Garmin Archives - Watch Ideas

April 27, 2021April 28, 2021

Best Watches For Construction Workers [Our Top Picks]

Construction workers spend all day in job sites while performing all sorts of strenuous physical tasks before them. On top of being a very physically-demanding occupation, construction workers are also always at risk by working in an accident prone environment. This is why construction workers wear protective gear that fits the environment that they work in. One of the most overlooked tool for the job is a watch.

Construction workers need a watch that can stand up to the job. This means a timepiece that’s durable, practical, and built to last.

Today, we’ve rounded up some of the best watches for construction workers to help you kickstart your search. For this list, our top pick is Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 for its wide variety of features and top-notch durability.

Best Watches for Construction Workers	Key Features	Our Rating
Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400	Solar powered, Triple Sensor, Quartz movement, Protective mineral crystal dial window, Mb6 atomic timekeeping, auto LED, 5 Daily Alarms, Water resistant to 660 feet	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire	Full color Topo U.S. mapping, Rugged design, Built in navigation sensors include GPS and Glonass, 3 axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter, Preloaded run profiles, Smart notifications, Advanced Performance Metrics	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Timex Expedition Rugged Metal	Genuine leather strap, Cream dial with date window, Full Arabic numerals; 24-hour time, Gray 45 millimeter brass case, Mineral glass crystal, Indiglo light-up watch dial; Luminous hands, Water resistant to 50 meter	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Citizen Eco-Drive AT4010-50E Titanium Perpetual	3 chronograph subdials, 42 mm titanium case, Antireflective sapphire dial window, Titanium link bracelet, Atomic timekeeping, Eco-drive technology, Water Resistant to 666 ft. (200m)	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark	Precise swiss-quartz movement, mineral crystal, polyurethane case, Strong chemical resistance, Very low thermal extension, Anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal	★ ★ ★ ★
Casio PRO-TREK PRG-600	Double LED light, Solar powered, Low-temperature resistant (-10C/14F), Quartz Movement, Digital compass, Water resistant to 100m (330ft), Pro Trek Version 3 Triple Sensor	★ ★ ★ ★

Best Watches for Construction Workers

1. Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400

For this list of the best watches for construction workers, I could probably fill the list with Casio watches and it’s still going to be a pretty good roundup. When it comes to tough watches, it’s no wonder that Casio is a household name. The Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is what I consider a quintessential Casio tough watch.

The Quintessential Tough Watch

The G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is a battle-tested timepiece and is widely considered to be one of the best G-Shock watches available.

However, the G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is more than just a tough watch, it’s a full-featured outdoor unit as well. One of its best features is the Triple Sensor which means that it comes with a compass, altimeter, thermometer and barometer. It’s not exactly something that you can use on the construction site but it’s certainly a nice bonus.

But the toughness of the Rangeman GW-9400 will surely come in handy on the site. As you might expect, this watch is highly resistant to scratches, bumps, shocks, and vibrations. It’s also low temperature resistant, so you can wear it while working in the cold. It’s also a Tough Solar model which means that you don’t have to worry about running out of juice.

Overall, the Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is a must-have for construction workers, thanks to its legendary toughness and excellent value proposition.

2. Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire

If you’re looking for a timepiece that offers more than your traditional tough watch, the Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire is a top-notch choice.

Perfect for Challenging Environments

The Fenix 5X is also our top choice for the best ‘smartwatches’ for construction workers, so that’s saying something. The Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire is primarily an outdoor watch but it’s going to feel at home at a construction site.

The rugged design of the Fenix 5X allows for some serious durability. It features PVD-coated stainless steel bezel, buttons and rear case – a highly reinforced timepiece that feels tough and solid to the touch. The Transflective technology reflects and transmit light at the same time, so you can read the watch even when you’re working on the site. Water resistance is also great and is rated at 100 meters.

As mentioned, the Fenix 5X Sapphire is a high-end outdoor watch that’s packed with features. The advanced GPS and GLONASS satellite reception makes navigation in the wild a breeze. The full color Topo U.S. mapping is also a great navigation feature. On top of being an amazing outdoor watch, it’s a feature-packed activity tracker as well.

Overall, the Fenix 5X is more than just a tough watch. It’s on the expensive side but it’s worth the investment.

3. Timex Expedition Rugged Metal

When it comes to rugged, tough watches that provide amazing value proposition, Timex needs no introduction. For construction workers, the Timex Expedition Rugged Metal is a reliable timekeeping companion.

Tough and Practical

Timex is a brand that has been around forever, so I tend to think that they know how to make watches. The Timex Expedition is one of the best collections the brand has to offer.

The biggest pro of this watch is its build quality and materials. That tends to be the case with the Expedition collection. This isn’t your Uncle Dave’s old Timex anymore that comes with a cheap metal case and bracelet. The Expedition Rugged Metal is a workhorse of a watch, thanks to its metal construction – it’s a watch that you can rely on while working on a construction site.

As with most Timex watches, the Expedition keeps good time. The Indiglo feature works as intended but the hands are luminous enough that you won’t need the aforementioned feature for legibility. In terms of comfort, this watch wears just right. The leather watch doesn’t just look good, it’s surprisingly comfortable as well.

Finally, the best reason to get this watch is for its price. For this amount of quality and durability, $50 is a steal.

4. Citizen Eco-Drive AT4010-50E Titanium Perpetual

Citizen’s Eco-Drive series is a beloved collection from this legendary Japanese watchmaker. In terms of durability, I went with the Citizen Eco-Drive AT4010-50E Titanium Perpetual.

Combination of Style and Durability

Who says that tough watches need to look like bulky tool watches? The Citizen Eco-Drive AT4010-50E Titanium Perpetual is modern and sleek but is still a reliable timepiece for construction workers.

As a Titanium watch, the case and bracelet deliver in terms of durability. It’s pretty much a daily-wear watch that you can wear from casual walks to construction work. However, with the elegant design and silver tone, I can see myself wearing it during formal events as well. The watch also offers a water resistance of 200 m (660 ft) which is pretty good.

The dial is also a standout and has good texture. However, legibility can be an issue. The three chronograph dials are laid out beautifully but it can be a bit too busy for some people. The atomic timekeeping is a great feature to have, especially if you care about accuracy.

Overall, the Citizen Eco-Drive AT4010-50E Titanium Perpetual is a stylish but durable solar-powered watch. It’s a bit on the expensive side but it should serve you well while on the site.

5. Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark

The Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark is one of our top picks for the best military watch. With that in mind, it’s hard not to recommend this watch for a list of the best watches for construction workers.

Rugged Build and Superior Construction

The Luminox 3059 EVO comes with the right amount of heft and bulk. Plus, it comes in safety orange so it’s perfect for construction workers. As far as looks go, this watch is handsome one, thanks to its great shape and the pop of orange color. Plus, it makes the watch easier to read.

But is this a tough watch?

Absolutely! The watch uses the innovative carbon compound material Carbonox. The material is six times lighter than steel and three times lighter than titanium. It’s also very resistant to chemicals and features a very low thermal extension. So when you’re working on the site, it doesn’t get very hot or cold. Luminox did a good job of taking ruggedness and durability to a whole new level.

Finally, it’s a watch that’s recommended by U.S. SEALs and pilots, so you can trust that it’s a reliable piece.

6. Casio PRO-TREK PRG-600

The Casio PRO-TREK PRG-600 is tagged as an “outdoor world timer” and its tough design and bevy of features are the reasons why it’s one of the best watches for construction workers.

The Watch You Take Outside

For starters, the Casio PRO-TREK PRG-600 is one of the newer versions of the Pro Trek series. As you can see, one of the stronger aspects of this watch is its look. It’s quite an outlier as far as Casio designs go. The round face is fairly easy to read, even without the backlight. I think the oversized numbers is a great design decision.

The PRO-TREK PRG-600 is reinforced for temperatures down to -10C and has a water resistance rating of 100 meters. For durability, Casio’s signature rugged design shines here and it’s a good thing that you don’t have to worry about charging because it’s a solar-powered watch.

Ultimately, the PRO-TREK PRG-600 should come in handy for construction workers. However, it does have a steep learning curve.

Reliable Timepieces for Hardworking Men

That wraps up our list of the best watches for construction workers. These watches are not just tough for the sake of it, I also considered the features, usability, comfort, and value proposition. These timepieces won’t let you down while you’re hard at work.

April 23, 2021April 27, 2021

Best Outdoor Watch Under 100 – Durable and Affordable Outdoor Watches

After selecting and testing various watches, we concluded that the Casio Men’s SGW-450H-2BCF stands as the best outdoor watch under 100 dollars. Apart from its rugged design, it is water-resistant up to 100 meters. It also offers great features for fitness and hiking, which include a barometer, altimeter, and thermometer.

If you are the type that cherishes activities like hiking and camping, you should get yourself one of the best outdoor timepieces. The reason is that these watches promises accurate timekeeping, has a rugged build and other fantastic features.

Apart from the exciting things mentioned above, a good outdoor watch should let you read the time easily. Also, they should feature a case that can handle moisture perfectly.

Since not everyone has the money to buy an expensive outdoor watch, an affordable one can also work great. But getting a low-budget model with impressive features can be quite difficult. Hence, we have selected the best outdoor watch under 100 to make things easy for you.

5 Best Outdoor Watches under 100 in 2020

1.MJSCPHBJK Men’s Digital Sports Watch

Asides its unique name, the MJSCPHBJK Sports watch offers several features that will grab the attention of any climber, hiker, or backpacker. For instance, it provides an easy-to-read display and rugged build while promising many practical options for the perfect outdoor experience. It even costs less than most devices on this list.

Large Watch Face

The watch has a LED display that offers bold numbers. Thanks to these features, you can easily read the time under bright sunlight.

If you are in dark environments, you can read the screen due to its EL light feature. The best part is that a hardened crystal covers the dial, which means this timepiece does not scratch easily.

Tough But Comfortable Bracelet

For the watch to stay secure to your arm, it offers a sturdy strap. Since it’s made from silicone, it can withstand all forms of moisture, including rain, sweat, and saltwater.

It also has a metal buckle that prevents unexpected slips, particularly when moving through rough terrain. Even if it has robust qualities that make it the best military watch among others, the strap feels snug on the wrist.

Easy to Maintain

Apart from having a sturdy build, taking care of the watch extend its years of use. Fortunately, the MJSCPHBJK watch does not need extra care, thereby allowing you to focus on the adventure at hand. To keep it in optimum condition, clean the strap and avoid extreme heat or cold.

Opinion and Drawbacks

One thing we love most is that it has a body that can cope with the demands of the elements and intense physical activity. Also, due to its large display, hikers will find it easy to read the time. Surely, considering such features, this can rival what the best outdoor smartwatch has to offer.

However, do not allow heated water to come in contact with this watch because it cannot cope with high temperatures. Another downside is that it even has weak buttons that do not suit underwater use.

2. Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch

This Timex Expedition will go toe-to-toe with any outdoor watch in the market due to its multiple modes and water resistance. It also has a body that can deal with heavy impact from elements. If we are to consider all these features, surely this timepiece stands as one of the best Timex watches under $100.

Impressive Water Resistance

Compared to most watches on this list, the Expedition has a reasonable level of water resistance. The timepiece promises water-resistant up to 100m. That means it can withstand a continuous beating from heavy rainfall.

Moreover, this feature suits aquatic activities like fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Even though it can withstand moisture, using it for diving can cause severe damage to its functions.

Readable Watch Face

On this timepiece, Timex places a large face on its rectangular case, and since the display offers bold characters, it’s legible at a glance, especially under bright light. When the day becomes dark, the in-built Indiglo light night will come in handy for easy reading.

