The best GPS trail watches in the UK 2023

Easy to wear and practical, the GPS trail watch is especially useful for runners. For both hiking and racing, it is both practical and not cumbersome. It's worn on the wrist and offers several functions to keep you comfortable and improve your performance. Follow our comparison guide and you'll find out.

Polar Vantage V Titan 1
9/10

Best value for money

Polar Vantage V Titan

The best trail GPS watch

Perfectly suited for trail riding, the GPS function of the Polar Vantage V Titan is especially accurate, offering a better experience during wilderness runs.

229 £ on Amazon

Designed for those who train like professionals, this GPS watch is both lightweight and stylish. Its battery life is perfect if you're going hiking, as it can last 40 hours in training mode. Very resistant, it can cope with extreme temperatures, shocks and humidity. To recharge, the Polar Vantage V Titan watch comes with a USB cable that also serves to synchronize the data received in a computer for example. In addition, it analyzes your sleep, your recovery time and the power of running.

Garmin Forerunner 45 2
7/10

Best value for money

Garmin Forerunner 45

The best entry-level trail GPS watch

The Forerunner 45 GPS trail watch from Garmin is for runners of all kinds. Elegant and lightweight, it has all the features you need.

122 £ on Amazon

The Garmin Forerunner 45 is a watch designed to reach as many running and trail enthusiasts as possible. Simple and easy to use, this GPS trail watch uses essential functions for running. Compatible with Bluetooth and ANT+ sensors, the watch records your runs including distance, pace and intervals. The battery lasts for 13 hours in GPS mode and over 7 days in connected watch mode. If you wear it 7 days a week, it can monitor daily steps through the step counter, it will also take data such as distance traveled, calories burned, continuous stress and even your sleep.

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro 3
9/10

Best premium value for money

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro

The best high-end trail GPS watch

The Garmin Fenix 6 pro is a multi-function watch designed for trail running. Equipped with a gyroscope and a barometric altimeter, it does much more than tell the time. A must have.

458 £ on Amazon

The Garmin Fenix 6 pro GPS trail watch is equipped with several built-in sensors. It offers compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter functions. With a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels, the anti-glare screen of 1.3 inches allows you to clearly see everything that is displayed (time, physical constants, weather data ...).

This watch will help you improve your heart rate or the quality of your sleep by analyzing them. With advanced training functions, it even takes values on your physical activities while guiding you according to your level of practice. It takes into account the VO2 max estimates and also your trail runs according to your environment.

Garmin Fenix 3 Silver 4
8/10

Multisports

Garmin Fenix 3 Silver

A great multisport GPS watch compatible for trail riding

The features of the Garmin Fenix 3 Silver watch will be invaluable for trail runners. Getting lost on the beaten track is not allowed thanks to its GPS sensor.

332 £ on Amazon

The Garmin Fenix 3 Silver is one of the connected multisport watches with ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) in addition to advanced GPS and GLONASS satellite navigation technologies. Very suitable for trail running, this watch is totally reliable and has been designed with a solid yet elegant design. With an autonomy adapted during your run, it will not bother you even in your daily life. Robust and very readable, it will not get in the way during your training or a competition.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best GPS trail watch

Any specific needs?

The best trail GPS watch

The best entry-level trail GPS watch

The best high-end trail GPS watch

A great multisport GPS watch compatible for trail riding

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best GPS trail watches

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Polar Vantage V Titan 5
9/10
Garmin Forerunner 45 6
7/10
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro 7
9/10
Garmin Fenix 3 Silver 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Polar Vantage V Titan
Garmin Forerunner 45
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
Garmin Fenix 3 Silver
Perfectly suited for trail riding, the GPS function of the Polar Vantage V Titan is especially accurate, offering a better experience during wilderness runs.
The Forerunner 45 GPS trail watch from Garmin is for runners of all kinds. Elegant and lightweight, it has all the features you need.
The Garmin Fenix 6 pro is a multi-function watch designed for trail running. Equipped with a gyroscope and a barometric altimeter, it does much more than tell the time. A must have.
The features of the Garmin Fenix 3 Silver watch will be invaluable for trail runners. Getting lost on the beaten track is not allowed thanks to its GPS sensor.
Readability
Very Good
208 x 208 pixel resolution, clear and bright
Always readable 1.3 inch Resolution 260 x 260 pixels
218 × 218 pixel resolution display
Autonomy
40 hrs
13 hr GPS mode7 days Smartwatch mode
+20

days
Up to 20 hrs in training mode
Robustness
Extreme temperatures, shock and humidity
Resistantand Sturdy
Rugged and sophisticated design
Solid yet stylish design
Field studies
GPS, Barometric Altitude, Climb, Elevation+ and Elevation-
Optical wrist-level heart rate monitor, pedometer, and a GPS.
GPS, gyroscope and barometric altimeter
GPSAltimeter, Barometer, Compass
Activity tracker
Training Load Pro & Recovery Pro
Monitor daily steps, distance traveled, calories burned, continuous stress, and even your sleep.
The optical cardio
Heart rate technology

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Buying guide - GPS trail watch

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How to choose your GPS trail watch

For trail runners, it is important to consider what you wear during outings such as hikes. The choice of the watch that you wear can now enhance the practice of running.

#1 - The readability of the navigation

It should be noted that the readability of the GPS watch is very important, it would be better to see on the watch our starting point as well as our route, without forgetting the way back to the starting point. This way, planning your route will be a breeze and you won't get lost in certain places. Thanks to this feature, you don't have to bring a map or consult your phone at the risk of losing or breaking it.

