I test smartwatches for a living — and these are my 5 favorite models when I go hiking
You don't need to break the bank to score a solid smartwatch for tracking hikes and other outdoor adventures. Models like the $99 Amazfit Active 2 have all the basics like onboard GPS, offline maps and solid battery life.
However, higher-end models like the Garmin Instinct 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 bring exceptional durability and other nifty features — including a built-in LED flashlight on the Garmin — into the equation. Want something supremely comfortable and reliable? The Garmin Forerunner 165 might be your jam.
Having tested dozens of smartwatches while hiking the mountains of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, I know firsthand which models are primo trail companions and which are better left in the car. With that, here are my five favorite smartwatches for hikers in 2025.
The Garmin Instinct 3 is one of my favorite smartwatches currently available. This is thanks to its rock-solid location tracking, range of useful wellness tools, support for tons of outdoor activities, and, perhaps most importantly, its long-lasting nature.
The Instinct 3 comes in several varieties, including with optional solar charging capabilities. With enough time in front of the sun, the Instinct 3 Solar can, in theory, last forever without needing to visit a wall outlet or USB slot. The standard AMOLED model, meanwhile, will keep on ticking for well over two weeks.
The device is also built to take on whatever the outdoors can toss at it, with 100 meters of water resistance and an oversized metal reinforced bezel to protect the screen.
The Garmin Instinct 3 starts at $399 for the smaller 45mm Solar model and increases to $449 for the larger 50mm Solar edition. The 45mm AMOLED model is $449, and the larger 50mm AMOLED version is $499.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is technically a mid-entry-level running watch, but all the things that make it great for first-time marathoners also make it exceptional for hikers
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Stacked with some of Garmin's best workout training and recovery tools, not to mention impressive sleep tracking capabilities, it's also an exceptional value, easily found for under $200. For hikers, in particular, it keeps tabs on key metrics like elevation gain, pace and distance. It also has safety features, including LiveTrack and Incident Detection.
Battery life when using GPS tracking should also be good for even the longest day hikes, up to 19 hours. It also comes in two lightweight, easy-wearing sizes and boasts a bright AMOLED touchscreen paired with physical buttons for when your hands are extra sweaty mid-hike.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 starts at $249 but can often be found for $50 off. There's also a Music edition of the Forerunner 165, which has, you guessed it, onboard storage for tunes. That model will cost you an extra $50, but like the standard model, it often goes on sale.
If you want a super-rugged smartwatch that'll take a licking and keep on ticking (okay, that's an old Timex slogan) without spending Apple Watch Ultra 2-type cash, then the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is worth a look.
This oversized beast has a massive 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen that maxes out at an impressive 2,000 nits. This is paired with a whole bunch of physical buttons, all tucked nearly into a rather cool-looking octagonal case with a big ol' stainless steel bezel.
Battery life with GPS tracking should easily get you through 36 hours or more of hiking. With 100 meters of water resistance, dual-band GPS, and even support for offline navigational maps, it's kind of amazing that the T-Rex 3 can be yours for around $250.
The beastly Amazfit T-Rex 3 is priced at $279 but can easily be acquired for between $25 and $50 off. It only comes in one size, and though the nearly 49mm case won't be for everyone, the T-Rex 3 is a mighty-fine alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
The Amazfit Active 2 has nearly all the same bells and whistles as the T-Rex 3, just squeezed into a more streamlined, easy-wearing case. Starting at less than $100, this admittedly handsome-looking smartwatch has onboard GPS, supports 160+ workout types, sports a bright AMOLED touchscreen and can track a hearty day's workout with plenty of battery to spare, making it one of the best bang-for-your-buck wearables in 2025.
However, the most shocking feature, given the price, is support for offline navigational maps. While a little rough around the edges and somewhat limited in capability compared to, say, Apple, Garmin and Google's take, this is a tool ordinarily only found on far pricer smartwatch models.
Also worth noting: Amazfit is very good about responding to user feedback with firmware updates, and even within the few months that have passed since I reviewed the Active 2, it's already seen several enhancements.
The Amazfit Active 2 comes in two variants. The standard $99 model has an aluminum case and glass screen. The higher-end Active 2 premium edition ups the ante with a tougher sapphire crystal screen and stainless steel case for an extra $30.
Neither Garmin nor Amazfit makes smartwatches with cellular connectivity. Fortunately, brands like Apple, Samsung and Google do. My favorite cellular-connected smartwatch is the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Similar to the best Garmin watches, the Ultra 2 is jam-packed with impressive safety features, like fall and crash detection, along with Emergency SOS.
It also makes for a mighty good hiking partner thanks to a long-lasting battery — up to 35 hours when tracking a hike with GPS enabled — a tough-built design with 100 meters of water resistance, and accurate location and holistic tracking. You also get a sweet, customizable 'Action' button (plus, a side button and digital crown) along with a super-bright and immersive touchscreen.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in a variety of case colors, including black (shown here), each for $799. Cellular connectivity comes standard, though you're not required to have a data plan to use the Ultra 2.
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