Let’s face it: we all want to stay connected and informed—especially in the great outdoors. Whether you’re a hiker, runner, or just an overall outdoor adventurer, having the right smart watch on your wrist can make all the difference. Smart watches provide essential data; everything from time and date tracking to advanced notifications so you never miss an update while out exploring nature. In this blog post, we’ll discuss which smart watches are best suited for outdoor activities like hiking and running – giving you peace-of-mind knowing that what ever adventures you take on, that your trusty sidekick is keeping up!
Outdoor watch key considerations
Outdoor watches can be invaluable tools for adventurers who are venturing into the unknown. Whether you’re hiking, camping, swimming, or spending time in nature, an outdoor watch can help you stay on track. But before you go out to purchase one there are some key considerations to make when it comes to selecting the right one for you.
- Battery life: Make sure the battery life of your watch will suit your needs. If you’re planning on extended adventures, a longer-lasting battery may be necessary.
- Waterproofing: Many outdoors watches come with waterproof ratings so that they won’t break down if exposed to water or other elements. Investigate the ruggedness and waterproofing capabilities of any watch before buying.
- Navigation features: If you’re going off the beaten path and need assistance finding your way back, a navigation system included in your watch might be very helpful. Look for models with GPS and altimeter functions that can help guide you home safely at the end of your journey.
- Durability: An outdoor watch should last through whatever environment or conditions you take it into while still performing just as well as when new. Choose a model that is designed to be durable and tough enough for all of your activities.
1. Apple Watch Ultra
Apple’s all-new Smartwatch Ultra is a refreshing change from the usual mainstream model. Its reinforced case, 100m water resistance and multi-band GPS make it the perfect companion for anyone taking advantage of the great outdoors. While battery life doesn’t compare to some of Garmin’s Fenix models, at around 12 hours of GPS tracking, there’s more than enough juice for a regular weekend hike or daytrip—it even has a new compass app to get you where you’re going with waypoints. And let’s not forget about Apple Watch features that come standard, so you won’t miss out on any useful functions either. All in all, it’s clear that Apple has put no shortage of thought into its tailored outdoor device—so don’t miss out on the Smartwatch Ultra.
2. Garmin Fenix 7
If you’re looking for increased convenience while exploring the great outdoors, look no further than the Garmin Fenix 7 Series. The Fenix 7, 7S and 7X all feature a bright transflective display, touchscreen capabilities and access to hiking, climbing and skiing activity modes. Furthermore, the more expensive versions come with sapphire lenses which are much tougher than standard models and give unparalleled solar battery duration so you don’t have to worry about battery life. So if you are a serious adventurer who doesn’t want to miss out on premium features, then the Garmin Fenix 7 series is perfect for you!
3. Garmin Instinct Solar 2
The Garmin Instinct 2 offers the same hiking features as those found in the lucrative Fenix series watches, but at a fraction of the price. What’s more, if you opt for the solar edition, you can enjoy stupendous battery life that could easily last during extended trips outdoors. It has a pulse ox sensor to help you training at altitude as well as heart rate monitor and Garmin’s own training analysis features from its Forerunner watches. Even without mapping features (as found in the Fenix 7 or Vertix 2), this watch is still highly valuable for hikers, thanks to an ability to navigate GPX routes, elevation data tracker, storm alerts and TrackBack functions.
4. Coros Vertix 2
Those looking to maximize their performance while they hit the trails or an ultrarunning event, Coros has made an incredibly reliable watch with its Vertix 2. This device can keep up with Garmin’s Fenix 7 series watch, offering an unbelievable 140-hours of full GPS battery life. With such incredible stamina and hours logged outdoors in adventurous pursuits, it’s much more than a trailblazer; includes dual-system GPS capabilities, mapping, music, and the EvoLab suite of training insights to potentially rival other devices like Garmin and Polar. And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, there’s also an Electrocardiogram (ECG) Sensor built into the outer bezel for taking heart rate variability measurements. All in all , not only does the Vertix 2 have a surprising force of power and control behind it, but also the sheer amount of features and functions packed into such a wearable device makes for a reliable companion that ensures adventurers are always one step ahead.
5. Garmin Epix (Gen 2)
The Garmin Epix watch is the ideal solution for those who want to combine outdoor tracking accuracy with a modern, color touchscreen. With the new multi-band GNSS support and the array of other sensors like an altimeter, barometer and compass, you can be sure that it’s up to any outdoor challenge. And with its built-in features such as turn-by-turn navigation, multi-continent Topo maps and music player—all displayed on a bright AMOLED display—it also enables added convenience when you venture out. Plus, if your task requires even more accuracy, you can connect additional sensors such as an external heart rate monitor. Now all you need is a Fenix-worthy adventure!
Wrapping up
All things considered, finding the right outdoor smartwatch comes down to a matter of selecting the utilitarian features you prefer. A smart watch that tracks your progress while out on the beach or mountain can be a great addition to any outdoor activity. Battery life and waterproofing are two fundamental features that should be looked for when selecting an outdoor watch, as these are essential for any kind of outdoors adventure. Furthermore, GPS navigation can provide peace of mind if you’re ever lost in unfamiliar territory. And finally, make sure to check for durability – after all, accidents happen! With all these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to finding the perfect watch for your individual needs. But no matter which brand and model you choose, remember to always find joy in exploring nature and pushing yourself to go further with every step!