Best outdoor watch 2024: rugged timepieces for adventurers

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, I listed all models worth considering, including all the latest and greatest models from 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. They aren't cheap, but they are well worth the price if you take your outdoor escapades seriously.

My 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

Best overall

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

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

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'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.

Best mid-range

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

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

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

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.

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