Best outdoor watch 2024: rugged timepieces for adventurers

We rank the best outdoor watches currently available, whether you're taking to the mountains or hitting the high seas

best outdoor watch: two hiker climbing a mountain wearing the Polar Grit X2 Pro outdoor watch
(Image credit: Polar)

The best outdoor watches are genuinely sophisticated wearables. These rugged smartwatches manage to pack a considerable number of potent sensors and tools for modern life into a tiny package.

They're often able to track position more precisely than smartphones and typically offer far better battery life. Here, we listed all models worth considering, including Garmin, Suunto, Polar, Huawei, Apple, and more.

Many outdoor watches double (triple? quadruple?) as smartwatches, hiking GPS units, running watches, training aids, and music players, to name but a few functions. Read on for our ranking of the best outdoor watches right now, whatever you're into.

Our current favourite outdoor watch is Garmin's Fenix 8; it really is flawless in terms of build quality, navigation and smart features. The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is the second-best option, especially if you're on a budget. Garmin's Enduro 3 is the battery king, outlasting all other outdoor watches.

The best outdoor watch to buy right now

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Best overall

Garmin Fenix 8 review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best outdoor watch overall

Specifications

Bezel: titanium
Weight: 70g (case only)
Water resistance: 100m
Battery: up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and up to 120 hours in GPS mode
Solar charging: yes (on MIP models)

Reasons to buy

+
AMOLED display with vibrant visuals
+
Exceptional battery life, especially in MIP solar models
+
Diving support up to 40 meters
+
Advanced GPS accuracy with SatIQ technology

Reasons to avoid

-
Higher price point than predecessor
-
AMOLED models have shorter battery life than MIP versions

The Garmin Fenix 8 replaces both the Fenix 7 series and the Epix Gen 2 by adding an AMOLED display to the mix, the first time for a Fenix watch.

The standard AMOLED model is ideal for users prioritising a sharp, vibrant display that enhances visibility in varied lighting. This screen option does slightly impact battery life, particularly compared to the MIP models, which focus on extended endurance with solar charging, making them great for long outdoor excursions.

For rugged use, the Sapphire Solar model is the top-tier choice, featuring a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and a strong titanium case, though it comes at a higher price. This model stands out for those who need durability alongside premium tracking features.

Across the range, each model excels in multisport and fitness tracking, including new real-time stamina and strength training metrics, making it a versatile choice for various activities, from hiking to diving.

While the Fenix 8 models are pricey, they offer a balanced trade-off between display quality, battery life, and durability, catering to everyone from weekend adventurers to dedicated athletes.

Read our full Garmin Fenix 8 Pro review.

Best budget

Amazfit T-Rex 3 review

(Image credit: Matt Buckley)
Best affordable outdoor watch

Specifications

Bezel: Stainless steel
Weight (case only): 68.3g
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Battery: up to 27 days (normal use), up to 42 hours (multi-GNSS mode)
Solar option: no

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent battery life
+
Beautiful display
+
Unparalleled value
+
Accurate GPS
+
Rugged looks

Reasons to avoid

-
Automatic workout detection is unreliable
-
Watch faces not customisable
-
No solar charging

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is a rugged, budget-friendly smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive feature set at a reasonable price. Its standout feature is the durable build paired with a bright, 1.5-inch AMOLED display, which remains visible in various lighting conditions and supports readability on the move. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 27 days in basic mode, which allows adventurers to track extensive activities without frequent recharging.

With 177 sports modes, robust GPS accuracy, and health metrics like heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, the T-Rex 3 suits active users looking for functionality across multiple sports. It also supports features like sleep tracking, breathing exercises, and weather updates, making it versatile for everyday health tracking. However, some software limitations, including occasional touch sensitivity issues and limited automatic workout detection, may impact the overall user experience slightly.

Compared to premium competitors, the T-Rex 3 presents a strong value for those seeking essential features without a high price tag. It may not offer the polished ecosystem or advanced metrics of high-end brands, but it delivers solid performance for fitness and adventure tracking, making it an ideal entry point for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.

Read our full Amazfit T-Rex 3 review.