Lightweight Features

Wearing this watch will not make your wrist heavy. Instead of heavy parts, Timex uses lightweight materials for every bit of this camping gear.

These include resin – that’s almost weightless -for the strap and the grey case. On top of the case, lightweight acrylic protects the display from the hazards of rigorous activity.

Opinion and Drawbacks

When you check all features offered by the Expedition Grid Shock, you will find several reasons to fall in love with the timepiece. First, it has a large screen with legible numbers and a perfect level of brightness. It also features a vibration option that erases the need for loud alarms.

But since it is bulky, those with small-sized wrists might not find it comfortable to wear. Also, the acrylic lens cannot withstand scratches and bumps, especially without a screen protector.

3. Casio Men’s SGW-450H-2BCF Watch

For many years, Casio has sold fantastic watches that can cope with the rigorous outdoor use. With this in mind, this Casio Men’s watch has a robust case for unfavorable outdoor conditions. Besides, the fancy sports look makes it perfect for everyday use or a jog in the park.

Rugged Design for Outdoor Use

This sports watch has a stainless steel case that withstands any bumps that you might encounter outdoors. It even has a hardened mineral crystal that protects the dial from any tough elements.

If you are to consider these features, you would expect this timepiece to feel heavy on your wrist. However, this Casio watch feels incredibly light.

Perfect Selection of Sensors

Every outdoor enthusiast knows the value of data, especially on a hiking or backpacking trip. For this purpose, Casio adds sensors that will give you accurate readings.

Such features include an altimeter for your rocky climbs and a thermometer for checking the heat levels. As for changes in air pressure, its barometer works nicely. Considering these features above, you will agree with us that this is one of the best hiking watches under $100 on the market.

Affordable Price

Even though the watch has premium specs, it comes at a pocket-friendly price. If you are to verify online, it should cost less than 60 dollars.

It even promises an extended battery life that reduces the need for constant replacements. Such specs make perfect for the budget-conscious hikers.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Considering the design of this accessory, it comes as one of the best sport watches under $100. Furthermore, it feels comfortable on the wrist while boasting of a good thermometer.

But you might find it difficult to read the watch because it has poor illumination and digital display. Also, the barometer tends to provide inaccurate data.

2 Garmin Forerunner 15 Large

Are you still looking for the best outdoor watch under 100? Well, this fantastic timepiece from Garmin should meet all the requirements for every outdoor activity.

Apart from measuring time, the Garmin Forerunner 15 watch tracks your performance and health status, thereby making it one of the best sport watches under $100. Also, it supports these activities with excellent battery life.

Accurate Calorie and Activity Tracker

Let’s say you want to have an idea of the number of steps taken during a hike. With the tracking features on this timepiece, you will have an accurate report for this activity. Besides, you can also have a clear idea of your calories via an onboard tracker.

Need a reason to keep on moving? If you sit down for an hour, the watch offers a notification that pushes you to continue the hike or other outdoor activity.

Excellent Battery Life

Most remote locations might not have electricity grid for you to charge up the timepiece. For this reason, Garmin added a lithium battery that can run for five weeks (in the activity mode) and (8 hours in GPS mode). When it becomes low, you can quickly restore the battery to full capacity via a charging cradle.

Minimal Design

Most outdoor watches looks bulky, but this timepiece breaks the trend by having a portable build and relatively small display.

Such features mentioned above, make it ideal for any wrist size. Moreover, the clean face does not have many bells and whistles that might make it hard to read.

Opinion and Drawbacks

The battery life on this device makes it the perfect candidate for the best camping watch. It also boasts of heart monitor alarms that work fine.

All might look well with this watch, but it does not suit formal wear. Furthermore, charging the battery via the cradle might not suit your itinerary. If you choose to ignore these issues, you will notice that this timepiece deserves a place in this review.

5. Casio G-Shock Ladies Watch GMAS110MP-4A1

Apart from selecting the best outdoorsmen watches, women will also need a reliable timepiece too. Hence, this elegant G Shock ladies watch comes as the perfect choice for women that engage in outdoor activities. Not only does it look pretty, but it also packs a wide range of impressive features.

Tough Build

On this timepiece, Casio uses resin to make various parts of this eye-catching timepiece. This includes the case that houses its internal components and connects well with the snug wrist band.

With the watch having such material mentioned above, you don’t have to worry about corrosion that comes with rain or sweaty wrists. It also offers a sporty look and does not need extra care.

A Perfect Blend of Extra Features

The watch has five daily alarms that you are audible. By activating these options, you can set times for setting up camp, starting a run, or ending a climb. You can also use the countdown function to time your walks or any activity you might have in mind.

High Level of Accuracy

Timekeeping comes as one of the essential functions of any watch. In this model, you will experience an impressive accuracy. The best part is that Casio offers an anti-magnetism function that maintains these options in spots with strong magnetic fields. For unexpected drops, the antishock feature kicks in to protect the delicate parts of the watch.

Opinion and Drawbacks

At first glance, the watch has a look that will attract you to buy. It even supports a large screen and includes a comprehensive manual. Even if you find the provided booklet confusing, you can use several online sources, including YouTube.

Sadly, the buttons require excess force to operate, while the light does not allow you to see the screen. But if you can ignore these downsides, this timepiece is a worthy rival to the best camping watch on the market.

Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Outdoor Watch under 100

Since you want the best outdoor watch under 100 dollars, you can use this guide to choose. But to get a product that fits your lifestyle, you will have to consider the following qualities below. Surely, with these tips, you can avoid wasting money on any unreliable outdoor watch.

1. Watch Brand

Before heading for the store, look at the company that makes your preferred option. Does it have a good background? Many top-tier brands have affordable collections for budget-conscious consumers. Hence, it is advisable to go for their watches, rather than getting one from companies that sell fake timepiece at ridiculous prices.

2. Lifespan and Durability

You might think that affordable watches might not last like the expensive ones. Surprisingly, some affordable timepiece boasts of durability and extended lifespans.

To know if your option will last, check out some vital options. For instance, does the watch have protective options like resistance to water and shock? Does it offer extra features that can withstand regular use? Also, find out if the brand provides a warranty for damaged parts.

3. Extra Features

Outdoor activities require watches that keep enthusiasts safe and focused. Hence, a good outdoor timepiece should have a reliable altimeter, compass, and a barometer. They should also offer an accurate thermometer for confirming heat levels.

4 Materials Used to Build the Watch

On your search for the best outdoor watch under 100 dollars, look out for choices that use high-grade materials. Finding such a watch at a lower budget might be difficult. But with our list, you should find something that can endure outdoor use.

Final Word on the Best Outdoor Watch Under 100

Getting an impressive watch for your next outdoor adventure should not take your time. After all, we have offered a wide selection of affordable timepieces that will meet your various needs.

Under 100 dollars, it’s easy to get a cheap watch with poor performance or a short lifespan. But if you use our guide, you can get the best outdoorsman watch at an incredible price. Also, women are not left out as they can also get a great watch from our list.

From this review, we recommend the Garmin Forerunner 15 as the best outdoor watch on the market. By taking a quick look at its specs, the timepiece has everything needed to become the best hiking watch under 100 dollars.

I hope you enjoyed this article. If you have any ideas or other watches you would prefer, please share your thoughts.

April 22, 2021April 27, 2021

Best Outdoorsman Watch: Brave the Wild Outdoors

The best outdoorsman watch is one that’s tough enough for the harsh outdoor conditions. It’s going to receive a lot of punishment, so its durability should be on point. Plus, the watch should also have the essential outdoorsman features like compass, GPS, barometer, and more.

Today, we’ve made a list of the best outdoorsman watch that your money can buy. These are watches that will serve you well in the wild with useful features for the hardcore outdoor enthusiasts.

If you can’t be bothered to go through our list, we have the Suunto Traverse Alpha as our top pick. It’s a full-featured outdoor watch with the much-needed durability and ruggedness.

Best Outdoorsman Watch	Key Features	Our Rating
Suunto Traverse Alpha	Rugged, knurled stainless steel bezel, Water repellent nylon strap, Location-based moon Phase calendar, Automatic shot detection technology, Compatible with Suunto Movescount App, GPS & GLONASS via SIRFStarV chip	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Casio Pro Trek PRW2500T Tough Solar	Tough Solar Power, Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping, 200M Water Resistant, Digital Compass, Altimeter, Altimeter Memory, Barometer, Thermometer, Full Auto EL Backlight with Afterglow, Countdown Timer, Battery level indicator, Power saving function	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Instinct	Constructed to U. S. Military standard, Built in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, Smart notifications, TrackBack feature, Smart notifications, Activity tracking	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Timex T49612 Expedition Shock	Shock Resistant to I.S.O. Standards, Digital Compass, Durable Resin Case, Indiglo Light-Up Watch Dial, Water resistant to 200m	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Luminox 3051.BO Navy Seal Colormark	Swiss quartz movement, Durable mineral crystal, Pc carbon reinforced case, Water resistant to 660 feet (200 M), Case diameter: 45 mm	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Citizen BU2055-16E Military Quartz	Analog day/date and12/24-hour time, Eco-Drive technology, Japanese-quartz Movement, Black ion-plated stainless steel case, Dark green Cordura strap	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Best Outdoorsman Watch

1. Suunto Traverse Alpha

When we make a list about the best outdoor watches, the Suunto Traverse Alpha will likely find itself on the list. Why not? It’s a very durable watch with rugged construction, and Suunto didn’t exactly skimp the features.

For the Tactical Outdoorsman

For any outdoorsman, a rugged and reliable timepiece is the most important. This is why the Suunto Traverse Alpha is our top pick for this list of the best outdoorsman watch. The Traverse Alpha is housed in a composite case with a fixed knurled steel bezel. Plus, the watch is protected by sapphire crystal lens, making it less susceptible to scratches. It comes with a water-resistant nylon wrist strap which is great even it starts raining outside.

However, the Traverse Alpha isn’t just a rugged smartwatch, what makes it a top pick are the features. The watch comes with GPS and GLONASS technology and it works beautifully based on my experience. You can also set built-in shortcuts for saving your current position as a point of interest or POI. To get the most out of the Traverse Alpha’s features, make sure to download the Movescount app.

Finally, the woodland design of the watch just screams tactical and I’m sure many outdoorsmen will appreciate that. Wrapping up, it’s certainly one of the best outdoor watches that you can get.

2. Casio Pro Trek PRW2500T Tough Solar

Choosing an outdoor watch from Casio is a daunting task. After all, Casio is the leading brand when it comes to tough watches. For the hardcore outdoors person, the Casio Pro Trek PRW2500T Tough Solar is our top recommendation.

Traditional But Never Outdated

The Pro Trek PRW2500T is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a traditional outdoorsman watch. It’s a digital timepiece with a traditional Casio design. The watch is aimed directly at the outdoor adventure types where it truly shines.

The dedicated compass, altimeter, and barometer are here and the buttons are large enough for easy operation, even if you’re wearing gloves. The screen is large enough to display two levels of data like the current time, visual compass, and numerical heading. The inclusion of tide data and 200m water resistance makes the Pro Trek PRW2500T a solid all-around unit.

Furthermore, this watch is a tough solar mode which means that the battery is solar-rechargeable. Therefore, you’ll never have to worry about running out of juice while outdoors. With a single full charge, you can get 5 months of use without charging with light. Now, that’s a real heavy-duty watch.

Wrapping up, I compare the Pro Trek line to the Jeep Wrangler. The watch retains its basic design over the years but its build quality and feature sets continue to improve.

3. Garmin Instinct

I’ve been debating if I’m going to list the Garmin Fenix or the Garmin Instinct for this list. Ultimately, I went with the Garmin Instinct because it’s a solid outdoor watch but it’s a lot less expensive compared to the Fenix.

