What is the best watch for hiking and backpacking?
Features that matter
GPS helps with navigation and tracking distance. A barometric altimeter shows elevation changes and can help you spot weather trends when pressure drops. Battery life matters more than many extra features on multi-day trips, so check the GPS-on runtime listed by the maker.
Check water resistance and display brightness in sunlight. A watch that is hard to read outdoors is less useful than a simpler model with a clear screen. Offline map support is a bonus if you plan to use the watch as a navigation tool.
- GPS for navigation and distance
- Barometer for elevation and weather trends
- Long battery life on multi-day trips
- Readable screen in bright sunlight
Watch or phone?
A phone with an offline map app can do many of the same jobs, but it uses more battery and can break or get wet. A watch lets you check data without taking your phone out of your pack, which keeps the phone safe and charged.
Consider a watch as a backup or convenience tool, not a replacement for a paper map or trail guide. Carry a physical map even if your watch handles navigation well.
- Use a watch as a convenience tool
- Carry a paper map as a backup
- Keep the phone in a dry bag
- Check battery life before the trip
Common mistakes
- Relying on GPS alone without a map.
- Choosing a watch with a short battery life for multi-day trips.
- Assuming all watches give accurate altitude readings without calibration.
