Best Hiking Watch: Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass Watches Reviewed

One of the keys to finding your destination is first knowing where you currently are. While handheld GPS devices have made this a lot easier, if you’re looking to save a bit of space then you might consider an Altimeter, Barometer, or Compass ABC hiking watch.

The compass and altimeter, combined with a topographic map will allow you to navigate even if your GPS goes down. While the barometer will give you a heads-up when there’s bad weather on the way.

Indeed, the modern ABC watches have come a long way beyond just supplying elevation, direction, and barometric pressure info.

The prices of some of these watches have also become pretty eye-watering. If you’re looking for the best ABC watch for hiking then take a look at our reviews below. The best hiking watch goes beyond novelty and is an extremely useful piece of outdoor gear or mountaineering gear essentials you must bring.

Best Hiking Watch Reviews

Each of the devices listed below has altimeters, barometers, and compasses as standard features, while some also have built-in GPS functionality.

Garmin Tactix Delta ()

We’re not sure how Garmin managed it, but inside this stylish compact design, you get all the features of a great ABC watch, GPS functionality, fitness tracking, and a bunch of other features.

The Garmin Delta Tactix display is fully-customizable giving you both analog and digital options with plenty of designs downloadable from Garmin.

We’re wary of ABCs that incorporate GPS because of battery life, but this watch will keep going anywhere from 20 hours to 3 weeks depending on your use.

We liked that you can pair it with your smartphone to get mail, texts, and alerts displayed on the watch.

If you’re jumping out of planes, climbing mountains, or heading into the unknown, then the performance and durability of this watch easily justify the price tag.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

---

Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR Running GPS Unit

Get it on Amazon for

If you want a mid-priced ABC hiking watch with GPS and a heart-rate monitor, then this is a great option.

The sensors work well (after some simple calibration) and the GPS is accurate. It seems there’s no end to the level of customization and features available via the phone app and Movescount website.

It pairs with your phone to display mail, text, and call alerts but you can’t reply or control the phone’s media player from it like a true smartwatch.

There’s no subtlety about this watch. It’s really big, which is great if you like a large display, but it doesn’t work as an everyday watch when you’re not out scaling peaks.

This is a great watch for trail running, hiking, or even just for logging your workouts when you’re training.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

---

Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar MultiSport

Get it on Amazon for $949.99

The GPS/GLONASS receiver provides very accurate position info and the ABC sensors perform just as well. This hiking GPS watch comes preloaded with TOPO maps, ski maps from over 2,000 resorts, built-in sensors 3-axis compass, a gyroscope, and a barometric altimeter.

If you like having plenty of biometric data in addition to your usual ABC info, then the Fenix will impress.

The design is fairly sleek for all the features it has built-in, and there are plenty of watch faces you can download for it. You won’t need to buy any other watch since this best GPS watch for hiking doesn’t disappoint either with the range of accessories to modify the look. Options range from watch straps, dust plug protectors, heart rate monitor straps, and charging kits.

Garmin stepped up their smartwatch game and added music storage with premium streaming service (may require a subscription with third-party music provider) support, smart notifications, and contactless payments (not supported in all countries).

We liked the Garmin Vivosmart wrist-based heart rate monitor, which means you can get rid of that uncomfortable chest strap.

Solar-powered multisport GPS watch with a large 1.4-inch display (36% larger than previous Fenix models) uses the sun’s energy to extend battery life and assure more on-wrist time for your off-grid activities. The internal rechargeable battery will last you 21 days in smartwatch mode with an extra 3 days using solar.

The price tag is pretty high but if you want detailed bio-data at your fingertips combined with excellent navigation features, then it doesn’t get much better than this.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

---

Casio ProTrek PRW 3500T-7CR

Get it on Amazon for $349.99

The Casio ProTek Solar PRW3500T is a slimmed-down, updated version of the popular PRW2500.

Being solar-powered, this watch has excellent battery life and packs a ton of features into 5.9 oz.

The design is the standard Casio look which is more function over form, but if you’re after a useful piece of equipment rather than a fashion statement then it works. World travelers love the ability to see 31 time zones

It features a triple sensor, atomic timekeeping, and low-temperature resistance. Also, it has a digital compass with bearing memory, an altimeter from -700 to 10,000 m, a barometer, and a thermometer.

