At first glance, newer technology like GPS watches might seem to detract from the experience of being in the great outdoors, where many seek solitude. Too much tech in nature can feel intrusive.
However, those who recognize the enhanced capabilities of these watches know they are invaluable tools for everyone from hikers to hunters, enabling them to explore more terrain and discover new areas. These watches offer features such as heart rate monitoring, turn-by-turn directions, mapping, solar charging, and connectivity to your primary GPS. They also function as regular timepieces.
Top pick
Fenix 7 Sapphire
The Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is ideal for serious outdoor enthusiasts, offering robust GPS, extensive fitness features, rugged durability, and solar charging, justifying its higher price.
Editor’s choice
Instinct 2 Solar
The Garmin Instinct 2 Series enhances outdoor capabilities with GPS tracking, wellness features, and robust durability, catering to hunters and athletes with extensive battery life and connectivity options.
Best value
COROS PACE 2
The Coros Pace 2 is lightweight and straightforward, ideal for runners and swimmers. It offers detailed metrics, intuitive navigation, and long battery life, perfect for active sports.
Here’s a look at some of the best GPS watches currently available on the market.
1. Garmin fenix 7 Sapphire Solar
If James Bond were into outdoor recreation and fitness, the Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar would be his go-to watch. Garmin’s new Fenix line includes three models (Standard, Solar, Sapphire Solar), each available in three sizes. I tested the high-end Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar, featuring a sapphire lens and titanium bezel, along with an upgraded solar panel.
After over a month of use, I’m still exploring its extensive features. Setup was quick and easy, involving a simple navigation through settings and pairing with my phone via Garmin’s Connect app. During a run, the watch’s multi-band GPS provided precise tracking, utilizing more powerful satellite technology for faster, more accurate navigation. The touch-screen feature simplified map navigation during hikes.
The Sapphire Solar offers a wide range of fitness and health metrics, surpassing most smartwatches. It stands out with its rugged construction, enhanced solar charging, and robust GPS. While it’s bulkier and pricier than other smartwatches, its durability and advanced features justify the cost. Ideal for serious outdoor enthusiasts, the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is a top-tier choice.
Key Features:
- Solar-powered (up to 37 days in smartwatch mode)
- Three size options
- Touch screen
- Flashlight
- Multi-band GPS and preloaded Topo maps (Sapphire model only)
- Health tracking features and programs
Pros:
- Extensive features and apps
- Accurate GPS mapping and easy navigation
- Compatible with other Garmin devices
- Durable construction
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulky
- Not beginner-friendly
2. Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
The Instinct 2 Series retains many features from the first-gen watch that are invaluable to hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It still offers GPS features like Track Me and pairs with inReach devices and Garmin’s dog trackers. I compared the tracking accuracy of a trail run using both the original Instinct Solar and the new 2S Solar, and found identical results.
The watch includes handy widgets such as sunrise/sunset times, moon phase, weather, and barometer. However, accessing some features has changed, moving from the top left “Control” button to the bottom left ABC button (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass).
A significant upgrade in the Instinct 2 Series is the addition of wellness features, thanks to the same optical sensor used in the Fenix 7 line and Firstbeat Analytics. These features include VO2 Max, Fitness Age, Training Status, Recovery Time, HIIT Workouts, and Daily Suggested Workouts, catering to fitness enthusiasts and those training for specific goals, like high-altitude hunts.
The Instinct 2 also offers enhanced sleep tracking, which I found insightful. With a quality score of 88 out of 100, it highlighted my sleep patterns and helped me adjust my sleep habits.
Garmin’s Instinct 2 Series is impressive, but users need to prioritize features. The slimmer 2S Solar requires more frequent charging than the 2 Solar due to its smaller screen’s reduced solar energy harvesting.
Key Features:
- Water-resistant up to 100 meters
- Battery life varies; unlimited on 45mm Instinct 2 Solar models with adequate sunlight
- Emergency options: Incident Detection
- Compatible with smartphones, InReach GPS devices, Garmin dog trackers
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Features beneficial to hunters and anglers
- Connectivity with Garmin dog collars and GPS devices
Cons:
- No camo option
3. COROS PACE 2
The Coros Pace 2 is ready to use straight out of the box. As someone familiar with GPS gear and smartwatches, I quickly figured out how to operate it.
