For every outdoor activity, there is a need for a reliable companion that will help you navigate through unknown places and keep track of plenty of other essential details that will make or break your outdoor trip. Because we understand the need for a truly functional watch all of the GPS watches on our featured list have a compass, barometer, and altimeter that is essential for hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities.
Check out our top GPS watches that are perfect for outdoor activities.
1. GARMIN FENIX 5X
Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire - Slate Gray with Metal Band
Features
- Ultimate multisport GPS watch with full color TOPO U.S. Mapping, routable cycling maps and other outdoor navigation features
- Fit for adventure with rugged design that features stainless steel bezel, buttons and rear case. Preloaded gym activity profiles: strength, cardio and elliptical training, stair stepping, floor climbing, indoor rowing and yoga
- Built in navigation sensors include GPS and GLONASS capability to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone as well as 3 axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter
- Put key stats at your fingertips with the performance widget that shows your training status, training load and more. Display type: sunlight visible, Transflective memory in pixel (map)
- Connected features include smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect online fitness community and personalization through free watch faces and apps from our Connect IQ store
The Garmin Fenix could be your next multisport GPS watch. It has a rugged design that features stainless steel bezel, stainless steel buttons, and rear case. It also has preloaded gym activity profiles like strength, elliptical training, cardio and yoga. It has accurate navigation sensors thanks to its GPS, 3 axis compass, gyroscope, altimeter and barometer. This watch has two display types, sunlight-visible and transflective.
Garmin has become the go-to brand for sports watches and fitness trackers. That’s why it isn’t a surprise that this watch is highly recommended for its features and performance, and overall a great watch to have for those with an active lifestyle.
2. Garmin FORERUNNER 935
Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit (Black)
Features
- Premium GPS running/triathlon watch with wrist based heart rate; Strap material: Silicone; Smartphone compatibility: iPhone, Android, Windows.Control Method:Application.Special Feature:Smarter Connections.Water Resistant: Yes
- Offers advanced running and multisport Features in a comfortable watch you can wear all day, and it only weighs 49 grams
- Provides elevation changes with a built in barometer; altimeter and electronic compass help you keep your bearings
- Evaluates your training status to indicate if you’re undertraining or overdoing it and offers additional performance monitoring Features
- Provides advanced dynamics for running, cycling and swimming, including ground contact time balance, stride length and more. Bezel Material: Fiber reinforced polymer
Garmin has another offering in this list and it’s an affordable option for those looking for a high-quality GPS watch without the hefty price tag. The Garmin Forerunner 935 is a premium GPS watch perfect for running or triathlons. It has a wrist-based heart rate feature, as well as the ABC’s of an outdoor sports watch: altimeter, barometer and compass. It is also compatible with smartphones and offers multisports features.
This watch has a lightweight feel and can be worn even for everyday use. The silicone strap is ideal for physical activities, and is also a breathable and durable material that makes the watch more comfortable to the feel especially during the hot summer season.
3. SUUNTO TRAVERSE
Suunto Traverse Alpha - Foliage
Features
- Features a rugged, knurled stainless steel bezel, durable water repellent nylon strap, and a premium scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass
- Suunto's automatic shot detection technology keeps track of when and where you shoot, mapping the GPS coordinates of your location for later viewing
- Gps tracks your path, helping you find your way back using the automatic breadcrumb trail,Compatible with Suunto Movescount App (iOS and Android)
- Location based moon Phase calendar with moon rise and moon set times helps you determine the best hunting and fishing times. Operating temperature 20° C to +60° C / 5° F to +140° F. Measurements-1.97 x 1.97 x 0.59 inches
- Suunto Traverse Alpha watches are handmade in Finland. Battery type rechargeable lithium ion. Battery life In time mode 14 days. Training mode with GPS 10, 15, 100 h
The Suunto Traverse watch features a durable water repellent strap made of nylon, a rugged and knurled stainless steel bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass for a shatter-proof dial protection. The Suunto’s automatic shot detection feature keeps track of where and when you shoot, perfect for later viewing of your coordinates. It also has an automatic breadcrumb trail that helps you track your way back from where you came from.
This watch guides you in determining the best time to fish and hunt with its moon phase calendar. Track all of your activities with the Suunto Movescount app compatible with iOS and Android phones.
4. GARMIN FORETREX
Garmin 010-01772-00 Foretrex 601, 2 inches
Features
- Durable, constructed to military standards (MIL STD 810G); night vision goggle compatible.Control Method:Voice.Special Feature:Bluetooth.
- Works with GPS, GLONASS and galileo satellite systems to provide accurate positioning
- Know where you are with navigation sensors, including 3 axis Accelerometer, 3 axis compass and a Barometric altimeter; smart notifications¹ allow your Device to receive emails, texts and alerts
- Battery life exceeds 48 hours in navigation mode, up to 1 week in UltraTrac mode and up to 1 month in watch mode
- NOTE:Kindly refer to the user manual provided as a PDF manual in the product description sectio
The Garmin Foretrex 601 is a durable GPS watch that is made to military standards. It has a great navigation system that works accurately because of GPS, Galileo satellite systems and GLONASS, and navigation sensors like 3 axis accelerometer, barometer, altimeter and 3 axis compass.
This watch doubles as a smartwatch that allows you to receive notifications for emails, SMS, and alarms. It is a reliable and sturdy watch that has night vision goggle compatibility and can withstand thermal shock and water pressure. What’s more, it’s our most affordable watch on the list! This Garmin watch has a lot of impressive features that are too good to pass up, so get yours now!
5. SUUNTO AMBIT3 VERTICAL
SUUNTO Ambit3 Vertical HR Watch - Lime, one Size
Features
| Part Number | SS021970000 |
| Model | SS021970000 |
| Color | Lime |
| Is Adult Product |
If you want a high-performing watch with a touch of color, you should definitely check out the Suunto Ambit3 Vertical. This is a multisport GPS watch that follows the altitude of your route, perfect for working your way up the mountains. It also keeps track of your total vertical gain every day.
This watch is compatible with the Suunto Movescount App that allows you to plan your training and activity with the route planner and topographic map, and guide you through workouts. It has a silicone strap with a polyamide case, stainless steel bezel, and mineral crystal glass. It’s also a stylish watch to wear on the daily!
Need to keep track of your children when they’re out and about? Take a look at our selection of kids GPS watches. Or for a specialised gift, view our top golf GPS watches and triathlon GPS watches.
