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Best GPS Watches for Hiking in 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 29th, 2024

⌚Getting into hiking? You’re going to need the right gear, and a solid GPS watch is at the top of the list. These aren’t just for navigation anymore—they’ve got all sorts of cool features like performance tracking, health monitoring, and safety alerts. We’ve done the homework, digging into expert reviews and rigorous testing, to find the best GPS watches for hiking in 2024.

Whether you’re a trail veteran or just starting, our picks cater to a range of preferences and budgets. Let’s help you choose the right one for your adventures.

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Overall Best: Garmin Enduro

Garmin Enduro, Ultraperformance Multisport GPS Watch with Solar Charging Capabilities, Battery Life Up to 80 Hours in GPS Mode, Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black UltraFit Nylon Band Carbon Gray GPS Watch

Our top pick for the best GPS watch for hiking in 2024 is the Garmin Enduro. This exceptional watch excels with its incredible battery life, offering up to 80 hours in GPS mode, and even more with solar charging. Tailored for endurance athletes and long-distance hikers, it comes packed with features like recovery time, recommended workouts based on data from sleep and wellness, and VO2 max tracking specifically for trail running. Garmin Enduro's robust build ensures it can withstand challenging environments, making it a reliable partner for all your outdoor adventures. According to our research, users praise its versatility and durability, solidifying its place at the top.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$475.49 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Garmin Instinct 2

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Rugged GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Sports Apps and Health Monitoring, Solar Charging and Ultratough Design Features, Graphite

The Garmin Instinct 2 is our runner-up, ideal for those who demand durability and reliability. It boasts a rugged construction meeting U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, ensuring it can handle any adventure. With multi-GNSS support, it provides accurate location tracking even in the most demanding terrains. Safety features like incident detection and location sharing let you send your live location to contacts, enhancing safety during outdoor activities. Additionally, the Instinct 2 is solar-powered, extending battery life for longer hikes. According to user reviews, its build quality and reliability make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.

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More Answers

Still curious about the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How accurate is the GPS on the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar?

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is known for its solid battery life, thanks in part to its solar charging. But let's chat about its GPS accuracy. From our research, the GPS on the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is pretty reliable, especially if you're into outdoor activities. It uses GPS alongside other systems like GLONASS and Galileo, which, according to the manufacturer, helps with more precise tracking, even in tricky spots like dense forests or mountainous areas. Our data shows that many people have had good experiences with how quickly it connects and how well it maintains a signal in tough environments—places where some other devices might falter. But, like with all GPS gadgets, heavy tree cover or tall buildings might affect its accuracy a bit. The watch also offers different activity profiles that tweak how it uses GPS based on what you're doing, like running versus hiking, which helps in getting the most accurate readouts. Plus, you won't find yourself needing to charge it often. In GPS mode, with plenty of sunlight, the watch can last up to 48 hours. Many folks appreciate not needing to charge it all the time, even when the GPS is heavily used. While the feedback on its GPS performance is largely positive, if pinpoint accuracy is your main concern, it might be worth comparing it to other models. Still, with its decent GPS abilities and great battery life, the Instinct 2 Solar is quite a reliable choice for outdoor adventures.

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What are the key features of the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar?

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is definitely a solid pick if you're into outdoor activities and want a watch that can handle some rugged use. It's built tough for the adventurous types. One of its coolest features is the solar charging, which really boosts how long the battery can last. In fact, if you get about 3 hours of good sunlight each day, Garmin says it can offer unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode. Pretty handy for those long hikes or camping trips! But here's the catch: the solar charging is dependent on how much sunlight you actually get. So, while it's great for extending battery life, it's not magic. Our research found that some folks are a bit unsure about how quickly it charges from just solar power and how much extra life that gives when the sun isn't out. If you're using GPS a lot, it's still pretty impressive though—expect up to 48 hours of use with the solar boost when you're not overdoing it. Aside from battery life, this watch is built to handle the elements. It's water-resistant up to 100 meters, so swimming isn't a problem, and from our findings, the GPS and health tracking features are both reliable and effective. This makes it a good companion for running, cycling, and other sporty activities too. There are a few things to consider though. The display is monochrome, unlike the colorful screens you'll see on most smartwatches these days. That might not be as flashy, but it does save battery. Plus, it doesn't have a touchscreen. So if you're all about those practical features and don't mind sacrificing some aesthetics, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar stands up well under tough conditions and keeps going when others might not.

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How long does the battery last on the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar?

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is pretty cool when it comes to battery life, especially if you're outdoors a lot. The manufacturer says that with enough sunlight, the watch can actually keep going indefinitely in smartwatch mode—basically, you wouldn't need to recharge it if you spend around 3 hours outside each day in bright sunlight (about 50,000 lux). For GPS mode, the battery can last up to 48 hours when it's getting solar help. This is great if you're into long outdoor adventures without worrying about plugging the watch in. Based on our research, many people are happy with how the battery holds up, especially if they’re out in the sun often. But keep in mind, to really benefit from the solar feature, you'd need consistent bright sunlight. Some folks have noted it's a bit tricky to tell how fast the solar charging happens compared to just charging it the regular way. Cloudy days can affect how well the solar charge works too. So, if you're outside a lot and can keep the watch soaking up the sun, it's a solid choice. Just remember that the solar charging depends quite a bit on your access to sunshine, so plan your indoor and outdoor time if you want to get the most out of it.

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Budget Pick: COROS PACE 2

COROS PACE 2 Sport Watch GPS Heart Rate Monitor, 20 Days Long Battery Life, Lightweight, Barometer, Strava, Training Plan, Navigation, Sleep Track, Swim, Bike, Run, Strength, Treadmill -Navy Silicone Navy - Silicone Strap

For budget-conscious hikers, the COROS PACE 2 offers excellent value without sacrificing functionality. This lightweight watch delivers up to 30 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 20 days of regular use. It’s packed with fitness-tracking features, including training and sleep monitoring, and is compatible with smartphones for smart notifications and data syncing. While affordable, the COROS PACE 2 doesn't cut corners on performance, making it an outstanding choice for hikers looking for a budget-friendly option. Our findings show that users appreciate its cost-effectiveness and feature set.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$179.00 at Amazon

Best for Challenging Environments: SUUNTO 9 Baro

When hiking in challenging environments, the SUUNTO 9 Baro stands out with its durable build and advanced features. This rugged watch offers precise navigation and route-tracking to ensure you always know your way. With an impressive battery life of up to 120 hours of continuous exercise tracking, the Baro is perfect for long and demanding hikes. It also tracks daily activity and sleep patterns, helping you balance training and recovery. According to user reviews, its durability and reliability in extreme conditions make it a top choice for serious adventurers.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$289.00 at Amazon

Best for Fitness Enthusiasts: Apple Watch Ultra

Apple Watch Ultra [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smart Watch w/Rugged Titanium Case & Green Alpine Loop Small. Fitness Tracker, Precision GPS, Action Button, Extra-Long Battery Life, Brighter Retina Display Titanium Case with Green Alpine Loop Alpine Loop Small - fits 130-160mm wrists

For fitness enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Ultra combines cutting-edge GPS functionality with comprehensive fitness data. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, it features a rugged build, a vivid display, and top-notch GPS tracking. It provides detailed information like elevation, latitude, longitude, and incline, making it highly suitable for hiking. When paired with an iPhone, it expands functionality with enhanced smartwatch features and more detailed fitness tracking. Users find its robust design and advanced features perfect for maintaining their fitness regimen during hikes.

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