The 14 Best Outdoor Watches for Any Budget in 2023

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Best Outdoor Watch Overall

Garmin Instinct 2

Instinct 2

Best Outdoor Watch Overall

Garmin Instinct 2

Cons
  • Have to stay on top of charging if always using GPS mode

If you’re looking for an outdoor watch that touches upon just about everything, look no further. The Garmin Instinct 2 is a tech-savvy wellness watch with features like a barometric altimeter, a compass, and multiple GPS systems. It brings a whole lot of important features at a really great price point. It’s constructed to the U.S. military standard 810G, which means it’s shock- and thermal-resistant. You can get up to 30 hours in GPS mode per charge, and up to 28 days with GPS mode turned off. It’s the perfect marriage of an old-school outdoor barometer timepiece and the latest in smartwatch capabilities. Simply put, if a one-size-fits-all outdoor watch existed, this would be it.

Case 45 mm
Water resistance 100 m
Battery life Up to 30 hours in GPS mode, up to 28 days in smartwatch mode

Best Outdoor Smartwatch

Apple Apple Watch Ultra

Apple Watch Ultra

Best Outdoor Smartwatch

Apple Apple Watch Ultra

Cons
  • Battery life not as long as other outdoor watches

The Apple Watch Ultra might cause hesitation due to price point, but when you see it in person you’ll find the juice is worth the squeeze. The Ultra essentially inches toward the same rugged specs you’d see on a Garmin or Suunto (strong titanium frame, 100m water resistance, GPS, SOS mode) while offering a seamless interface Apple users are familiar with. If you’re looking for an outdoor watch that can be worn as a fitness watch and everyday watch, there’s nothing better than the Ultra. It’s worth mentioning though that some of the other more outdoor-specific built watches might have better specs for heavy use, especially when it comes to battery life.

Read more: Best Travel Backpacks

Case 49 mm
Water resistance 100 m
Battery life Up to 36 hours

Best Outdoor Watch for Hunting and Fishing

Suunto Core Alpha Outdoor Watch

Core Alpha Outdoor Watch

Best Outdoor Watch for Hunting and Fishing

Suunto Core Alpha Outdoor Watch

Pros
  • Tested to military standards
  • Storm alarm and weather features
  • Altimeter, barometer, and compass built-in
Cons
  • The Baro 9 is a better choice if you want a smartwatch

Tested to pass military standards, the Suunto Core is a strong outdoor watch made to keep you informed when out far in the wild. It tracks the weather like no other, with features like storm alert, and instruments like an altimeter, barometer, and compass to help you keep tabs on the type of environment you’re in. The Core Alpha is not a smartwatch, even though the design might look like it has a sensor and touchscreen. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a watch for activities like hunting and fishing, this is a sturdy outdoor watch that will give you the essentials, and then some.

Read more: Best Fishing Gifts

Case 49 mm
Water resistance 30 m
Battery life 12 months

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Best Outdoor Watch for Camping

Nixon Regulus Expedition

Regulus Expedition

Best Outdoor Watch for Camping

Nixon Regulus Expedition

Pros
  • Strong build and long battery life
  • Comes with altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer
  • Unique camp mode that sends weather alerts
Cons
  • Some might prefer buying a smartwatch at this price point

The looks of the Nixon Regulus can be deceiving, but behind its digital display is a load of functions that really impress when you consider the $250 price tag. We’re talking about functions like an altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer, and alarm. The watch even comes with a camp mode that will provide weather alerts, so you can be prepared if a quick shower (or a torrential downpour) is about to roll through your campsite.

On top of all this, we also love how the Regulus has a lightweight, yet durable, design thanks to its injection-molded case and silicone strap.

Read more: Best Camping Grills

Case 47.5 mm
Water resistance 100 m
Battery life Battery can last for years before changing

Best Outdoor Watch Under $100

Timex Ironman Classic 30

On Sale

Ironman Classic 30

Best Outdoor Watch Under $100

Timex Ironman Classic 30

Now 33% Off

Let’s say you’re most commonly enjoyed outdoor activity is running the local track rather than climbing a mountain. In that case, you can get away with purchasing an outdoor watch for under $100. We’d recommend a budget-friendly outdoor watch, like the Timex Ironman 30-Lap, which isn’t a smartwatch, but it gets the job done when it comes to tracking your laps, biking, or running times. You can even take a dip in it.

