For outdoor enthusiasts, having the right watch can make all the difference. Whether you're hiking, swimming, or diving, a reliable smartwatch is essential for tracking your features and staying connected.
Our top pick, the Apple Watch Ultra2, stands out as the best waterproof smartwatch due to its impressive 10 ATM rating and diving certification. With its long battery life, high-quality titanium materials, and advanced features like sleep-tracking and women's wellness, it's an ideal choice for outdoor adventures.
However, if you're not an Apple user, there are other excellent options from brands like Samsung, Garmin, and Suunto. These watches offer superior water resistance, ranging from 5 ATM to 20 ATM, and are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities.
Key Takeaways
- The Apple Watch Ultra2 is the top-rated waterproof smartwatch for outdoor adventures.
- Other notable brands include Samsung, Garmin, and Suunto, offering a range of features and water resistance levels.
- When choosing a smartwatch, consider factors like battery life, display visibility, and durability.
- Advanced features like sleep-tracking, women's wellness, and workout metrics are available in various models.
- Water resistance ratings vary from 5 ATM to 20 ATM, suitable for different water-based activities.
What Makes a Great Outdoor Smartwatch?
A great outdoor smartwatch is more than just a time-telling device; it's a vital companion for navigating the wilderness. Whether you're hiking, swimming, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, your smartwatch needs to be up to the task.
Water Resistance Ratings Explained
One of the critical factors in choosing an outdoor smartwatch is its water resistance. ATM stands for atmosphere, and a rating of 5 ATM means the watch can withstand pressure equivalent to 50 meters or 164 feet. For swimming, a minimum of 5 ATM is recommended, while more advanced models offer 10 ATM (100 meters) or even 20 ATM (200 meters) for diving.
The water resistance rating system is crucial for understanding the difference between splash resistance, swimming capability, and dive-ready watches. A higher rating doesn't always mean the watch is suitable for all water activities, but it gives you a clear indication of its durability.
| Water Resistance Rating | Equivalent Depth | Suitable Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 3 ATM | 30 meters / 98 feet | Splash resistance, light rain |
| 5 ATM | 50 meters / 164 feet | Swimming, surface snorkeling |
| 10 ATM | 100 meters / 328 feet | Scuba diving (with precautions) |
| 20 ATM | 200 meters / 656 feet | Professional diving, high-pressure water activities |
Essential Features for Outdoor Activities
Beyond water resistance, a great outdoor smartwatch should include essential features such as GPS accuracy, barometric altimeters, compasses, and thermometers. These features provide crucial environmental data during your adventures, helping you navigate and stay safe.
For instance, GPS accuracy is vital for tracking your route, while a barometric altimeter can help you understand changes in altitude. A compass provides direction, and a thermometer keeps you informed about the temperature.
Battery Life Considerations
Battery life is another critical consideration for outdoor smartwatches. The best models offer extended GPS tracking time, ranging from 20 hours to several days or even weeks in battery saver modes. Different display technologies, such as AMOLED vs. MIP, impact battery performance and visibility in various outdoor lighting conditions.
When choosing a smartwatch, consider how you plan to use it and how often you're willing to charge it. Durability factors like scratch-resistant sapphire glass, titanium or reinforced polymer cases, and military-grade testing certifications also play a significant role in ensuring your watch can withstand extreme conditions.
Premium Waterproof Smartwatches for Extreme Adventures
The premium segment of waterproof smartwatches is designed for those who push the limits of outdoor adventures. These high-end devices are engineered with advanced materials and feature-rich software to withstand the toughest conditions.
Apple Watch Ultra2
Overview
The Apple Watch Ultra2 is Apple's most rugged and capable smartwatch to date, featuring a bright 49mm display made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass and a maximum brightness of 3000 nits. The titanium case ensures durability while keeping the weight relatively low.
The native support for water sports is evident when you submerge the Apple Watch Ultra2, and the depth gauge functionality makes it suitable for recreational diving.