Heavy-Duty Piece That Offers Great Value

The Garmin Instinct has a wide range of activity-tracking features but it truly shines with its navigation features. If you value navigation more than anything else, the Garmin Instinct supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. Connecting to any of these satellites is quick and easy, even when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

The Instinct features low-resolution, non-color display which is hardly a big deal unless you’re looking to use TOPO maps. In addition, you can upload your routes to the watch which you can use as a reference while outdoors. Or perhaps, you can go old-school by using the Instinct’s built-in compass.

In terms of durability, the watch is constructed to U.S. Military standard 810G so it has excellent thermal, shock and water resistance. For sure, it’s durable enough to take a few knocks. Despite its durability, the Instinct feels light while on the wrist, thanks to its excellent materials and construction. It’s a heavy-duty watch but it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a brick.

Overall, the Instinct isn’t exactly a full-featured timepiece but it’s a very reliable GPS watch. Also, the price makes it a great buy for hardcore outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Timex T49612 Expedition Shock

Now, here’s our top budget pick. If you want a super durable timepiece that won’t break the bank, the Timex T49612 Expedition Shock is certainly worth checking out.

Designed for Outdoor Torture

When a watch is marketed as “Designed For Outdoor Torture Tests”, you have to take notice. Sounds like it’s an exaggeration but the T49612 Expedition Shock is indeed one tough customer. The durable resin case is putting in the work and the construction makes it seem like it’s built like a tank. Honestly, the T49612 Expedition Shock can give the G-Shocks a run for their money in terms of durability. The water-resistance rating of 200 meters is also a nice bonus.

Unfortunately, the watch is rather light on features, so this is not the piece for you if you’re looking for advanced features. It does come with a digital compass that works well. The watch can also be illuminated with the Indiglo light up system which works great in low-light conditions.

However, the best feature of this watch is actually the price. This is one of the best hiking watches under $100 due to its excellent durability. If I have to find a drawback, the strap will eventually give out especially with regular use.

5. Luminox 3051.BO Navy Seal Colormark

I am a big fan of Luminox, especially of the 3050 series. The Luminox 3051.BO Navy Seal Colormark is endorsed by the Navy Seal, so it’s an easy recommendation from me.

Navy Seal Toughness

The rough and tough nature of the great outdoors doesn’t have a fighting chance against the 3051.BO Navy Seal. Its durability is attributed to the Polycarbonate carbon reinforced case, making it a true tough timepiece but still manages to be lightweight. The face is protected by the durable mineral crystal, providing it with the much-needed scratch resistance.

Despite its bulky and rugged exterior, the 3051.BO Navy Seal is a beautiful masculine watch. The BO designation refers to the blackout color of the watch and the black matte finish adds a tactical look to it. With the blackout colorway, it’s understandable if you think that legibility will be a concern. However, you don’t have to worry about legibility because this watch boasts top-notch luminosity. Whether in nighttime or underwater, you should have no problem reading the watch.

Overall, if this watch is good enough for the Navy Seals, it should be good enough even for the most hardcore outdoorsman.

6. Citizen BU2055-16E Military Quartz

Citizen is a Japanese brand that’s known for making high-quality and reliable watches. The Citizen BU2055-16E Military Quartz is no exception.

Timeless Tactical

The Citizen BU2055-16E Military Quartz watch is yet another tactical watch that many outdoor enthusiasts will love. For starters, the tactical look and canvas strap really make the look of this military-style timepiece. Just a word of warning, the watch is quite sizable at 43mm so it might look big on smaller wrists.

From the construction to the materials used, the BU2055-16E just feels high-quality and robust. The black ion-plated stainless steel case does a great job of adding durability to the piece. The dark green Cordura strap is another durability feature but since it’s canvas, it’s not ideal for wet conditions. However, you can easily swap out the default strap with either a 19mm or 20mm replacement strap.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that it’s an Eco-Drive model which means that it can be charged with solar power. It’s a great watch for those who are looking for something simple but tough.

Brave the Wild Outdoors With These Watches

This concludes our list of the best outdoorsman watch. I’m hoping that I’ve made it easier for you to choose your next outdoor timekeeping companion.

In case you are looking for some more advance tech in your outdoor adventures, you may want to have a look to the best outdoor smartwatches.

April 19, 2021April 26, 2021

Best Smartwatches for Hiking: Top 4 Hiking Smartwatches

After carrying out thorough research and testing different outdoor watches on the market, we concluded that the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is one of the best smartwatches for Hiking among others. For one, this watch has a sturdy build that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. It also comes with impressive features for hiking which include a barometer, altimeter, compass, GPS function and many more.

Hiking is an exciting outdoor activity, and like other adventures, it requires smart and reliable gadgets. You can’t afford to go across unknown terrains without first having the best smartwatch for hiking handy, among other things. Neglecting this will be a big mistake that will leave you wandering across the vast wilderness aimlessly.

Hiking watch is essential because it reveals more than just the time and date of the day. It keeps hikers informed of the location, altitude, and air pressure to enable a more comfortable movement. With the best outdoor watch, hikers can get around difficult and unknown terrains quickly.

If you are a hiker ready to head out into the wild, it’s time to look out for the best smartwatches for hiking. We have compiled a great list and buying guides to make it easy for you to choose.

Top 4 Best Smartwatches for Hiking

1. Garmin Fenix 5 Plus

For many years, Garmin has designed excellent watches that fit any outdoor activity. With this in mind, the Fenix 5 Plus stands as one of the best smartwatches for hiking. It comes with a legible screen, color maps, and navigation tracking. Considering all these features mentioned, you should be having this smartwatch on your wrist in the next hiking trip.

Provides Navigational Data via Various Networks

The Fenix 5 helps you track your location via GPS. But for difficult terrain, it combines two networks – GLONASS and Galileo– to provide accurate directions. For checking elevation data, Garmin adds an altimeter function while a compass records your bearing.

Perfect for Any Environment

The Fenix 5 Plus comes with either a titanium or stainless bezel that works well against rocks, moisture, and other natural elements. It also has a domed sapphire crystal that handles knocks and scratches. In the dark, you can read its color screen via an LED backlight.

Tracks Your Performance

Planning to monitor your fitness levels when on hiking trips? Well, the watch has ideal training features that can track your form and measure your progress. If you don’t know how to adjust the function, choose from any of the seven preloaded profiles provided on the smartwatch.

Comes with a Built-in Music Player

Do you have a favorite song that keeps you on the move? The Fenix 5 Plus has space for about 500 songs that you can transfer from your PC. If you need help with creating a great playlist, try out a selection of music streaming services supported by the device.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Apart from the above features, it has a long-lasting battery life and promises accurate data, which makes it one of the best Garmin watches for hiking on the market. However, it tends to unpair from iPhones and loses connections with satellites. But overall, it comes as an excellent investment for any hiker.

2. Suunto 9 GPS Watch

The Suunto 9 Baro comes with features that can rival any of the best smartwatches for hiking. Apart from measuring time, the watch has features that extend its battery life. It also has a build that can withstand strenuous outdoor activities.

Accurate Measurements

Unlike other products, the 9 Baro has a barometer that offers a better level of accuracy via GPS and barometric data. An inbuilt storm alarm works with this barometer, thereby allowing you to set up camp before a downpour. You can also check other functions powered by the barometer to monitor the sea level and air pressure of your location.

Long-Lasting Battery

Since your hiking destination might not have access to a power outlet, the watch offers three modes of extended battery life. Depending on the settings, the device can run for more than a day. If the battery becomes low, this smartwatch gives a reminder that makes you switch to another mode.

Perfect for Wet Locations

This watch is water-resistant to 100m, which makes it ideal for wading in muddy pools or wet paths. If a river stands in your way, there’s no need to take off the watch as it can withstand water pressure.

Opinion and Drawbacks

This Smartwatch has a great deserving on our list considering its long battery life and management features. Surely, if we are to consider its précised sports tracking features, this makes it the best smartwatch for fitness and hiking. But it has a heart rate monitor and several apps that do not work correctly.

3. Garmin Tactix Bravo

Many people think the best smartwatch for hiking and running should cost a fortune. Luckily, you can get the best hiking watch under 500 dollars from Garmin. The Tactix Bravo comes with exciting features at an affordable price. It also presents a design that fits with your work or casual wear.

Legible Watch Face

The smartwatch has a Chroma display that allows easy reading at day or night. If you use night vision goggles, you can still read the screen entirely. Besides, a fall will not crack the screen as it consists of hardened sapphire crystal.

The Perfect Build for the Outdoors

Although it’s the best budget hiking watch on our list, the Tactix Bravo has a build that promises durability. For one, its black diamond coated bezel, screwed case back, and coated buttons can withstand harsh environments.

A durable nylon strap also secures this watch to your arm. If you go on a long trek, the bracelet will feel snug around your wrist. What’s more, it can resist prolonged exposure to sweat, rain, and other sources of moisture.

Ideal for Wet Conditions

Many watches cannot endure any contact with water. But the sturdy case of the Tactix Bravo provides water-resistance to 100m. Combining its sturdy nylon strap, you can wear this watch in a thunderstorm or during a light swim.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Adding the Tactix Bravo to your hiking gear will make you navigate any trail with ease. Fortunately, it has a sturdy build and you can get the watch at an affordable price. Also, you can even wear it for hours and not feel any pressure on your arm.

However, this might not be regarded as a good GPS watch for hiking because its compass and GPS sensor doesn’t give accurate reading most times. Another downside is that it also disconnects quickly from some smartphones.

4. Suunto Traverse Alpha

The Traverse Alpha has features that work great for hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor activities. It even comes as an ideal device to add on any fishing or hunting gear list.

However, it has a design that allows you to wear it at home, work, or any occasion. It also comes with impressive features that make it one of the best smartwatches for hikers.

Robust Body for Outdoor Activities

The Traverse Alpha boasts of parts made from materials that can handle any external conditions. For instance, it has a rugged stainless steel bezel that withstands exposure to rain or splashes from puddles. Besides, the watch face features a hardened crystal that can resist scratches from a rock climb or fall.

Since this watch offers 100m water resistance, which means you can wear it for a quick dip in any water body on your path. It also has a tough strap that deals with moisture entirely.

Offers Navigational Tools

Even with traditional instruments, it’s possible to lose your way, especially in remote locations. But with this watch, you will have access to essential data that will help you navigate any terrain easily.

To stay on the right track, you can use the GPS functions of the device. If you want to get directions in a new hiking spot, try the digital compass on this product. For maps, the Traverse Alpha provides digital versions that you can use to plan your itinerary.

Opinion and Drawbacks

As the watch has a good build and long-lasting battery that charges quickly, it comes as one of the best smartwatches for hiking. It also provides accurate maps and directions via its GPS function. However, the watch does not have a touch screen, while its settings require a stable internet connection.

What to Consider when Looking for the Best Smartwatches Hiking Watch

The more exciting activity, the more need to put safety measures in place. Therefore, a good hiking watch should have the following essential features.

Barometer

With the barometer, you can detect any change in the atmospheric pressure. This feature helps to provide useful information on weather conditions. When the atmospheric pressure rapidly drops, it is a sign of an impending storm.

That’s the reason it is crucial to get the best smartwatch for hiking that can alerts you on even the slightest atmospheric changes. Also, ensure the best smartwatch for hikers you want to buy has storm alert features.

Altimeter

This feature helps you to know your position when measured against sea level. A smartwatch with an efficient GPS altimeter displays more accurate and reliable information than the barometer. The altimeter is an excellent tool for navigation and usually provides data on high above sea level a hiker is.

Compass

The work of a compass is to show the four basic directions, that is, north, south, east, and west. It also provides the hiker with a bearing for navigation across the wild. With the combination of a compass and a good map, it is easy to triangulate to ascertain a current position.

