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Once you've worn it, you can't take it off, and 6 practical recommended outdoor watches, including: If you have one, your mountain climbing changes depending on whether you have one

Yasushi Hisatomi

Watches and outdoor watches are convenient, designed for use in mountain climbing and outdoor activities.

Of course, you can climb the mountain even if you don't wear it. However, personally, I think this outdoor watch is one of the most important items that are "needless to have, but useful to have" tools, and one of the most important items you should definitely have if you are serious about enjoying the mountains.

Looking back at my own situation, I have been traveling through a variety of different types of wristwatches for over 10 years, starting with the CASIO PRO TREK series He is currently active in the Garmin Fenix ​​6X Pro Dual Power . It's a model that's not cheap, but I've never thought of the two letters of regret. After all, this unique sense of security and convenience you can get no matter where you are, has such a devastating charm that you can't go back to once you use it.

In this article, for those who are seriously looking to get an outdoor watch, we will introduce various types of recommended models, while also organizing the points you should check out when purchasing, such as differences, structure, features, and useful features.

6 recommended outdoor watches this season

1st overall: Garmin fēnix 7X Sapphire Dual Power Ti Carbon Gray
From DLC Alpinists to trail runners. Flagship for all athletes who challenge the limits

GARMIN fenix 7X Sapphire Dual Power Ti Black DLC / Black Solar Charging Power Sapphire Glass Multi-Sport GPS Watch [Genuine Japanese Product] Small
GARMIN

A high-end model that combines the highest class functionality, accuracy, toughness and long life. It has a built-in offline topographic map, and the evolved GPS positioning function and solar charging function further improve reliability in harsh environments. Starting with this model, it also supports touch operations and improves operability. The previous model has evolved in several ways, including GPS accuracy, battery life, and touchscreen compatibility, but I am still happy with the previous model 6 so I have no plans to replace it for the time being (the price is...), but it is definitely the King of Smartwatch at the moment.

Runner-up 1: COROS VERTIX 2 GPS Adventure Watch
A lightweight, robust and highly functional adventure watch that is excellent for use

COROS VERTIX 2 GPS Adventure Watch
created by Rinker

The lightweight body made of DLC diamond coating and titanium alloy allows for long operation of approximately 60 hours in GPS mode, making it ideal for harsh outdoor activities. Excellent GPS accuracy is achieved through double-frequency satellite communication. It also has a function to prevent the occurrence of altitude sickness. In addition to the touch screen, the digital dial also makes it easy to use even when wearing gloves.

Runner-up 2: SUUNTO 9 PEAK
Lightweight, robust, stylish body packed with advanced features

[Discount coupon available] [Free shipping] Suunto 9 Peak All Black Japanese genuine product #SS050522000 [Next day delivery] [SUUNTO: Sports/Outdoor Outdoor Precision Equipment] [SUUNTO SUUNTO 9 PEAK All BLACK]

The ultra-thin, lightweight, and sophisticated design combines excellent functionality and strength. It supports over 80 activities, and in addition to a variety of functions, including GPS navigation, pacemaking, blood oxygen level, and music control, it also has a long battery life. Although the design is nice and not too easy to use, I personally find Garmin a little better in terms of the convenience of the app and the difficulty of breaking down.

High-value performance model with a rich functionality: Garmin Instinct 2 Dual Power Tactical Edition Black
Enhanced solar power generation to achieve "toughness + long battery"

GARMIN Instinct 2 Dual Power Tactical Edition Black Diameter 45mm Suica Compatible Toughness Outdoor GPS Watch [Genuine Japanese Product] Small
created by Rinker
GARMIN
¥68,200 (As of 2025/08/20 02:35:44, according to Amazon - details)

Although lightweight, it is highly durable and complies with US military standards, and reinforced solar power generation provides a long life of up to 48 hours with GPS and optical heart rate monitor mode. It also has an easier viewing display and an electronic money payment function, making it even more convenient for everyday use.

A high-value model that satisfies the price: Casio Pro Trek PRG-270-1JF
PRO TREK brand, with reliable basic functions and durability, while also offering beginner-friendly prices and ease of use.

[Casio] Pro Trek Solar Watch PRG-270-1JF Black
created by Rinker
PROTREK
¥26,800 (As of 2025/08/20 02:35:44, according to Amazon - details)

Recommended for those who are mainly used for everyday use and want to go outdoors: Apple Watch Series 7
Improved durability and visibility, making it easier to use outdoors

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

The 7th generation is more durable, including crack-resistant front crystals and reinforced dust and waterproofing, and the expanded display area and high-definition display make it easier to use outdoors. By linking with a wide range of apps such as mountain climbing map apps, you can use many useful functions for mountain climbing as well as everyday use. However, there is a concern about the durability and operating temperature for serious mountain climbing in harsh environments, including harsh winters.