Pros
The Apple Watch Ultra2 offers exceptional water resistance with a rating of 100m and IP6X dust resistance. Its long battery life of up to 36 hours supports extended adventures.
Additionally, the watch features a high-resolution display that remains readable even in bright sunlight.
Cons
One of the drawbacks is the limited battery life compared to some competitors, which may not be sufficient for ultra-endurance activities.
The premium price tag may also be a consideration for some potential buyers.
Features
The Apple Watch Ultra2 boasts a range of features, including GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and support for various water sports. The watch also includes a depth gauge for recreational diving.
Garmin Enduro3
Overview
The Garmin Enduro3 is designed for ultra-endurance athletes, offering exceptional battery life of up to 320 hours with GPS tracking and solar charging capability.
This watch is built to withstand extreme conditions, making it ideal for extended expeditions.
Pros
The Garmin Enduro3 excels with its long battery life and solar charging capability, making it perfect for long-duration activities.
The watch also features advanced GPS tracking and performance monitoring metrics.
Cons
One potential drawback is the complexity of its features, which may overwhelm casual users.
The price point is also relatively high, reflecting its premium features and capabilities.
Features
The Garmin Enduro3 includes features such as advanced GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and performance tracking metrics. It also supports solar charging for extended battery life.
Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar
Overview
Suunto's Vertical Titanium Solar combines premium materials with advanced navigation features, offering up to 60 days of battery life with solar charging.
This watch is designed for serious mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts who require detailed topographical mapping.
Pros
The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar offers exceptional battery life and detailed topographical mapping, making it ideal for serious outdoor adventures.
The titanium body ensures durability and a premium feel.
Cons
One potential drawback is the weight of the watch, which may be noticeable for some users.
The learning curve for its advanced features may also be steep for some users.
Features
The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar features advanced navigation, detailed topographical mapping, and solar charging for extended battery life. It is designed to support serious mountaineering and outdoor activities.
Best Waterproof Smartwatches for Water Sports
The world of water sports has evolved with technology, and smartwatches designed for aquatic activities are now more sophisticated than ever. Whether you're a professional athlete or an enthusiast, having a waterproof smartwatch can enhance your experience by providing valuable data and insights.
Garmin Quatix 7 Pro
Overview
The Garmin Quatix 7 Pro is a marine-focused smartwatch designed for water sports enthusiasts. It offers unique features such as tide tables, anchor drift alerts, and connectivity with marine electronics, making it an excellent choice for sailors and boaters.
Key Features: The watch body is made from ocean-bound plastics, and it supports various water activities, including open swimming, pool swimming, and surfing.
Pros
The Garmin Quatix 7 Pro has several advantages, including its long battery life of up to 16 days on a single charge, or 6 days with Always-On Display (AOD). It also features a high-resolution AMOLED display and is water-resistant up to 10 ATM.
Cons
One of the drawbacks is that it does not have an LTE cellular option. Additionally, some users might find the watch's dimensions (47 x 47 x 14.6mm) and weight (47g without band) slightly bulky.
Features
The Quatix 7 Pro offers comprehensive tracking for various water activities, including metrics like stroke count, distance, pace, and SWOLF scores. It also includes an LED flashlight, which is handy in marine environments.
Apple Watch Series 10
Overview
The Apple Watch Series 10 brings significant improvements over its predecessors, including a thinner design, faster charging, and new water-specific features. It includes automatic depth and temperature sensing, making it suitable for swimmers and surfers.
Enhanced Water Resistance: While it has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, it's designed to handle various water activities.
Pros
The Apple Watch Series 10 offers faster charging and a thinner design, making it more comfortable to wear. It also features a dedicated Tides app for surfers, enhancing its appeal to water sports enthusiasts.
Cons
One limitation is its lower water resistance compared to the Garmin Quatix 7 Pro, rated at 5 ATM. Some users might also miss the advanced marine features available on the Quatix 7 Pro.
Features
The Series 10 tracks various water activities, providing metrics similar to the Quatix 7 Pro. It also includes a heart rate monitor and other health-related features, making it a versatile choice for overall fitness tracking.