Thermometer

This feature helps you know the temperature inside or outside your tent, especially when you stop to take some rest. It helps you to know when to add some layers of clothing to the body before making the next move. However, the thermometer works well when not on the wrist, as body heat reduces its reliability.

Style and Design

Hiking doesn’t mean you are not going to meet people during the trip. You will meet other hikers and possibly want to spend a good time. Hence, you don’t want to look odd with that crazy looking watch that lacks style and latest design.

So, it is best you step up your game by purchasing a watch that will make you the center of attraction and even spark up a conversation.

Overall Weight

This factor is one thing that should come first when looking for the best smartwatches for hiking to buy. The more features a watch has, the bulkier and heavier it will be. Of course, there are few watches out there with everything in one place.

As much as possible, decide what features are important to you for your hiking trips. Then, narrow down your choice until you get the right one. But keep in mind that the lighter the watch, the lesser the features that follow it.

Budget

Every hiker has other needs apart from spending money on watches and other gadgets for exciting adventures. This measure is understandable, and it is a normal way of thinking. Our list of watches contains the most affordable and best smartwatch for hiking.

So while planning the budget, ask yourself the following questions:

What is the level of response for my preferred GPS function?
Do I need an altimeter?
Is the weather graph important for the trip?

You are not going to live in the wild forever, and you are certainly going to use the money for other necessities. The ability to plan your budget is as important as the trip itself, if not more. Therefore, assess your needs, plan your budget, and go for the best smartwatches for hiking.

Other Important Features

Nothing can replace the importance of getting one of the best smartwatches for hiking. It is a way to stay safe while going on a trip. Apart from the essential functions and your budget, you should consider other features.

GPS Feature

The best buying guide for hiking watches will always try to provide information on the importance of GPS. Many smartwatches out there support GPS while others work well with GLONASS to give information that is more accurate. With that said, GLONASS works great for navigation and tracking and can provide better solutions in these areas.

GPS provides data on current speed, descent, ascent, and other valuable GPS-based information. Routes imported from GPX into GPS smartwatches are useful for navigation since they give the current position against the GPX route. Furthermore, GPS can record hiking activities and even allow you to export them to an app or mobile device.

However, using a GPS-enabled smartwatch can drain the battery faster than when not in use. But some watches have rechargeable batteries, and with a solar charger, you can keep it running.

Heart Rate Monitor

Heart rate monitor is another great feature to look out for in any best smartwatch for fitness and hiking. With this, hikers can record and monitor their heart rate. Some watches require strapping them on the wrist while others are to be around the chest level.

Overall, this feature helps you maintain a steady and consistent pace. This way, you don’t go beyond safe and healthy limits.

Strap Quality

Hiking involves long trips, climbing, and a whole lot of rigorous activities. So get a strap that is comfortable on the wrist, and doesn’t irritate.

You cannot do without a good watch, so you need to choose a strap that won’t affect your skin carefully. One of the ways to know the best strap is if you often don’t remember that you are wearing a watch on your writs. That means the smartwatch is comfortable and not causing issues or discomfort during trips.

Final Word on the Best Smartwatches for Hiking

Finding the best smartwatch for hiking might look challenging. However, with our buying guides and list of the top smart timepieces, you will find it easy to pick the one suitable for you.

All of the timepieces mentioned in this article are the best Hiking watches in 2020. But if you want to splurge, purchase the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus for its design and detailed maps. It also has a long battery life and features an accurate heart rate monitor.

If you prefer to get the best GPS smartwatch for hiking, go for Suunto 9 Baro. But if you are looking for a smartwatch that can withstand tough outdoor adventures and provide the necessary information, the Garmin Tactix Bravo should be on your top list.

April 18, 2021April 27, 2021

Best Waterproof Android Smartwatch: Top Models

After spending hours checking the quality and features on various smartwatches, we recommend the Garmin Fenix 5 as the Best Waterproof Android Smartwatch.

We selected this timepiece because it has a sturdy build and water resistance to great depth. It is also GPS enabled and has an impressive battery life. Overall, the watch can withstand damage from moisture while offering features that meet our daily needs.

Best Waterproof Android Smartwatch

Are you’re looking for the best Android waterproof smartwatch that can track your health rate, navigate any terrain, and carryout other exciting things? Here in this article, we’ve great models for you.

Every year, Android smartwatches marker keeps flooding the market with advanced waterproof models. Some of these smartwatches have an IP68 protection rating, which means they can withstand splashes and brief immersion in water up to 1.5 meters. But watches with this waterproof rating are not suitable underwater or water-based activities.

Furthermore, there are also more advanced models with water-resistant to 50 meters and beyond. With this smartwatch on your wrist, you do not need to take it off when showering or having a short swim. However, you should avoid using them for snorkeling or scuba diving.

One exciting part about this android smartwatches is that they come with impressive features for daily use. These features include heart rate monitor, barometer, WIFI, sleep tracker, GPS function, and more.

With all these mentioned above, you certainly want the best android waterproof smartwatch that can withstand moisture, and serve your specific need, right? Hence, before you buy a waterproof smartwatch with untrue claims and regret your money spent, we’ve compiled some of the best models on the market. These smartwatches on our list are durable, packed with great features, and don’t get damaged easily when submerged in water.

So, what are you waiting for? Read on as we reveal to you the best waterproof smartwatches that stand out on the market?

Garmin Vívoactive 3

Are you looking for the best waterproof smartwatch for fitness? Then you should consider purchasing this watch from Garmin Vivoactive 3. Like most watches on our list, this product supports people with active lives and encourages a healthy lifestyle.

Dedicated App Store

Garmin offers a download store that has numerous apps for this smartwatch. From this app store, you can download and install watch faces that suit your taste. Some apps focus on various fitness-based activities such as running, hiking, stretching, and cycling.

Durable Build for Regular Use

Its screen has a diameter of 1.2 inches while boasting of 240 × 240 pixels which are ideal for both large and small wrist sizes. It also allows you to read any information without effort under any conditions. The watch face of the smartwatch is protected by sturdy Gorilla glass that is topped by a stainless steel bezel.

The internal parts of the Vivoactive 3 are housed in a fiber-reinforced polymer case that has a stainless steel cover. Also, it has a silicone strap that can withstand sweat and other forms of moisture.

Water Resistance

You can shower or swim without taking this smartwatch off because it is water-resistant to 50m. However, we do not recommend you swim for long periods or dive with the timepiece on your wrist.

Ideal Battery Life

In smartwatch mode, its battery can run for seven days while it lasts for 13 hours in GPS mode. You can recharge the battery with the assigned charger that comes with the smart timepiece.

Opinion and Drawbacks

This smartwatch is a worthy investment as it encourages fitness and healthy living. Unfortunately, it does not have onboard storage for music files. Hence, you will have to take your smartphone along during workouts.

Samsung Gear S3

The Samsung Gear S3 is one of the popular rivals of Apple smartwatch. It comes with impressive features that make it stand out in the best android waterproof smartwatch list. Gear S3 has specs for daily activities like running, messaging, and calls. As expected from a possible best waterproof watch for Andriod devices, it can withstand damage from moisture and splashes.

Durable Design

This product is a round face device with a bulky look that will fit people with bigger wrists. But the Gear S3 also has a design that offers comfort and allows ease of use in all conditions.

A Gorilla glass that can resist cracks due to falls from distances as much as 5 feet covers its display face. Furthermore, a movable steel bezel tops the crystal and allows you to access notifications and apps quickly.

Its internal parts are housed in a durable case while a replaceable 22m silicone strap holds the watch to your wrist.

Extended Battery Life

When it comes to the best smartwatch under 300, the Gear S3 rival many brands on the market due to its long battery life. On a single charge, the product can run for more than 3 days. However, it lasts for lesser time on GPS mode. You can recharge the battery wirelessly with a charging dock that comes with the smartwatch.

Crisp Display

A 1.3 inch AMOLED screen graces the front panel of this smartwatch. With its resolution of 360 × 360 pixels, you will find it easy to use and read under direct sunlight or at poorly lit rooms.

Easy to Use Interface

The interface on this smartwatch allows you to access your notifications and apps quickly. You can also reply to messages and trace out letters with this UI.

Opinions and Drawbacks

From the features mentioned above, this smartwatch can certainly withstand splashes, raindrops, and light swimming. However, the product supports limited apps and might be bulky for users with smaller wrists.

Garmin Fenix 5

The Garmin Fenix 5 multisport timepiece stands as the best smartwatch under $500 on our list because it has features that can rival most expensive models. It also withstands harsh conditions and moisture than other smartwatches at the same price.

Accurate Sensors

The watch has a massive selection of sensors that provide vital information. These sensors include a barometer that detects weather changes while a 3D compass coupled with GPS helps with navigation. You can also view your heart rate data when using this watch.

Durable and Rugged Design

The watch weighs 85g and has a width that looks bulky on the wrist than other watches. It also has a case made from fiber-reinforced polymer with a stainless steel cover. A sapphire glass protects the display from scratches and knocks that occur during outdoor activities. Likewise, it has a replaceable elastomer band that feels comfortable on the skin.

Ideal Water Resistance

The Garmin Fenix 5 has a water resistance of 100m, thus making it a rival to the best android waterproof smartwatch. You can use the watch for swimming, bathing, and showering. However, it is not suitable for diving or snorkeling.

Reliable Power Source

The watch runs on a rechargeable battery that offers power for extended periods. For instance, the timepiece can run for two weeks in basic mode. However, if you activate its GPS option, the battery lasts for 24 hours while the UltraTrac mode offers 60 hours of battery life.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Adding this product to your watch collection is an excellent idea as it comes with features that can withstand moisture and offer accurate readings. But its poor Bluetooth connectivity might make you consider other options.

Casio Men’s “Pro Trek” Sports Watch WSD-F20A

The Casio Men’s Pro Trek is a smartwatch that focuses on outdoor activities at any location. It’s rugged and waterproof exterior enable the Pro Trek Smart WSD-F20 to withstand wet and rough conditions. In summary, this timepiece has specs that can be found on the best Andriod waterproof smartwatch in the market.

Dependable GPS tracking

The smartwatch supports GPS and GLONASS features for easy navigation in any environment. With these features, you can also view your previous and current locations. What’s even better is that if the GPS option is disabled, you can still navigate any terrain with the aid of offline color maps on the smartwatches display.

Activities such as trekking, swimming, canoeing, and fishing can be tracked with the smartwatch. The timepiece also allows you to tweak the GPS settings, especially if you want to extend the battery life.

Tough Build for Rugged Conditions

Like most outdoor watches, this watch has a bulky build with components that can handle knocks and moisture. For instance, it features a steel case and a sapphire crystal that can withstand knocks and scratches from numerous uses. It also has a resin bracelet that works against all forms of moisture, including sweat.

Water Resistance

Its ability to handle moisture comes as one of the selling points of this smartwatch. With this in mind, the Pro-Trek WSD-F20A offers water resistance at a maximum depth of 165ft. For this reason, there is no need to take the watch off before a short swim or bath, but not for diving.

Ideal Battery Life

This Casio watch runs on a lithium battery that offers more than three days of use on a single charge. However, on GPS mode, it runs for less than a day, which is reasonable for a watch of this nature. When the battery is low, a plug-in charger can restore it to full capacity within two hours.

Opinion and Drawbacks

The Casio men’s watch stands out as of the best waterproof smartwatch with GPS due to its navigation accuracy. However, the watch looks bulky on smaller wrists while its operating system lags and doesn’t respond to commands quickly.

Suunto Traverse Alpha

The Sunnto Traverse Alpha is an outdoor watch that works great for hunting and fishing. It also has features that can withstand moisture and wet conditions, thereby making it a durable waterproof smartwatch for android. It even comes with specs for everyday use.