If you want to track sunrise and sunset data, world time, four daily alarms with snooze, 1/10-second stopwatch, countdown timer, and 12/24-hour formats, then this watch is for you. Also, the power-saving function and 56 mm resin case with mineral dial window are waterproof up to 600ft

If you know how to read a map and use accurate ABC data, then this watch will give you that while saving you the cash that a GPS watch would cost you.

Casio removed the tide and moon phases though so if these are important for you then you may want to stick with the PRW2500.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

---

Suunto 9 Peak & Pro Watch GPS

Get it on Amazon for

If you like planning your trip before heading out then you’ll love the Suunto 9 Multisport GPS Watch with BARO and Wrist-Based Heart Rate that lasts up to 170 hours on one charge. Made with 100% renewable and carbon-free energy, you make a difference in the environment with this watch.

You can use the great topographic maps on Suunto’s Movescount website and then upload your planned route to the watch.

SUUNTO 9 Peak and Pro Watch GPS didn’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, SUUNTO made sure to make every optimization possible—so you can rest assured that you already have the best GPS model, top-of-the-line accuracy, and Google Maps support.

This powerhouse, packed with 97 sport modes, titanium steel construction, and sapphire glass comes fully charged in one hour and can offer up to 40 hours in its best GPS mode, 70 hrs endurance mode, or even 300hrs in tour mode – plus extra 2 hours of GPS training when you only charge it for 10min.

If that wasn’t enough, then SUUNTO gave us weather alerts and avalanche maps plus a customizable app; that allows you to create structured workouts as you follow your progress and analyze your sleep. SUUNTO offers more than just a watch but an affordable peace of mind.

This makes it so easy to head out on a new route with confidence.

The construction of this watch is rugged and tough, but they’ve managed to still keep it very attractive. We liked the sunrise and sunset time feature, which helps you plan effective use of available daylight hours.

Another handy feature is that you can set the backlight to flashlight mode if you’re clutching around in the dark trying to find stuff or if you need to check your map at night.

Other smart features include a Storm alarm feature that activates when a rapid drop in air pressure is detected over a 3 hr. period. The Suunto 9 watch alerts you with alarm sounds and flashes to indicate bad weather is headed your way, giving you enough time to prepare or pack up.

Overall, the battery lasts around between 40-300 hours, from best GPS modes to tour modes. Ideal, when you need to track your most extreme athletic hikes, which means you’ll need a good portable battery charger to monitor your recovery time from lounging by the lake.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

---

Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS Smartwatch Qualcomm

Get it on Amazon for

The Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS Smartwatch Qualcomm SDW4100 from Mobvoi is as feature-packed as it comes. Boasting a dual processor system, Wear OS compatibility, and a battery life of up to 72 hours in smart mode and 45 days in essential mode, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the many features ticwatch Qualcomm has to offer.

From customizable backlight settings to a stack of 100 sports modes for exercises that can be updated with the latest workout modes in the Google Play store, this TIcwatch brings endless possibilities. Plus users can enjoy GPS connectivity with Google Maps and the convenience of using Google Pay.

That said, its health and fitness tracking functions are also noteworthy. Especially because this Ticwatch boasts measures like barometer readings, sleep monitoring, blood oxygen saturation tracking, stress monitoring, and heart rate monitoring. Also, its IP68 rating allows you peace of mind wherever your adventures take you, even when you’re hiking in a torrential downpour.

If you’re looking to extend battery life up to 72 hours in Smart Mode and an impressive 45 days in Essential Mode, then simply switch over to FSTN LCD mode. Either way, you’ll be able to monitor your fitness effortlessly with an integrated barometer, sleep tracking, and advanced heart rate monitoring.

Also, the TicWatch Pro 3 can even analyze your mental fatigue plus energy level each day to keep you on top of your game. And with an IP68 water resistance rating and military-grade durability, it will carry you through any adventure.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

---

Tissot Unisex T-Touch Connect Solar Watch

Get it for

• Beautiful, stylish design
• Accurate Swiss movement - who doesn't love a Swiss watch?
• Swiss connected quartz solar tactile movement
• Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar 100 m / 330 ft

[/su_list]

What We Don’t Like

---

Suunto Core Classic Outdoor Watch

Get it on Amazon for

ABC GPS Hiking watches aren’t usually known for their good looks but the Suunto Core not only functions well, but it also looks good too.

The ability to change the battery easily is great because it saves you a trip to a jeweler. Just make sure you get that back on properly because if it doesn’t seal it won’t survive getting wet.