How to Choose: 7 Tips to Choose Your Outdoor Watch Smartly

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

The so-called "outdoor watch" equipped with a compass or altimeter is a powerful and useful tool ( watch) that allows mountaineers and mountain skiers who are active in the deep nature of mountains that are not intruded into, not only can they know the time, but can also understand their current location more accurately and avoid weather hazards .

Outdoor watches, which were once the mainstream for a long time, altimeter, barometer, and compass , and are called "ABC watches" by taking the initials of the altimeter, barometer, and compass.

The altimeter, barometer, and compass are the three essential functions of the outdoor watch.

However, these functions have become commonplace in recent years, and in reality, high-performance watches have been appearing one after another, with plenty of advanced and complex functions tailored to a wide variety of activities and sports, not just mountain climbing.

For example, one of the most representative features of many modern outdoor watches is the GPS. This is the feature that is familiar to all smartphones nowadays.

Here too, some people may say, "If that's all, wouldn't a smartphone be enough?" It's certainly possible if you just step into the familiar nature.

However, if you aim for a longer, harsher journey, the story is completely different. have many features that are convenient for use in tough environments, such as being able to identify your current location with higher accuracy than smartphones, allowing you to keep track of them for longer periods of time, and even more difficult to break the reliability of being able to use it more accurately, without breaking, and stably in the harsh nature of danger , it is far too unreliable on a smartphone.

Furthermore, outdoor watches used to have an altimeter, barometer, and compass, but with advances in technology, they have become more diverse and advanced functions, including the GPS function mentioned earlier, and more wonderful features are being released that are not only safer than before, but also make mountain climbing even more fun and motivated.

In order to choose the best outdoor watch for you, it is important to determine the "necessary functions" based on what you will do with that watch. Nowadays, there are a wide variety of options available, from simple functions to sophisticated and complex, and when purchasing, you need to consider various points and choose the best model, taking into account the various points.

So, starting next, we will introduce the features you should consider and how to choose the outdoor watch that's best for you.

Point 1: Choose your outdoor watch type

The mainstream is from analog display to digital display and smartwatches

Just like regular watches, outdoor watches come in both analog and digital displays.

Is traditional analog outdoor watches just a nostalgic hobby? It's a bit too early to cut it off. There are certainly benefits to analogue.

What is often said is "easy to understand" in the sense that the positions of the short and long hands allow you to quickly understand the time in a broad frame. The stable technology makes it a watch so reliable, and the excellent design that it doesn't look out of place even when worn everyday may be a must-have for some people.

In contrast, digital watches, which were the mainstream for mountain watches until a few years ago, are their strengths in that they generally provide "precision" in milliseconds and "a wealth of data" that can be confirmed, as well as "easy to understand" in a different sense than analog, allowing you to organize and display this data well.

However, from my personal perspective, I feel that the basic differences between the above are not that big now. Both have the most important features of "clock function," "ABC function," and "long-term operation using solar batteries," and there is no doubt that it has an irreplaceable appeal to anything, as its "high availability" that allows you to use it with confidence without getting out of stock even after 10 years. Recently, there are many display types that are mixed with analog and digital.

On the other hand, what's particularly noteworthy recently is the evolution of the "smartwatch" type, which is intended to be linked to smartphones. This display (watch face) can be freely changed, so analog or digital display is not relevant. The number of available functions has increased dramatically, including those that are not related to mountain climbing, providing the convenience and comfort that is as if a smartphone is on a wristwatch. At this point, it's more appropriate to say that this is a "computer with clock function" rather than a high-performance watch. The emergence of smartwatches is a huge turning point in the history of watches that have lasted thousands of years.

Given these advantages and disadvantages, if you're looking to buy an outdoor watch now, then if you want to enjoy the latest activities with the latest technology and always with the latest safety and comfort, then the best thing to do is to choose a smartwatch. The first reason is of course the wide range of features that make activities safe and comfortable, but it is also important that many of the advantages of analog, such as visibility and battery life, have been overcome with digital smartwatch types. After all, there are many charms here that you won't be able to go back once you use it, so there's no reason to choose a smartwatch now.

However, as long as you enjoy the mountain climbing slowly as before, that's fine, and for those who find it incredible to buy a new model every three years, I honestly don't recommend the smartwatch type. Smartwatch types are completely electrical appliances, so after a few years, their functions and batteries will deteriorate, making it impossible to continue using them realistically. For those people, choose between classic outdoor watches, either analog or digital.