Both smartwatches are designed to cater to different needs within the water sports community. The Garmin Quatix 7 Pro excels with its marine-focused features, while the Apple Watch Series 10 offers a more general yet still robust set of features for swimmers and surfers.
Rugged Smartwatches for Hiking and Trekking
Rugged smartwatches designed for hiking and trekking offer a blend of durability, navigation, and extended battery life, making them indispensable for outdoor enthusiasts.
Garmin Fenix8 Solar
Overview
The Garmin Fenix8 Solar is a premium hiking smartwatch that boasts a robust construction and comprehensive mapping capabilities, making it ideal for extended backcountry trips.
Pros
This watch offers solar charging that extends its battery life, allowing for multi-day adventures without the need for recharging. Its GPS tracking and navigation features are also noteworthy.
Cons
While the Fenix8 Solar is feature-rich, its complexity might overwhelm some users. Additionally, its premium features come at a higher price point.
Features
The watch includes GPS tracking, altimeter for elevation data, barometric pressure readings for weather prediction, and compass functionality for orientation. It also supports various outdoor activities and sports apps.
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-B100
Overview
The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-B100 is an ultra-rugged watch with a "Carbon Core Guard" construction, offering 200m water resistance and essential outdoor sensors.
Pros
This watch is incredibly durable and features a magnetic compass, altimeter, barometer, and more, making it perfect for harsh outdoor conditions.
Cons
The GG-B100 lacks a heart rate monitor and built-in sports apps, which might be a drawback for some users. However, it can still connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
Features
The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-B100 includes a step counter, thermometer, and various other features that make it suitable for hiking and trekking. Its rugged design ensures it can withstand rough handling.
Best Value Outdoor Smartwatches
The best value outdoor smartwatches offer a mix of essential features and affordability, making them ideal for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts or those new to activity tracking.
Coros Pace3
Overview
The Coros Pace3 is a lightweight smartwatch, weighing just 52g, making it perfect for runners and outdoor enthusiasts who value minimalism and comfort. With its impressive battery life of up to 34 hours of GPS tracking, users can enjoy extended adventures without worrying about running out of power.
Pros
The Coros Pace3 offers exceptional value with its accurate multi-band GPS performance, rivaling much more expensive models. Its long battery life and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for outdoor activities.
Cons
While the Coros Pace3 excels in many areas, it may lack some of the advanced features found in more premium models. However, for those seeking a straightforward, no-frills GPS smartwatch, this is a minor trade-off.
Features
The Coros Pace3 includes reliable GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and multiple sport profiles, catering to a variety of outdoor activities. Its user-friendly interface ensures that users can easily navigate through its features.
Amazfit T-Rex Pro
Overview
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro is a rugged smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting 10 ATM water resistance and military-grade certifications. It's an affordable option that doesn't compromise on durability.
Pros
This smartwatch provides remarkable durability at a fraction of the cost of premium watches. Its robust design and long battery life make it suitable for challenging outdoor activities.
Cons
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro's plasticky feel and limited watchface options might be seen as drawbacks. Additionally, being from a lesser-known brand, there might be concerns about aftercare and longevity.
Features
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro features GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and barometric altimeter, making it a solid choice for hiking, trekking, and other outdoor pursuits. Its compatibility with the Zepp app allows for easy data tracking and analysis.
Versatile Smartwatches for Multiple Outdoor Activities
For outdoor enthusiasts who engage in multiple activities, a versatile smartwatch is an indispensable tool.
Versatile smartwatches are designed to track multiple outdoor activities with specialized metrics and features for each sport, making them ideal for multi-sport athletes or those who enjoy diverse outdoor pursuits.
Garmin Forerunner965
Overview
The Garmin Forerunner965 is a lightweight, feature-rich GPS watch designed for runners, featuring an AMOLED display that enhances readability with vibrant colors and sharp text.