Best battery life

Garmin Enduro 3 review

(Image credit: Leon Poultney)
Best outdoor watch for battery life

Specifications

Bezel: Stainless steel
Weight (case only): 63g
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Battery: Up to 36 days (normal use), up to 120 hours (multi-GNSS mode)
Solar option: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Battery life is monstrous
+
More accurate optical heart rate sensor
+
User interface is now easier to navigate

Reasons to avoid

-
Overkill for casual runners and athletes
-
It’s huge on most wrists

The Garmin Enduro 3 is designed for those who prioritise battery endurance and outdoor reliability, making it ideal for ultra-endurance athletes and adventurers who require continuous tracking over extended periods.

With an astonishing battery life of up to 90 days when solar charging is enabled, this watch removes distractions like an AMOLED screen to focus on pure performance. It retains Garmin’s advanced GPS and mapping tools, including the upgraded ClimbPro feature, which aids in navigating mountainous terrains, and offers terrain-focused enhancements suited for all types of endurance training.

Though the watch is on the larger side with a 51mm case, its lightweight frame makes it comfortable enough for extended wear, accommodating all-day expeditions without weighing down the wrist. The Enduro 3 also includes advanced heart rate monitoring, enhanced sensors, and durable materials that withstand tough conditions, though it lacks diving support and certain lifestyle features present in Garmin’s Fenix models.

Priced competitively (?) below the Fenix 8, the Enduro 3 offers excellent value for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritise functionality and longevity over lifestyle and smartwatch perks.

Read our full Garmin Enduro 3 review.

Best for swimming

Apple Watch Ultra 2 review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best outdoor watch for swimming

Specifications

Bezel: titanium
Weight (case only): 61.4g
Water resistance: WR100 water resistance, EN13319 standard for dive accessories
Battery: Up to 36 hours (normal use), Up to 72 hours (Low Power Mode), Up to 12 hours (Outdoor Run with GPS)
Solar charging: no

Reasons to buy

+
Added Free Diving mode
+
Improved maximum operating altitude
+
Plenty of smart features
+
Carbon Neutral product (when paired with certain straps)

Reasons to avoid

-
Battery life is not on par with competitors
-
Diving and mountaineering features are aimed at a very niche market

Apple's second-generation Ultra rugged wearable is prettier, more intelligent and faster than before – without a price increase.

Of all the outdoor watches, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is your best option for swimming. It's water-rated to 100 metres and meets the EN13319 standard for dive accessories. Better still, unlike its predecessor, the second-generation Ultra can be used for freediving (the Ultra was only suitable for scuba diving). Apple also revamped the Dive app, making it easier to see your dive history on the watch and to share your dives via the app on your iPhone.

Another big outdoor update is the operating altitude range of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which has been increased to -500-9000 meters (-1640 feet to 29,500 feet), exceeding the current standard of other Apple Watch models of 0 meters to 3000 meters. Battery life could be (much) better, but apart from that, this is a terrific outdoor wearable!

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.

Also consider: Thanks to the release of the Ultra 2, the original Apple Watch Ultra can be bought for less than RRP these days. It's a super-capable wearable that can track your adventure both below and above the waterline. Read our full comparison between the two iterations here: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra.

Recent updates

9 September 2024 Apple announced a sleek new Black Titanium finish for the Watch Ultra 2, which offers the same features as the original, including 36-hour battery life and up to 3,000 nits display brightness. Read more here.

Best mid-range

Polar Grit X2 Pro reviewT3 Best Buy badge

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best mid-range outdoor watch

Specifications

Bezel: stainless steel
Weight: 57 g (without band), 79 g (with band)
Water resistance: WR100
Battery: up to 43 hours (GPS on); up to 10 days (smartwatch mode)
Solar option: no

Reasons to buy

+
Rugged design (e.g. stainless steel case and scratch-resistant sapphire glass lens)
+
Comprehensive training suite
+
Long battery life and quick charging time
+
Ample storage for offline maps and routes

Reasons to avoid

-
Adding offline maps and sync could be smoother
-
Inconsistent heart rate readings compared to other brands

The Polar Grit X2 Pro is a feature-packed multisport watch designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Its rugged yet sleek design, featuring a stainless steel case and bezel and Sapphire Glass lens, offers comprehensive tracking for various activities, such as running, hiking, and cycling.

