Do you enjoy outdoor sports like hiking, climbing, trekking or mountain sports? Then you need a GPS or outdoor altimeter watch to accompany you on your adventure. In addition to telling the time, this high-tech watch indicates the altitude and the difference in altitude, but also the weather trend thanks to its barometer. We have put together a comparison that will guide you towards a model designed for your activity.
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Our selection
"The Garmin Instinct was designed for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and extreme sports enthusiasts. It is MIL-STD-810G certified, which is the military standard for ruggedness. This…"
"The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR combines the functions of a connected watch with those of a tracker. It is suitable for a number of…"
"The Polar brand presents us with a sports watch perfectly adapted to the needs of mountain enthusiasts but also of runners. A complete device that…"
"The Garmin brand has shown all its know-how in the Instinct Tactical Edition. A GPS watch dedicated to the military that offers robustness and tactical…"
The Garmin Instinct was designed for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and extreme sports enthusiasts. It is MIL-STD-810G certified, which is the military standard for ruggedness. This watch will accompany you throughout your journey in the desert or to climb cliffs.
176 £ on Amazon
The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR combines the functions of a connected watch with those of a tracker. It is suitable for a number of sports and fulfills its role perfectly. The ideal watch that offers everything you would expect from a multi-sport watch.
112 £ on AmazonThe Spartan Sport Wrist HR consists of a glass-fiber reinforced polyamide case with a weight of 74 g and a thickness of 7 mm. It is a high-tech watch a little thicker because of the integrated optical cardio sensor. The latter has 2 green and 1 orange LED. Its color touch screen with a resolution of 320 x 300 pixels has three side buttons for navigation on the device. The watch comes with a silicone strap of 24.5 cm, suitable for wrist sizes from 130 to 230 mm.
The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR features the FusedAlti function. With this technology, which is a combination of barometer and GPS altimeter, you will have a very accurate altitude measurement. The location data is based on GPS and GLONASS. You will be able to detect possible climate changes and act accordingly. Note that this tocante is composed of more than 80 sports such as cycling, running, multi-sport activities, swimming and triathlon. With the Activity Tracker function, you get an overview of all your activities during the day. For battery life, it has a lithium-ion battery that can last up to 14 days in time mode, a week with 24/7 tracking and mobile notifications and 10 h / 20 h / 40 h in training mode with GPS.
The Polar brand presents us with a sports watch perfectly adapted to the needs of mountain enthusiasts but also of runners. A complete device that will delight outdoor running enthusiasts.
323 £ on AmazonThe Polar Grit X is a multi-sport outdoor GPS watch that is 47mm in diameter, 14mm thick and weighs 64 grams. It is one of the lightest altimeter watches on the market. Its interchangeable silicone strap of 22 mm wide offers you a little fantasy with 8 colors available. On the back of the stainless steel case, you can find a heart rate monitor, accompanied by four electrodes. These ensure good contact with the skin. Its circular color touch screen with a resolution of 240x240px is protected by Gorilla Glass anti-reflection and anti-fingerprint.
The Polar Grit X has a built-in GPS and Glonass, but also a GNSS economy mode that provides more accuracy in activities. Its barometric altimeter offers much more accurate data than GPS measurement. Moreover, it can be calibrated manually. In addition to this, the Polar Grit X has exclusive functions such as Polar Smart Coaching that prepare you for your next adventure. The battery of this watch, with a capacity of 346 mAh can last up to a week in daily use. In normal GPS mode with optical cardio, it can last up to 40 hours. We can even push the watch to an autonomy of 100 hours in economy mode. This product complies with the MIL-STD-810G standard, and is perfectly resistant to high temperatures, falls and humidity.
The Garmin brand has shown all its know-how in the Instinct Tactical Edition. A GPS watch dedicated to the military that offers robustness and tactical functions. It is the ideal companion to brave the most hostile environments.
191 £ on AmazonThe Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition has a reinforced polymer case measuring 45 x 45 x 15.3 mm and weighs only 52 g. It is suitable for wrists with a circumference of 132 to 224 mm. Its monochrome screen of 23 x 23 mm with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels allows a customizable double-window display. This anti-glare, MIP (memory-in-pixel) and transflective screen has been chemically reinforced to resist scratches. Its sleek silicone strap includes two independent removable loops. This Garmin technology meets the US military standard 810 for heat, shock and water resistance (waterproof to 100 meters).
The Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition has a barometric altimeter, GPS, compass, accelerometer, heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter and a thermometer. Its stealth mode, once activated, disables GPS, connections and wireless communications. It is also equipped with a night vision mode, two position formats, namely the display of UTM and MGRS coordinates on the same screen. There is also a jumpmaster mode feature that calculates high-altitude drop points according to military guidelines and helps you navigate to your target once you've jumped. The internal rechargeable lithium battery has a life of up to 14 days in connected watch mode. In GPS mode, it lasts up to 16 hours and up to 40 hours in UltraTrac power-saving mode.
Any specific needs?
The best GPS hiking watch with altimeter in 2021
The best entry-level GPS hiking watch with altimeter
The best high-end GPS hiking watch with altimeter
A GPS hiking watch with altimeter with great battery life
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
8/10 |
9/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Montre Garmin Instinct
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Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR watch
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Polar Grit X watch
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Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition watch
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The Garmin Instinct was designed for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and extreme sports enthusiasts. It is MIL-STD-810G certified, which is the military standard for ruggedness. This watch will accompany you throughout your journey in the desert or to climb cliffs.
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The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR combines the functions of a connected watch with those of a tracker. It is suitable for a number of sports and fulfills its role perfectly. The ideal watch that offers everything you would expect from a multi-sport watch.
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The Polar brand presents us with a sports watch perfectly adapted to the needs of mountain enthusiasts but also of runners. A complete device that will delight outdoor running enthusiasts.
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The Garmin brand has shown all its know-how in the Instinct Tactical Edition. A GPS watch dedicated to the military that offers robustness and tactical functions. It is the ideal companion to brave the most hostile environments.
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Display
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monochrome, antiglare, transflective MIP
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color touchscreen
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color touchscreen
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monochrome, antiglare, transflective MIP
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Autonomy
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up to 14 days
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up to 14 days
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up to 14 days
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up to 54 days
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Altimeter
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Barometric altimeter
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GPS altitude
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Barometric altimeter, compass and gyroscope
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Barometric altimeter
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Weight
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52 g
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74g
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64 g
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52 g
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Water resistance
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10 ATM
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10 ATM
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10 ATM
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10 ATM
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Battery life is an essential consideration when buying a watch. You should always look for a watch that can go the distance and won't run down during your hike. The time between charges depends heavily on how you use your watch. If you use the GPS every day to track your hikes, you will need to charge every night or two. Some watches have a power saving mode that reduces GPS usage automatically in exchange for longer battery life.
The other important criteria is the interface. Does the watch use a touch screen or buttons for navigation? A touchscreen interface may seem more intuitive, especially if you're used to using a phone or tablet. The biggest problem with touchscreens is that you have to touch the screen for it to physically work. Gloves or moisture on your fingers make it difficult to select items on the screen. Buttons may be easier to use, but this type of interface is not as intuitive as a touch screen. Typically, you have to press the buttons in a specific order.
Most wristbands on GPS hiking watches with altimeters are made of a soft, flexible material like silicone. They often have vents that allow airflow, so sweat doesn't collect between the strap and your wrist. High-end watches have bands that are modular, so you can swap them out if they break or if you just don't like it.
Nowadays
, most GPS hiking watches with altimeters are water resistant, which means you don't have to worry about washing dishes, washing your hands, or hiking in a down
pour.
However, when it comes to showering or swimming with your watch, you need to be a little more careful. Each watch comes with a different degree of water resistance. As a general rule, you don't want to go swimming with a watch that has less than 50 meters of water resistance. If you're looking for a watch for swimming, opt for a watch that's water resistant to 100 meters or more.
Many hiking watches have a rugged design that seems perfectly suited for wooded forests and vast, rugged terrain. They are often bulky and don't have the style you'd want for a night out. Some have replaceable straps that can help improve their overall style. This is something to consider if you want to be able to wear your watch when you are not hiking.
In a GPS hiking watch, the altimeter is used to measure altitude as you climb. Knowing your altitude can help you locate your position on a map. Some models have a barometric altimeter that can measure air pressure. The lower the air pressure, the higher you are. These barometers can measure between -2,000 and 30,000 feet and are accurate to +/- 50 feet.
