11 Great Outdoor and Beatable Watches in 2023 (Reviewed & Tested)

People who love the outdoors and all the activities nature brings know the value of telling the time.

Outdoor activities require extreme durability, as well as shock and water resistance.

Nowadays, watches have even more features, sucreh as GPS, heart rate monitoring, etc.

It's easy to get confused when choosing your adventure buddy.

In this guide of the top 11 Best Outdoor Watches, we've narrowed down the options for you.

These watches will suit your every need, preference, and budget!

Garmin Instinct GPS Watch: Best Overall Outdoor Watch

If you're the type of adventurer or traveler who needs everything, this is the watch for you. The Garmin Instinct GPS Watch has thermal, shock, scratch, and water resistance of up to 100m. It is also extremely breathable and durable.

With a clean, black simple design and a flexible silicone-based wristband, it looks stylish and can be worn by anyone. Its display measures 1.2in, making it easy to use.

This watch can track your steps and has an altimeter [R] that measures altitude based on pressure. With smartwatch capabilities, fit watch applications, a compass, and 3 GPS systems, this watch will answer all your needs. You can even answer short texts and track your calories.

Even better, its battery life lasts up to 2 weeks on just one full charge!

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• I have found the sleep and activity tracking to be highly accurate, similar to other Garmin watches I have used.
• The five buttons are highly responsive and intuitive. I can even change songs or reply to text messages with ease while showering, thanks to its water-resistant design.

NanaDC Sauve Rating: 1/5

• I love the sleek, rugged appearance of the Garmin Instinct. The gray color with its greenish-gray tint gives it a unique and cool look.
• The metallic buckle of the watch band adds an elegant touch to the overall design.

Suunto Core Watch: Best Value Outdoor Watch

The watch face of this digital Suunto watch is backlit and easy to read. It displays the time, altitude, and compass direction simultaneously. It also shows how much daylight you have left, with a display of 1.875 in.

The Suunto Core Watch also features a barometer that detects atmospheric pressure changes and can predict bad weather.

When trekking or spelunking, you won't have to worry. This watch is water-resistant up to 30 meters and even accurately measures pressure up to 30 feet underwater!

NanaDC Badass Rating: 5/5

• I am impressed by the watch's long-lasting battery life, which can be changed and lasts for up to a year.
• This watch is perfect for military personnel or individuals who don't need a step counter or smartwatch capabilities. It has ultimate features such as an altimeter and compass.

NanaDC Sauve Rating: 4/5

• I appreciate the watch's design, which is both sleek and stylish. It is comfortable to wear and does not feel bulky on my wrist.

Timex Ironman 30-Lap Digital Watch: Best Budget Outdoor Watch

Let's face it. Not everyone needs all the features the best outdoor watches have. This Timex watch, aptly named after ironman, has all the essential functions you'll ever need in outdoor watches.

Its blue and black 38mm resin case is durable and straightforward. A backlight illuminates the gray digital display. In the dark, it lights up with an indigo light at the press of a button.

The display measures 1.5 inches in diameter and displays the time in big, bold numbers.

The Timex Ironman is a reliable watch that can also record laps and time your run. It has a 100-hour chronograph with a 30-lap memory and a 24-hour timer. You can even set 3 separate daily, weekend, or weekday alarms,

If you prefer, you can opt for the 24-hour military time and set it to 2 time zones. As if that wasn't enough, it also displays a day, date, and month calendar.

The advantage of not having so many specs is long battery life. It's even water-resistant up to 100 meters!

NanaDC Badass Rating: 2/5

• The Timex Ironman watch is durable enough to withstand the intense conditions of Ironman triathlons with its 100-meter water resistance.
• The watch is designed to be very accurate, with a focus on timing and precision. I appreciate that it can help me keep track of my workouts and training sessions more effectively.

NanaDC Sauve Rating: 0/5

• I appreciate the Timex Ironman's backlight, which stays on for a few seconds, making it convenient for running at night.
• My first impression of the watch is that it looks and feels very substantial. The buckle on the strap is very stylish and feels high-quality.

Casio Pro Trek

The Casio Pro Trek outdoor watch has a rugged design. Its boldface display has both analog and digital elements. When illuminated, the mechanical components of this watch glow in the dark.