Sturdy Design for Everyday Use

The Traverse Alpha is a round-faced watch with a robust look. Fortunately, it is lightweight and does not add pressure to the wrist.

The smartwatch face has a sapphire crystal that can resist scratches while its stainless steel bezel offers added security. Next, it comes with a comfortable nylon strap that secures the watch firmly to the wrist. Overall, the timepiece promises water-resistant up to a maximum depth of 100m.

Powerful Battery

The battery life on this watch depends on the features activated. For instance, the battery can run for 14 days, but if you enable the GPS mode, the watch can last for 100 hours.

Immediately the battery is low, a battery icon on display blinks. Hence, you can quickly recharge the cell with a compatible USB compatible charger.

Dependable GPS

One of the exciting features of the Suunto Traverse Alpha is its GPS /GLONASS functions. You can use these options to navigate any terrain without getting lost. It also allows you to save points of interest along the way.

Dedicated Activity Tracker

For those loves to keep fit, this watch comes with impressive tracking features. With this said, you can use it to measure your daily steps and calories throughout the day.

Opinion and Drawbacks

This model stands one of the best android waterproof smartwatches because it has a durable body and battery. But you might want to consider other options because it does not have a color touch screen display. This makes the watch a bit difficult to read in low light conditions.

Fitbit Versa Smart Watch

If you want the best affordable waterproof smartwatch, then you should consider adding the Fitbit Versa smartwatch to your shopping list. This slim and attractive timepiece offers an impressive selection of features like built-in storage and extended battery life.

Portable and Simple Design

Unlike most smartwatches on our list, the Fitbit Versa is ultra-slim and lightweight. It also perfectly fits both large and small wrist sizes.

It has a round face with square edges that give it a unique look while its replaceable bracelet promises comfort and durability. All internal parts are housed in an anodized aluminum case which also holds a GPS antenna.

Massive Space for Music Files

The Fitbit Versa comes with storage that can hold up to 300+ songs which you can play during workouts or everyday use. If you want more music, you can use the Deezer app to stream any track of your choice. However, it requires a monthly fee to access this service. The watch also pairs easily with Airpods.

Fitness Tracker and Water Resistance

The watch is water-resistant to a depth of 50m. This feature makes the timepiece ideal for a short swim or bathing. However, it not advisable to take this item on a diving or snorkeling trip.

Fit Versa also comes with many essentials feature, which includes heart rate monitor, step counting, sleep tracker, and other sports function. Hence, for those looking for the best waterproof smartwatch fitness tracker, this is the best bet for you.

Impressive Battery Life

On a single charge, the Fitbit Versa can run for up to 3-4 days. However, depending on the number of workouts or sleep tracked, the battery life might be lesser than that.

The watch does not use a regular micro USB charger. Instead, it works with a model that has a clip-in dock for quick power-up.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Compared to most watches on this list, the Fitbit Versa has features that make it a worthy investment. For instance, it weighs less and fits most wrist sizes. However, it does not support GPS functions and some music streaming services such as Spotify.

Wrap Up on the Best Android Waterproof Smartwatch

The six models on our list are the perfect choices for those looking for durable smartwatches that can withstand splashes, raindrops, and short swimming. They also come with high functionality, health monitor and fitness tracker, GPS, and other essential features.

However, when it comes to the preferred choice, this depends on your specific needs and budget. If we are to select our top pick, then the Garmin Fenix 5 stands as the best option. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly waterproof smartwatch, then the Garmin Vivoactive 3 is the best.

For those that engage in fitness and other basic training, the best value for your money will be the Fitbit versa smartwatch. As for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a durable smartwatch with excellent features that will suit their specific needs, we recommend the Suunto Traverse Alpha.

April 17, 2021April 27, 2021

Best Swim Watch For Open Water [Our Top Picks]

Many watches claim to be waterproof but only a few are truly fit for swimming. Your favorite timepiece may survive the shower or rain but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a good fit for open water swimming. This is why I’ve decided to make this list of the best swim watch for open water.

Today, we rounded up the watches that you can wear for open water swimming. For this list, we chose the Garmin Forerunner 935 as our top pick due to its wide range of features, superior build quality, and value proposition. Keep reading to see the rest of our recommendations.

Best Swim Watch For Open Water	Key Features	Our Rating
Garmin Forerunner 935	Advanced running and multisport features, Built-in barometer, altimeter and electronic compass, Advanced dynamics for running, cycling and swimming, Built-in activity profiles	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Apple Watch Series 5	GPS, Always-On Retina display, Swimproof, ECG app, Electrical and optical heart sensors, Built-in compass, Emergency SOS, Digital Crown with haptic feedback, 64-bit dual-core processor, W3 Apple wireless chip	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR	Battery life up to 12 hours, Steel bezel, mineral Crystal Glass, 100 meter water resistance, GPS route navigation, support for over 80 sports, Optical heart rate, Sapphire glass, Triathlon and multisport mode	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Garmin Swim 2	Wrist-based heart rate, Pool swim mode, Built-in GPS, Full-color Garmin chroma display, Auto rest feature, Advanced Swim Features, Turn-based pacing alerts, Up to 7 days battery life in smartwatch mode	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2	Advanced sensors, Aluminum or stainless steel, Detects a high or a low heart rate, Sleep tracker, 360 x 360 Super AMOLED display, GPS, Bluetooth	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Polar Vantage V	Up to 40 hours of training time with GPS active, Running power from the wrist, Training Load Pro and Recovery Pro, Integrated GPS, Polar Precision Prime sensor fusion technology, Nightly Recharge and Sleep Plus Stages	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Best Swim Watch For Open Water

1. Garmin Forerunner 935

The Garmin Forerunner 935 is one of our top picks for the best Garmin for Triathlon and because of that, it’s easy to recommend is as the best swim watch for open water.

Beast of a Multi-Sport Watch

On top of the training and performance tracking features, the Forerunner 935 also has a healthy offering of dedicated pool smarts. It’s a full-featured triathlon watch, so you can trust that it will serve you well in open waters.

The Forerunner 935 comes with built-in activity profiles both for open water and pool swimming. Through the Garmin Connect app, you can create your own workouts or download pre-made sessions to your watch. Moreover, the watch will automatically detect stroke type along with metrics like lengths, distance, pace, and stroke count. Other advanced features include time and distant alerts, countdown start, and other open-water metrics.

Perhaps the best feature of the Forerunner 935 is the Training Status function which automatically evaluates your recent workouts. There are even numerous performance indicators that will let you know if you’ve had a productive swimming session or not.

Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 935 is one of the best GPS watches I’ve used which makes it a solid option for open water swimmers.

2. Apple Watch Series 5

The world’s most famous smartwatch also happens to be an excellent gadget for open water swimming. The Apple Watch Series 5 is not just a fancy offering from the Cupertino company, it works great for open water swimming as well.

Not Just a Fancy Apple Gadget

Regardless of how you feel about Apple products, the Apple Watch Series 5 is one of the best-looking smartwatches out there. Over the years, the design of the Apple Watch has seen some updates here and there but its overall design has not changed that much – it has become an iconic design.

The Apple Watch comes with an accelerometer and gyroscope, and they’re very accurate. As a result, the watch can recognize which strokes you are doing (backstroke, freestyle, breaststroke) and provide an accurate quantification. The watch will also track other metrics such as the number of meters or yards completed, pool size (if you’re not swimming in open water), total swim time, number of strokes per lap, and many others.

For open water swimming, you have the GPS feature that will tell you position while you’re in the ocean or a lake. However, one of the best functions of Apple Watch is the ability to use third-party apps that can give you more information about your workouts when compared to stock apps.

If you’re going to buy the Apple Watch Series 5 just for swimming, it can be very expensive. Otherwise, it’s a top-notch smartwatch and fitness tracker for everything else.

3. Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR

The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR is also one of the best smartwatches for triathletes. It’s a multi-sport GPS watch with a pretty good heart rate sensor – perfect for hardcore open water swimmers.

Excellent GPS Watch for Swimming

The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR is “everything but the kitchen sink” equivalent of smartwatches. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the Spartan Sport Wrist HR is the optical heart rate sensor. I won’t say that the heart rate sensor is 100% accurate but it’s more than good enough considering that you don’t have to use a chest-strap add-on. Suunto did a great job of creating an optical HR sensor for swimming.

The Spartan Sport Wrist HR has a water resistance of 100 m (300 ft) which means that it’s perfect for open water swimming. One of my favorite features of the watch is the heat map. It just makes it a lot easier to find training spots. You can create routes using the Movescount app and the best thing about this is that you can filter by sport. This makes it a breeze to find the right swimming routes.

The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR isn’t exactly cheap but I’d say the price is more than warranted.

4. Garmin Swim 2

Garmin is one of the biggest manufacturers of sports watches today. When it comes to full-featured sports watches, it’s hard to go wrong with Garmin. The Garmin Swim 2 is no exception. This functionality tracks your heart rate along with your steps taken to provide more accurate data.

Designed for Swimmers

Just by going by the name, you’ll know that the Garmin Swim 2 is a reliable swimming partner. Again, this is not just your standard fitness tracker that you can wear while on the water. The Swim 2 has features that will measure your swimming performance.

The Garmin Swim 2 can measure lap count, recognize all four strokes, and utilizes gamification to motivate to perform better. There’s a SWOLF Scoring feature which is basically a combination of “swimming” and “golf” that combines your stroke rate and overall speed.

One thing that I love about this watch is that it’s quickly usable out of the box. You can simply strap it on and use it right away. With that said, it’s highly recommended that you get the Garmin Connect app to get the most out of your Garmin Swim 2.

Overall, the Garmin Swim 2 is a definite upgrade to the old Swim model which doesn’t even have a GPS function.

5. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

Samsung has been killing it when it comes to wearable tech. This is true with their Samsung Gear (old name) and Galaxy Watch lines. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is another solid entry from the South Korean tech giant and it’s a pretty good entry for this list of the best swim watch for open water.

Great All-Around Fitness Tracker

With the 5 ATM waterproof rating and the fact that it’s water-sealed, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is an easy recommendation for swimmers. One neat functionality of the watch is that it allows you to customize the information displayed within the swim tracking screen. This includes your target, pool size, guide frequency, and which data to display.

When in the water, the Galaxy Watch Active2 will disable touch sensitivity so you’ll need to use the physical buttons to navigates. Like the Apple Watch, you can simply press a button to reactivate the touch interface after a swim. It also has an impressive battery life at 3-4 days after charging to the max, even when you use the GPS for swimming in open waters.

Overall, the Galaxy Watch Active2 isn’t as advanced as the other watches on this list but it’s robust enough to be used as a general fitness tracker.

6. Polar Vantage V

The Polar Vantage V has been touted as the “Garmin Killer.” While I can’t claim that yet, Polar did a great job with the Vantage V, especially when it comes to the swim features.

Formidable Rival to Garmin

For starters, I love the design of the Polar Vantage V. The very thin brushed metal looks great and practically disappears when viewed face on. The touchscreen feels intuitive and snappy, and you’ll have no trouble using touch as a primary input.

Like the Suunto Spartan HR, the Vantage V brings heart rate monitoring to the water. Also, the swimming metrics track information like pool size, swimming style, distance, strokes, rest time, and so on. The tracking results are quite satisfactory especially when you use it in conjunction with the Polar Flow app.

Overall, the Polar Vantage V isn’t the cheapest wearable tech out there. However, it’s very polished and can give some Garmin models a run for their money.

Ready for an Open Water Swim?

This concludes our list of the best swim watch for open water. Hopefully, you’ll find something here that will help maximize your training sessions. Stay safe out there!

