When you’re miles from the nearest trailhead, navigating rugged backcountry with a heavy pack, your gear needs to be as reliable as your own two feet. A dedicated hiking watch with GPS is more than a timepiece; it’s a critical navigation tool, a fitness tracker, and a safety device strapped to your wrist. The best models offer long-lasting battery life, robust construction to withstand the elements, and advanced features like offline maps and performance metrics to keep you on course and informed about your body’s condition throughout your journey.
With so many options on the market, from feature-packed multisport powerhouses to ultra-long-lasting endurance champions, choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze. This roundup cuts through the noise to bring you the top ten hiking watches for backpacking in 2025, each selected for its unique strengths in GPS accuracy, battery performance, durability, and specialized features for the serious adventurer.
The Best Hiking Watches for Your Next Adventure
- Garmin Forerunner 945, Premium GPS Running/Triathlon Smartwatch with Music
- COROS VERTIX 2S Adventure GPS Watch, 40 Days Battery Life
- SUUNTO Vertical Solar GPS Adventure Watch, Premium Multisport Watch
- Garmin fēnix 8 – 51 mm, Solar, Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch
- Wearable4U – Garmin Forerunner 965 Premium GPS Running and Triathlon Smartwatch
- COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch– Lightweight, Comfortable Running Watch
- COROS APEX 2 Pro Outdoor GPS Watch, 1.3″ Sapphire Titanium
- Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Solar, Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashlight
- Garmin Instinct 2X Solar – Tactical Edition, Rugged GPS Smartwatch
- Suunto 9 Peak Pro GPS Sports Watch
Garmin Forerunner 945, Premium GPS Running/Triathlon Smartwatch with Music
For the backpacker who is also a dedicated athlete, the Garmin Forerunner 945 offers a comprehensive suite of performance metrics. It goes beyond basic tracking to provide insights that can help you improve your endurance and efficiency on the trail. Features like Vo2 Max, training status with adjustments for heat and altitude, and recovery time monitoring give you a detailed picture of your fitness and readiness.
With up to two weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and 10 hours in GPS mode with music, it has the stamina for long weekend trips. The music storage allows you to leave your phone behind while still enjoying your favorite playlists, and its performance monitoring tools are some of the most advanced available in a wearable.
COROS VERTIX 2S Adventure GPS Watch
If your backpacking adventures stretch into multi-day or even multi-week expeditions, battery life is paramount. The COROS VERTIX 2S stands out with an exceptional 40 days of regular use or 118 hours of full GPS tracking. This power endurance means you can navigate for days on end without worrying about finding a power source.
Built for harsh environments, it features a scratch-resistant sapphire screen and a tough titanium bezel. The interface is designed for easy operation with tactile buttons and a large digital dial, which is a significant advantage when you’re wearing gloves in cold weather or your hands are wet. It’s a tool designed to perform reliably when conditions are at their worst.
SUUNTO Vertical Solar GPS Adventure Watch
The SUUNTO Vertical Solar combines incredible battery longevity with top-tier navigation accuracy. Its solar charging capability can extend battery life to a remarkable 60 days in daily use, and even up to one year in specific conditions, making it a top contender for thru-hikers. You can focus on the journey, not on your battery percentage.
This watch is equipped with next-level multi-band GNSS systems, connecting to 5 satellite systems for superior tracking accuracy in complex terrain like deep canyons or dense forests. The inclusion of free global offline maps directly on the watch ensures you have reliable topographic information at your fingertips, even when you are far from a cell signal.
Garmin fēnix 8 – 51 mm, Solar, Sapphire
The Garmin fēnix 8 represents the peak of Garmin’s multisport adventure watch line. It is a premium tool built for athletes and adventurers who demand the most from their gear. With a robust construction featuring a titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens, it is designed to withstand the rigors of the most challenging environments.
Its solar-charged display contributes to a long-lasting battery life of up to 48 days in smartwatch mode. A highly practical feature for any backpacker is the built-in LED flashlight, providing essential after-dark visibility for setting up camp or navigating trails at night without needing a separate light source.
Garmin Forerunner 965 Premium GPS Running and Triathlon Smartwatch
Featuring a brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display, the Garmin Forerunner 965 offers a visually stunning interface for reviewing your maps and data. Its lightweight titanium bezel makes it comfortable for all-day wear, and with up to 23 days of battery life, it is well-suited for extended trips.
It includes advanced training analytics to help you prepare for your backpacking trips. The training readiness score assesses your sleep, recovery, and training load to let you know if you’re primed for a big day on the trail. Multi-band GNSS technology ensures you get accurate location data when you need it most.
COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch
The COROS PACE 3 is an excellent option for backpackers who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable design without sacrificing essential features. With an ultra-slim profile and a featherweight build, you’ll hardly notice it on your wrist during long days of wear.
Despite its minimalist design, it doesn’t compromise on battery, offering 38 hours of continuous GPS tracking. The always-on 1.2-inch transflective touchscreen is easy to read in direct sunlight, and it includes core navigation functions, making it a capable and accessible tool for runners and hikers alike.
COROS APEX 2 Pro Outdoor GPS Watch
Sitting between the PACE and VERTIX lines, the COROS APEX 2 Pro offers a perfect balance of size, features, and battery life. With 30 days of regular use and a durable sapphire titanium build, it is a robust companion for serious outdoor pursuits.
It boasts next-level GPS accuracy with an advanced antenna and All-Satellite GNSS chipset. For navigation, you have access to downloadable global Landscape and regional Topo maps, allowing you to sync and follow routes created on the COROS app directly from your wrist, which is invaluable for navigating new and complex trails.
Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Solar, Multisport GPS Smartwatch
The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Solar is a proven leader in the adventure watch category. Its large 1.4-inch display is easy to read, and the Power Glass solar charging lens helps extend battery life for weeks of use. The rugged construction is built to handle the demands of the backcountry.
A standout feature is the built-in LED flashlight, which offers variable intensities and strobe modes. This provides greater awareness for night training, lights your way around camp, and can even serve as a safety signal in an emergency, all without needing to pack a separate flashlight.
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar – Tactical Edition
Built to U.S. military standard 810 for thermal, shock, and water resistance, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar – Tactical Edition is arguably one of the most rugged watches available. Its bold, monochrome display is highly readable in all conditions, and the 50 mm polymer case is built to take a beating.
The solar charging capability is so effective that it can achieve infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with sufficient sun exposure. This model also includes specialized tactical features like a ballistics calculator, making it a solid choice for those who need durability and specialized tools for a wide range of outdoor scenarios.
Suunto 9 Peak Pro GPS Sports Watch
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is a sleek and sophisticated GPS sports watch that doesn’t compromise on performance. It brings Suunto’s renowned durability and outdoor-focused features into a more compact and stylish form factor, ideal for those who want a watch that transitions seamlessly from the trail to everyday life.
It offers robust battery life suitable for long-distance backpacking and reliable GPS tracking. With features tailored for endurance athletes and navigators, it provides the essential tools you need to track your route, monitor your performance, and find your way in the wilderness.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Perfect Hiking Watch
I know how overwhelming it can be to pick the right hiking watch. There are so many options, and they all seem to promise the world. Having tested my fair share on the trail, I’ve learned that it’s not about getting the watch with the most features, but the one with the right features for your specific needs. Let’s break down what actually matters when you’re looking for the best hiking watches for backpacking with GPS.
First, let’s talk battery life. This is, without a doubt, the most critical factor for me. You’ll see two main modes: smartwatch mode and GPS mode. Smartwatch mode might last a week or two, but that’s with the GPS turned off. The real test is how long it lasts with the GPS actively tracking your route. For a long weekend trip, a watch that gets 20-30 hours in GPS mode is usually sufficient. But if you’re planning multi-day thru-hikes, you need an endurance champion. Look for models that offer an “expedition” or “max battery” GPS mode, which can last for weeks by taking less frequent location pings. Solar charging can be a fantastic addition, adding precious hours or even days to your battery just by being out in the sun.
Next up is mapping and navigation. Basic GPS tracking will just show you a breadcrumb trail of where you’ve been. That’s useful, but for serious backpacking, you want topographical maps right on your wrist. Higher-end watches come preloaded with detailed maps that show trails, elevation contours, and points of interest. Being able to see your position on a real map without pulling out your phone is a game-changer for route-finding and staying on track. Check if the watch allows you to download maps for your specific region and if you can plot a course directly on the watch or through a connected app.
Finally, consider the build and sensors. The watch should feel rugged and be rated for water resistance (I always look for at least 5 ATM, which means it can handle being submerged). A sapphire crystal screen is more expensive but is incredibly resistant to scratches. For sensors, a barometric altimeter is a must-have for accurate elevation data and storm alerts. A heart rate monitor is great for tracking your effort, and a pulse oximeter can be useful for monitoring blood oxygen levels at high altitudes. Think about which of these you’ll genuinely use versus which are just nice-to-haves. By focusing on battery life, navigation, and the core sensors you need, you can find a watch that becomes a trusted partner on all your adventures.
FAQ
How accurate is the GPS on these hiking watches?
In my experience, the GPS accuracy on modern hiking watches is very good for trail navigation. Most use a combination of satellite systems (like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) to get a solid lock on your position, even in challenging terrain with tree cover or deep valleys. You might notice some slight drift in canyons, but for staying on a trail and tracking your distance, it’s more than accurate enough. For the highest precision, some watches now feature multi-band GPS, which is excellent but consumes more battery.
Can I use my hiking watch for everyday activities?
Absolutely. I wear my hiking watch every single day. Most models are designed to be versatile. They track your daily steps, calories, sleep, and notifications from your smartphone. Many also support various sports profiles for running, swimming, cycling, and the gym. Switching from a rugged backpacking tool to a daily smartwatch is seamless, making it a great value for your money.
Is a built-in heart rate monitor reliable for tracking fitness on the trail?
The optical heart rate monitors on the wrist are convenient and have improved a lot. For general fitness tracking and seeing trends in your effort level during a hike, they work well. However, for high-intensity interval training or precise data, a chest strap is still considered more accurate. For most backpackers, the built-in monitor is perfectly adequate for keeping an eye on your heart rate zone and overall exertion.
What is the benefit of having a pulse oximeter on a hiking watch?
A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation in your blood. This can be particularly interesting for hikers going to high altitudes, as it can help you monitor your body’s acclimatization to thinner air. It’s a tool for awareness, not a medical device. I find it useful to check my levels at camp to see if they are trending downward, which can be an early sign that I need to take it easy or descend.
How important is solar charging on a hiking watch?
Solar charging is a fantastic feature, but its importance depends on your hiking style. For weekend warriors, it might just help extend the time between charges. For long-distance backpackers and thru-hikers, it can be a game-changer. By significantly extending your battery life, it reduces how often you need to find an outlet or carry a heavy power bank. It won’t make the battery infinite, but it can add days of usage, which is why it’s a key feature in the best hiking watches for backpacking with GPS aimed at serious adventurers.
Do I need a subscription to use the mapping features?
This is a common question. Generally, no, you do not need a paid subscription for the core mapping and GPS tracking on the watch itself. The maps are either preloaded or downloadable for free via the companion app on your phone. However, some brands offer premium subscription services (like Garmin’s inReach on compatible watches) that provide two-way satellite messaging and SOS features, which do require a monthly or annual plan.