#2 - The autonomy of the watch

Unlike

your smartphone, a GPS watch made for trail running should have at least 20 hours of battery life. If you plan to go hiking, in the mountains or in a forest, you can see your own progress data, as well as a navigator without the risk of battery failure. Some GPS watches give you a battery life of a few days or even weeks.

#3 - The robustness

Since

you often go on thrill rides, it would be best to opt for a rugged GPS watch. If by misfortune, the watch hits a tree or a rock or falls, it will not break. This tool will be your best friend no matter where you are going and what your ambitions are.

#4 - The characteristics of the terrain

With

a storm alert, this GPS watch will inform you of the weather and prompt you to react accordingly. Some of them even point you to a shelter. The presence of an altimeter, barometer as well as a compass will inform you of the slope or the altitude measurement. Very practical for hiking in the mountains especially during a competition or races at height.

#5 - The activity tracker

The

GPS trail watch records all body activity, be it the number of steps or your speed and also the calories burned during the trail. In addition, it has a heart rate monitor that measures your heart rate.

What is the purpose of a GPS watch for trail running?

We often use a watch to keep track of the time, but a GPS watch offers more advantages. It not only shows what time it is but also where you are, at what altitude and how fast you are running. It even analyzes your food and break time. With this small, easy-to-wear, easy-to-carry accessory, you can track your progress and pretty much what's going on with your body, including your physical performance.

Going hiking? Don't get lost, with the included GPS function, the watch will show you where you are and where you came from, so you can see for yourself on the map the fastest way back to your starting point. Some of them are equipped with the storm alert function, there is the storm approaching, it can also show you a shelter until the bad weather passes.

The different types of GPS trail watches

The accessories used during a sports session are not just there for naughtiness, some are essential to make those hours of hard work a little more enjoyable. In this regard, the GPS watch is a tool capable of measuring your performance and more, it can even analyze your sleep time or even your diet.

The outdoor multisport watch

This type of GPS watch is easy to wear and suitable for outdoor activities. Perfect for trekking, trail riding, hiking, mountaineering or climbing.

It is equipped with several sensors called ABC sensor: altimeter, barometer and compass and a GPS that will guide you by indicating your position and the distance you have traveled. In addition, this watch provides information about the environment such as altitude, barometric and orientation. It is an accessory classified among the essentials for an outdoor activity.

The GPS or altimeter watch

Dedicated for hiking and mountain sports, it is less expensive than the multisport watch and perfectly suited for mountaineering, trekking, ski touring, climbing, or an adventure sport.

This watch indicates the weather thanks to its barometer, measures the altitude and the difference in level of each altitude. Not to mention the GPS which is used to indicate the position, program your route and record your journey. Why buy expensive if such a watch exists?

GPS trail watch or running watch?

GPS trail watch

Trail running means running on rough and often sloping terrain. So, the accessories must be adapted to this, like the GPS trail watch. It must contain a vertical drop, a measuring device that allows you to measure the altitude during a race up or downhill. The use of all this equipment can reduce the autonomy of the watch.

Running watch

Running is running on flat ground or paths. Most of the time, the speed remains the same as when you are running on a trail, but the terrain is completely different. It is not necessary to have in addition to the GPS a height difference in the watch as for the practice of the trail.

Verdict

It is better to have all the data possible during a trail in addition to the GPS, it is not a luxury to know exactly where you are. The GPS trail watch is the best to give you this information. If you only like to run close to home, a running watch will suffice.

Why buy a GPS trail watch?

We often use a watch to keep track of the time, but a GPS watch offers more advantages. It not only shows what time it is, but also where you are, how high you are and how fast you are running. It even analyzes your food and break time. With this small, easy-to-wear, easy-to-carry accessory, you can track your progress and pretty much what's going on with your body, including your physical performance.

Going hiking? Don't get lost, with the included GPS function, the watch will show you where you are and where you came from, so you can see for yourself on the map the fastest way back to your starting point. Some of them are equipped with the storm alert function, there is the storm approaching, it can also show you a shelter until the bad weather passes.

Tips

Don't forget to check the autonomy of your watch before buying.

In the middle of a trail, you won't have time to recharge your watch especially in the middle of a forest.

To keep your GPS trail watch as long as possible, avoid charging it all the time.

The more

you charge a watch or plug it into the mains, the shorter its

life span.

Think about rehydrating during your trail session.

Certainly,

it is necessary to be well equipped with high-tech accessories during your training, but do not forget to drink water

.

Eat healthy.

Eating

healthy and training offers your body and heart a very good balance.

Respect your resting hours.

Eating

, running and sleeping are all good for your body, heart and mind.

FAQ

What is the best GPS trail watch?

The best GPS trail watch depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to know the best products of the moment.

What is the purpose of a GPS trail watch?

AGPS watch allows trail runners to better anticipate their hikes and competitions.

Why wear a GPS watch during a run?

To not get lost and follow the progress of your physical performance.

How to choose between a running and a GPS trail watch?

If you often go in the forest, think about a GPS trail watch, if you run for most of the time a trail or a terrain that does not have a slope, it is not necessary to have a GPS trail watch.

Can my GPS trail watch replace traditional watches?

Evidently, a GPS trail watch is very practical during your outings, with a traditional watch, it is impossible for you to see the evolution of your physical performance, your heart rate and your fat consumption immediately, only the time and sometimes a stopwatch.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Polar Vantage V Titan 9
Polar Vantage V Titan
Garmin Forerunner 45 10
Garmin Forerunner 45
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro 11
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
Garmin Fenix 3 Silver 12
Garmin Fenix 3 Silver

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