April 12, 2021April 22, 2021

Best GPS Watch For Military: Tactical GPS watches

Here we reviewed the best GPS watch for Military and Garmin Tactix Charlie is our top choice. The watch offers excellent durability and functionality coupled with tactical features you need on the field.

Better than just any military watch, the GPS military watches are perfect for anyone looking for a tactical and reliable timepiece. They come with better functions, more durability, more battery life, and can withstand harsh conditions.

Not only for soldiers and law enforcement officers, but these watches are also excellent selections for mountaineers, hunters, backpackers, hikers, and other tactical enthusiasts. The GPS watch for military can assess the areas around you for a wide range of criteria including, timers, stopwatch functionality, temperature, and others that are useful in the field.

If you’ve done a bit of research, you must know that several companies make different types of GPS military watches in a range of durability, tactical attributes, and prices. However, the two main qualities you should look out for in standard perfect GPS military piece is the durability and tactical features.

Your selection for the best GPS watch for military depends on what you need it for. Notwithstanding, our top choice for this review is Garmin Tactix Charlie.

Garmin Tactix Charlie – Best GPS Watch for Military

When you hear Garmin, the first thought on your mind should be GPS. Their proficiency with GPS has made them one of the leading brands of tactical watches. Garmin Tactix Charlie is a sophisticated GPS watch for soldiers and other tactical enthusiasts. It offers excellent durability and functionality.

Benefits / Drawbacks – Garmin Tactix Charlie

There are so many reasons to choose Garmin Tactix Charlie as the best GPS watch for military. Here are some of them.

Incredibly Durable

Beginning from the casing to the stainless steel bezel, the durability of this watch is next to none. Attached to the housing are the silicon strap and Sapphire glass lens for utmost durability and abrasion resistance. With the vast selection of numerous silicone and nylon straps from Garmin, the Tactix Charlie is compatible with Garmin’s QuickFit system. This means you easily make quick strap changes.

Awesome Navigator

As expected from the best GPS watch for military, the Garmin Tactix Charlie has a built-in GPS that supports GLONASS and other useful tactical features. These qualities equip the device to show coordinates of your current position in the MGRS format. It supports navigation by aiding you with directions to target or pre-planned routes.

With the built-in GPS, the watch tracks your activities and takes an in-depth record of data about each event. You can synchronize your smartphone via Bluetooth to access this information using the Garmin Connect web or mobile app. To improve the watch’s performance, Garmin releases regular software updates.

Tactical Features

The tactical mood of the watch displays your map, coordinates, and other useful information you need for patrolling, swimming, running, or hunting. Believe it or not, there is an advanced tactical feature called the jumpmaster mode for parachuting. After the jump, it navigates you to the target landing zone.

Furthermore, the watch is a writs-based heart rate monitor, a compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, calendar, and so much more. It also shows information about the moon and the sun.

Suunto Traverse Alpha

Suunto Transverse is another trusted watch with excellent military features. Garmin Tactix may as well be the best GPS watch for military; however, Suunto Traverse Alpha is a fair contender. It offers incredible tactical features and superb durability. The case of the timepiece is of durable composite material attached to a stainless-steel bezel. It has a water repellent textile strap for extra comfort and durability.

Benefits / Drawbacks – Suunto Traverse Alpha

The watch offers several advanced features that may come handy during tactical activities or hunting. Let’s see some benefits.

Awesome Navigator

Again the watch features a well built-in GPS that also supports GLONASS. After setting up your routes and waypoint, the Suunto Traverse navigates by showing your location in relation to the set direction. This is very helpful during activities like hunting and patrolling.

The watch supports MGRS (Military Grid Reference System) used by NATO armed forces and can instantly show coordinates of your current location. If you want, you can import routes and waypoints in several formats such as GPX, KLM, and lots more. The automatic shot detection is another delightful feature that makes the watch detect when a shot is fired and creates waypoints to the coordinates.

Easy to use

With GPS, you can track your activities to access detailed information about each one, such as distance, duration, speed, and maps. This information is viewable via the Suunto Movescount app, which is available as a web and mobile app. However, you need to synchronize and pair the watch with your smartphone to access these details. When it is connected, you can change the settings of your watch from your smartphone and view notifications like messages and incoming calls from your watch.

Impressive Features

The Suunto Traverse is another one of the best GPS watches to offer more than enough features to please every tactical watch enthusiast. There are additional features like compass, barometer, thermometer, altimeter, moon phase, calendar, sunrise/sunset alarm, moonrise/moonset alarm, water pressure resistance to 330 feet, and a backlight compatible with night vision goggles. Also, there are displays of real-time GPS information like current speed, distance, etc.

Garmin Fenix 5X Plus

Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is another GPS watch for military you should consider. It comes with some mind-blowing features. Although there are incredibly impressive predecessors of this watch, Garmin Fenix 5X Plus comes with some goodies that the previous Fenix models may lack.

The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is the best Military smartwatch in today’s market. With consistent upgrades, it keeps getting better. This even makes the watch more exciting.

Benefits / Drawbacks – Garmin Fenix 5X Plus

Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is a GPS watch for military; you should check it out one day.

Well-designed and comfortable

The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus has a rugged design fit for adventures. It comes with a durable scratch resistant doom sapphire crystal and black band to smoothly fit the wrist. The stainless steel or diamond-like carbon titanium bezel and casing contribute to the ruggedness of the watch.

The look is a bit chunky, but this only adds to the style and presents the wear with more confidence. Surprisingly, the bulky appearance and size don’t hinder the watch from being comfortable and allowing free movements while you engage in physical activities.

Multipurpose Timepiece

Not only for soldiers, but Fenix 5X Plus is also an excellent choice for training during sports activities. If you are into trekking, triathlon, and other outdoor activities, this watch will be your best buddy!

The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus has features like the advanced GPS, heart rate monitor, Wi-Fi, rechargeable battery, Chroma display, calorie and step counter, an altimeter, and color topographical maps, and thermometer. It is water-resistant to 100 meters.

Incredible features

Amidst other impressive features, it also comes with a pulse oximeter for oxygen saturation. As a non-medical device, the watch proves useful by providing awareness of your estimated blood oxygen saturated level, especially while your body adjusts to higher altitudes.

In areas where there are extreme weather changes, the watch has a storm alarm to detect drops in barometric pressures. The built-in music storage, Galileo-based navigation system, and Garmin Pay are some other highlights of this excellent watch.

General Criteria in Selecting the Best GPS Watch for Military

Just as we have mentioned, the two main focus when getting this watch is the durability and tactical features. But there is more.

GPS features

Your timepiece should synchronize your current location accurately and within a short time. Some GPS watches take forever to load. However, a proper GPS function should trace steps, save routes, navigation plans, save tracks and waypoints

Ruggedness

Military watches have a reputation for durability. They should be rugged and shockproof to beats, knocks, or abrasion. From the glass to the case and band, the entire watch must be resilient.

Tactical Features

The standard military watch should have a compass, altimeter, and barometer features. These features allow the timepiece to serve navigation and prediction purposes better.

Battery Life

A reliable GPS military watch should operate for at least a year without needing a battery change. The GPS watch you choose should run on lithium-based batteries and must have battery life capable of running for days without needing recharging.

Design

To be honest, the main thing most people want to see in any gadget is the design. While most military watches stick to natural colors like black, brown, white, silver, camo or green, some others have changeable bands. You can decide to give yours a sleek outdoorsy look.

Final words on the Best GPS Watch for Military

We’ve given the best GPS watch for military as Garmin Tactix Charlie, and a few others that you should consider. The GPS watches are invaluable to soldiers, police officers, climbers, rescuers, security professionals, and many others. In several situations where survival depends on time, weather, or geographic data, these watches could make the difference between life and death.

After reading this review, you might find some of these watches quite expensive. This is why you should take your budget, needs, and preferences into consideration before going for one. If you are on a budget or none of the listed GPS watches suits you, have a look at our review of the best military watches under 200, which includes GPS watches mainly for outdoor activities.

April 3, 2021April 19, 2021

Best Survival Watch: Timepieces for Dire Situations

Aside from the most hardcore bushcrafters and survivalists, most people would rather steer clear of survival situations. Of course, a smart outdoorsman is always prepared for the worst. With that said, one of the most important gear that you should have for dire situations is a survival watch.

Technically, a regular tough analog watch can be used to survive in the wild. However, if you want the best survival watch, you want a model that offers the bells and whistles along with the toughness. Think GPS/GLONASS capabilities, TOPO maps, and ABC features.

Today, we made the best survival watch list to help you choose the best timepiece for survival situations.

Best Survival Watch	Key Features	Our Rating
Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman	Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping, Receives time calibration radio signals, Manual receive function, Triple Sensor, Solar-Powered Movement, Low Temperature Resistant	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Suunto Traverse Alpha	Rugged, knurled stainless steel bezel, Water repellent nylon strap, Location-based moon Phase calendar, Automatic shot detection technology, Compatible with Suunto Movescount App, GPS & GLONASS via SIRFStarV chip	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Timex Expedition Classic	Adjustable black 18mm resin strap, Integrated mini compass, 100 hour chronograph, Acrylic lens, Indiglo light-up watch dial, Water-resistant to 100m (330 ft), 24-hour countdown timer	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Garmin Instinct	Constructed to U. S. Military standard, Built in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, Smart notifications, TrackBack feature	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Carbon	I.N.O.X. Carbon, Black dial, black Para cord strap, Carbon case with triple-coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal, Swiss-quartz Movement, Water resistant 200m (660ft)	★ ★ ★ ★
Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor	Solar-Powered, ABC features, Triple Sensor, EL Backlit, World Time, 6-Months battery life on full charge, 51-mm stainless steel case, Quartz movement with digital display, Resin band, Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft)	★ ★ ★ ★

Best Survival Watch

1. Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman

Casio’s G-Shock line is legendary for heavy-duty toughness and great value proposition. Literally, any G-Shock can be used for survival situations. However, if you want the best survival watch from the G-Shock line, the Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman is a sure bet.

Survival of the Toughest

The GW9400 Rangeman was tested and designed to withstand even the most challenging conditions.

It comes with the Triple Sensor feature which is basically the compass, altimeter, thermometer and barometer. This enables you to receive real-time feedback and information about your surroundings. There’s also a sunrise/sunset timing which is a plus during dire situations.

As mentioned, the GW9400 Rangeman has set the standard when it comes to toughness. It features insane shock-resistance and respectable water resistance. All of the sensors are properly protected as well to ensure top-notch durability. Plus, it comes with a 10-year battery life which is always a welcome benefit.

The GW9400 Rangeman is also a solar watch which means that battery life will never become an issue down the line. It’s no wonder that this watch is favored not just by survivalists but also outdoorsmen, law enforcement, military personnel, and more.

2. Suunto Traverse Alpha

The Suunto Traverse Alpha isn’t quite a smartwatch but it might as well be. If you are looking for a survival watch with comprehensive features, the Traverse Alpha is more than a solid choice.

Feature-Packed Survival Tool

For starters, the Suunto Traverse Alpha is specially designed for outdoor use. It features a rugged, knurled stainless steel bezel which can take a lot of punishment. The nylon strap is durable and water resistant as well. The premium scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass does a great job of protecting the face.

When you’re in a dicey situation, you’ll appreciate the Traverse Alpha’s GPS/GLONASS navigation. This allows you to keep your bearings and prevent you from losing your way. Another impressive feature is the customizable, night-vision-goggle-compatible red backlight which allows you to read the watch without blowing your cover.

The watch also comes with a barometric pressure graph and storm alarms so you can stay on top of weather changes. In a survival scenario, being able to predict the weather can be a lifesaver. The battery life can only last up to 14 days but it should be more than enough to get you out of a pinch.

Overall, the Traverse Alpha is one of my favorite outdoor gear. It just delivers no all fronts especially with features and durability.