Scared of losing power in the middle of a long hike? The Pro Trek is the only solar-powered watch on this list, which just goes to show that Casio really designed this outdoor watch for your adventures. Its Japanese quartz movement is sure to keep you on time.

Made of stainless steel, this outdoor sports watch is durable. It has various features like a world timer, thermometer, and altimeter/barometer. To top it all off, it is water-resistant up to 100 meters.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 3/5

• As an avid hiker, I can't imagine hitting the trails without my Casio Pro Trek prg 600 watch. Its altimeter, barometer, thermometer, stopwatch, timer, and digital compass features give me all the tools I need to stay on course and monitor the conditions around me.

NanaDC Sauve Rating: 2/5

• Despite its robust construction, this watch is surprisingly comfortable to wear. The strap is soft and flexible, and the watch sits snugly on my wrist without being too tight or bulky. I can wear it for hours on end without any discomfort.

Suunto 9 Baro

The Suunto 9 Baro is equipped with GPS, a heart rate monitor, and weather information. It also has an altimeter/barometer and compass.

It can accurately measure up to 30 feet depths and is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it great for recreational swimming.

The Suunto 9 Baro can record all data as to workload, intensity, biomechanics, and activities. It then analyzes the data, sends it to its thousands of Suunto Sports apps, and lets you know how you performed.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 5/5

• Suunto 9 is my trusted companion for any adventure. It's a durable and robust watch that can handle any extreme conditions. With its three predefined battery modes and unique fused track algorithm, it allows me to extend battery life and improve track and distance accuracy. I am confident that this watch will see me through any adventure I take on.

NanaDC Sauve Rating: 4/5

• The wristband is made of high-quality, soft materials that ensure a comfortable fit, even during extended periods of use.

Casio G Shock Mudmaster GG1000 Watch

The ruggedly designed Casio G Shock is resistant to mud, shock, and water (up to 200m). This watch is durable, even down to its mud and dirt resistant buttons.

Its large LED design measuring 2.21in. Simultaneously displays the time, temperature, compass direction, and more. However, it has no fitness or smartwatch capabilities.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 5/5

• As someone who values ruggedness and reliability in a watch, I appreciate the GG-1000's mud-resistant structure, multiple gaskets, and 200M water resistance that allow it to withstand tough environments and activities.

NanaDC Sauve Rating: 4/5

• The resin band with its modern design and military green color is an aesthetic delight that gives the watch a tough and stylish look.

Suunto 7 GPS Fitness Watch

The Suunto 7 GPS is one of the best outdoor sports watches you can buy. It has so many features, like having more than 70 pre-configured sports modes, perfect for health buffs and adventurers.

It is equipped with a wrist heart rate sensor and GPS, too.

Its software is Google-based and features Google Wear OS, Google Fit, and even Google pay, so you can get yourself that kale smoothie after a good run. It also automatically downloads local maps the moment it's connected to wifi and can control your music!

You can even download and sync fitness apps to record your workouts. All in all, this is one of the best smartwatches you can buy.

Its display is protected with scratch-resistant gorilla glass. The Suunto 7 GPS is versatile with water (up to 50m), dirt, and shock resistance.

Garmin Fenix 6x Pro Multisport GPS

The Garmin Fenix outdoor sports watch can track everything for you. It can seamlessly transition from fitness to a hiking watch with the push of one button. You can even pair it up with your smartphone to play your favorite song.

A gorilla glass face protects the Garmin Fenix. Water resistance up to 100 meters makes this extra durable, too.

To ensure you don't get lost, it features satellite navigation, a 3-axis compass, multiple global navigation systems, road maps, and topographical maps! It can also display storm warnings and measures altitude accurately.

Garmin definitely built this watch for outdoor sports and hiking.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 3/5

• The stress and body battery scores provided by the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro allow me to monitor my physical and mental state throughout the day. It is a fantastic feature that helps me make informed decisions about my activities.
• The pulse ox sensors in this watch are remarkable. They detect the oxygen levels in my blood, which is a unique feature that I've never seen in a smartwatch before.

NanaDC Sauve Rating: 3/5

• The gorilla's glass face adds character to the watch. I am in control of whatever activity I am at.

Omega Seamaster Watch

If you're really looking to splurge and reward yourself, the Omega Seamaster is the way to go. This watch, equipped with an automatic movement, is sought-after by adventurers, collectors, and watch enthusiasts alike.

