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How to Choose the Right Outdoor Watch and 6 Practical Recommendations You'll Never Want to Take Off [Having one or not will change your mountain climbing experience]

Yasushi Hisatomi

Outdoor watches, which are watches designed for use in mountain climbing and other outdoor activities, are convenient

Of course, you can climb mountains without wearing one. However, I personally think that even among these "not necessary, but convenient to have" items, this outdoor watch is a very high priority tool, and is at the top of the list of items that you should definitely have if you are serious about enjoying the mountains

I've been experimenting with various types of watches for over 10 years, starting with the CASIO PRO TREK series I first purchased the Garmin Fenix ​​6X Pro Dual Power . It's not a cheap model, but I've never regretted it. The unparalleled sense of security and convenience it offers, no matter where you are, is so compelling that once you try it, you'll never go back.

In this article, we will introduce various types of recommended models for those who are seriously considering purchasing an outdoor watch, and outline the points you should check when purchasing, such as their differences, structure, features, and useful functions

6 Recommended Outdoor Watches for This Season

Overall winner: Garmin fēnix 7X Sapphire Dual Power Ti Carbon Gray DLC
. From alpinists to trail runners, this flagship watch is perfect for all athletes who challenge the limits.

GARMIN fenix 7X Sapphire Dual Power Ti Black DLC / Black Solar-Charged Multisport GPS Watch with Power Sapphire Crystal [Official Japanese Product] Small
Garmin

This high-end model combines top-class functionality, accuracy, toughness, and long life. Built-in offline topographical maps, improved GPS positioning, and solar charging capabilities further enhance reliability in harsh environments. This model also supports touchscreen operation, improving operability. While the previous model has been improved in several ways, including improved GPS accuracy, battery life, and touchscreen compatibility, I'm still satisfied with the previous model, the 6, and don't plan on upgrading anytime soon (though the price is...), it's undoubtedly the king of smartwatches at the moment

Runner-up: COROS VERTIX 2 GPS Adventure Watch - A
lightweight, durable, highly functional, and easy-to-use adventure watch

COROS VERTIX 2 GPS Adventure Watch
created by Rinker

The lightweight titanium alloy body with DLC diamond coating provides approximately 60 hours of operation in GPS mode, making it ideal for harsh outdoor environments. Dual-frequency satellite communication ensures outstanding GPS accuracy. It also features a function to prevent altitude sickness. The touchscreen and digital dials make it easy to operate, even with gloves on

Runner-up 2: SUUNTO 9 PEAK:
Lightweight, durable, and stylish, packed with advanced features

[Discount Coupon Available] [Free Shipping] Suunto 9 Peak All Black (Official Japanese Product #SS050522000) [Next-Day Delivery] [Suunto: Sports & Outdoors, Outdoor, Precision Instruments] [SUUNTO SUUNTO 9 PEAK All BLACK]

It combines excellent functionality and durability with an ultra-thin, lightweight, and sophisticated design. It supports over 80 activities and has a wide range of functions, from GPS navigation to pacemaking, blood oxygen levels, and music control, as well as a long battery life. While the design is nice and easy to use, I personally prefer Garmin in terms of the convenience of the app and the reliability of the watch

Garmin Instinct 2 Dual Power Tactical Edition Black: A high-performance model with a full range of features.
Enhanced solar power generation provides "toughness + long battery life."

GARMIN Instinct 2 Dual Power Tactical Edition Black, 45mm Diameter, Suica Compatible, Tough Outdoor GPS Watch, Small [Official Japanese Product]
created by Rinker
Garmin
¥62,062 (as of 2026/02/18 18:45:59, according to Amazon - details)

While lightweight, it's highly durable and meets US military standards. Enhanced solar power generation ensures a long battery life of up to 48 hours in GPS and optical heart rate mode. It also features an easier-to-read display and electronic money payment functionality, making it even more convenient for everyday use

A great value model at a great price: Casio Pro Trek PRG-270-1JF.
This PRO TREK watch offers reliable basic functionality and durability, while also being beginner-friendly and easy to use.

Casio Pro Trek Solar Watch PRG-270-1JF Black
created by Rinker
PROTREK
¥21,800 (as of 2026/02/18 18:46:00, according to Amazon - details)

Recommended for those who mainly use it for everyday wear and also do some outdoor activities: Apple Watch Series 7
has improved durability and visibility, making it easier to use outdoors.

Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS) - 45mm Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - Regular
created by Rinker
Apple

The 7th generation model boasts durability with a shatter-resistant front crystal and enhanced dust and water resistance. Its expanded display area and high-resolution display make it even easier to use outdoors. By linking with a wide range of apps, including mountain map apps, it offers many convenient features for everyday use and mountain climbing. However, there are concerns about its durability and operating temperature when it comes to serious mountain climbing in harsh environments, including the harsh winter

How to Choose: 7 Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Watch

What is an outdoor watch? What can you do with an outdoor watch?

So-called "outdoor watches" equipped with compasses and altimeters are powerful and convenient tools (wristwatches) that not only allow climbers and mountain skiers who work in the deep mountains, where there is basically no other person or radio signal, to know the time, but also to determine their current location more accurately and avoid weather-related dangers .

Outdoor watches, which were once mainstream for a long time, mainly refer to watches equipped with three functions: altimeter, barometer, and compass

Altimeter, barometer, and compass are the three essential features of an outdoor watch

However, in recent years, these functions have become commonplace, and in fact, a growing number of high-performance watches have been released that are packed with advanced and complex functions suited to a wide variety of activities and sports, not just mountain climbing

For example, one of the main features of many of the latest outdoor watches is GPS, a feature that is now familiar to everyone on their smartphones

Some people might be thinking, "If that's all you need, then surely a smartphone is enough?" It's certainly possible if you're just going out into nature nearby

However, if you're aiming for a longer, more challenging journey, it's a completely different story. Outdoor watches have many features that make them ideal for use in tough environments, such as more durable. When it comes to reliability, such as being able to use a watch stably and accurately in the harsh, dangerous wilderness, a smartphone is simply not up to the task.

Furthermore, while outdoor watches used to be equipped with an altimeter, barometer, and compass, technological advances have led to a wide range of advanced functions, including the GPS function mentioned above. Not only are they safer than in the past, but there are also an increasing number of great features that make mountain climbing more enjoyable and motivating

To choose the best outdoor watch for you, it's important to determine the necessary features based on what you'll be doing with the watch. Today, there are a wide variety of options available, from simple functions to sophisticated and complicated models, so when purchasing, you need to consider various factors and your financial means to choose the best model

So, from now on, we will introduce the features you should consider and how to choose the best outdoor watch for you

Point 1: Choose the type of outdoor watch

The mainstream shifts from analog displays to digital displays and then to smartwatches

Like regular wristwatches, outdoor watches come in both analog and digital display types

Are traditional analog outdoor watches merely a nostalgic pastime? It's a bit premature to dismiss them that way. Analog certainly has its own advantages

What is often mentioned is the "ease of understanding" in the sense that you can immediately understand the general time from the relative positions of the hour and minute hands. For some people, the "high reliability" of a watch made with stable technology and the excellent "design" that feels natural even when worn on a daily basis may also be indispensable points

In contrast, digital watches, which were the mainstream mountain watch until a few years ago, have the advantage of not only offering "precision" in the millisecond range and "abundance of data" that can be checked, but also offering a different kind of "ease of understanding" than analog watches, by being able to neatly organize and display that data

However, personally, I don't think there's much of a fundamental difference between the two above. They both share the most important features of "clock function," "ABC function," and "long-lasting solar battery life," and there's no doubt that their "high availability," meaning they can be used safely and without obsolete even 10 years from now, is an irreplaceable attraction. There are also many types of watches these days that feature a mix of analog and digital displays

In contrast, what has been particularly noteworthy in recent years is the evolution of "smartwatches" that are designed to be connected to smartphones. These allow you to freely customize the display (watch face), regardless of whether it's analog or digital. The number of available functions has increased dramatically, even to include those unrelated to mountain climbing, making them as convenient and comfortable as having a smartphone on your wristwatch. At this point, it's more appropriate to call them "computers with watch functions" than high-performance watches. The emergence of smartwatches can be seen as a major turning point in the millennia-long history of timepieces

Considering these pros and cons, if you're looking to buy an outdoor watch now, and you want to enjoy the latest activities with the latest technology at the most cutting-edge in safety and comfort, a smartwatch is undoubtedly the best choice. The first reason is, of course, the wide variety of functions that make activities safer and more comfortable, but another big factor is that many of the advantages of analog watches, such as visibility and battery life, have been overcome by digital smartwatches. After all, there are so many appealing features here that once you try one, you'll never want to go back, so it's safe to say that there's no reason not to choose a smartwatch now

However, if you're happy to continue enjoying mountain climbing at your own pace as before and don't think it's worth buying a new model every three years, I honestly wouldn't recommend a smartwatch. Because smartwatches are completely electronic devices, their functionality and battery will deteriorate after a few years, making it unrealistic to continue using them. For those people, you should choose a classic outdoor watch, either analog or digital

In any case, when choosing an outdoor watch, be sure to weigh the necessary features, price, and future replacement needs. For reference, we have put together a table comparing the features we have just discussed

kinds Analog type Digital Type Smartwatch Type
Easy to understand ◎ ◯ ◯
Design ◎ ◯ ◯
Data accuracy ◯ ◎ ◎
Data abundance △ ◯ ◎
Rich functionality △ ◯ ◎
Long-lasting operation ◎ ◎ ◯
Availability (will it last forever?) ◎ ◎ △

Point 2: What features do you need?

