The Best Gps Watch For Backpacking Of 2024

Jonathan Wilson By, Jonathan Wilson
Updated
Best Gps Watch For Backpacking
Best Gps Watch For Backpacking

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Garmin Gps Watch

"The Garmin GPS Watch is a rugged and reliable outdoor companion designed to withstand the toughest conditions. Built to U.S. Military standard 810G, this watch is thermal, shock, and water-resistant up to 100 meters." Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Amazfit GTR 3 Watch

"The Amazfit GTR 3 smart fitness watch allows you to test your heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, stress level, and breathing rate with a single tap, providing results in as little as 45 seconds. Get the information you need, then go on with your day." Read Review

3. Best Stylish: UMIDIGI Gps Watch

"With a sleek and stylish round design, this watch is 44mm in diameter and features a lightweight Aluminum frame for comfortable wear. The watch has a 1.1-inch round full-colour screen that clearly displays all your notifications and information." Read Review

4. Best Durable: Amazfit T-Rex Pro Watch

"Set off on your next adventure with the Amazfit T-Rex Pro, a tough and fashionable smartwatch with extensive health and fitness monitoring capabilities that can endure even the most challenging settings." Read Review

5. Best Sport: Fitbit Charge 6

"Elevate your fitness journey with the Fitbit Charge 6, a sleek companion that seamlessly blends style with substance, offering a comprehensive suite of health-tracking features and smart connectivity to keep you motivated and informed." Read Review

In outdoor exploration, where every step counts and every decision matters, a reliable companion on your wrist can make all the difference. While smartphones have become ubiquitous daily, their limitations in the wild are apparent. Enter the GPS watch, a sophisticated blend of technology and rugged durability designed for adventurers.

In the quest for the best GPS watch for backpacking, the market landscape is as vast and varied as the landscapes you'll traverse. From remote trails to towering peaks, these wrist-bound wonders promise to guide, track, and accompany you through the most challenging terrain. At Kris Van Assche, we understand the importance of finding the perfect gear for your outdoor escapades. With our expertise and dedication to exploration, we've sifted through the options to present our top picks for the best GPS watches for backpacking in 2024. 

Following extensive study and analysis, We think the best gps watch for backpacking of 2024 is Garmin Gps Watch. It is built to military specifications and can withstand extreme conditions. Equipped with GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, navigation becomes a breeze, even in the wild. However, it is not the only thing on our list. We also show a full buyer's guide and several options are available to help you find the most suitable.

Compare

TOP Choice #1 Garmin Gps Watch
Our Score:
9.7
Garmin

The Garmin GPS Watch, aptly named Instinct, liberates you with its robust features. It is built to military specifications and can withstand extreme conditions. Equipped with GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, navigation becomes a breeze, even in the wild. The built-in compass and barometric altimeter ensure you never lose your way, while the TracBack feature easily guides you home.

Besides, this watch monitors your heart rate, activity levels, and stress throughout the day, empowering you with valuable insights. Training for a marathon or just a casual jog? With preloaded activity profiles, including running, biking, and swimming, your fitness goals are within reach. Smart notifications also keep you updated, and Garmin Connect ensures seamless data syncing. However, the interface can be cumbersome at times. But with a bit of exploration, you'll master it.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast craving adventure, the Garmin GPS Watch is your trusty sidekick. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a weekend warrior, its rugged design and comprehensive features make it indispensable. Priced moderately for its capabilities, it's a steal for those seeking reliability in the great outdoors.

TOP Choice #2 Amazfit GTR 3 Watch
Our Score:
9.6
Amazfit

The Amazfit GTR 3 Watch is an engineering marvel and a visual feast, with a 1.39-inch HD AMOLED display crafted from aluminium alloy. With Alexa built-in, your personal assistant is always at your beck and call. This watch also boasts over 150 sports modes, catering to every athlete's needs. From running to swimming to hiking, it's your ultimate workout companion. With built-in GPS and support for multiple satellite navigation systems, tracking your activities has never been more accurate.