In any case, choose your outdoor watch type by weighing the features you need, price, and future replacements. For reference, we have compiled a table of the features we just mentioned.

kinds Analog type Digital type Smartwatch type
Easy to understand ◎ ◯ ◯
Design ◎ ◯ ◯
Data precision ◯ ◎ ◎
Abundance of data △ ◯ ◎
Rich in features △ ◯ ◎
Long-term drive ◎ ◎ ◯
Availability (can you use it for a long time) ◎ ◎ △

Point 2: What functions do you need?

It's convenient as long as you have it, but it also makes it even more cost-effective. Consult with price to determine the features you need

Outdoor watches come with a variety of features depending on the price. Since no full functionality is required for everyone, it is important to choose a model that has the necessary features that suit your taste, but it is also true that it is difficult to understand which features are necessary for you at first. So far, I have been using everything from basic to high-end models, and will introduce them in order of the features that are of high priority. Incidentally, watch functions such as "clocks, alarms, and stopwatch" are excluded as a basic premise.

1) Altimeter

When it comes to outdoor watches, this feature is something you can't underestimate.

As the name suggests, the altimeter is a useful function to know the elevation of your current location. For example, if you know the altitude of the location, you can see your current location no matter how poorly visible you are, as the intersection of the mountain path and the altitude on the map is your current location, which is extremely useful in preventing you from getting lost.

However, it is important to note that altimeters vary in accuracy depending on the manufacturer, model, and even the environment, and do not always show accurate numbers. This is because the altitude measurement method uses a complex calculation formula that uses the atmospheric pressure sensor on the clock and the reference atmospheric pressure, based on the principle that atmospheric pressure decreases as the altitude rises. Conversely, this mechanism also means that even though you are in the same place, the altitude changes simply by changing the weather (atmospheric pressure). This is why it is said that altimeters need manual corrections in places where altitude can be as frequently as possible.

2) Barometer

The atmospheric pressure sensor is not only necessary to calculate the altitude mentioned above, but it is also a very useful function for outdoor use, as it simply means knowing atmospheric pressure and its temporal changes. Generally, a drop in pressure means the arrival of a low pressure system, and if it is known that the pressure has suddenly dropped, you can sense that a storm is approaching the area.

Some watches can use this to sound a storm warning. Conversely, if the pressure tends to increase, you can expect the storm to pass and high pressure will arrive. With a digital clock, you may be able to graph these changes in atmospheric pressure. It's a good idea to check not only whether you can see the air pressure, but also to see if there are any alert or graph functions like this.

3) Compass

The compass (directional needle) you need to know where you are currently a must-have tool for mountain climbing, but if your watch has the function, you don't have to take it out of your bag or hang it around your neck every time. This is also one of the most important features of an outdoor watch. In this case, if the 3D compass is installed that works properly even when the clock is tilted, it will show you an accurate orientation regardless of the angle of your wrist.

Personally, this is sufficient, but there are other models that have useful features unique to outdoor watches, such as the "magnetic deflection correction" function that changes the orientation measurement criteria to true north (rather than magnetic north), allowing you to move from your current location to your destination perfectly while adjusting the direction on the map. These features are of course useful for hiking, but they are sure to be especially useful for activities such as orienteering, which makes full use of maps and compasses.

4) GPS

GPS is a global positioning system, a network of multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. When a GPS receiver receives signals from three or more satellites, it can identify the current location using the triangular intersection method, so using the GPS function not only allows you to know your current location, but also graphically know the exact route, movement speed, and pace

In fact, GPS does not represent the mechanism of satellite positioning itself, but is actually the name of the positioning satellite network operated by the United States. Many other positioning satellites are now floating around Earth, including Russia's GLONASS, Europe's Galileo, Japan's Michibiki, and China's BeiDdou. Furthermore, these satellites emit radio waves of two frequencies, L1 and L5, respectively. This is too complicated and I will skip the explanation, but in recent years, technology for receiving and analyzing these multiple positioning satellites and frequencies has been evolving, and GPS accuracy on excellent outdoor watches is currently continuing to improve. For this reason, which positioning satellites are analyzed using what technology differs depending on the outdoor watch, and of course, the more satellites and radio waves they receive, and the higher the positioning calculation technology, the faster and more accurate they become. Therefore, we recommend checking not only whether they have a GPS function, but also what type of satellites are receiving and what type of technology.

