(Top 8) Best Gps Watches For Hiking in 2023 (Updated)
Martha Bell Sep 24, 2023 4:35 PM
Intro
If you are into hiking, then you know that having the right gear is important. A good GPS watch can make your hike a lot easier and more fun. In this blog post, we will share our picks for the best GPS watches for hiking. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right GPS watch for you. So if you are interested in learning more about GPS watches for hiking, keep reading.
![Apple Watch Series 7 [GPS 45mm] Smart Watch w/ Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41CuePrJuAL._SL500_.jpg "Apple Watch Series 7 [GPS 45mm] Smart Watch w/ Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant")
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to choose the suitable GPS watches for hiking ( 10 Factors)
Hiking GPS watches are a must for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. They provide navigation and tracking capabilities and other features that can make your hike safer and more enjoyable. But with so many different models on the market, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are 10 factors to consider when choosing a hiking GPS watch.
1. Durability
Durability is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a hiking GPS watch. Hiking can be tough on equipment, so you want a watch that can withstand the elements. Look for a watch with a rugged design and construction, as well as features like a scratch-resistant display.
2. Battery life
Another important factor to consider is battery life. You don't want your watch dying on you in the middle of a hike, so look for one with good battery life. Many watches now come with rechargeable batteries, so you can easily keep them charged while on the go.
3. Navigation features
One of the main reasons to get a hiking GPS watch is for navigation purposes. Make sure the watch you choose has features like GPS tracking, waypoint navigation, and topographic maps. These features will come in handy if you ever get lost on a hike.
4. Safety features
Safety is always a priority when hiking, so look for a watch with features like emergency alerts and rescue mode. These features can help you stay safe in case of an emergency.
5. Activity tracking
Hiking GPS watches often double as activity trackers, so you can keep track of your steps, calories burned, and more. If you're looking to use your watch for fitness purposes, make sure it has good activity tracking capabilities.
6. Heart rate monitor
Another feature to look for if you're using your watch for fitness is a heart rate monitor. This can help you track your intensity level during a hike and make sure you're staying within your target heart rate zone.
7. Connectivity
Some hiking GPS watches come with built-in connectivity, so you can receive notifications from your smartphone or share your location with others. If this is something you're interested in, look for a watch with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities.
8. Weather resistance
If you'll be hiking in all types of weather, you'll want a watch that's weather-resistant. Look for a watch with a water-resistance rating of at least 50 meters. This will ensure that your watch can withstand rain, sweat, and even accidental submersion.
9. Price
Of course, price is always a factor to consider when choosing any piece of outdoor gear. Hiking GPS watches can range in price from under $100 to over $500. Choose the watch that fits your budget and needs.
10. Weight
The last thing to consider is weight. Some hiking GPS watches are very lightweight, while others are bulky and heavy. If you're looking for a watch to take on long backpacking trips, weight may be a deciding factor.
When it comes to choosing the right hiking GPS watch for you, there are a lot of factors to consider. But if you keep these 10 factors in mind, you'll be sure to find the perfect watch for your next hike.
5 reasons why you will need the GPS watches for hiking
If you are a lover of hiking, then you definitely need a GPS watch. Below are the reasons why.
1. Saves Energy
A lot of energy is used up when having to constantly stop to check the map and your surroundings to see if you are still on track. With a GPS watch, all you have to do is take a glance at your wrist to know exactly where you are and whether or not you are still on the right path. This way, you can save a lot of energy for the actual hike itself.
2. Built-In Maps
Most high-end GPS watches come with built-in maps of popular hiking trails in your area. So if you ever get lost, all you have to do is consult your watch and it will help guide you back to the right path.
3. Track Your Progress
GPS watches can also help you track your progress as you hike. It can show you how far you've gone, how fast you're going, and how long it's taking you to complete the hike. This information can be very useful in helping you plan future hikes and set personal goals.
4. Monitor Your Heart Rate
Some GPS watches come with heart rate monitors built-in. This can be very helpful in making sure you are staying within your target heart rate zone while hiking. It can also help you track your fitness level over time and see how your body is responding to different types of hikes.
5. Stay Connected
Some GPS watches come with built-in connectivity so you can receive notifications from your smartphone or share your location with others. This can be very helpful in case of an emergency. It can also be useful if you just want to stay in touch with your friends and family while you're out on a hike.
These are just some of the reasons why you may need a GPS watch for hiking. So if you love to hike, be sure to consider getting one of these watches before your next hike.
Conclusion
GPS watches for hiking can be very beneficial. They can help you save energy, track your progress, monitor your heart rate, and stay connected in case of an emergency. So if you're a lover of hiking, be sure to consider getting one of these watches before your next hike. Thanks for reading.