It's a complete health tracker for people of all lifestyles, with the capacity to test four health indicators with a single tap: heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, stress level, and breathing rate. Nevertheless, there may be occasional glitches with the accompanying app, but these issues can be quickly addressed with regular updates and improvements.

For the discerning individual who demands both style and substance, the Amazfit GTR 3 Watch is a must-have accessory. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or a fashionista, its blend of elegance and performance makes it the perfect companion for any occasion. And with its long-lasting battery life and competitive price point, it's accessible to anyone looking to elevate their wrist game.

TOP Choice #3 UMIDIGI Gps Watch
Our Score:
9.4
UMIDIGI

Boasting a refined aluminium frame and a vibrant 1.1-inch round full-colour screen, this watch is a statement piece for any wrist. You can monitor your well-being precisely, thanks to its high-precision heart rate monitor and blood oxygen measuring capabilities. With 17 sports modes at your disposal, from running to cycling to yoga, it caters to every athlete's needs.

Plus, with detailed metrics like GPS tracking, calorie consumption, and average pace available in the Paiactive App, achieving your fitness goals has never been easier. Stay connected and informed throughout the day with smart notifications for all your favourite apps. From Facebook to WhatsApp to Instagram, you'll never miss a beat. And with weather forecasts, music controls, and camera shutter controls right on your wrist, convenience is always at your fingertips.

For the fashion-forward fitness enthusiast who refuses to compromise on style or functionality, the UMIDIGI GPS Watch is a must-have accessory. Nevertheless, the battery life is relatively short. But fear not, with its fast-charging capabilities and wide array of features, the inconvenience is easily outweighed by its benefits. And with its competitive price point, it's accessible to anyone looking to take their health and fitness to the next level.

4 Amazfit T-Rex Pro Watch
Our Score:
9.3
Amazfit

The Amazfit T-Rex Pro offers military-grade certification for ruggedness and an impressive 18-day battery life to keep pace with your active lifestyle. Its customizable touchscreen offers 34 alternative watch faces, allowing you to personalize your device to suit your style and preferences.

With heart-rate monitoring, blood-oxygen saturation measurement, and over 100 sports modes, this smartwatch caters to various activities, providing real-time data to optimize your workouts. Moreover, its water resistance of up to 328 ft and reliable GPS tracking make it an ideal companion for swimming, snorkelling, or exploring the great outdoors. Nevertheless, it may have slow reaction times sometimes.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast or fitness aficionado seeking a durable and feature-rich smartwatch to accompany your adventures, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro is tailor-made for you. Whether you're hiking, running, or simply exploring the great outdoors, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro is designed to keep pace with your active lifestyle.

5 Fitbit Charge 6
Our Score:
9.1
Fitbit

Fitbit Charge 6 is a holistic health and fitness tracker designed to accompany you on every step of your wellness journey. With myriad features catering to active individuals and those prioritizing well-being, this device sets itself apart. Equipped with 40+ exercise modes and built-in GPS, it accurately tracks your workouts, while the Heart Rate on Equipment feature via Bluetooth ensures seamless integration with gym equipment.

The Active Zone Minutes and Cardio Fitness Level features provide valuable insights into your overall cardiovascular health, empowering you to optimize your workouts effectively. Additionally, the Stress Management Score and Nightly Sleep Score offer a holistic approach to well-being, helping you manage stress and improve sleep quality. Its compatibility with YouTube Music controls and Google Maps allows you to stay connected and entertained during workouts or daily commutes. However, some users may find that syncing with Apple Health or Fitness apps takes quite longer than expected. But it is not a big deal.

If you're seeking a versatile fitness tracker that seamlessly integrates with your active lifestyle, the Fitbit Charge 6 is an ideal choice. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking to optimize your workouts or a health-conscious individual aiming to improve overall well-being, this device offers a comprehensive suite of features to support your goals.

