The 7 Best Fitness Watch For Hiking Of 2024

Jonathan Wilson By, Jonathan Wilson
Updated
Best Fitness Watch For Hiking
Best Fitness Watch For Hiking

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Apple Watch SE

"The Apple Watch SE is a sleek and stylish smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with your Apple devices. With features like automatic unlocking of your Mac, easy device tracking, and convenient Apple Pay capabilities, this watch is designed to make your life easier." Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Amazfit Band 5 Watch

"The Amazfit Band 5 Watch is a versatile smartwatch designed with women's health in mind. It features a female period tracking system that records and predicts menstrual cycles and smart notifications reminders." Read Review

3. Best Design: Blackview Smart Watch

"The Blackview Smart Watch is the perfect fitness companion for those on the go. With its IP68 waterproof rating, you can wear this watch in the shower, pool, and beyond without worry." Read Review

4. Best Connectivity: Fitbit Charge 6 Watch

"The Fitbit Charge 6 Watch is a cutting-edge fitness tracker with many features to help you monitor and improve your health and well-being. With up to 7 days of battery life and water resistance up to 50m, this watch is built to keep up with your active lifestyle." Read Review

5. Best Battery: TOOBUR Smart Watch

"This innovative device features a 1.95-inch HD screen that provides crystal-clear visuals for easy viewing. With customizable watch faces, you can choose from 100 pre-loaded options or upload photos for a truly personalized look." Read Review

In outdoor adventures, a reliable companion on your wrist can mean the difference between a smooth hike and a challenging trek. While traditional timepieces offer elegance and style, they often lack the robust features for avid hikers. Enter the realm of fitness watches designed specifically for rugged trails and demanding terrains. These wrist-worn marvels track your steps and heart rate and provide essential navigation tools, altitude readings, and weather forecasts to ensure you're always prepared for the journey ahead.

As the market for outdoor gear expands, so does the selection of fitness watches tailored for hiking enthusiasts. From established brands to innovative newcomers, the choices can be overwhelming. At Kris Van Assche, we present our top picks for the best fitness watches for hiking in 2024, meticulously chosen to enhance your outdoor experience.

After spending 17 hours researching and assessing, We have identified the best fitness watch for hiking is Apple Watch SE. With its carbon-neutral profile and redesigned Sport Loop, it's a step towards a greener future. We've put up a buying guide and additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Compare

TOP Choice #1 Apple Watch SE
Our Score:
9.8
Apple

The Apple Watch SE is a statement of commitment to the planet. With its carbon-neutral profile and redesigned Sport Loop, it's a step towards a greener future. But its appeal doesn't stop there. Seamlessly integrated into the Apple ecosystem, it becomes an indispensable tool for your daily life.

From comprehensive health and safety features like Fall Detection and Emergency SOS to its swim-proof design and customizable watch faces, the Apple Watch SE is the epitome of versatility. The only downside is that it doesn't have an outlet adapter.

For the eco-conscious individual who values sustainability without compromising on style and functionality, the Apple Watch SE is a must-have accessory. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast tracking your workouts or a professional staying connected on the go, this watch caters to your every need. If you prioritize seamless integration, comprehensive health tracking, and sustainability, the Apple Watch SE is the perfect companion for your wrist.

TOP Choice #2 Amazfit Band 5 Watch
Our Score:
9.6
Amazfit

The Amazfit Band 5 redefines what a fitness tracker can do. With Amazon Alexa built-in, you have a virtual assistant, ready to answer queries, set alarms, and control smart home devices with just your voice. But its capabilities extend far beyond voice commands. With an impressive 15-day battery life, blood oxygen saturation monitor, 24/7 heart rate tracking, and comprehensive sleep analysis, it offers a holistic view of your health. Whether you're hitting the gym or going for a swim, its 11 built-in sports modes and water-resistant design ensure that you're always on top of your fitness game. However, the initial setup for Alexa may require some patience and troubleshooting.

If you're a fitness enthusiast looking for a versatile tracker that seamlessly integrates into your daily life, the Amazfit Band 5 is tailor-made for you. Whether you're an athlete training for a marathon or a health-conscious individual monitoring your wellness, this watch offers the perfect blend of style and functionality. 

TOP Choice #3 Blackview Smart Watch
Our Score:
9.5
Blackview

The Blackview Smart Watch is more than just a timekeeping accessory; it's your personal health assistant. Equipped with a 1.85" full-touch TFT screen and various online dials, it combines style with functionality. From activity tracking and heart rate monitoring to blood oxygen saturation measurement, it provides valuable insights into your physical well-being. With over 20 sports modes and an IP68 waterproof rating, it's built to withstand your active lifestyle. The minor drawback is that there may be a slight delay in screen activation, but it is not a big deal.

