Many outdoor enthusiasts seek smartwatches that can keep up with their adventurous lifestyles. As we approach 2024, the market offers a remarkable selection of smartwatches tailored to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. When choosing the best smartwatch for your outdoor adventures, there are several key features to consider.
First and foremost, battery life is a critical factor. For extended trips and activities, a smartwatch with long-lasting battery power is essential. Brands like Suunto have developed models with impressive battery life, such as the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar, which can last up to 100 days in solar mode.
Compatibility with your smartphone is another important consideration. Whether you're an Android or iOS user, finding a smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with your device is crucial for staying connected and accessing essential features on the go.
GPS tracking capabilities are also a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. A reliable GPS system can help you navigate unfamiliar terrain, track your routes, and ensure you don't get lost during your adventures.
Finally, durability and ruggedness are paramount. Your smartwatch needs to withstand the rigors of the great outdoors, from weathering storms to surviving accidental drops. Brands like Casio have designed watches specifically for the needs of backpackers and hikers, such as the Casio Pro Trek PRW3500-1 Multifunction Watch, known for its exceptional durability.
By considering battery life, compatibility, GPS tracking, and durability, you can find the perfect smartwatch to accompany you on your outdoor adventures in 2024. With the right smartwatch by your side, you'll be well-equipped to conquer any challenge the great outdoors has to offer.
Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar: Ultimate Outdoor & Fitness Smartwatch
fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, Larger sized adventure smartwatch, with Solar C... -- 899.99(Amazon)
fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar, Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashli... -- 957.99(Amazon)
Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Edition, Rugged GPS Adventure Touchscreen... -- 904.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is a top-tier choice for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts who demand durability, advanced tracking capabilities, and extended battery life. Its solar charging feature, rugged design, and comprehensive suite of sports apps and wellness features make it a standout device for those who venture into the great outdoors or take their training seriously. The inclusion of GPS, a built-in LED flashlight, and solar-powered battery life extension ensures users are well-equipped for any adventure or fitness challenge.
Who It's For
Ideal for athletes, hikers, adventurers, and anyone with a passion for outdoor activities or rigorous fitness routines. It's also perfect for those who appreciate having a wealth of health and wellness tracking at their wrist. However, its high price point may make it less suitable for casual users or those on a tight budget.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Solar charging extends battery life for long adventures | ❌ High price point may deter some potential buyers |
| ✅ Rugged design with comprehensive fitness and outdoor features | ❌ Complex features may require a learning curve for new users |
| ✅ Advanced GPS and health/wellness monitoring for precise tracking | ❌ Bulkier design might not appeal to those seeking a more minimalist look |
Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Best Rugged GPS Watch for Adventurers
9 Peak and Peak Pro Sports GPS Watch for Demanding, Performance-Driven A... -- 409(Amazon)
Suunto 9 Peak Pro Ocean Blue -- 409(Suunto.com)
Suunto 9 Peak Pro Watch -- 499.99(OpticsPlanet.com)
Why We Picked It
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is a top-tier sports GPS watch that caters to the needs of demanding athletes and adventurers who require precision, durability, and extensive battery life. Its design is optimized for comfort and performance, with a lighter and more compact build than previous models, ensuring it can be worn all day without inconvenience. The watch's robust feature set, including 97 sport modes, weather alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation, makes it a versatile companion for a wide range of activities.
Who It's For
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is best suited for performance-driven athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurers who need a reliable and rugged watch to track their activities in challenging environments. It's ideal for those who value long battery life and precise GPS tracking for extended expeditions. However, it may not be the best choice for users who heavily rely on third-party apps for their fitness and training routines.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional battery life with fast charging capabilities | ❌ Limited third-party app support |
| ✅ High-precision GPS with four satellite systems support | ❌ Premium price point may not be accessible to all users |
| ✅ Military-grade durability with premium materials like Titanium and Sapphire glass | ❌ Specific niche focus may not appeal to casual fitness enthusiasts |
Apple Watch Ultra: Best Rugged Smartwatch for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Apple Watch Ultra 49mm Titanium Case with Starlight Alpine Loop, Medium -- 339.99(Christiana Auto Parts)
Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Titanium Case with Midnight Ocea... -- 499(Amazon)
Apple Watch Ultra GPS + Cellular, 49mm Titanium Case with Midnight Ocean... -- 505(Reebelo USA)
Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular 49mm Titanium Case with Orange/Beige ... -- 799(Apple)
Why We Picked It
The Apple Watch Ultra is a premium smartwatch designed to withstand the most challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for those who demand durability and advanced features in one device. Its rugged design, comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities, and large, bright display screen cater to outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who require a reliable companion for their adventures. Additionally, the watch's cellular connectivity ensures that users stay connected even without their iPhone.
