10 Best Hiking Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a feature-packed health and fitness GPS smartwatch designed to cater to various needs, including hiking. One of its standout features is the bright, colorful AMOLED display, which offers clear visibility in various lighting conditions. With up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, it provides ample usage time for long hikes without frequent recharging. The built-in GPS ensures accurate tracking of your hiking routes, a crucial feature for outdoor activities.

Additionally, the watch includes extensive health monitoring features such as wrist-based heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, sleep score, and Body Battery energy monitoring. These features help you better understand your overall health and fitness levels. However, the vívoactive 5 lacks dedicated altimeter, barometer, and compass (ABC) sensors, which may be a drawback for serious hikers who rely on these tools for navigation and weather forecasting.

Durability-wise, the watch is designed for various activities, including swimming and HIIT workouts, indicating it can withstand rigorous use. Smartwatch features like music download, Bluetooth connectivity, and various sports apps add to its versatility. The device also offers personalized insights on sleep and recovery, as well as adaptive training plans via the Garmin Connect app. Despite its comprehensive health and fitness features, the absence of ABC sensors might make it less appealing to hardcore hikers. Nonetheless, for casual hikers and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable and multifunctional smartwatch, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is a solid choice.

The Garmin Venu 3S is a stylish smartwatch with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, designed for health and fitness enthusiasts. It boasts a long battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, which is excellent for extended use without frequent recharging. The built-in GPS is essential for hiking, providing accurate location tracking. However, it lacks specific hiking-oriented features like an altimeter, barometer, and compass (ABC), which are crucial for serious hikers for navigation and weather prediction.

On the positive side, the watch includes a heart rate monitor, stress tracking, and Body Battery energy monitoring, which provide valuable health insights. Its durable design with a stainless steel bezel and silicone band ensures it can withstand physical activities. The smartwatch features such as phone call handling, text responses, and compatibility with both Android and iOS make it versatile for everyday use.

The wide range of sports apps and animated on-screen workouts can benefit users looking to diversify their fitness routines. Despite its strengths, it may not be the best fit for hardcore hikers who require advanced navigation tools. Casual hikers and fitness enthusiasts looking for a combination of health monitoring and smart features might find it a compelling option.

The Garmin Instinct 2 is a robust hiking watch designed to withstand extreme environments, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts a durable build with water resistance up to 100 meters, thermal and shock resistance, and a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla glass, ensuring it can handle rugged terrains and harsh conditions. The watch's battery life is impressive, offering up to 28 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, which is excellent for long hiking trips without frequent charging needs.

The inclusion of multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) enhances its tracking accuracy, invaluable for navigating diverse landscapes. Additionally, the built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter further aid in precise navigation and altitude tracking, catering well to the needs of hikers and adventurers. The health monitoring features such as heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and respiration tracking provide useful insights into your physical condition during hiking activities, although it's worth noting that the Pulse Ox feature isn't available everywhere and is not meant for medical purposes.

Smartwatch functionalities like smart notifications and Connect IQ compatibility add convenience, allowing you to stay connected without needing to check your phone frequently. However, the screen size of 1.12 inches might be on the smaller side for some users, potentially affecting readability. Additionally, while it supports diverse sports activities, it may not offer advanced metrics for specialized training beyond general fitness and hiking needs. The Garmin Instinct 2 is a solid choice for outdoor adventurers seeking a reliable, durable, and feature-rich hiking watch.