GPS hiking watches that don't have a barometric altimeter can estimate altitude using information gathered from current GPS data. The measurements provided by the altimeter sensor, however, tend to be more accurate than the estimates provided from the GPS coordinates. GPS accuracy is based on signal strength, and anything that interferes with the GPS signal also affects the barometer.
A smartphone can be used as a GPS for hiking through apps like Gaia that use the built-in GPS receiver chip. The Gaia GPS app provides other features such as map display, activity tracking and other interesting features.
The advantage of GPS applications is that the acquisition of the position is done quickly. In addition, you enjoy better visibility thanks to the large screen of the smartphone. The main concern with the built-in GPS chip is that it consumes a lot of power and drains the battery quickly when the rental services are activated.
A GPS hiking watch with altimeter has all the standard GPS features. It also has all the features that are usually found in running watches and fitness trackers. The main advantage of a GPS watch is its extreme portability.
Since it is worn like a wristwatch, you keep both hands free to perform other tasks. Other advantages of GPS watches include robustness, durability and long battery life. Of course, the size of the dial can make it difficult to use and hold.
Despite its few shortcomings, the GPS watch is still the most practical option for hiking. It will be able to meet all the needs of short and long hiking sessions.
To find your way
The main function of a GPS hiking watch with altimeter is navigation. With this device, you will be able to find both your position and direction of travel using the GPS, altimeter or digital compass on board. You can find out how high and how far you've walked.
To anticipate the weather
Keeping track of the weather is another reason why hikers decide to add a GPS hiking watch with altimeter to their gear. Many of these watches are equipped with a barometer or temperature sensor, which can detect if there are any changes in your immediate environment. Those that connect to a smartphone can display the full weather forecast. Many also display sunrise and sunset times, which is useful if a trip takes longer than expected and you need to get out of the woods before dark.
To keep track of your health and physical activity
Finally, GPS hiking watches with altimeters are ideal for tracking your fitness and health. Although designed for outdoor activities, most hiking watches have the same fitness features as a regular smartwatch. They count your daily steps, monitor your heart rate 24/7, and track your sleep. They even calculate calories burned throughout the day so you can make sure you're eating enough.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Choose your GPS hiking watch with altimeter according to your needs
GPS hiking watches with altimeters are relatively new gadgets. Their features and functionality will continue to evolve over time. Before you overcommit or overspend, decide which features are important to you.
When searching, pay attention to the brightness and contrast of the screen
Unlike
regular watches, a GPS hiking watch with an altimeter should be bright so you can use it in daylight. Look at the quality of the display, especially the brightness and contrast of the screen. If a GPS hiking watch with altimeter has good performance and lots of features, but the screen is unreadable in daylight, you may have a bad experience.
Choose a GPS hiking watch with altimeter that uses a micro USB charging cable
When it comes
to charging, it's best to opt for a micro USB charging system, as it's easier to find a cable when you lose or forget the one that came with your device
.
Create a training log
Although
most GPS hiking watches with altimeters come with their own apps and web analytics tools to keep track of your performance over time, it's important to put your stats in context. To do this, use Google Calendar to create a simple training calendar and note the following important information: resting heart rate, today's planned workout, what you actually did, and how you feel.
Race with yourself
Benchmarking is great for seeing how far you've come and building your confidence. Find a familiar route, preferably one with consistent conditions each time you run. Run the route, record the time, and then come back to it every month to see how you've improved or not.
The best GPS hiking watch with altimeter depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are best.
There are currently three main operating systems found on almost all connected watches on the market: Google's WearOS, Tizen OS and Apple's watchOS.
It's a silly question, but one that deserves an answer. Traditionally, connected watches were tech gadgets aimed at a primarily male audience. But things have definitely changed over the past decade. Women are now just as likely to own a GPS hiking watch with altimeter as men.
For extra cleaning, take a soft cloth, damp if necessary, and wipe the screen, frame and strap. Please do not use detergents! When you come out of a swimming session, it is advisable to clean your watch with tap water.
The GPS function of your watch synchronizes very often with satellites to provide you with the necessary information. This consumes your battery and greatly reduces its autonomy. The battery optimization feature spaces out the synchronizations. This way, the GPS only makes contact with the satellites every 10 seconds or 1 minute.
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