While this watch gives accurate info, it does seem to have some quality issues. The buttons feel like they might end up getting stuck after a while. The compass is good enough (but needs proper calibration). Besides, the altimeter works well enough to measure ascent and descent as relative values. Also, the barometer is accurate enough in order to plan backpacking trips or when to stay put.

If you’re looking for an ABC watch to use periodically then this is a good mid-range option. When it works, it works well.

The durability of the buttons and strap won’t hold up to daily use or regular outdoor activity.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

---

Casio Pro Trek PRG600YB Analog/Digital Watch

Get it on Amazon for

This is one tough watch! From the non-reflective, scratch-resistant mineral glass to the carbon fiber strap, everything about this watch is built to last. It is seriously big though.

The crown is massive which makes it easy to use but gets in the way a little when bending your wrist. It’s great to be able to use the crown to navigate the options and settings without having to press any other buttons.

The thermometer is a nice feature but it will only give you an accurate reading when it’s off your wrist.

It’s got great ABC features that perform accurately even above 8000 feet but there’s a bit of a learning curve.

We liked the analog/digital look and how the hands automatically move out of the way of the digital display when changing settings.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

---

Best Watch for Explorers: Casio ProTrek Tough PRW 3500-1 Multi-Band 6 Triple Sens

Get it on Amazon for $219.00

If you’re a fan of Casio but want a watch with a little more elegance then you’ll love the Tough PRW-3500.

Casio’s PRW3500 Pro Trek Tough Solar model is a technological marvel, ready to accompany outdoor adventurers on their most daring voyages. The bi-directional bezel is solid and won’t turn until you want it to, which is ideal for environments that are muddy and wet.

This planetary-themed piece, complete with a stainless steel rotating bezel and digital dial, is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -10°C/14°F. To illustrate, it has an impressive Triple Sensor Version 3 integration that brings atomic timekeeping, a digital compass with bearing memory, a barometer, a thermometer, and sunrise/sunset features to the Casio Protrek Tough-Solar PRW3500.

Not only that but you can also store up to 14 high/low altitudes and log auto cumulative ascents and descents in your trek log data – essential information for any impending nature excursion! That said, the functions are fairly easy to navigate, but you’re going to need to read the manual a few times.

While it looks really elegant, it’s been designed to survive tough conditions. One thing to improve is the watch strap The strap is durable and the tough glass is slightly recessed to give it extra protection from being scratched. Even though it’s super tough it is extremely light and comfortable to wear.

As with other Casio ABC watches you get endless battery life because it’s solar-powered, (although it does run on a battery) and accurate data from the Triple Sensor.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

---

Our Favorite: Best Hiking Watch

The Suunto Ambit3 Peak is our top pick.

Not only does it look good but it delivers excellent ABC performance, GPS functionality, smartwatch features and fitness tracking while still delivering a decent battery life performance.

It’s not the cheapest, nor the most expensive ABC watch, but then again, it has more features than you’d get from some of the more expensive options.

The ability to customize it, the accuracy of the ABC sensors and the great data displays make this our favorite.

Whilst we love the Tissot and you can never go wrong with a Garmin, we don’t feel that the extra price tag is worth it, especially if you’ve got a handheld GPS already.

Best for Budget Hiking Watch

If you want a cheap ABC watch that actually works then the Lad Weather Compass Altimeter Barometer Watch is a solid choice.

You get ascent and descent tracking and accurate ABC data in a watch that costs a fraction of some of the others we reviewed.

The resolution of some of the measurements like the altimeter are really impressive too.

It’s not as tough as the more expensive watches and you need to be careful not to scratch the screen but it’s a good option if you’re looking for an entry-level ABC watch.

---

ABC Watch Buying Guide

ABC watches vary in price and features, from very expensive fully-loaded devices to cheap watches with basic functionality. Understanding the different features will help you decide what ones are important for the kinds of activities you’re planning.

Altimeter

If you want to know your height above sea level then you’re going to need an altimeter.

Most ABC watches rely on atmospheric pressure to calculate your altitude. Altimeter watches with GPS will sometimes use GPS data to get a more accurate reading.

Check the period that your altimeter logs at. Some will only log the altitude every hour while others will give you a better resolution.

Also, if you’re mountaineering or planning on spending time on some serious peaks, you need to make sure what the top end of your altimeter is.

There doesn’t seem to be a standard maximum height above sea level that they all aim for.

