming. We tested it out in the pool and found that it worked well. However, some users may find the watch too bulky for swimming.

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10. SUUNTO 9 Baro: Best on a Budget

If you’re an athlete who demands the best, the SUUNTO 9 Baro is the perfect GPS watch for you. With over 80 sports modes, a barometer for accurate altitude info, and a wrist heart rate monitor, this durable multisport watch is built to last. It’s great for running, hiking, cycling, and more.

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Pros

• The watch is designed to last up to 120 hours of continuous exercise tracking.
• It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it perfect for extreme adventures.
• You can connect to your favorite sports apps and services from the SUUNTO app to get more from your watch.

Cons

• The watch has a bit of a learning curve to configure and use.
• The heart rate monitor seems to be reading inaccurately at times.
• The display is too dim under most lighting conditions, indoor or out.

We highly recommend the SUUNTO 9 Baro for athletes who are looking for a durable, reliable GPS watch.

It’s perfect for training, racing, and extreme adventures. With its Scandinavian design and ultra-durable materials, this watch will help you keep life, training, and recovery in balance.

The watch features a touch screen and is equipped with wireless connectivity technology. Its mounting type is wrist mount, and its battery life is 120 hours. The watch comes with a battery and is made of stainless steel.

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11. Amazfit GTR 3 Smart Watch : Absolute Cheapest

If you’re looking for a stylish and reliable smartwatch, then the Amazfit GTR 3 is a great option. With its long-lasting battery life, accurate health metrics, and built-in GPS, this watch is perfect for anyone who wants to stay connected and track their fitness goals.

Pros

• Alexa built-in and offline voice assistant for easy use
• 21-day battery life for long-lasting use
• 150+ sports modes and GPS built-in for accurate tracking

Cons

• Sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring may not be accurate for all users
• No temperature tracking feature
• Limited app ecosystem compared to other smartwatches

The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and the always-on display is easy to read even in bright sunlight.

One of the standout features of this watch is the Alexa integration. We love being able to set alarms, check the weather, and control our smart home devices with just our voice. Plus, the offline voice assistant is a great backup when we don’t have internet access.

However, we did notice that the sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring features may not be accurate for all users. Some reviewers have reported inconsistencies with these metrics, so it’s important to keep that in mind. Additionally, the watch doesn’t have a temperature tracking feature, which may be a drawback for some users.

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Buying Guide

When selecting a GPS watch, there are a few key features to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. We recommend taking the following factors into account:

GPS

The GPS feature is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a GPS watch. It should be accurate and reliable, with good signal strength and the ability to lock onto satellites quickly. Wearable tech has been around since the 1990s but it’s gotten a lot better in recent years.

ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass)

For outdoor enthusiasts, an ABC feature is a must-have. An altimeter will measure your altitude, a barometer will measure air pressure, and a compass will give you an accurate reading of your direction.

Smartphone Compatibility

Smartphone compatibility is an important feature for those who want to track their progress and share their data with others. Look for a GPS watch that is compatible with your smartphone and has an easy-to-use app. I personally love using the komoot app to plan hiking trips.

Comfort

A GPS watch should be comfortable to wear, especially during long runs or hikes. Look for a watch with a comfortable band and a lightweight design.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important consideration, especially if you plan to use your GPS watch for extended periods. Look for a watch with a long battery life, or one that can be charged quickly.

Display

The display should be easy to read in all lighting conditions, and should provide clear and accurate information. Look for a watch with a high-resolution display and adjustable brightness.

Cost

Finally, the cost of a GPS watch should be taken into account. Consider what features are most important to you, and choose a watch that fits within your budget.

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Final Verdict:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top GPS watches for hiking?

When it comes to hiking, the Garmin Instinct 2 GPS Watch and Garmin fēnix 7S Solar Multisport GPS Watch are two of the best GPS watches on the market. They both have different pros and cons but have useful features for hikers.

What are the top-rated GPS watches for mountaineering?

When it comes to hiking, the Garmin Fenix 7x and Coros Vertix 2 are two of the best GPS watches on the market. They both have rugged designs, long battery lives, and features like altitude tracking and weather alerts that are useful for mountaineers.

Which GPS watch has the most accurate tracking?

The Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music is widely regarded as one of the most accurate GPS watches on the market. It uses both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems to provide accurate tracking, even in challenging environments.

Which GPS watch has the longest battery life?

The Garmin Enduro is a GPS watch with an incredible battery life of up to 80 hours in GPS mode. It’s designed for ultra-endurance athletes and adventurers who need a watch that can last for days on a single charge.

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Why Trust?

At Crave the Planet, I’m all about honest and relatable reviews of outdoor products. As a physical therapist, hut to hut hiker, downhill skier and mom, I’m constantly trying new gear to make my outdoor experiences more comfy and fun but with science in mind.

I’ll be real with you, I don’t do every outdoor activity. But, who does? I’m just a regular person who loves exploring the planet. Perfectionism is my enemy and I hope to help you ditch that vibe too.

My review process involves testing each product in real-life outdoor situations, but if it’s a really horrible day I’ll probably find a hotel in the valley. I’ll let you know what worked for me and what didn’t, so you can make informed decisions about your gear choices.

I don’t do sponsored reviews or take payment for my reviews. All comments are based on my personal experience. Sometimes I’ll test something and then send it back for a refund. Usually there’s a hefty fee. Bummer. So, if you’re looking for a relatable and honest take on outdoor gear, you’re in the right place.

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I hope this list of the best watches for mountaineering and hiking helps you pick what’s right for you.