Who It's For
The Apple Watch Ultra is best suited for endurance athletes, outdoor adventurers, and water sports enthusiasts who need a watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle. It's also ideal for anyone looking for a smartwatch with advanced health and safety features for everyday use. However, it may not be the best option for those who embark on multi-day expeditions where charging opportunities are scarce.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Rugged and water-resistant design with specialized bands for various activities | ❌ Battery life may be insufficient for extended trips without charging |
| ✅ Advanced health and fitness tracking with GPS and heart rate monitoring | ❌ Premium price point may not be accessible to all consumers |
| ✅ Bright Always-On Retina display and cellular connectivity for independence from a phone | ❌ May be bulkier than other smartwatches, potentially affecting comfort |
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Best Rugged Smartwatch for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Garmin Instinct 2/2S Instinct 2/2S Solar GPS Smartwatch -- 254.99(Amazon)
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar - Mist Gray -- 349.99(PlayBetter.com)
Garmin - Instinct Solar - Graphite -- 349.99(Best Buy)
Garmin Instinct Solar - Tactical Edition Moss -- 299.99(eBay - gpscity)
Instinct 2X Solar, Rugged GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashlight, Solar Cha... -- 399.99(Amazon)
Garmin Instinct 2x Solar Tactical Edition -- 671.63(Direct-Running US)
Why We Picked It
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar series stands out for its solar charging capability, which significantly extends the battery life, making it ideal for extended outdoor adventures. It's designed to endure tough conditions, which is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The watch also offers essential navigation features and comprehensive health monitoring, ensuring you stay on track and informed about your body's status during activities.
Who It's For
This smartwatch is best suited for outdoor adventurers, sports enthusiasts, and fitness buffs who require a durable and reliable watch with long battery life. It's also a great fit for those who appreciate having navigation and health tracking at their wrist, especially in environments where charging facilities are scarce.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Solar charging extends battery life for long adventures | ❌ Display may be less vibrant compared to other high-end smartwatches |
| ✅ Built to withstand tough environments and is water-resistant | ❌ Higher price point for solar and tactical models |
| ✅ Offers navigation, health monitoring, and smart connectivity features | ❌ May be bulkier on the wrist than more streamlined fitness trackers |
Coros Vertix 2: Best Endurance GPS Watch for Adventurers
VERTIX 2 Adventure GPS Watch, Ultra-Long 43 Days Battery Life, Dual-Freq... -- 699(Amazon)
Coros Vertix 2 GPS Adventure Watch -- 699(Amazon)
Coros Vertix 2 Carabiner Red -- 79(REI)
Why We Picked It
The Coros Vertix 2 is a top-tier adventure GPS watch designed for the most demanding outdoor enthusiasts. It stands out with its exceptional battery life, robust build, and advanced navigation capabilities, making it a reliable companion for extreme expeditions and activities where precision and durability are paramount.
Who It's For
Ideal for ultra-runners, mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and outdoor adventurers who require a watch that can keep up with extended activities in challenging environments. The Coros Vertix 2 is for those who prioritize battery life and GPS accuracy over a vast app ecosystem.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Incredible 43 days of battery life in regular use and 127 hours in full GPS mode | ❌ User interface may not be as intuitive as competitors |
| ✅ Rugged design with titanium alloy bezel and sapphire glass for extreme durability | ❌ Limited app ecosystem compared to other smartwatch brands |
| ✅ Advanced dual-frequency GPS for reliable navigation in the most challenging terrains | ❌ Premium price point may not be accessible for all users |
Polar Grit X Pro: Ultimate Outdoor Sports Smartwatch
Grit X Pro - GPS Multisport Smartwatch - Military Durability, Sapphire G... -- 530.22(Amazon)
Polar Grit x Pro - GPS Multisport Smartwatch - Military Durability, Sapp... -- 401.43(Amazon)
Polar Grit x Pro Champagne/Gold, S/L -- 499.95(PlayBetter.com)
Grit X Pro - GPS Multisport Smartwatch - Military Durability, Sapphire G... -- 327.96(poligane)
Why We Picked It
The Polar Grit X Pro stands out for its exceptional durability, advanced GPS features, and comprehensive training guidance, making it an ideal companion for outdoor sports enthusiasts and athletes focused on enhancing their performance and recovery. Its military-grade durability ensures it can withstand extreme conditions, while the precision GPS and tailored training insights help athletes optimize their workouts and recovery for peak performance.