3. Timex Expedition Classic

The best survival watch doesn’t need to have all the bells and whistles. In many cases, you’ll be fine with a timepiece that has excellent reliability. The Timex Expedition Classic definitely fits the bill.

The Budget-Friendly Survival Watch

While the Expedition Classic isn’t as feature-packed as the rest of the selections on this list, it has enough basic features to help you survive in the wild. It features an integrated mini compass which is handy for navigation. It’s not the most advanced compass but it gets the job done.

It comes with an adjustable resin strap which is surprisingly tough enough even for the most rigid applications. For timekeeping, it has 100-hour chronograph, lap and split times, 24-hour countdown timer, month, day & date calendar, 24-hour military time mode, and 2 time zones. The functions are all basic but it’s hard to complain, especially at this price point.

As for the price point, it’s a sub-$50 watch so it’s an excellent choice if budget is an issue. Or perhaps, you can buy multiple units for varying applications. However, don’t expect to replace it soon since this watch is one tough customer.

Overall, the Timex Expedition Classic is tough, super comfortable, lightweight, and highly durable. It’s just a reliable timepiece that won’t break the bank.

4. Garmin Instinct

There’s a big overlap between an outdoor watch and a survival watch. Garmin Instinct is primarily designed for outdoor applications, making it an excellent choice for bushcrafters, preppers, and survivalists.

From Outdoor Adventures to Survival Scenarios

The Garmin Instinct outdoor watch is like a smartwatch for people who don’t like smartwatches. Most smartwatches won’t fair well outdoors but the opposite can be said when Garmin is on the case.

The Instinct is designed to withstand the toughest outdoor conditions. It’s constructed to U. S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock and water resistance, so this one won’t die on you as you brave the elements. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it features a proper tactical look.

This watch excels in navigation. It supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites and the Instinct can connect to these satellites quite quick. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with built-in TOPO maps but you do get other navigation features such as a compass and the ability to upload routes.

Another excellent survival feature is the TracBack function. It allows you to take the same route back to the starting point. You don’t have to worry about getting lost as you scout locations and collect rations.

Ultimately, the Garmin Instinct isn’t exactly a smartwatch but it’s a highly reliable survival tool.

5. Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Carbon

Sometimes, the best survival watch just needs to be reliable. Something that will help you keep time reliably as things go south. In this case, the Swiss-made Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Carbon comes highly recommended.

Unparalleled Toughness and Reliability

When compared to other entries on this list, the I.N.O.X. Carbon looks woefully under-equipped. You won’t find any on-board sensors and navigational features here. However, it’s still an amazing timepiece for surviving dicey situations, and that’s mainly due to its toughness and reliability.

In fact, the watch part is quite basic in itself. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a good watch for survival scenarios. The watch features a standard three-hand dial and a date window. Again, fairly standard stuff and this one won’t help you navigate any environment. But it more than makes up for its inherent durability.

This watch is a military-grade unit that will get you through the field with little to no problem. The carbon composite case ensures that this watch won’t break even under pressure. It’s literally tough enough to survive being run over by a truck or tank for that matter. Victorinox claims that it has subjected the watch to over 130 and durability tests.

From military folks to hardcore survivalists, the Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Carbon is a tough one to pass.

6. Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor

Casio’s Pathfinder line is another great contender for the best survival watch that money can buy. Personally, you can just fill this list with Casio timepieces and be done with it. The Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor is reliable, durable, and keeps good time.

Built to Last

Casio’s tough solar units are almost always reliable. The Pathfinder boasts the venerable Triple Sensor feature which means that it comes with a thermometer, barometer, altimeter and compass. With these features, you’ll have more fighting chance when surviving in the wild.

As for the reliability, the Pathfinder Triple Sensor has a water resistance rating of 100 meters (330 feet). Unlike many so-called water-resistant watches, the buttons on this watch will keep working even when submerged underwater. This adds a good deal of longevity to the timepiece.

It’s a digital display that may turn off some people. However, the display is crisp and clean, and you’ll know the information that you need with just a quick glance. This is one of the most important aspects of a survival watch, at-a-glance readability.

Overall, the Pathfinder Triple Sensor is a great watch that you can use for both outdoor and survival applications.

Be Prepared for the Worst

That wraps up our list of the best survival watch that will bail you out of a sticky situation. Just to be clear, these watches won’t directly save your life when facing a survival scenario. However, they are certainly nice to have as additional tools to help keep you level-headed and safe.

March 28, 2021April 14, 2021

Best GPS Watch for Backpacking – Outdoor Watches

Are you planning to go backpacking? Then you should consider getting the Garmin Fenix 5x as it stands as the best GPS watch for backpacking on the market. Aside from its accurate GPS and GLONASS function, this Garmin watch comes with impressive features for backpacking and hiking. It can also withstand water pressure up to a depth of 100 meters.

Best GPS Watch for Backpacking

Today, backpacking has become popular with people across the world. It is an easy way to enjoy the scenery, hiking, as well as learning about various terrain and cultures. But to have a stress free trip, you will surely need the best GPS watch for backpacking on your list.

The significant of GPS watch is that it tells the current time while keeping track of your movement and location. You can find many watches with impressive features, but a GPS watch with special features is best on the trail. Unlike other watches, a GPS timepiece has various features that will suit your backpacking trip. Such options include navigation tools, a map, and a rugged build.

Also, with the unpredictable weather, you will need a device to alert you of potential danger, especially when you camp alone. Hence, when going backpacking, equip yourself with a GPS watch with an altimeter, compass, and barometer.

Staying safe is essential as you head for that independent travel, sightseeing, hiking, and more. This is why you need the best GPS watch for backpacking and hiking.

Best GPS Watches for Backpacking

Suunto Traverse

The Traverse looks casual and has features that make it stand out as the best GPS watch for backpacking and outdoors. It has a durable design, thereby serving as an ideal companion in the outdoors. It even has a look that allows it to doubles as a watch you can wear at home or work. Now here are the features offered by the Suunto Traverse.

Durable Build for Outdoor Use

If you are traveling on wet terrain or passing through water, there is no need to remove this item from the wrist. The Suunto Traverse offers a water resistance of 100m/330feet. It also has a rugged build and sturdy case that can keep the display from cracks, which can occur during a fall on rocky ground.

Provide Weather Information

With the Suunto Traverse, you can determine the available hours of daylight. You can even use its storm alarm feature to know when the next thunderstorm will hit. Such features will allow you to have ample time to find shelter, especially when you are traveling in a remote location.

Ideal for Daily Use

As mentioned earlier, the Traverse performs functions that will suit your daily life. For instance, it monitors your physical activity by counting your steps and calories. It also allows you to have access to calls, messages, and notifications on your phone. Overall, these features will enable you to keep in touch with work, especially when you are on a backpacking trip.

Opinion and Drawbacks

There are many reasons to love this watch. First, it has a durable but lightweight build. It also includes a barometer trend for incoming storms while boasting of a good battery that charges quickly.

However, it has some issues that might make you choose other watches. For one, its silicone band weakens within a few months of use.

Suunto Ambit 3

If you want another Suunto product with great features, you should consider getting the Sunnto Ambit3. Apart from telling you the time, the smartwatch provides important readings and monitors your movements. It also has a build that allows it to handle the challenges of backpacking on any terrain.

Long Battery Life

This watch offers a battery that can last for 200 hours. But when the GPS is not activated, it promises 30 days of battery life. With such features, you can use the watch on long trips, especially in locations where there is no power for a recharge.

Rugged Build

As expected from an outdoor watch, the Suunto Ambit3 can handle regular use under harsh conditions. For instance, it has a sturdy polyamide case that holds its internal parts. It also boasts of an elastomer band that can maintain its shape after exposure to extreme temperatures. What’s even better is that a scratch-resistant crystal protects the display from knocks or impact from elements.

Great Connectivity

Are you worried about missing important calls or texts during a climb? Well, this watch can pair with your smartphone, thereby keeping you updated with any notification via the Suunto in-house app, Movescount. You can also use this feature to track and share your progress with your loved ones.

Opinion and Drawbacks

It would be fair to see the Ambit3 as the best GPS watch for hiking with maps if you’re to consider its features. But it has a few issues that might make you look for suitable alternatives.

First, it provides inaccurate readings on its calorie and step counter. Next, the company forces you to visit its website before you can download your data from the watch. But if you choose to ignore these problems, the item might be ideal for any hiking and backpacking trip.

Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire

Aside backpacking, if you are also looking for the best GPS watch for hiking, then you should consider this Garmin watch. Complete with dependable battery life, wrist-based heart monitor, and other vital sensors, the watch deserves a place on our search for the best GPS watch for backpacking.

Crisp Display

The watch face on this GPS timepiece is suitable for use in sunlight or darkness. It consists of a full-color display that comes in high resolution. Its LED backlight also increases its readability in poorly lit environments on your backpacking route. The best part is that the screen is covered with a sapphire lens that can withstand scratches.

Wide Selection of Sensors

If you use the Fenix 5X, you can navigate any terrain with ease. Possibly, the best hiking watch with altimeter, the accessory offers accurate elevation data for climbs. It also has a built-in barometer that can predict changes in weather, thereby providing ample time to prepare for a thunderstorm.

Sleek Design

Walking for hours with a bulky watch on your arm can be frustrating. But if you travel with this Garmin piece, its sleek and lightweight design will not add extra pressure to your wrist. Overall, it is a comfortable piece to use during hours of navigating difficult locations.

Opinion and Drawbacks

Any modern backpacker should consider getting a watch like the Fenix 5X because it stands as the best Garmin watch with GPS for many reasons. These include a clear display, portable design, and a wide range of sensors. Also, it costs less than most other GPS watches in the market.

Apple Watch Series 3

There are many reasons to love this Apple watch 3. These include its elegant design, top-notch sensors, and exciting speakers. It even comes for a price of less than $200. Now, let’s see the details of what this watch has to offer.

Impressive Build

Backpacking trips come with conditions that can test the limit of any watch. For this reason, this Apple Watch has a ceramic body that can handle scratches and minor knocks. It also has a band that can resist splashes and sweat.

Cellular Free Calls

Unlike most watches on our list, you can make calls with this device. You can even make these calls without pairing the timepiece with your phone. With this feature, you can make emergency calls or keep in touch with your loved ones while your smartphone stays in your backpack.

Readable Display

The watch has an OLED display that is bright and vivid. The technology conserves energy by going dim after some time. But you can switch it back on by flicking your wrist. Furthermore, the watch is protected by tough glass, thereby making it a perfect fit for hiking rough terrain.

Opinion and Drawbacks

The Apple Watch Series 3 has features that fit backpacking activities. However, its poor battery life might make you spend time looking for a socket instead of enjoying your trip.

What to Consider when Looking out For the Best GPS Watch for Backpacking

You don’t want to throw away money, which is why you need to consider some of the important things when looking out for the best GPS watch for backpacking. The best smartwatch for backpacking should have the following features and qualities.

Durable and Sturdy Build

Your new device should have a feel of comfort and should be strong enough to withstand knocks and fall. Many GPS watches are built with a sapphire glass lens to make them resistant to scratches and pressures. This characteristic makes them expensive, bulky, and heavy if you have a small wrist.

You may go for lighter watches that are easier to carry when backpacking, running or hiking. These are often less expensive but may not be able to resist cracks or scratches. They are also more comfortable on the wrist, and you can wear them without worrying too much.

Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass (ABC feature)

If you’re looking for the best smartwatch for backpacking and hiking, these three important functions must be there. They provide the information that helps you guard against bad weather and the nature of any terrain you plan to go backpacking.

Altimeter helps to measure air pressure and keeps track of highlands and lowlands. You can’t bet on its 100 percent accuracy, but it’s useful if you’re passing through mountainous areas.