The watch boasts impressive battery life, lasting up to 100 hours in GPS mode, making it ideal for multi-day adventures. The Grit X2 Pro features advanced, multi-band GPS and Polar's Elixir bio-sensing platform, providing accurate data to optimise training and recovery.

It also offers detailed navigation features, including route planning and turn-by-turn guidance via Komoot. It includes a range of smartwatch functionalities such as notifications, music controls, and weather updates. No offile music storage still, sadly, bu there is plenty of space to store maps on the watch.

The Polar Grit X2 Pro excels in providing comprehensive tracking, navigation, and smartwatch capabilities, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a high-performance multisport watch.

Read our full Polar Grit X2 Pro review.

Most sustainable

Suunto Vertical review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Most sustainable outdoor watch

Specifications

Bezel: stainless steel/titanium
Weight: 86 grams/74 grams (case only)
Water resistance: 100m
Battery: up to 60 days in Time mode, up to 500 hours in Tour mode
Solar charging: yes (optional)

Reasons to buy

+
Long battery life (+ solar charging)
+
Dual-band multi-GNSS
+
Fully carbon-compensated manufacturing process
+
Excellent mapping performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Touch interactions are sluggish
-
Backlight cannot be turned off (not ideal for sleeping)
-
The watch seems to beep randomly throughout the day, even when it's in 'Do Not Disturb' mode (e.g. when you hit your calorie goal for the day)

The Suunto Vertical has superb mapping features, long battery life aided by solar charging capabilities and a durable build – everything you can ask from a capable outdoor watch.

It's not as slick as Garmins; the CPU could be faster, and the touch interactions smoother. If you prefer non-AMOLED wearables for outdoor activities, the Suunto Vertical is one of the best options for you on this list.

One of our favourite things about the Suunto Vertical is that it was made using 100% renewable energy, and the little carbon generated by the production is offset by the company in Africa. It's an admirable effort and something we'd like to see more from other brands.

Read our full Suunto Vertical review.

Best for mountaineering

Coros Apex 2 Pro reviewT3 Best Buy badge

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best outdoor watch for mountaneering

Specifications

Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy With PVD Coating
Weight: 66g
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Battery: 30 days of regular use/75 hours of full GPS
Solar charging: no

Reasons to buy

+
Offline TOPO maps
+
Fast processor
+
Multi-band, multi-GNSS positioning system
+
Dedicated off-road sports modes (e.g. Mountain Climb)

Reasons to avoid

-
Watch case doesn't feel as premium as Garmins
-
Touchscreen operation is far from smooth
-
Screen isn't the most visible in bright conditions

Like most Coros watches, the biggest appeal of the Apex 2 Pro is that offers an updated heart rate sensor, dual-frequency GPS chip, plenty of trail running and outdoor sports features, rugged titanium and sapphire glass design, an okay touchscreen display, a lot of training support via the Coros app and the Coros EvoLab for half as much as the Garmin Enduro 2.

Aimed at ultra-runners, the Coros Apex 2 Pro will surely appeal to people who liked the first iteration of the watch and are fans of the brand – a group that's getting increasingly numerous these days. We'd imagine Garmin users might not be swayed quite as quickly, but that's fine; there is room for two (three, four...) wearable brands in the outdoor watch market.

Read our full Coros Apex 2 Pro review.

Best marine-focused

Garmin Quatix 6X Solar watchT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best marine-focused outdoor watch

Specifications

Bezel: titanium
Weight: 82g
Water resistance: 100m / 10 ATM
Battery: up to 66hrs in GPS mode, up to 120 days in battery saver mode
Solar option: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Ridiculous battery life
+
Brilliant navigation tools
+
Built-in boat autopilot

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite complex
-
Overkill if you're not taking to water

If you're a water lover, the best outdoor watch for you is the Garmin Quatix 6X Solar. This watch takes the land-based tools and tech found in our top-ranking 6X range and adds a whole bunch more geared towards more watery pursuits. There are plenty of features aimed at boat owners, SUP riders, windsurfers, kayakers and more.