It includes a comprehensive set of health metrics and sensors ideal for tracking training and daily activities, making it a standout option for athletes looking for a sleek, high-performance watch.
Pros
The Forerunner965's accuracy is exceptionally well, closely matching distances in GPS tests and maintaining minimal discrepancies in heart rate readings.
Its slim and comfortable design makes it suitable for runners who prefer a watch without the bulk of rugged alternatives.
Cons
While the Forerunner965 excels in many areas, its battery life may not be as long as some users expect, requiring daily charging for heavy users.
Features
The watch offers comprehensive activity tracking for over 30 sports, with particularly strong running features including advanced training metrics and recovery guidance.
It also includes multi-band GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring, making it a robust tool for athletes.
Suunto Race
Overview
The Suunto Race offers excellent versatility with its intuitive interface combining touchscreen, physical buttons, and a rolling crown, making it adaptable to different activities and conditions.
Pros
Its interface is highly intuitive, allowing users to navigate through various features and activities with ease.
The watch is also designed to be durable and resistant to various environmental conditions.
Cons
Some users may find the watch's design to be slightly bulkier compared to other models on the market.
Features
The Suunto Race includes accurate heart rate monitoring and multi-band GPS tracking, providing comprehensive data for athletes across different sports.
It also offers customizable watch faces and activity tracking for a variety of sports, enhancing its versatility.
Compact Smartwatches for Outdoor Adventures
When it comes to outdoor adventures, having a compact smartwatch can make all the difference in staying connected and tracking your journey. Compact smartwatches offer the functionality needed for outdoor activities without the bulk and weight of larger models, making them ideal for those with smaller wrists or who prefer a lighter, less obtrusive wearable.
Garmin Instinct3 Solar
Overview
The Garmin Instinct3 Solar is a robust, lightweight smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Priced at £349.99, it builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Instinct2 Solar, with significant upgrades.
Pros
The Garmin Instinct3 Solar features multi-band GPS for improved accuracy in challenging environments and solar charging that extends battery life up to 130 hours in GPS mode. Its lightweight 52g frame is incredibly comfortable, making it suitable for all-day wear.
Cons
While the Instinct3 Solar offers many improvements, its 23mm monochrome screen remains basic, though more efficient than its predecessor.
Features
This smartwatch includes accurate heart rate monitoring, comprehensive activity tracking, and navigation capabilities suitable for hiking and trail running. The solar charging feature is a significant advantage, allowing for extended use without recharging.
Polar Vantage M3
Overview
The Polar Vantage M3 is a sleek and lightweight sports watch, weighing just 53 grams. It offers advanced training tools, recovery guidance, and offline maps on its 1.28-inch AMOLED touchscreen.
Pros
The Polar Vantage M3 provides advanced training features and recovery guidance, making it an excellent choice for serious athletes. Its AMOLED touchscreen is vibrant and responsive.
Cons
Some users may find the 44.7mm case slightly larger than expected for a compact watch, though it's still lightweight.
Features
This watch includes heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and GPS navigation. The Polar Vantage M3 is designed for athletes who need detailed insights into their performance and recovery.
Both the Garmin Instinct3 Solar and Polar Vantage M3 demonstrate that compact smartwatches can offer a wealth of features without compromising on performance or comfort. Their design choices, such as display size and battery capacity, reflect a balance between functionality and wearability.
Smartwatches with the Best Battery Life for Extended Trips
For outdoor enthusiasts embarking on extended trips, a smartwatch with long battery life is not just a convenience, it's a necessity. The last thing you want is your device running out of power in the middle of nowhere. In this section, we'll explore two top contenders that stand out for their exceptional battery performance: the Coros Apex2 Pro and the Garmin Instinct2.
Coros Apex2 Pro
Overview
The Coros Apex2 Pro is a powerhouse when it comes to battery life, boasting an impressive 75 hours of GPS tracking in standard mode. Users have reported using it for over three weeks without needing a recharge, making it an ideal companion for multi-day hiking or backpacking trips.