The more you have, the more convenient it is, but the cost inevitably increases. Consider the price and determine the features you need

Outdoor watches come equipped with a variety of functions depending on the price. Not everyone needs a full range of functions, so it's important to choose a model that has the features you need to suit your preferences, but it's also true that at first it can be difficult to know which features are essential for you. So, having used models ranging from basic to high-end, I'll introduce the features I personally prioritize in order. By the way, I'll be excluding watch functions such as "clock, alarm, stopwatch" as a given

1) Altimeter

When it comes to outdoor watches, this feature is an absolute must

As the name suggests, the altimeter is a function that helps you know the altitude of your current location. For example, if you know the altitude of a location, the point on the map where the mountain path and altitude intersect is your current location, so you can know your current location no matter how poor the visibility is, which is very useful for preventing you from getting lost

However, it's important to note that the accuracy of altimeters varies depending on the manufacturer, model, and even the environment, and they may not always show accurate figures. This is because the method of measuring altitude is based on the principle that air pressure decreases as altitude increases, and altitude is calculated using a complex formula that uses the watch's built-in air pressure sensor and a reference air pressure. Conversely, this mechanism also means that even if you are in the same location, your altitude will change if the weather (air pressure) changes. This is why it's said that altimeters should be manually calibrated as frequently as possible in a place where you can know your altitude

2) Barometer

The barometric pressure sensor is not only necessary for calculating altitude as mentioned above, but is also a very useful function outdoors simply for knowing atmospheric pressure and its changes over time. Generally, a drop in barometric pressure indicates the arrival of a low-pressure system, and if you notice a sudden drop in barometric pressure, you can detect an approaching storm in that area

Some watches can use this to sound a storm alert. Conversely, if the air pressure is increasing, you can expect the storm to pass and high pressure to arrive. Digital watches may even be able to graph these changes in air pressure. It's a good idea to check not just whether the watch can tell you the air pressure, but also whether it has these alert and graph functions

3) Compass

A compass (magnetic needle) is an essential tool for determining your current location when hiking, but if your watch has this function, you won't have to take it out of your bag or hang it around your neck every time. This is undoubtedly one of the most important features of an outdoor watch. In that case, if the watch is equipped with a 3D compass that works properly even when the watch is tilted, it will show accurate direction regardless of the angle of your wrist

Personally, this is enough for me, but some models also come with other convenient features that are unique to outdoor watches, such as a "magnetic declination correction" function that changes the reference for direction measurement to true north (instead of magnetic north), allowing you to travel from your current location to your destination while aligning perfectly with the direction on the map. These features are of course useful for hiking, but they will surely be especially useful for activities such as orienteering, which make full use of a map and compass

4) GPS

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a network of multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. When a GPS receiver receives signals from three or more satellites, it can determine your current location using the triangulation method. Using the GPS function not only tells you your current location, but also graphically displays your exact route, movement speed, and pace

In fact, GPS does not refer to the satellite positioning system itself; it is actually the name of a positioning satellite network operated by the United States. There are currently many other positioning satellites orbiting the Earth, including Russia's GLONASS, Europe's Galileo, Japan's Michibiki, and China's BeiDdou. Furthermore, these satellites each emit two frequencies, L1 and L5. It's too complicated to explain further, but in recent years, technology for receiving and analyzing these multiple positioning satellites and frequencies has evolved, and the GPS accuracy of high-quality outdoor watches is constantly improving. For this reason, the technology used to analyze positioning satellites varies from watch to watch. Naturally, the more satellites and signals received, and the more advanced the positioning calculation technology, the faster and more accurate the results will be. Therefore, we recommend checking not only whether a watch has a GPS function, but also which satellites are being received and what technology is being used

5) Smartphone/app linkage (log measurement)

Simply put, smartphone/app connectivity refers to the ability to send and save various measurement data (logs) recorded during activities to a computer or smartphone, and to receive phone calls, messages, notifications, etc. from a smartphone on the watch. In this case, the prerequisite is the ability to measure and record various activity data using GPS, and an application that can display, analyze, and manipulate this saved data on a PC or smartphone, and share activities with friends is also essential; analog outdoor watches do not have these functions to begin with, and these are the areas where smartwatches, which are becoming the mainstream outdoor watch, excel