5) Smartphone and app integration (log measurement)

Simply put, smartphone/app linking refers to a function that allows you to send and save various measurement data (logs) recorded during your actions to a computer or smartphone, and to receive calls, messages, notifications, etc. from your smartphone on your watch. In this case, the premise is that you need a function to measure and record various behavioral data using the GPS function, and an application that allows you to view, analyze and operate these saved records on your PC or smartphone, as well as share activities with friends is also essential.Analog outdoor watches do not have these functions in the first place, and these are the parts of smartwatches that are currently becoming the mainstream of outdoor watches.

For example, in the case of Garmin, you can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth to send and receive information, and you can save, analyze, and share information on your smartphone using an app called "GarminConnect" (photo below). This platform, accessible only to Garmin users, has created a unique "ecosystem" that allows Garmin users to participate in challenges, share workouts, running courses, training plans, and more, as well as add new apps and features. Similarly, other manufacturers such as Suunto, Coros, and Polar each have their own dedicated apps and platforms, and the current situation is that they compete for high functionality and convenience.

What you should be aware of here is that if the first thing you will buy is an outdoor watch from another manufacturer, it is often possible that past data will not be able to be carried over. When choosing an outdoor watch, you need to be aware of not only the items but also the platform you choose at the same time.

6) Offline map

There are two ways to always check the map on your watch, even if the signal is not reachable. One is to download maps each time to the app you use with your watch. This is a smartwatch that runs on platforms such as the iPhone watchOS and Android Wear OS by Google, and can be done by using a compatible mountain climbing map app.

This method involves accidentally forgetting to download maps, limiting the amount of maps you can download, and even with some apps you need to pay for them to use comfortably, so I personally like the other method, an outdoor watch with this built-in "offline map." With this, you can check mountain climbing maps any time without downloading them every time, and there is no need to pay for additional charges.

The drawback of the offline map feature is that outdoor watches with this feature are also high spec and expensive. Also, since it's a wristwatch display, it's difficult to see a wide area (it's easier to see on a paper or smartphone as a map). However, it's convenient enough to just check your current location, so it's still very useful today.

7) Heart Rate Monitor

It's no longer uncommon for modern high-performance outdoor watches to have heart rate monitors. This allows you to check your current heart rate in real time, record changes in your heart rate during your actions, and then look back at your performance in more detail later.

What is useful to know your current heart rate? Simply put, the heart rate allows you to objectively check the intensity of your exercise, whether you are currently over-pacing. A hobby hike can help you maintain your physical activity, and for athletes who are interested in shortening their time, it can be used as an indicator of efficient training to improve their strength and stamina. Another thing I personally appreciate is that having a heart rate monitor allows you to measure "VO2 max," an indicator of fitness level, and how much calories burned.

The mainstream model is to measure heart rate from the wrist using a sensor on the back of the watch, but for more accurate measurements, use a heart rate strap attached to the chest. If you are aiming to reach your limits more stoic, you should consider a manufacturer or model that has such options.

8) Navigation function

Some smartwatches offer the ability to upload routes and courses from the app to the clock, which will beep when you reach a fork or bend while you are on your way. These functions can help when you're on your first route, storms, or get caught in gas. However, while electronic maps and navigation functions may provide some degree of security, we must not forget that in terms of reliability, there is nothing better than good old paper maps.

9) Other useful features

There are some other features (although not always) that made me happy about mountain climbing and outdoor activities. There are various types of functions ranging from basic functions to unique features by manufacturers, but we will introduce them for reference below.

Sunrise and sunset time... useful for planning your action for the next day.

Thermometer...it's useless while you're wearing it on your wrist, but if you tie it inside a backpack or tent, you can measure the outside temperature.

Blood oxygen level: an indicator of whether oxygen is sufficiently absorbed into the body (blood) from the air. It is a great idea to be able to quickly detect the risk of altitude sickness.

Weather forecast: You can find out rough local weather trends for the surrounding area identified by GPS. This is just for reference only.

Compatible with music players and electronic money... It's more useful for everyday running than on the mountain.

Point 3: Durability, waterproofness, low temperature operation

In the natural environment where outdoor watches are used, it can be said that damaging the watch is hidden in every place, including dust, mud, hard rocks, rivers and rainwater, and sharp mountain tools. Considering the possibility of such harsh conditions and unexpected falls, an excellent outdoor watch must have reasonable "robustness", "water resistance" and "performance to withstand low temperatures." Make sure to check these three points when choosing your first model.

1) Durability

When checking for durability, check whether the lens is made of highly scratch-resistant glass, such as sapphire crystal glass, or whether the case and bezel are made of materials that are light and durable, or whether the model has passed certain tests, such as "Compliant with the US military standard, MIL standard."