Since altimeters don’t need signals to function, they are more reliable than GPS devices. You can lose signal while on GPS since altimeters use air pressure, they are not lost on the mountains.

The barometer does more than tell you the kind of weather to expect. It gives you a hint of a coming storm and can measure atmospheric pressure too.

If you want the best backpacking watch and have planned a long trip, check for the barometer feature. It is useful when it comes to keeping you safe from storms and other unexpected weather conditions.

Many GPS watches come with a compass usually built into the device. While some devices may appear basic, others have advanced features. 3D compasses work no matter the direction you bend it, but 2D functions well when placed horizontally.

Compass is all-important even if you have a reliable GPS. Turning on your GPS drains the battery, and it won’t be available for support when you need it. But for a compass or map, you don’t need battery power, which makes it a better alternative.

Strap Quality

The type of strap that comes with the GPS watch is important. Rough straps can cause discomfort and annoyance, so choose the one that is comfortable on your wrist. Get a watch with a sturdy strap, which can remain well-secured on your wrist.

Weight

Long backpacking or hiking requires you to go with a lighter load. You may not understand how heavy things can be until you’re on the move. To avoid this problem, go for modern watches which are relatively lighter and more advanced.

Battery Life

GPS works with battery power, and this makes you want to turn it off at regular intervals. When choosing the best GPS watch for hiking and backpacking, consider one with a long battery life. Most watches last between ten and twelve hours when the GPS is turned on.

Depending on the settings, some watches can stay in GPS mode for about 24 hours. Although they are more expensive, they come with special features.

A good way to reduce the consumption of power is to enable Ultra-trac. This feature helps to limit GPS readings and conserves more battery power for essential tasks only. The only issue is that your GPS will not give you an accurate reading of distance or pace.

The best way to conserve battery power is to turn off every function when not in use. If you’re not using the GPS function or other functions, turn off the watch completely until you need them. Switching on all apps, notifications, and alerts will drain your battery much faster.

Heart-Rate Monitor

If you want to lose weight or stay fit while hiking, a GPS watch with a heart-rate monitor is helpful. This feature tells you how fast or how slow your heartbeat, which can help to inform your hiking activities.

Wrist-based heart-rate monitors may feel comfortable, but they don’t give you accurate readings. Monitors closer to the chest region give a reliable reading, although they feel a little less comfortable. Since you want the best GPS watch for backpacking, a more accurate heart-rate reading is a wise choice.

GPS and GLONASS

With the advancement of technology, the best GPS watch for backpacking and hiking should come with GPS and GLONASS satellites. These features, supported by BDS (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System), can tell your exact location, speed, duration, ascent, and the distance you’ve covered. This is a great way to track your progress, especially if you’re backpacking alone.

Final Word on the Best GPS Watch For Backpacking

Backpacking is an interesting activity that can be enjoyed more when you have a GPS watch handy. With such an accessory, you can navigate any terrain and track your progress.

Fortunately, you can find these items in different styles with price tags for every budget. We also recommend that you take care of your GPS watch as this will help it perform properly for a long time.

March 27, 2021April 14, 2021

Best Garmin Watch for Hiking [Quick Buyer’s Guide]

When it comes to fitness watches, there’s no denying that Garmin is one of the top players in the industry. As a world-leading GPS manufacturer, Garmin has made some of the best GPS watches available. Therefore, many outdoor enthusiasts and hikers consider Garmin as one of their top options.

If you are considering a Garmin watch for hiking, I say that it’s a step in the right direction. However, there are loads of options to choose from. Garmin has some of the widest portfolios of watches so it can be a little overwhelming. If you are looking for the best Garmin watch for hiking, you’ve come to the right place.

Today, we handpicked some of the best Garmin watches that you can use for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Let’s get to it.

Best Garmin Watch for Hiking	Key Features	Our Rating
Garmin Fenix 5X	Full color TOPO U.S. mapping, Silicone band, Built in navigation sensors include GPS and GLONASS, Preloaded run profiles, 3 axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter	5/5
Garmin Tactix Charlie	1.2” high-resolution, sunlight-readable display, TOPO mapping plus routable map navigation, Rugged design, Tactical-specific features, Built-in navigation sensors include GPS and GLONASS	4.5/5
Garmin Instinct	Constructed to U. S. Military standard, Built in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, Smart notifications, TrackBack feature	4.5/5
Garmin Fenix 3 HR	Precision satellite navigation, Activity and sleep tracking, Heart rate monitoring, 1.2 inch Chroma colour display, LED backlight	4.5/5
Garmin Fenix 6S Pro	1.2” sunlight-readable display, Enhanced estimated wrist heart rate, Advanced training features include PacePro, Preloaded TOPO maps, Support for Garmin Pay	4/5
Garmin Epix	1.4 inch high resolution, sunlight visible color Chroma touchscreen display, 8GB internal memory, Customizable, Multi activity tracking	3.5/5

Best Garmin Watch for Hiking

1. Garmin Fenix 5X

The ever-reliable Garmin Fenix 5X is our top pick for the Garmin watch for hiking. There’s already a newer version with the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus but I will still recommend the Fenix 5X over the 5X Plus.

Loaded With Great Hiking Features

The Garmin Fenix 5X is loaded with great hiking features such as altimeter, barometer, and compass (ABC sensors). It’s also a watch that comes pre-loaded with real topo maps.

The topo maps are very useful for hiking since they display your exact location while hiking. You can also load the routes into the watch before you set out. While you’re out hiking, you can simply follow the route in real-time. It’s a real godsend particularly for tough hiking spots.

Like many GPS hiking watches, you can add waypoints using the Fenix 5X. Waypoints are basically points of interests such as trails, landmarks, camping spots, or your parking area. Once you have set a waypoint, the watch tells your exact location in relation to your set waypoint and estimated time to get there. The ABC sensors are working great and the watch even comes with storm alerts and barometric trends.

The Fenix 5X offers an impressive battery life and can last up to 24 hours in GPS mode. There’s also a feature called UltraTrac mode that extends the battery life even more.

The Fenix 5X is a powerful GPS that’s suitable for everyday wear, hiking, and other activities.

2. Garmin Tactix Charlie

The Garmin Tactix Charlie GPS watch is a successful follow-up to the popular Tactix Bravo. The Tactix Charlie is a rugged tactical watch that makes it an ideal tool for hikers.

Great Tactical Watch for Outdoor Adventurers

For starters, the Tactix Charlie is one tough GPS tool with its black DLC coated titanium bezel, black titanium rear cover, and stainless steel buttons. It’s suitably rugged and I can’t see things letting you down even under the toughest outdoor conditions.

For hiking purposes, the Tactix Charlie comes preloaded with topo and routable map navigation. With the Garmin Basecamp app, you can create waypoints on the device and later explore it to the Tactix. You can name the waypoint and even assign an icon for easy identification. The Basecamp app is the main software solution for route and waypoint planning – it’s highly recommended.

Of course, the watch also comes with other sweet hiking features such as GPS and GLONASS plus a three-axis compass, barometer, altimeter and gyroscope. The built-in altimeter is quite impressive and does a great job of monitoring ascent and descent while hiking.

As for the battery life, you got 12 days in smartwatch mode, 20 hours in GPS mode, and up to 35 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode.

With loads of hiking-related features and excellent battery life, the Garmin Tactix Charlie is an easy recommendation for outdoor junkies.

3. Garmin Instinct

The Garmin Fenix series is the Ferrari of outdoor and sports watches but not everyone can blow $600 on a smartwatch. The Garmin Instinct is an affordable outdoor-focused timepiece for the budget-conscious hikers.

Affordable Heavy-Duty Outdoor Watch

While the Garmin Instinct offers a wide variety of activity tracking features, it excels at navigation. With that said, the Instinct supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. Based on our tests, the Instinct connects to these satellite systems fairly quick.

Unlike the previous watches, the Instinct doesn’t come with built-in topo maps which is a bit of a downer. This is because the Instinct has a low-resolution, non-color display, and isn’t compatible with top maps. However, you do get other navigation features. You can upload the routes to your watch or go back to basics by using the Instinct’s compass.

Another good feature that’s worth the mention is the Backtracking feature. If you have decided to turn around on a hike, the backtracking feature allows you to navigate back to your starting point. Garmin’s navigation features are rather basic but they will save you in a pinch while you’re out in the wild.

Overall, the Garmin Instinct is less of a smartwatch but it’s a very reliable GPS watch. At this price point, it’s a great buy for any hiker.

4. Garmin Fenix 3 HR

The Garmin Fenix 3 HR might be an earlier version from the Fenix series but it has enough bells and whistles for an amazing hiking watch.

Spot-On GPS Functions

If you’re going to get the Fenix HR 3, get it for the highly-accurate GPS. The watch comes with an omnidirectional stainless steel EXO antenna that easily connects to GPS and GLONASS satellites. You get accurate and reliable tracking whenever you’re outdoors.

Like all of the watches in this list, the Fenix HR 3 features a rugged design that will serve you well in the wild. The watch also features a crisp 1.2 inch Chroma display that offers excellent visibility in daylight and dim environments. When things get darker outside, you can use the LED backlight for reading the watch.

For navigation, you can simply download the route or track into the watch, and then use it to get on course. Following the track through your watch is about as easy as it gets since the screen shows your position relative to the track.

In terms of battery performance, the Fenix HR can work up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, 16 hours in GPS mode, and 40 hours in UltraTrac mode. It’s a heavy-duty hiking watch with excellent GPS features and battery life.

5. Garmin Fenix 6S Pro

For my premium pick, the Garmin Fenix 6S Pro is an excellent multi-sport watch that offers many features for adventure junkies.

Premium Navigation on Your Wrist

As you can see, we have another entry from Garmin’s Fenix series which is not a surprise since it’s some of the best multi-sport watches out there. The Garmin Fenix 6S Pro is no different.

For hikers, the main draw here is the preloaded topo maps. There are over 2,000 topo maps here which include trails and even skip maps. The Fenix 6S Pro also supports GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellite systems and based on my tests, the GPS performance is on-point. As expected, the watch also comes with built-in sensors for 3-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter.

Aside from navigation features, this watch offers a wide range of activity tracking options. Plus, it also has an HR monitor and the Pulse Ox feature to monitor your sleep and altitude acclimation at high elevations.

For the battery life, the Garmin Fenix 6S Pro offers up to 9 days in smartwatch mode, 6 hours in GPS and music mode, up to 20 days expedition GPS activity mode, and 34 days in battery saver watch mode. Pretty impressive.

6. Garmin Epix

The Garmin Epix is not the most fashionable watch (it’s not that bad, though) on this list but nevertheless, it’s a reliable GPS watch for hikers and campers.

Oldie But a Goodie

The Garmin Epix is not the latest and greatest GPS watch from Garmin but even today, it still holds up.

For navigation, the Epix offers colored maps which is a nice touch. These maps are mostly accurate but there were some issues when you’re hiking in locations with poor connection. The GPS function shows the exact location of your destination, how far you’ve hiked, and how many steps you’ve taken so far. Of course, it has a compass as well for basic navigation.

In terms of connectivity, the Epix is a bit outdated. You can connect your watch to a computer via USB cord but you need to make a Garmin Connect account first. Bluetooth is also another way to download information to your watch.

For battery life, it can go up to 50 hours which is not much when compared to similar GPS watches. You can find many watches that are more advanced than the Epix but it can hold on its own.

Found the Best Garmin Watch for Hiking Yet?

That wraps up our buyer’s guide of the best Garmin watch for hiking. When it comes to GPS and navigation features, it’s hard to go wrong with Garmin. We hope that this guide has helped you choose the right unit for your hiking needs.