For example, Garmin's watches can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth to send and receive information, and the "GarminConnect" app can be used to store, analyze, and share that information on the smartphone (see photo below). This platform, accessible only to Garmin users, allows users to participate in challenges aimed at Garmin users, share workouts, running courses, and training plans, and builds a unique "ecosystem" that allows users to add new apps and features. Similarly, other manufacturers, such as Suunto, Coros, and Polar, each have their own dedicated apps and platforms, competing with each other for functionality and convenience

It's important to note that if your first purchase is an outdoor watch from a different manufacturer, it's possible that you won't be able to transfer your previous data. When choosing an outdoor watch, you need to think not only about the item, but also about which platform to choose

6) Offline Maps

There are two ways to always check maps on your watch, even in places without signal reception. One is to download maps to the app you use on your watch each time. This is possible with smartwatches that run on platforms such as iPhone's watchOS or Android's Wear OS by Google, and by using a compatible mountain climbing map app

With this method, you have to put up with the inconveniences of accidentally forgetting to download maps, having a limited amount of map downloads, and even having to pay for some apps to use them comfortably, so I personally prefer the alternative option of using an outdoor watch with a built-in "offline map." With this, you can check hiking maps anytime without having to download them every time, and you don't have to pay any additional fees

The downside of offline map functionality is that outdoor watches with this feature tend to be high-spec and expensive. Also, since it's just a watch display, it's hard to see a wide area (maps are easier to see on paper or a smartphone). However, it's still very useful if you just want to check your current location, so I still find it very useful

7) Heart Rate Monitor

It is not uncommon for high-performance outdoor watches these days to come equipped with a heart rate monitor, which allows you to check your current heart rate in real time, record changes in your heart rate while you are out, and later review your performance in more detail

What's useful about knowing your current heart rate? Simply put, it allows you to objectively check your exercise intensity and see if you're going too fast. For those who hike as a hobby, it helps you maintain your exercise volume, and for athletes interested in improving their times, it can serve as an indicator of efficient training to improve muscle strength and stamina. Another thing I personally find useful is that a heart rate monitor can measure your "VO2 max," an indicator of your fitness level, and measure calories burned

Most watches measure heart rate from the wrist using a sensor on the back of the watch, but for more accurate measurement, you can use a heart rate strap worn around the chest. If you're looking to push yourself to your limits, you should consider a manufacturer or model that offers this option

8) Navigation function

Some smartwatches offer a feature where you can upload routes and courses from an app to the watch, and when you reach a fork or a corner, the watch will beep to guide you along the route. This feature can be helpful when you're on a new route, or if you're caught in a rainstorm or fumes. However, while electronic maps and navigation features may provide some peace of mind, it's important to remember that nothing beats a good old-fashioned paper map in terms of reliability

9) Other useful features

There are also a few other features that I found useful when hiking or outdoors (although not always). They vary from basic features to unique features from each manufacturer, but I'll introduce them below for reference

Sunrise and sunset times...useful for planning your activities for the day and the next day

Thermometer: Useless while worn on the wrist, but if you strap it to your backpack or inside your tent, you can measure the outside temperature

Blood oxygen level: An indicator of whether or not your body (blood) is taking in enough oxygen from the air. This is useful in that it allows you to quickly detect the risk of altitude sickness

Weather forecast: You can see the general weather trends for the area you've identified using GPS. This is for reference only

Music player and electronic money compatible...great for everyday running rather than on the mountain

Point 3: Durability, waterproofing, and operation at low temperatures

In the natural environment where outdoor watches are used, there are all sorts of potential sources of damage to the watch, including dust, mud, hard rocks, rivers, rainwater, and sharp mountain gear. Given the possibility of encountering such harsh conditions and unexpected falls, a good outdoor watch needs to be appropriately "durable," "water-resistant," and "able to withstand low temperatures." Be sure to check these three points when choosing your first model

1) Durability

When checking durability, some things to check include whether the lenses are made of scratch-resistant, hard glass such as sapphire crystal glass, whether the case and bezel are made of materials that are lightweight and durable, and whether the model has passed certain tests such as ``MIL-spec compliant,'' which is the US military standard

2) Waterproof

It also needs to be able to withstand exposure to water and submersion, so we recommend looking for a watch that is water resistant to at least 50 meters, preferably 100 meters or more. This will prevent water from swimming, rain, sweat, etc. from getting into the watch's internal mechanisms and causing corrosion