Who It's For
This smartwatch is best suited for serious athletes and outdoor adventurers who require a robust, reliable device that can keep up with their demanding activities. It's perfect for trail runners, hikers, and anyone engaged in outdoor sports who also values detailed training feedback and recovery insights. However, its bulkier design may not appeal to those with smaller wrists or who prefer a more minimalist look.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Military-grade durability with scratch-resistant sapphire glass and water resistance up to 100m | ❌ Bulkier design may not be comfortable for all wrist sizes |
| ✅ Ultra-long battery life with up to 40 hours of training time with GPS and heart rate tracking | ❌ Higher price point compared to some other models |
| ✅ Precision GPS and turn-by-turn navigation powered by Komoot for unmatched accuracy and guidance | ❌ Limited memory storage capacity (0.64 MB) for extensive app use |
Garmin Epix (Gen 2): Best High-End Fitness & Outdoor Smartwatch
epix Gen 2, Premium active smartwatch, touchscreen AMOLED display, Adven... -- 535(Amazon)
epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition, 47mm, High Performance Smartwatch, Ad... -- 999.99(Amazon)
Garmin epix (Gen 2) GPS - 47mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Titanium 010-0... -- 539.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Garmin Epix (Gen 2) is a top-tier smartwatch that excels in both fitness tracking and outdoor navigation. Its high-resolution AMOLED display offers a clear and vibrant interface, while the extensive range of features makes it a versatile companion for various activities. The inclusion of multi-band GNSS technology and preloaded maps for skiing, golfing, and navigation enhances its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Who It's For
This smartwatch is ideal for athletes, adventurers, and fitness enthusiasts who require a robust and feature-rich timepiece that can keep up with their active lifestyle. It's also suitable for those who appreciate having detailed health and wellness monitoring on their wrist. However, due to its premium price point, it may not be the best option for individuals looking for a basic fitness tracker or those on a tight budget.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display | ❌ Premium price may deter budget-conscious buyers |
| ✅ Advanced fitness and outdoor navigation features | ❌ Complex features may be overwhelming for casual users |
| ✅ Long battery life with up to 16 days in smartwatch mode | ❌ Sapphire editions, with additional mapping and GNSS features, come at an even higher cost |
Suunto 7: Best Hybrid Smartwatch for Outdoor and Fitness Enthusiasts
7 GPS Sports Smart Watch -- 499(Amazon)
Suunto 7 Matte Black Titanium -- 499(Amazon)
SUUNTO - 7 Titanium Sport Smartwatch GPS and Heart Rate Monitor - Stone ... -- 499(Backcountry.com)
7 Smartwatch with Versatile Sports Experience and Wear OS by Google -- 448.1(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Suunto 7 smartwatch is an excellent choice for individuals who seek a robust timepiece that can handle both their active lifestyle and their connectivity needs. It stands out with its integration of Google's Wear OS, which provides a seamless blend of smartwatch features such as notifications, music control, and contactless payments, along with Suunto's outdoor tracking capabilities. With over 70 sports modes, GPS, and a wrist heart rate sensor, it's designed to accurately track a wide range of exercises.
Who It's For
The Suunto 7 is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness buffs who also want the convenience of smartwatch features. It's ideal for those who need a durable watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle, provide detailed exercise tracking, and maintain connectivity with their smartphone for calls, messages, and app notifications.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Combines Suunto's sports tracking with smartwatch features | ❌ Battery life may be short with GPS and other features in use |
| ✅ Access to more than 70 sports modes for comprehensive fitness tracking | ❌ Price point may be high for some users |
| ✅ Wear OS by Google allows for smartphone connectivity and convenience | ❌ May be bulkier than typical smartwatches, potentially affecting comfort |
Amazfit T-Rex Pro: Rugged Smartwatch for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smart Watch, Rugged Military Certified, GPS, 18-Day Ba... -- 124.99(Amazon)
Amazfit T-Rex Pro Fitness Smartwatch, With Built-in GPS, Military Standa... -- 108.22(Microless.com)
Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smart Watch for Men Rugged Outdoor GPS Watch, 18 Day B... -- 104.99(Amazon)
Amazfit T-Rex Ultra Smart Watch for Men, 20-Day Battery Life, 30m Freedi... -- 349.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro stands out for its rugged durability, designed to withstand extreme conditions, making it an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts. Its long 18-day battery life ensures you stay connected and track your activities without frequent charges. With over 100 sports modes, comprehensive health and fitness tracking, including heart rate and VO2 max, and compatibility with multiple GPS systems for accurate location tracking, it offers a rich feature set at a more affordable price point than many competitors.
Who It's For
This smartwatch is best suited for adventurers, hikers, and outdoor sports enthusiasts who need a durable, reliable watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle. It's also a great choice for those looking for comprehensive fitness tracking on a budget. However, it may not be the best fit for individuals who require the utmost precision in GPS and heart rate monitoring, as its accuracy may not match that of higher-end models.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Military-grade durability for extreme conditions | ❌ GPS and heart rate monitoring accuracy may not match higher-end models |
| ✅ Long 18-day battery life on a single charge | ❌ Limited smartwatch features compared to more expensive competitors |
| ✅ Comprehensive fitness and health tracking with over 100 sports modes | ❌ User interface and app ecosystem may not be as polished |
Thanks for checking out the best smartwatches for outdoor enthusiasts! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy exploring!