Additions include wrist-based autopilot control, dedicated marine mapping and bespoke sailing tools. You'll also get Garmin's solar-boosted battery, which means this watch will run and run... and run. While it's absolutely excellent for marine sports, it's probably unnecessarily complex for land lovers.

In April 2022, Garmin released a new version of this watch. The upgraded version adds a touchscreen AMOLED face and some more sea-specific tools, although the former does impact battery life somewhat. Check out our full Garmin Quatix 7 Sapphire review for the full low-down on that one.

Read our full Garmin Quatix 6X Solar review.

How to choose the best best outdoor watch for you

Looking to gear up for your next outdoor adventure? Hold on to your compass and let's talk outdoor watches! With so many options out there, it's like navigating through a forest maze. Before you take the plunge, let's hash out how much tech you really need.

Too much gizmo, and you'll be stranded with a dead battery faster than you can say "lost in the woods." But skimp on the tech, and your training routine might suffer more than a hiker with a hole in their boot.

For those epic expeditions, smartwatches and GPS trackers can be more power-hungry than a bear at a picnic. Opt for solar-powered or simple models that can keep up with your trailblazing spirit in any weather.

If you're eyeing a tracking model, ask yourself: are you tracking your steps for fitness or navigating through the wilderness like a seasoned explorer? Sometimes, they're as compatible as a camper and a cactus.

Sure, models with GPS and fancy sensors might offer pinpoint accuracy, but they also drain your battery faster. The newest models come with settings to balance accuracy with battery life.

Ultimately, finding the perfect outdoor watch is like finding the perfect trail mix—personal preference reigns supreme. So, choose wisely, strap on your boots, and hit the trails with confidence!

How we test the best outdoor watches

Testing outdoor watches involves putting them through their paces in real-world conditions to evaluate their performance and features.

Field testing is essential; we often take watches out on outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, or backpacking trips. During these excursions, we pay close attention to how the watch handles different terrains, weather conditions, and altitudes.

We test GPS accuracy by comparing its readings with known landmarks, maps and hiking GPS units.

We monitor the watch's battery life during extended use, particularly when utilising features like GPS tracking or heart rate monitoring. Test how long the battery lasts in various modes and settings, and compare it with the manufacturer's claimed battery life to ensure it meets your needs.

If we can, we check if the watch withstands accidental drops, scratches, and immersion in water. That said, we don't purposefully try and damage the watch – think more like real-life scenarios, like your arms brushing against thorny bushes.

We also test the watch's user interface and navigation features to ensure they are intuitive and responsive, even when wearing gloves or in harsh weather conditions (if applicable; we can't really test this in the middle of summer).

We wear the watch for prolonged periods to assess its comfort and fit, particularly during strenuous activities. We check if the strap is adjustable, breathable, and comfortable for long-term wear.

FAQ

What is an ABC watch?

An ABC watch refers to a type of outdoor watch that typically includes altimeter, barometer, and compass functionalities. The altimeter measures altitude or elevation, the barometer monitors atmospheric pressure for weather forecasting, and the compass provides directional guidance. Together, these features help users navigate terrain, track changes in weather conditions, and stay safe during outdoor activities.

Do I need a GPS watch for hiking?

GPS watches offer several benefits for hikers, including accurate navigation, route tracking, distance measurement, and location sharing. They can be particularly useful for exploring unfamiliar trails, remote areas, or challenging terrain where traditional maps and compasses may be less reliable. However, if you primarily stick to well-marked trails, are proficient in map reading and navigation, or prefer a simpler approach to hiking, a GPS watch may not be necessary.

What is the best watch for windsurfing?

A decent windsurfing watch should be durable, water-resistant, and equipped with features like tide tracking, GPS, and a stopwatch. The Garmin Instinct Solar Surf Edition is a top choice in this regard, offering solar charging, tide data, and a rugged build. Another great option is the Suunto 9 Baro, known for its long battery life and reliable GPS.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.

With contributions from