3) Low temperature operation

Furthermore, if you want your watch to function properly even when climbing mountains in winter, you'll want the minimum operating temperature to be at least -10°C, and preferably -20°C

Point 4: Operating time (battery life)

There's nothing more stressful than worrying about the battery running out every time you use a watch. Until a few years ago, even if a smartwatch had high functionality, many people were put off buying one because of the unreliable battery life that required daily USB charging

However, the quality of the batteries in recent smartwatch-style outdoor watches has improved considerably, and some models can continue GPS tracking even on long courses spanning several days. Of course, battery life will vary depending on the use of battery-consuming features (map processing, music playback, push notifications, etc.) and traveling in areas with low GPS signals (poor sky visibility), but other models are at least now able to prevent nonsense situations like the watch suddenly dying in the middle of a day hike

However, most non-smartwatch outdoor watches (analog and digital types) are basically solar-powered, which are much longer-lasting and more reliable than USB-chargeable watches, making them still more suitable for long-term expeditions lasting several weeks with limited opportunities to charge, and they can be used almost indefinitely by simply wearing the watch (battery life will vary depending on the power requirements of the watch)

When considering battery life, it's natural that models that combine functionality with long battery life are more expensive. To determine how much battery performance you need, we recommend considering the routes you plan to take in the future and how long you want to use it at full functionality without charging, and then checking the item's specifications with a little leeway

Battery life varies greatly depending on the model, and the specs are fairly accurate, so be sure to check them carefully before purchasing

For example, I'm (for now) looking to use it safely on mountain trips of up to a week. I'll probably bring a portable battery with me, and I'll charge it once. The current Garmin f?nix 6X Pro's "up to 60 hours of GPS + optical heart rate monitor" specs mean that, assuming about 10 hours of use per day, it will last about a week on a single charge, which is just about right in terms of capacity. Furthermore, this model also features the latest solar charging functionality, which should extend its lifespan. On the other hand, if this is sufficient for day trips or overnight hikes, then these figures are overkill, and a cheaper model would be fine

Or, for runners aiming for a 100-mile ultra-trail race like UTMF, depending on your speed, you'll want at least 30 hours of battery life, assuming you'll be using all the features for a long time without having time to leisurely charge it. On the other hand, if you're listening to music while running in a marathon or around town, you'll need to take into account the increased battery consumption in addition to the distance traveled

Point 5: Weight and size

Of course, it's best for a watch to be lightweight and compact, but for now, there's a trade-off between functionality, battery life, and weight and size. I've gotten used to it over the years, but if I had to choose, in my personal experience, I think I'd be happier if I prioritized functionality over weight (unless the weight or size was excessive)

Point 6: Screen visibility

The size of the dial and display, as well as the clarity of the screen, greatly influence how easy a watch is to read. Another hidden evaluation point is how easy it is to see the screen in strong sunlight. Especially when displaying a lot of data on one screen or looking at maps, a model that allows for a clear display on a large screen even under various adverse conditions is ideal. However, it cannot be denied that they can feel quite bulky on the wrist. This may come down to personal preference, but from personal experience, I can say that "you eventually get used to the size."

Point 7: Operability

Additionally, when considering situations such as operating a watch while wearing gloves in winter, the larger the buttons and the wider the spacing between them, the more convenient and operable they will be. I don't dislike sleek designs or the "touchscreen" watches that have become more common recently, but if you're thinking about year-round usability in the mountains, they may not be necessary

summary

The world of outdoor watches is evolving rapidly, with the integration of computers and watches progressing at an incredible speed that was unthinkable just 10 years ago

However, perhaps this is the fate of electronic devices, as even a smartwatch from just three years ago can feel outdated and people tend to lose interest in it. In that sense, smartwatches have become "home appliances," and while they're more convenient than ever before, they can still leave a bit of a sense of loneliness. In contrast, while classic outdoor watches may feel lacking in functionality, they often tend to retain the primitive charm of a tool: their simplicity provides a sense of stability, their design and ease of use as a watch, and, above all, the attachment that only comes from using them for a long time

In any case, when searching for the perfect watch for you, you need to weigh all these different features and functions against your budget and sort out what you need and what you don't. We hope this article has been helpful and that you can enjoy the process and find the perfect watch for you

   

Related reading

Review: Garmin Fenix ​​6X Pro Dual Power This is what we've been waiting for: an outdoor smartwatch that satisfies the desires of all athletes and weekend adventurers
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Buying Guide: CASIO, GARMIN, and EPSON: Finding the Best GPS Outdoor Watch for Your Purpose [Part 1]
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