Pros
Exceptional Battery Life: The Apex2 Pro's battery life is among the best in its class, allowing for extended use without recharging. Durable Design: It's built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, with a titanium dial and sapphire glass screen.
Cons
While the Coros Apex2 Pro is feature-rich, some users might find it pricey. Additionally, it's not classified as fully waterproof, though it can withstand water to 50m.
Features
The Apex2 Pro comes equipped with a redesigned dual GPS antenna for reliable tracking, offline maps, and a lightweight nylon strap for comfort. Its efficient display and customizable battery modes further enhance its battery life.
Garmin Instinct2
Overview
The Garmin Instinct2 offers up to 28 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode. The Solar version can potentially extend this indefinitely with optimal sunlight exposure.
Pros
Long-Lasting Battery: The Instinct2's battery life is remarkably long, especially in smartwatch mode. Solar Charging: The Solar version offers the advantage of solar charging, potentially making battery life indefinite in sunny conditions.
Cons
Some users may find the Instinct2's design less sleek compared to other smartwatches. However, its ruggedness is a significant advantage for outdoor use.
Features
The Garmin Instinct2 features a range of outdoor-centric features, including GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and customizable data screens. Its power-saving technologies and various battery modes help extend its battery life.
Both the Coros Apex2 Pro and Garmin Instinct2 are designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind, offering a balance of battery performance and functionality. By employing power-saving technologies and efficient displays, these smartwatches can keep up with even the most demanding adventures.
Android-Compatible Outdoor Smartwatches
When it comes to outdoor adventures, Android users can rely on several smartwatches that are designed to integrate with their smartphones. These watches offer a blend of traditional smartwatch features and outdoor functionality, making them ideal for various activities.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is designed to be Samsung's answer to the Apple Watch Ultra, featuring a distinctive square-round hybrid design. It runs on Google's Wear OS platform, providing a seamless experience for Android users.
Pros
The watch offers advanced running dynamics and Samsung's Galaxy AI for wellness insights, helping users optimize their performance. It also features a virtual rotating bezel, enhancing navigation and control.
Cons
At $649, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is one of the more expensive options available, though it's still $150 less than Apple's competing Apple Watch Ultra2.
Features
The watch includes fall detection, messaging, and phone calls, making it a versatile tool for both outdoor activities and everyday use. It also supports advanced fitness data such as VO2 Max and running dynamics data.
Garmin Venu3
Overview
The Garmin Venu3 is Garmin's most smartwatch-like offering, featuring a brilliant AMOLED display and week-long battery life. It supports voice assistants and phone calls while maintaining Garmin's excellent fitness and outdoor tracking capabilities.
Pros
The Venu3 offers comprehensive fitness tracking and navigation features, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Its AMOLED display provides clear visuals even in bright sunlight.
Cons
Some users might find the watch's design not as sleek as other smartwatches on the market.
Features
The Garmin Venu3 includes features like heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and support for various sports apps. It's designed to be a comprehensive tool for fitness and outdoor activities.
Both the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Garmin Venu3 offer comprehensive Android compatibility, with features like notification management, music controls, and mobile payments. They also support various apps through the Google Play Store and Garmin's Connect IQ, respectively.
When choosing between these watches, Android users should consider their specific needs, whether it's advanced fitness tracking, long battery life, or seamless smartphone integration. Both watches offer unique strengths, making them valuable options for outdoor enthusiasts.
Traditional Watches for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Outdoor adventures call for timepieces that are as resilient as they are reliable, a domain where traditional watches excel. For those who venture into the wilderness, a traditional watch offers a blend of simplicity, durability, and reliability that smartwatches often can't match.
Elliot Brown Canford
Overview
The Elliot Brown Canford is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional watches among outdoor enthusiasts. With its marine-grade 316L stainless steel construction and 200m water resistance, this watch is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. Our editor, Oli, has put this watch through a decade of rigorous testing, subjecting it to extreme conditions from the north face of Ben Nevis to the river behind our offices.
