Best Smart Outdoor Watches of 2022: Top Picks

When it comes to smartwatches, it can be difficult to find the right one for your needs given all the great brands that are available out there. So we took it upon ourselves to scour the internet to find the best of the best and compiled them into a list.

With this list, we will try to make it a bit easier for you to find the ideal option for you by highlighting the features, pros, and cons of each. So without further ado, read through this review of the best smart outdoor watches to see which one of them will suit you!

Smart Outdoor Watches Reviews

Instinct Outdoor Watch From Garmin

These smartwatches are available in both the Instinct and the Solar series, with a wide variety of different features included. This smartwatch from Garmin is also designed to be functional, versatile, and fashionable.

Review

With that many colors to choose from, there is a color for almost every person to fit their style. It is also designed in such a way that it will be easy to operate the watch.

This smartwatch can be used for a wide range of sports activities, including cycling, jogging, and hiking. You can easily monitor yourself and your training with the heart rate monitor that is included, as well as the stress readouts included with the watch.

With the GPS feature included, you can easily track your path so that you will not get lost. This feature is enhanced with the 3-axis compass, and the barometric altitude meter will help you keep your bearings.

Also, you can stay connected with the Garmin Connection Fitness Community to get automatic uploads, as well as live tracking with the GroupTrack feature. You can also pair it with the Garmin Explore app and website to plan your trips in advance.

The main drawback that we found is that the locking system of this watch can easily be unlocked accidentally by holding the buttons for a short period of time. It also doesn’t have any storage space for your music, but this isn’t a huge drawback in our books.

Pros

• Available in a wide range of colors
• Can be used for many different sport activities
• Has a clear and easy-to-read display
• Comes with a lightweight but durable construction

Cons

• Does not have storage space for music
• Can be accidentally unlocked

Men’s Pro Trek Outdoor Resin Sport Watch From Casio

There are two versions of this watch available from Casio. One comes with a green armband and a slightly different face, and it also comes loaded with a lot of safety features to help protect your smartwatch from accidental damage.

Review

This smartwatch from Casio is available in a wide range of models that come with nice features included for easier use. Different modes are also available on the different models that can be used to improve the overall user experience and battery life.

With the full-color mapping function included, you can easily use this watch to navigate. Sensors included with the watch will also help provide you with pressure readings, as well as directions provided by the compass.

This fully functional smartwatch can be used for most outdoor activities, and it can easily be connected with your smartphone. This means that you can make use of WearOS from Google via Bluetooth connection as an additional feature for your smartwatch.

The fact that this watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters will help keep it safe from damage in water. It also comes with a quick WiFi connection option included, making it easier to stay connected on the go.

However, you can not use this smartwatch to keep track of your heart rate, which can be frustrating if you want to keep your heart rate in a certain range.

Pros

• Equipped with GPS
• A lot of maps available to download
• Easy connection option with WiFi
• Water-resistant up to 50 meters

Cons

• No heart rate monitor included
• No quick-release band with this model

Fenix 5X Sapphire Smartwatch From Garmin

This Fenix series smartwatch is available in a wide range of models that come with great functionality and features. There is also a performance bundle included with this smartwatch from Garmin with which you get a separate heart rate monitor band.

Review

The Fenix 5X smartwatch is available in different sizes, so it can easily fit on a wide range of wrist sizes. You also have many different colors to choose from with this very handy and well-designed smartwatch.

With a long battery life, you can make use of all of the features while you are outdoors for several hours. Plus, it is made from high-quality materials that will help improve the longevity of the smartwatch. With its strong design, this smartwatch from Garmin will be able to withstand a lot of handling and gives you a water-resistant feature.

The Fenix 5X smartwatch comes with an easy-to-read and very clear display. It is also easy to use after getting used to it, and you can easily navigate through the functions.

However, this smartwatch is a bit heavy for some people, which can get frustrating in endurance activities. Additionally, it comes with a high price tag compared to similar options.

Pros

• Many different sizes available
• Great colors to choose from
• Includes a compass
• Easy to use and operate

Cons

• A bit on the heavy side
• Comes with a high price tag

Suunto 9 GPS Sport Smartwatch

With the dual-input option of buttons and a touch screen, you can easily operate all the features that are included with this watch. This smartwatch from Suunto is available in up to seven different models with a variety of configurations to improve the overall user experience.

Review

This smartwatch provided by Suunto comes with a battery life of up to 120 hours on a full charge, and it has an intelligent battery mode. With this feature included, you have the peace of mind that the watch will function all day long without interruption.

With a lightweight and slim design, you will not even be aware that you have a watch on your arm. It is strong and durable enough to last for many years to come, and it provides you with a lot of service hours while training or hiking.

You can easily and quickly view incoming calls on your phone with a quick glance at the display of the watch. All incoming messages and notifications can easily be seen on-the-go.

With this watch, you have four colors to choose from to fit your style and mood. The crystal-clear display of this watch provides you with all the necessary readouts.

Unfortunately, the firmware update may cause some problems with the watch and it may stop working. It has also been reported that some of the activity readings are not completely accurate.

Pros

• Comes with a very long battery life
• A lot of navigational features included
• Very well-designed and constructed
• Comes with a USB charger cable

Cons

• Firmware updates may cause the watch to stop working
• Some of the readings are not accurate

Core All Black Men’s Military And Outdoor Watch From Suunto

With a lot of basic features included with this smartwatch from Suunto, you can not go wrong by using this for your go-to outdoor watch. It is also designed to be robust and strong, ensuring that it will last for a very long time.

Review

There is a wide range of bands that can be used with this smartwatch to improve the look of the watch. These bands are available for purchase separately and are easy to install on the watch for a quick change of color or look.

With the barometric pressure warning function, you will be aware of weather changes and will be better able to stay safe. These functions are very accurate and will help improve your daily decisions, while the compass helps you keep your bearings while outdoors.

With all of these great futures combined into this smartwatch, you can use it outdoors for hiking and exploring. You also have peace of mind with a two-year warranty that comes included with this watch.

This watch also comes with a very low price tag attached to it. The Core smartwatch is a great investment, and the features are worth far more than the price you pay for it.

Unfortunately, the battery life is not ideal because of all the features included in this watch, so the impact on the battery life is quite dramatic. Additionally, there are not many color options so you may feel limited.

Pros

• Different bands can be used
• Very easy to operate
• Comes with a very solid construction
• Has an accurate compass included

Cons

• Not many colors to choose from
• Battery is not chargeable

Conclusion

The winner here is the Fenix 5X Sapphire from Garmin, which comes with great features. It is well-designed and very reliable.

In second place is the Garmin Instinct, which also has great features to help you keep your bearings, but with a more affordable price tag.