2) Waterproof

It also needs to be able to handle water and submerge, so we recommend looking for a watch that is waterproof at least 50 meters, and preferably at least 100 meters. This eliminates the risk of water, rain, sweat, etc. getting into the internal mechanism of the watch and corrodes during swimming.

3) Operation at low temperatures

Furthermore, if you want the clock to operate normally even when climbing winter mountains, you would want the lower limit of the operating temperature range to be -10°C, and if possible -20°C.

Point 4: Operating time (battery life)

I use my watch every time, worrying about the battery running out - nothing more stressful. Until a few years ago, no matter how high-performance smartwatches were, I think many people avoided purchasing one because of the unreliable battery life that requires USB charging every day.

However, recently excellent smartwatch-type outdoor watches have significantly improved battery quality, and some models have been introduced that allow you to continue GPS tracking even on long courses over several days. Of course, battery life changes depending on the use of battery waste functions (maps processing, music playback, push notifications, etc.) and moving in places with low GPS signals (low visibility in the sky), but other models are also beginning to avoid nonsense, such as suddenly passing away on a day hike.

However, most outdoor watches other than smartwatches (analog and digital types) are basically solar powered, and they last much longer and are reliable than USB rechargeable watches. For this reason, if you are expeditions over a few weeks and there are limited opportunities to charge, this type is still more suitable, and you can recharge it for almost permanently just by wearing it on a regular basis (the battery life will vary depending on the power requirements of the watch).

This is a key point when considering battery life, but of course, models that combine functionality and battery life are even more expensive. We recommend that you consider the course you want to go to in the future, and how long you want to use it in full functionality without charging, and then give it a little extra space and check the specifications of the item.

Battery life varies greatly depending on the model. The specs represent fairly accurate numbers, so be sure to check them carefully before purchasing.

For example, I would like to use it with confidence on a mountain trip that lasts for up to a week. Of these, one mobile battery will probably bring you, so you'll need to charge it once, so the current Garmin f?nix 6X Pro's "up to 60 hours with a GPS + optical heart rate monitor" specs mean that if you charge it once, you can continue using it for about a week, assuming it is about 10 hours a day, and the capacity is just right. Furthermore, this model also has the latest solar charging function, so you can expect an extra life expectancy. On the other hand, if this is enough for a day trip or one night climb, then this number is overspec, so I think it would be fine to use a cheaper model.

Or, for runners who are aiming for a 100-mile ultra-trail race like UTMF, it depends on the speed, but I don't have time to recharge, so I think I'll be using the full functionality for a long time, so I'd like it to be more than 30 hours. On the other hand, if you use it while listening to music for a marathon, city run, or other means, you need to consider that in addition to the simple distance, the battery consumption will increase as a result.

Point 5: Weight and size

Of course, wristwatches are light and compact, but for now there is a trade-off between functionality, battery life, and weight and size. It's been a while since I've used it for so many years, but if I have to choose between the two, in my personal experience I think that prioritizing function over weight (except for excessive weight and size) would be happier.

Point 6: Screen visibility

The size of the dial and display, and the clearness of the screen, have a major impact on the ease of viewing of the watch. Another hidden rating point is the ease of viewing the screen in strong sunlight. Especially when displaying a lot of data on a single screen or looking at a map, a model that allows clear display on a large screen even under various adverse conditions is best, but it is undeniable that it feels quite sturdy on the wrist. This may be a factor in your preference, but my personal experience is that "the size will eventually become accustomed to it."

Point 7: Usability

In addition, if you are looking for a situation where you operate the buttons while wearing gloves in the winter, the larger the buttons and the wider the spacing, the more operability and convenient. I don't dislike clean designs and the "touchscreen" watches that have been increasing recently, but if you're thinking about how easy it can be used in the mountains all year round, you may not necessarily need them.

summary

With computer and watch integration progressing at an incredible speed that was never thought of a decade ago, the world of outdoor watches is rapidly evolving.

However, it is also true that this is probably the fate of electronic devices, and that even smartwatches from just three years ago are outdated and somehow make you feel like using them. In that sense, smartwatches, which have become "home appliances," have become more convenient than ever before, but still leave a bit of loneliness. On the other hand, while classic outdoor watches find themselves lacking in functionality, it is easy to forget that the public certainly has the primitive charm of tools, which is stability due to their simplicity, the high design and operability of a watch, and, above all, attachment that comes only after long-term relationships.

In any case, when looking for a watch that matches your perfect match, you need to select what you need and what you don't need, comparing these various features and functions to your budget. I hope this article is helpful and you can discover the best one while enjoying the process.

   

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