The Best Hiking Watch Under $100
In the following article we will present you our options for the best hiking watch under $100. Being out in the wilderness is one of the most rewarding experiences life has to offer. Hiking and Backpacking have seen a such in popularity in recent years, thanks to people cutting back on expensive hobbies and focusing on a healthy lifestyle.
There are not many pieces of gear you need when you’re on the trail, however, a good hiking watch is one item you should have on you at all times.
When looking to buy the best hiking watch under $100, here are some factors you should consider:
- Durability: A good hiking watch should be tough and rugged to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
- Battery life: A long battery life is important for extended hikes.
- Navigation: A watch with GPS and compass capabilities can help you navigate and keep track of your location.
- Water resistance: If you’re going to be hiking in or near water, a water-resistant watch is a must.
- Display: Look for a watch with a clear, easy-to-read display, especially if you’ll be using it in bright sunlight.
- Comfort: Choose a watch that fits well and is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
- Additional features: Consider any additional features you might need, such as an altimeter or barometer, or the ability to store and play music.
Let’s take a look a the 3 key elements you should consider before you purchase.
Short on time? We have chosen the Garmin Forerunner 15 as the best hiking watch under $100 – click here for the latest price.
Material
Being outdoors requires some tough and durable materials. Rubber and Nylon Fabric are the two most commonly found materials used since they are built to last and work well when wet.
Features
One of the more obvious features that would be helpful when outdoors is a watch that has GPS. Typically these are found on higher-end watches and since we have a $100 budget, what other features can we expect from this price range?
Well, first off we can look for a day/date feature, a stopwatch, maybe even a pulse meter.
Above all, you want the TIME to be accurate, so make sure you opt for a recognized brand that uses quality materials. There is nothing worse that a watch that tells the incorrect time.
Next up we should expect the watch to be waterproof. Now we’re not buying a diving watch here, so there is no need for 100m, 50m or even 10m depth rating. 5m would suffice just fine.
Digital or Analog?
This is very much a personal preference, but I personally prefer digital for outdoor use since the watch can then also double as a stopwatch/timer.
Along with providing other key pieces of information such as day/date, the ability to set alarm(s), improved shock resistance along with being much more robust than their analog counterparts.
Typically, if you find a digital watch you like but would prefer the analog version, most reputable brands will offer a similar model in the type you like. So take a look at the “suggested products” and see if one is available.
1. Casio G-Shock GD-100-1B Watch
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This digital watch has a range of excellent features for the avid hiker, such as an automatic LED backlight for nighttime use, a water resistance rating down to 200m and a large digital face.
Features and Specifications
- Type: Digital
- Water Resistant: 200m
- Warranty: 2-years
Our Thoughts
We love the G-Shock range since it is more robust than the average watch you’d wear each day. One of the key features of this watch is the multi-timezone settings, allowing you to set the time in 4 different cities or states, which if you are doing any of the US long distance trails, would really come in handy.
There are also 5 different alarm settings, which may be slightly overkilling it, but if you need to remind yourself at various times per day perhaps to take on water, then this is ideal.
You really cannot go wrong with Casio and with a 2-year warranty you have nothing to lose.
2. Timex Expedition Shock Digital Compass Watch
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Features and Specifications
- Type: Digital
- Water Resistant: 200m
- Warranty: 2-years
Our Thoughts
The Timex Expedition Shock is also water resistant to 200m like the Casio, however, it does have one key feature that the others do not and that is a digital compass.
This feature alone could be a deal-maker for many of you, since having a backup compass or a means of finding your direction is key.
3. Casio Men’s G7900-1 G-Shock
- Round sport watch featuring four-point design protection, large buttons and display format, as well as tide and moon-phase data
- 50 mm resin case with mineral dial window
- Japanese quartz movement with digital display
- Resin band with buckle closure
- Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft): In general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not scuba diving
There is also a split lap timer and stopwatch and a large digital display which is backlit for nightfall use.
Features and Specifications
- Type: Digital
- Water Resistant: 200m
- Warranty: 2-years
Our Thoughts
Like the previous Casio, we reviewed the G7900 has some rave reviews from its owners, who point out that this is the watch worn by none other than Jack Silva, who plays John Krasinski in the movie 13 Hours – The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.
4. Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch
- Adjustable black 16mm resin strap fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
- 100-hour chronograph; 24-hour countdown timer; 3 vibrating & audible daily, weekday or weekend alarms; shock resistant to I.S.O. standards
- 24-hour military time mode; 3 time zones; occasion reminders; hydration timer; month, day & date calendar
- Black 50mm resin case with acrylic lens; gray digital display; Indiglo light-up watch dial. Strap and lug width is 16 mm
- Water-resistant to 100m (330 ft): In general, suitable for snorkeling, as well as swimming, but not diving
Features and Specifications
- Type: Digital
- Water Resistant: 100m
- Warranty: 2-years
Our Thoughts
Water resistant to 100m, which is ample for hiking and backpacking with the odd swim in a lake, there is also no need to worry about bangs, bumps, and scrapes thanks to the superb anti-shock capabilities of this watch.
The Timex Expedition also works well for this with smaller wrists since is has a rectangular face, which enables it to fit nicely on the wrist without much overhang.
5. Garmin Forerunner 15 GPS Hiking Watch
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The above features are what makes this Garmin Forerunner suitable for hiking, along with up to 5 weeks in watch/activity tracking mode. After that, simply recharge the watch via the supplied USB.
Features and Specifications
- Type: Digital
- Water Resistant: 15m
- Warranty: 2-years
Our Thoughts
The internal GPS that comes with the Garmin holds up to the standards set by this company. It is both accurate and robust and allows you to download your data after a day out on the trail.
With the ability to track your every move, this is a fitness tracker and hiking watch combined.