The Blackview Smart Watch is crafted for individuals who prioritize their health and seek a reliable companion to support their fitness journey. Its durability, extensive health tracking features, and customizable options make it an ideal companion for anyone who values both style and functionality on their wrist.

4 Fitbit Charge 6 Watch
Our Score:
9.3
Fitbit

The Fitbit Charge 6 Watch offers extensive features tailored to enhance your fitness journey. Its built-in GPS and 40+ exercise modes, including automatic exercise tracking, ensure accurate monitoring of your activities. The vibrant color touchscreen with customizable clock faces adds a personalized touch to your experience. At the same time, features like YouTube Music controls and Google Maps integration keep you comfortably connected on the go.

Moreover, its comprehensive health-tracking capabilities, from heart rate monitoring to stress management and sleep tracking, provide valuable insights into your well-being. Nevertheless, the sleep-tracking sometimes doesn't work very well. 

If you're an active individual seeking a comprehensive fitness tracker that seamlessly integrates with your daily routine, the Fitbit Charge 6 is an ideal choice. Its blend of advanced health monitoring features and connectivity options caters to fitness enthusiasts who prioritize holistic well-being. While its premium offerings may not be the most budget-friendly, the investment is justified for those committed to optimizing their fitness journey and overall health.

5 TOOBUR Smart Watch
Our Score:
9.1
TOOBUR

The TOOBUR Smart Watch revolutionizes your daily routine with its seamless integration of Alexa, allowing you to control your smart home devices and access essential information directly from your wrist. Its comprehensive activity and fitness tracking features, coupled with over 100 sports modes, ensure accurate monitoring of your health and progress.

Additionally, the sleep tracking functionality provides valuable insights into your sleep patterns, empowering you to make informed decisions for better rest. While the watch excels in functionality, some users may find it challenging to hear phone calls clearly, which can be addressed by adjusting settings or using alternative communication methods.

For individuals seeking a versatile smartwatch that seamlessly blends convenience and fitness tracking, the TOOBUR Smart Watch is an excellent choice. Whether you're a busy professional, fitness enthusiast, or tech-savvy, its features cater to diverse lifestyles. While its affordability makes it accessible to a wide audience, its value in terms of functionality and performance exceeds expectations, making it a worthy investment for anyone looking to elevate their daily life.

6 Garmin Instinct Solar
Our Score:
9.0
Garmin

The Garmin Instinct Solar redefines durability with its military-standard construction and solar charging capabilities, ensuring uninterrupted performance even in the harshest environments. Its advanced fitness and health tracking features, including wrist-based heart rate monitoring and Pulse Ox sensor, provide comprehensive insights into your well-being.

Furthermore, the Power Manager feature optimizes battery life, while multi-GNSS support ensures accurate navigation in challenging terrains. Despite its exceptional performance, the initial setup for the watch is a bit time-consuming. However, with Garmin's intuitive interface and customer support, customizing the device becomes a seamless experience.

Designed for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Garmin Instinct Solar is the ultimate companion for those who demand reliability and functionality in extreme conditions. Whether you're exploring rugged landscapes or pushing your limits in outdoor activities, its robust design and advanced features make it an indispensable tool. Although its premium price point may deter budget-conscious consumers, the investment is justified for individuals prioritizing performance and durability in their outdoor pursuits.

7 Amzhero Fitness Watch
Our Score:
8.8
Amzhero

With 24/7 health monitoring, including heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress levels, it provides invaluable insights into your well-being. Whether burning the midnight oil, traveling extensively, or embracing the great outdoors, this watch offers professional analysis for healthier living. Additionally, its menstrual period tracking caters to women's health needs, a thoughtful inclusion often overlooked by other brands.

Boasting 100 sports modes with GPS, it covers a vast spectrum of activities, from yoga to swimming, and accurately records essential metrics like steps, distance, and calories burned. The personalized fitness schedules and professional analysis empower users to enhance their performance and daily habits effectively.

With built-in Alexa functionality, the Amzhero watch transcends conventional timepieces. From weather updates to music playback, it seamlessly integrates into your daily routines, making tasks hands-free and hassle-free. Its comprehensive sleep monitoring tracks stages, offers personalized profiles, and even suggests improvements for better rest.

If you value comprehensive health insights and seamless connectivity without breaking the bank, the Amzhero Fitness Watch is perfect for you. Despite its advanced features, syncing with the VeryFit app might pose a slight challenge, requiring patience and troubleshooting to ensure seamless integration.

What to Look For in a best fitness watch for hiking?