Most good watches will give you a graph of your ascent and descent, which can be great for training purposes. You need to decide whether you need pinpoint accuracy of your elevation (for example to find your way to a high camp in a snowstorm) or whether it’s idle curiosity of how high you are.

Because atmospheric pressure changes with weather events as well as with altitude, you will need to calibrate the altimeter before you set off and during your hike.

Altitude is measured by the drop in barometric air pressure between where you are, and the baseline for sea level. However, a sudden drop in barometric pressure can happen as a result of a weather front.

So don’t assume you are going mad if you are idly sitting on a rock having your lunch and suddenly your watch thinks you’ve ascended 1000 feet! Do calibrate manually whenever possible if accuracy is important to you.

Barometer

The important info you want from your barometer isn’t the current pressure but rather what the trend in the pressure has been over a period of time.

Keeping an eye on changes in atmospheric pressure will give you a good idea of what the weather is going to do.

If your barometer indicates a rise in pressure then you should be in for some good weather. However, if the pressure drops, then it means there’s some bad weather on its way.

For those times when you might debate on whether to take on that next peak or to turn around and head back to camp, a complication like this is this is good info to know.

Basically, if pressure is dropping, a storm is likely on its way. Some watches have a storm alarm which, as the name suggests, alerts you when there is a drop in air pressure throughout a short time which would indicate that a storm is likely on its way.

Storm alarms are handy since you ought to be hiking, not staring at your watch all day!

Compass

Most ABC watches will use a 3-axis digital compass that will work regardless of the orientation of the watch.

Check the resolution of the compass if you need very precise readings for your navigation. Also, remember that the compass will automatically align with magnetic north.

For accurate navigation, you need to set the declination so that the compass shows you the true north. The declination is the difference between true and magnetic north and it varies from place to place.

Some topographic maps will show the declination for that area or you will need to look it up online.

Easy to Use Best Hiking Watch

It doesn’t help if your watch is capable of measuring all kinds of data if it’s difficult to access it. You want the interface to be intuitive and easy to use.

Make sure that the info you’re after is accessible, with one or two button presses, rather than having to do a deep dive into the menus.

Buttons

Make sure that the button layout works for you, especially if you’re a lefty.

Also, if you go out in the cold, you will want to ensure those buttons are glove-friendly, otherwise, you’ll be pushing two at once.

Large, well-spaced buttons work best.

Screen

The display needs to be clear enough in sunlight so that you don’t have to stop and squint to read.

Some watches these days use negative displays (white on black) which looks cool but some people find them harder to read than the conventional positive LCDs.

A decent-sized screen will make it easier to see in poor weather. Even though it can feel a bit bulky, it’s worth getting a larger face.

Make sure the glass is tough enough so that it doesn’t scratch easily. Usually, mineral glass displays are the most durable since they’re heat-hardened. These kinds of displays cost more but a dim, scratched-up display renders the watch useless.

Strap

A rubber strap tends to work best for outdoor pursuits, being comfortable and flexible. A strap with a lot of holes makes it easy to adjust. To clarify, buying a strap that’s long enough so you can wear the watch on the outside of your clothes is handy for when the weather is bad.

Leather and metal are other options, personally, I find the metal ones to be the most durable, but the least comfortable.

Accuracy

If you want bragging rights then by all means, go for the most accurate ABC watch.

You’re going to pay for it though.

Decide which measurement is most important for your specific needs. Some watches will have spot on compasses but their altimeter may be a little off or vice-versa.

In this respect, perfect can be the enemy of good enough.

Most ABC watches these days are pretty accurate and it’s generally their other features that would be the differentiator.

There is a difference between going climbing in remote mountain regions and wanting a watch that logs your average day hike.

GPS

Having a GPS built into the ABC watch can be a great help. It saves you from checking your map every few minutes. If there are route planning and trackback features, this makes it easy to find your way back, even in the dark.

Having a built-in GPS does come at the price of battery life. GPS features chew through batteries, so do ensure you’ve recharge potential on your way. If you’re going for a GPS-enabled watch, pay close attention to real battery life, not just what the brand claims.

Some watches allow you to connect to apps (Garmin, Movescount, Strava) and track every nuance of your hike or your fitness program, and those that allow you to upload routes can be dispensed with a handheld GPS.

Thermometer

Some watches feature a thermometer, which is useful if you are having an argument with your tent-mate about how cold it is.

Do be aware that the most accurate reading will be had by taking the watch off. That way it’s not picking up your body temperature.