I first tested the watch during a run, and the interface, along with the post-run data, was impressive. It provides detailed graphs, an outline of the route, and plenty of metrics from average speed to elevation gain. The Pace 2 swiftly acquired my heart rate and pinpointed my location to start tracking.
I also used the watch while biking and canoeing, and the data collected matched that from my run. It was fascinating to see the routes afterward. All this data is uploaded to the app for an even more detailed analysis.
When not in use for workouts, the watch displays steps taken, calories burned, heart rate, elevation, and a daily workout time counter. Seeing 00:00 is a clear reminder to get moving.
The watch can display texts and push alerts from your phone but offers limited app integration and no music controls. As a trail runner who avoids music on trails, this isn’t a major issue for me, though it would be nice for road runs where music can be motivating.
Key Features:
- Weighs only 29 grams
- Suitable for active sports like running and swimming
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Simple and easy to use
- Intuitive navigation with only two buttons and a scrolling wheel
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- No music playback or access to apps
4. Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a top choice for athletes and those seeking extended battery life in an Apple smartwatch. It excels in providing seamless connectivity and phone-like features on your wrist, making it ideal for users who value staying connected.
The Apple Health app is outstanding for tracking and visualizing activities like running, sleep, and daily heart rate monitoring, thanks to its clean design. The watch’s elegant physical design features a bright display and a 49mm case size. However, the updated model doesn’t offer significant improvements over its predecessor, so upgrading from the Apple Watch Ultra 1 may not be necessary.
While this is Apple’s best offering, it may not suit everyone. The Ultra 2 may not be ideal for serious ultra-endurance athletes who perform in technical terrain. Some users might find it distracting and overly feature-packed, though customization options can minimize distractions.
Despite Apple marketing its rugged capabilities, the watch’s primary strength remains its smartwatch features. Thus, while it’s a strong contender in the smartwatch market, it may not fully satisfy all athletes, particularly those prioritizing battery life. However, if you are an Apple watch enthusiast or desire top-tier smartwatch tech features, this is one of the best models available.
Key Features:
- 49mm case size
- Bright, elegant display
- Seamless connectivity and phone-like features
- Industry-leading health metrics and accuracy
- Apple Health app for tracking activities
- Customizable to minimize distractions
- Rugged design
Pros:
- Premium design and materials
- Accurate health metrics
- Phone and SMS response via keyboard and Siri
- Best watch face design and red light capability
Cons:
- Short battery life
- Expensive
5. SUUNTO 5 Peak
The Suunto 5 Peak stands out for its app, which tracks your steps and provides turn-by-turn navigation, making it one of the best GPS watches for backpacking. Its map tracking capabilities are excellent for navigation.
However, the Suunto 5 Peak isn’t as user-friendly out of the box. It can be tricky to navigate and learn the functions of the various buttons. While the app is highly useful, the watch’s software can be challenging, making the watch feel like an accessory to the app.
During my first use, it took a while to acquire the GPS signal, and it remains slower than some competitors. However, once connected, the signal is very accurate, as I observed while biking and paddleboarding.
Additional features include music controls, although direct access to other apps is not available. You can still view texts and notifications on the watch.
When not in use for workouts, the watch displays the time, step counts, and sunset times—helpful for hikers and hunters who need to be aware of sundown.
Key Features:
- Connected to an easy-to-use app for backcountry hikes and outdoor adventures
- Music control
Pros:
- Fairly lightweight
- Suunto app is excellent for exploring new areas
- Music control through the watch
Cons:
- Complicated design
- Five separate buttons
- Interface takes time to learn
Conclusion
GPS watches are a luxurious addition for training and exploring. While many people manage without them, relying on simpler methods for timing runs or following trails, once you start using a GPS watch, it’s hard to imagine going without it.
Accurate daily training readings can be a significant motivator, encouraging people to get outside and see their progress. For those who rely on GPS watches for navigation, they become an indispensable tool, enhancing the outdoor experience and providing confidence in exploring new areas.
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