6 POLAR Grit X Watch
Our Score:
8.9
POLAR

The POLAR Grit X is the perfect companion for endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Its comprehensive features, including real-time turn-by-turn route guidance, automatic uphill and downhill stats detection, and integrated GPS/GLONASS, ensure that you stay on track and informed during every adventure.

The FitSpark Training Guide provides personalized daily workouts based on your recovery, readiness, and training history, helping you maximize performance and minimize injury risk. Additionally, the Nightly Recharge and Sleep Tracking feature offers valuable insights into your recovery status, empowering you to make informed decisions about your training and recovery strategies. However, some users may find the display to be quite dark indoors.

If you're a dedicated athlete or outdoor enthusiast seeking a reliable and feature-rich outdoor watch to enhance your training and recovery, the POLAR Grit X is the perfect companion. Whether you're trail running, mountain biking, or mountaineering, it is designed to withstand the most demanding environments and help you reach your peak performance.

7 COROS PACE 3 Watch
Our Score:
8.7
COROS

Weighing a mere 30g and boasting a super-light sleek body of 11.7mm, it offers unparalleled comfort for all-day wear. The always-on 1.2" transflective touchscreen display enhances user experience, providing easy access to modes like Always On, Navigation, and Activity Interface. The battery life is remarkable, enabling 38 hours of GPS and 17 days of daily use, ensuring uninterrupted performance throughout long workouts or outdoor trips.

The COROS PACE 3's accurate GPS with Dual-Frequency ensures precise tracking of activities, even in high-rise cities, thanks to its redesigned satellite chipset. Plus, the route planner feature simplifies navigation, allowing you to create custom routes or search for destinations directly from the COROS app. With extensive activity modes ranging from running and biking to snowboarding and skiing, this watch caters to a wide range of fitness activities.

For fitness enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, durable GPS sports watch with advanced features, the COROS PACE 3 is the perfect companion. Whether you're a dedicated runner, cyclist, or outdoor adventurer, this watch elevates your performance and provides accurate tracking for various activities. While the small display fonts may be a minor inconvenience, the overall performance and functionality of the COROS PACE 3 make it a top choice for active individuals.

What to Look For in a best gps watch for backpacking?

A valuable product is determined by many factors (included below). The process of researching the best gps watch for backpacking is pretty significant because of these features related to the products. However, rest assured that we are here to support your challenges.

Having a closer look at the following factors would benefit you a lot. These are the most important things among various ones you need to consider:

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

What is a GPS watch for backpacking?

GPS watch for backpacking is a wearable device that utilizes GPS technology to track and record your location, distance traveled, and other important data while hiking or backpacking in the wilderness.

How does a GPS watch for backpacking work?

The GPS watch receives signals from satellites orbiting the Earth to determine your precise location. It then uses this information to calculate your speed, distance traveled, elevation changes, and other metrics that are useful for backpackers.

What features should I look for in a GPS watch for backpacking?

Some key features to consider when choosing a GPS watch for backpacking include long battery life, accurate GPS tracking, water resistance, a built-in altimeter, barometer, and compass, as well as compatibility with mapping software.

Can I use a GPS watch for backpacking in remote areas without cell service?

Yes, most GPS watches for backpacking are designed to work in remote areas without cell service. They rely solely on GPS signals from satellites to track your location and record your data.

How long does the battery last on a GPS watch for backpacking?

Battery life can vary depending on the model and usage, but most GPS watches for backpacking have a battery life of 10-20 hours in GPS mode. Some watches also have an ultra-trac mode that can extend battery life up to 50 hours.

Is a GPS watch for backpacking worth the investment?

Many backpackers find that a GPS watch is a valuable tool for navigating trails, tracking progress, and staying safe in the wilderness. It can also provide peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable way to track your location and communicate with others in case of an emergency.


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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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