Case 38 mm
Water resistance 100 m
Battery life Battery can last for years before changing

Most Stylish Outdoor Watch

MVMT Blacktop II Solar

Blacktop II Solar

Most Stylish Outdoor Watch

MVMT Blacktop II Solar

Our most stylish outdoor watch is—*checks notes*—also our most stylish solar watch? That is correct. MVMT’s Blacktop II Solar is an eco-friendly chronograph with a rugged build. For starters, the case is made from 100% recycled ocean plastic and the movement is a precise Japanese solar quartz. The watch itself absorbs natural light and artificial light, so you virtually never have to worry about it dying out. And in terms of water resistance, the Blacktop II can go up to 50 meters deep, meaning no rain is going to bother this bad boy. This is a watch that looks great and stays tough, all while staying under $300.

Read more: Best Solar Watches

Case 47 mm
Water resistance 50 mm
Battery life Solar

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Best Diver Watch

Luminox Navy SEAL Dive Watch

Navy SEAL Dive Watch

Best Diver Watch

Luminox Navy SEAL Dive Watch

The Luminox Navy SEAl is probably the most rugged outdoor watch on this list. Why? Well, it’s quite literally made to the same standards the Navy SEALS require. This rugged diver is water resistant at up to 200 meters and comes with the Luminox Light Technology that ensures you have trusted readability in the darkest of environments. For the case, Luminox uses its Carbonox material, which is lightweight yet incredibly strong. It’s true you don’t get any fancy bells and whistles with this watch, but what you do get are assurances that nearly nothing will trip up this watch, no matter what kind of adventuring you’re up to.

Read more: Best Dive Watches

Case 45 mm
Water resistance 200 m
Battery life Battery can last for years before changing

Best Outdoor Smartwatch for Android Users

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

On Sale

Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

Best Outdoor Smartwatch for Android Users

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

Now 19% Off

Pros
  • Large, scratch resistant screen
  • Advanced sleep coaching and body comp features
  • Strong titanium case
Cons
  • Battery life could be better in GPS mode

Samsung’s upgraded Galaxy Watch Pro boasts improved sensor tracking thanks to its BioActive sensor, as well as precise GPS tracking, to bring together a mighty outdoor watch that’s ready for any adventure or workout. The case is made out of ultra-strong sapphire crystal glass and titanium, so you won’t have to worry about it getting dinged. And what’s cool is you also get features like sleep tracking, so you can use the Watch 5 Pro throughout the day and then get statistics on your overnight recovery come the morning.

The one qualm we have is the battery life in GPS mode could be longer (approximately 20 hours), but to be fair this is still a good amount of time for a smartwatch. To really find a smartwatch with exceptional battery life it would be best to look at a quality solar watch.

Read more: Best Golf Watches

Case 45 mm
Water resistance 50 m
Battery life Approx. 20 hours in GPS mode and approx. 80 hours in smartwatch mode

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Longest Battery Life

Fitbit Charge 5

On Sale

Charge 5

Longest Battery Life

Fitbit Charge 5

Now 14% Off

The Fitbit Charge 5 is more known as a fitness watch than an outdoor watch, but it’s a great affordable option that actually holds up against the others on this list. It has a built-in GPS so you can view your pace and distance along whatever path you choose to trek upon (it even shows your heart rate and SpO2 along the course). It’s fully equipped with Fitbit Pay and Spotify, along with over 20 built-in workout modes. The best part is the battery lasts up to 7 days, making it a perfect companion for long trips.