Sunrise/Sunset Times

Knowing how many hours of daylight you’ve got can help you plan your hiking. Likewise, this is particularly useful if you are in a National Park that has curfews. Also helpful if you’re hunting/fishing and need to stay within a certain time range.

I particularly like knowing how many hours I’ve got available for sleep!

Water Resistance

It’s no good having a watch that pretends to be rugged and outdoorsy if it can’t withstand doing the dishes.

At the very least you’ll want one rated to 30m or more. Note that this won’t allow you to immerse the watch to 30m.

If you are planning on doing some water activity such as Kayaking or swimming, I’d pick one that’s water resistant to 100m, although 50m would likely be OK.

For diving, you’ll want something rated to over 100m – and honestly, I wouldn’t be going diving in a hiking watch.

Battery Life

This is important. There’s no good to be had relying on a watch if the battery is going to give out every few hours. Some watches come with a “traditional” watch battery, that lasts a year or more. Those with GPS, fitness trackers, and social media connectivity take a lot of power and will need to be charged – either by solar or by USB.

Solar-powered watches are pretty convenient. Unless you’re hiking in the Arctic during Polar night, as many require as little as ten minutes a day to stay charged.

USB-charged watches are a bit more annoying as you’ve got yet another lead and a portable battery charger to carry with you.

Note that battery life is significantly compromised in the cold. If you are going up a decent-sized mountain where temperatures are below freezing, you’ll need to keep your batteries warm as well as charge them more often.

Heart Rate Monitor/Fitness Tracking

For those of us who like to track every metric available, some watches come with a heart rate monitor (either a chest strap or a built-in wrist monitor) that allows you to track your heart rate and calorie burn. Getting one with these features means you can get rid of your Fitbit once and for all!

Smartphones, Apps & Connectivity

I still remember the days of going hiking or camping without so much as a walkie-talkie, let alone a telephone – much less a smartphone.

Of course these days you can pretty much have your watch posted to Facebook for you and message your mom. Well, perhaps not quite.

Just be aware that these features drain your battery pretty quickly. Bluetooth and wifi connections mean you can download all the data you’ve collected about your trip and boast on social media about how far you’ve trekked and how high you climbed. And while technology has transformed the way we explore the wild, it’s still essential to know the basics of the environment around us. For instance, can you tell the difference between bobcat and coyote tracks? Check out our guide on identifying bobcat vs. coyote tracks to brush up on these crucial skills.

---

Conclusion on Best Hiking Watch

If you invest in the best altimeter, barometer, or compass watch and use it in conjunction with a good relief map then it can save you from having to carry a handheld GPS device.

How helpful that information will be comes down to accuracy and ease of use. If you just like the idea of knowing where north is or having a fair idea of your height above sea level then a cheap ABC watch will do.

If you want something reliable and accurate that you can use to make key hiking and climbing decisions then spend a few more dollars and get the best ABC watch that your budget allows for.

---

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

---

Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?

Here are some links to our most popular articles:

• Arc’teryx Alpha SL 23 Backpack– Tested in Early Spring
• Best Hiking Apps for Your Next Adventure
• How to Avoid Getting Lost When Hiking- It’s Easier Than You Think
• Lost on a Trail- Best Locator Beacons to Get You Home Alive
• Best Energy Bars for Hiking to Keep Hunger at Bay

Product image credits: Amazon.com

Winter Hiking Outfit and Gear – What to Wear for Your Winter Hike

Read more...

Best Backpacking Stoves: Camp Cooking Made Easy & Fun!

Read more...

How to Choose the Best Camp Cookware for Your Outdoor Adventure

Read more...

Best Camping Accessories for Your Next Trip – Our Top 10 List

Read more...

Camp Coffee: How to Stay Caffeinated on the Trail

Read more...

Paradise Found: Pismo Beach Camping Delights

Read more...

Best Rooftop Tents for Car Camping Comfort

Read more...

Best Personal Locator Beacons: Stay Safe and Found Outdoors

Read more...

Best Backpacking Saw: Cutting Edge Reviews

Read more...

Conquer the Cold: Your Guide to Thrilling Camping in Cold Weather

Read more...

Discover the Best Mountaineering Tents for Any Adventure

Read more...

21 Best Camping Games for Adults For a Memorable Trip

Read more...

What’s a Backpacking Poop Kit? When Nature Calls

Read more...

Last update on 2025-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API