Pros
The Canford watch boasts several advantages that make it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Its sapphire crystal glass has proven to be highly durable, resisting scratches and damage. The watch's 3-year battery life provides peace of mind for extended expeditions, eliminating concerns about power management. Additionally, the micro-adjustable extension clasp allows for a fine-tuned fit, ensuring comfort during various activities.
Cons
While the Elliot Brown Canford excels in many areas, it lacks the advanced features of smartwatches, such as activity tracking and navigation. However, for those who prioritize simplicity and reliability, this trade-off is often acceptable.
Features
The Canford watch is characterized by its straightforward design, focusing on telling time reliably in any condition. It features a solid steel bracelet that is both durable and comfortable. The watch's shock-resistance and water-resistance make it suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. Although it may not offer the advanced features of smartwatches, its reliability and durability make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Traditional analog watches like the Elliot Brown Canford continue to have a dedicated following among outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate their simplicity, reliability, and freedom from charging concerns during extended adventures. Unlike smartwatches, traditional outdoor watches focus on doing one thing exceptionally well - telling time reliably in any condition.
How to Choose the Right Waterproof Smartwatch for Your Outdoor Activities
Choosing a waterproof smartwatch that meets your outdoor needs involves evaluating your activities, budget constraints, and device compatibility. With numerous options available, making an informed decision can be challenging.
Matching Features to Activities
When selecting a waterproof smartwatch, it's essential to match its features to your specific outdoor activities. Different sports and activities require unique metrics and capabilities. For instance, swimmers need features like stroke detection and SWOLF scores, while hikers require accurate GPS and barometric altimeters. Multi-sport athletes, on the other hand, benefit from versatile tracking capabilities.
Understanding the specific requirements of your preferred activities will help you narrow down your options and choose a smartwatch that truly meets your needs.
Budget Considerations
Budget considerations play a significant role in choosing the right waterproof smartwatch. The initial purchase price is just one aspect to consider. Other factors include durability, ecosystem lock-in (subscription costs), and battery longevity (replacement costs). A smartwatch that seems affordable upfront may become costly in the long run if it lacks durability or has high maintenance costs.
Ecosystem Compatibility
Ecosystem compatibility is another crucial factor to consider. For example, Apple Watches are exclusive to iPhones, while Android users have a broader range of options, including Samsung, Garmin, Suunto, and Coros. Each of these brands has its own companion apps and feature sets, so it's essential to choose a smartwatch that integrates seamlessly with your existing devices.
By carefully evaluating your activities, budget, and ecosystem preferences, you can select a waterproof smartwatch that not only meets your needs but also enhances your outdoor experiences.
Conclusion
With technology advancing at a rapid pace, the latest waterproof smartwatches for outdoor activities are more sophisticated than ever. Our comprehensive review has covered a broad spectrum of options, from premium models like the Apple Watch Ultra2 and Garmin Enduro3 to more affordable choices such as the Coros Pace3 and Amazfit T-Rex Pro.
The landscape of waterproof smartwatches continues to evolve, offering unprecedented combinations of durability, battery life, and specialized features for various outdoor activities. Whether you're a frequent hiker, a serious swimmer, or someone who enjoys casual water sports, there's a suitable waterproof smartwatch on the market for you.
Water resistance remains a critical factor, with top models offering 10 ATM (100m) or greater protection. However, for most recreational activities, 5 ATM (50m) is sufficient. Battery life is another key differentiator, ranging from 12-36 hours for smartwatch-focused devices to weeks or months for more specialized outdoor watches.
The right smartwatch for you will depend on your specific needs. Frequent hikers may prioritize navigation features and battery life, while swimmers might focus on water resistance and swim metrics. For those seeking an everyday watch with occasional adventure capabilities, smartwatch features might be more valuable.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further improvements in battery efficiency, sensor accuracy, and durability, making future waterproof smartwatches even more capable companions for outdoor adventures. With the right watch, you can enhance your outdoor experience, track your activities, and stay connected.