Case 20 mm
Water resistance 50 m
Battery life Up to 7 days

Most Rugged Outdoor Watch

Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG1000-1A3

Mudmaster GWG1000-1A3

Most Rugged Outdoor Watch

Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG1000-1A3

The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster is probably the most rugged outdoor watch on this list, boasting the utmost utility. Take advantage of its altimeter, thermometer, barometer, and digital compass on your next mountain backpacking trip. It comes at a hefty price point, but with a 25-month battery life, it can take you (and save you) on your most extreme adventures.

Case 55 mm
Water resistance 100 m
Battery life Battery can last for years before changing

Best Outdoor Watch for Endurance Activity

Suunto 9 Baro

9 Baro

Best Outdoor Watch for Endurance Activity

Suunto 9 Baro

When it comes to long-distance endurance training, on bikes and on feet, few smartwatches can stay fully charged through miles and miles of use. But the Suunto 9 Baro is built for endurance, providing up to 7 days of battery life out of GPS mode and around 35 hours in GPS. Ultramarathon runners have praised this watch for its dependability and price point, adding that features like a water-resistance up to 100 meters, a built-in barometer, and easy-to-use software make it a smart purchase. Even better is the fact it’s under $300

Case 50 mm
Water resistance 100 m
Battery life Up to 35 hours in GPS mode and up to 7 days with GPS turned off

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Best Location Tracking

Garmin Fenix 7 Solar

Fenix 7 Solar

Best Location Tracking

Garmin Fenix 7 Solar

You can’t go wrong with any of the Garmin Fenix series watches, but we especially loved the Fenix 7. It comes with excellent navigation tracking (runs GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) and features a marathon battery life of up to 22 days when given three hours of sunlight each day. In terms of training, the Fenix 7 boasts over 30+ sports apps, advanced training metrics (SpO2, sleep tracking, real-time stamina tracking), and a 3-axis compass that includes a gyroscope and barometric altimeter. What’s cool is the watch can download thousands of maps to ski resorts, golf courses, and more on your wrist while using the watch’s built-in WiFi connectivity, so no computer is needed.

Case 47 mm
Water resistance Water resistant
Battery life Solar. Up to 22 days of continuous running when given three hours of direct sunlight each day.

What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Watch

commerce breaker

When buying an outdoor watch, it’s important to first start by writing down what activities you plan on using your new device for. Do you need an outdoor watch to track your endurance training or extreme sports? Do you need an outdoor watch for camping or hiking? Understanding your wearing habits can tell if you need a more basic outdoor watch (say, between $100-$300) as opposed to a more advanced outdoor watch (think $500+).

Second is whether you prefer to buy a smartwatch or an analog watch. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but really it comes down to how much you enjoy the features a smartwatch can provide—health metrics, weather tracking, text and call notifications, etc. If you can go without, then an analog watch can promise a lot more toughness and reliability—they don’t have to constantly be recharged either.

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The Best Movement for an Outdoor Watch

commerce breaker

Outdoor watches have come a long way in the past decade. What was once an area dominated by mechanical watches from premium brands—like Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and more—has ventured into more quartz and smartwatch models that can be purchased for $1,000 or less. Quartz-run watches have been shown to hold up better than mechanical; mainly based on the fact that mechanical watches need to be shored up with design notes to help protect the inner hardware. Smartwatches, while dependent on regularly needing to be charged, contain a whole world of features and metrics that provide one with the best tools tech has to offer.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t invest in an adventure-ready mechanical watch from any of the legacy brands mentioned above, but if you’re looking for an outdoor watch that’s wallet-friendly and/or loaded with features, you’ll want to save the mechanical watches for collecting and style purposes only.

How We Selected

commerce breaker

We researched and tested many of the top-selling outdoor watches released over the past two years from all the major brands, including Garmin, Suunto, Apple, Fitbit, and more. We compared every last detail, including comfort, user-friendliness, battery life, tech features, GPS tracking, battery life, and more. While there’s never one “best” outdoor watch, the list above represents our honest picks of some of the best outdoor watches worth buying in 2023.

Headshot of John Thompson

Gear and Commerce Editor

John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals. 

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Author: Health Watch Minute

Health Watch Minute Provides the latest health information, from around the globe.