Until now, numerous customers trust the information and advice we offer them, which means our offers to you are accurate and up to date all the time. This objective is being pursued with tremendous zeal and attention. 

It's necessary to keep in mind the following points for selecting best fitness watch for hiking:

Barometer

The main purpose of a barometer on a watch is to track changes in air pressure, which can help determine elevation and predict approaching storms. Simple barometers display atmospheric readings, while more advanced watches show a visual representation of pressure changes. Some watches also have a storm alarm to warn of significant pressure drops. When pressure falls quickly, it's a good idea to seek shelter or prepare for severe weather.

Altimeter

The altimeter in a watch is utilized to track altitude while ascending, aiding in determining one's location on a map. Some watches come equipped with a barometric altimeter that gauges atmospheric pressure, with lower pressure indicating higher elevation. These barometers can measure altitudes ranging from -2,000 to 30,000 feet and are typically accurate within +/- 50 feet.

For watches lacking a barometric altimeter, altitude can be estimated using GPS data. However, the measurements from the altimeter sensor are generally more precise than those derived from GPS coordinates. GPS accuracy is contingent upon signal strength, and any interference with the signal can also impact the barometer's readings.

Battery Life

Traditional watches are typically powered by a replaceable watch battery, kinetic energy, or solar charging. On the other hand, smartwatches require a significant amount of energy to support various advanced features like GPS tracking, music storage, and fitness tracking, so they are usually equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. If you intend to use a smartwatch for activities like long hikes that require continuous GPS tracking, it is important to choose one with a long battery life and GPS battery life.

Compass

Most GPS watches now come equipped with a digital compass that can assist you in determining your general direction. Some have a 2D compass that needs to be held horizontally, while others have a 3D compass that functions in any position. While a watch-based compass can aid in walking in a specific direction, it is not as precise or compatible with maps as a baseplate compass.

Heart Rate Monitor

Nearly every watch includes a heart rate monitor that continuously tracks your heart rate. This information can be utilized to measure how hard you are working. A heightened heart rate indicates increased effort. Certain hikers monitor their heart rate closely in order to maintain a low level of exertion while walking. This heart rate data enables them to walk at a slower pace for a longer period of time, rather than overexerting themselves early on in a hike. Additionally, heart rate is indicative of your general health - a sudden increase could be a signal that you are beginning to feel unwell.

GPS

A GPS-enabled watch contains a receiver that can connect to multiple satellite systems, ensuring a strong signal even in challenging conditions. Accuracy of GPS is within 3 meters when a strong signal is obtained, but obstacles like dense forest cover or deep ravines can hinder connection. It is ideal to have an unobstructed view of the sky for optimal signal strength. A strong GPS signal is crucial for real-time tracking and orienteering while hiking, allowing you to know your location and navigate effectively. GPS can also record position data for the entire hike, including distance, time taken, and elevation change, which can be saved and analyzed later.

FAQs

How can a fitness watch help me with hiking?

A fitness watch can track your steps, distance traveled, elevation gained, heart rate, and calories burned during your hike. It can also provide GPS tracking and maps to help you navigate your route.

Can I wear a fitness watch while hiking in rugged terrain?

Yes, most fitness watches are designed to be durable and water-resistant, making them suitable for hiking in rugged terrain.

How long does the battery last on a fitness watch during a hike?

The battery life of a fitness watch can vary depending on the brand and model. Some watches can last up to a week on a single charge, while others may only last a few days. It is always a good idea to fully charge your watch before heading out on a hike.

Can I track my hiking progress over time with a fitness watch?

Yes, most fitness watches come with companion apps that allow you to track your hiking progress over time. You can view your past hikes, set goals, and track your improvement.

Are fitness watches accurate for tracking hiking activities?

Fitness watches are generally accurate for tracking hiking activities, but they may not always be 100% precise. Factors such as GPS signal strength, terrain, and weather conditions can affect the accuracy of the data collected. It is always best to use a fitness watch as a guide rather than relying solely on its data.


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About Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson is a former pro football player and tech reporter who now serves as the editor of Kris Van Assche's website. He is a dedicated fitness enthusiast who splits his workout time between strength and conditioning training, martial arts and running.

Jonathan's athletic career began in college, where he was a star running back. He went on to play professionally for several years before injuries forced him to retire. Afterward, Jonathan transitioned into a career in tech reporting, where he quickly made a name for himself as a knowledgeable and insightful commentator on the industry.

In addition to his work with our website, Jonathan remains active in the world of sports. He regularly competes in martial arts tournaments and running events, and he is always looking for new ways to challenge himself physically. Jonathan is an inspiration to many people, and he is proof that it is never too late to pursue your passions.

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