Its beautiful and elegant design is stunning. It can be used for diving up to 30 meters for up to two hours. Its screw-down cap also prevents unwanted water damage and pull out.

The case measures 41mm, and it features a chronograph. To protect that handsome face, it uses scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

It's entirely made of stainless steel with a black-on-silver design that will never go out of style. Its transparent case back lets you see the expertly assembled gears.

This premium outdoor watch has luminous rhodium-plated skeleton hands and a uni-directional rotating bezel, making it very easy to read and use.

It is not only one of the best watches you can buy, but it's also an excellent investment.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 5/5

• I love that this watch has a 300-meter water resistance, a helium escape valve, screw-down crown, and a display case back. It is a robust timepiece that I can rely on in any situation.
• The full balanced bridge and silicon hair spring in the Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300 meter are impressive features that provide excellent shock resistance and anti-magnetism. I appreciate that this watch is built to last and can handle any bumps or jolts.

NanaDC Sauve Rating: 4/5

• The watch's finish and mechanical specs are impressive, and the fact that it makes the planet ocean feel redundant is a testament to its beauty and quality. I feel proud to wear such a striking and unique timepiece.
• The refinements made to the bracelet, such as the satin flank, satin top, and polished hairline bevel, make it a stunning piece of jewelry in addition to a functional watch. I appreciate that I can wear it to dressy occasions and still feel fashionable.

Luminox Recon 8831

Very old-school, the Luminox Recon is an analog watch. It is one of the most beautifully designed on this list. The black on black design is classic and timeless.

Powered by a quartz movement, it features a reinforced case measuring 46mm in diameter. Its display is protected with sapphire crystal, and it is water-resistant up to 330 feet.

A real compass will keep you going in the right direction. The luminescent markers and anti-reflective coating also ensure excellent readability.

Polar M430

The Polar M430 is one of the most popular outdoor watches for runners. It's equipped with an optical heart rate monitor and a GPS that can track speed, distance, pace, and even your route!

With 24/7 activity tracking, you can stay in shape by counting your calories, steps, and hours of sleep.

For the busybodies out there, this watch can give off vibrations for all incoming calls and messages. It can even notify you when you've been inactive for too long.

The Polar M430 also lets you choose between 3 different GPS modes so that you can conserve your battery for up to 30 hours.

And for the really hardcore runners out there, this watch can give you a personalized running program to keep you motivated and help you train for your next big race!

How Do I Choose the Best Outdoor Watch for Me?

When choosing among the best outdoor watches, it's easy to get confused. Their prices and features, like smartwatch capabilities, are so varied that you might just buy a watch that doesn't suit you.

So how do you choose the best outdoor watch for you?

Determine What Your Needs Are

The features and design you'll need significantly depends on what activities you'll use them for. A watches' outdoor purpose varies greatly depending on the user.

For example, if you want a sporty looking watch with essential functions, there's no need to spend extra cash on features like a heart rate or a GPS watch.

If you plan to use it for regular running or exercising, you won't need watches with extremely deep water resistance or even an altimeter/barometer.

If you plan to use it when hiking or going off the grid, then that's an entirely different story.

Determine Your Budget

Watches range from very affordable and basic ones to costly investment-level pieces. Finding the one that gives you the best value is critical if you don't want to face the dreaded buyer's remorse. Consider your purchase carefully, and don't be afraid to compare watches.

Find the Watch that Fits Your Intended Use

As you've seen from this list of best watches for outdoors, watches can be equipped with different features. It's just a matter of finding the watch with everything you need. Also, researching the accuracy of their features is critical.

There are also particular features like depth measurement, heart rate monitoring, and more that adventurers need to use watches outdoors.

Don't Overbuy

Don't buy a watch with extra features when you don't even know how or when to use them. In fact, you might not even be looking for outdoor watches at all.

Maybe a casual watch is more appropriate for your needs. This is why determining your intended use is critical.

Think long-term. You may be buying what you think is one of the best outdoor watches now, but you might outgrow it due to your changing needs.

Figure Out the Style That Fits You

Even the best outdoor watches have something in common: their style. They're simple, rugged, and bold, with big faces and rubber, silicone, or steel bands.

Some offer customization, while others do not. Some look very 'manly,' while others are for both men and women.

Buy a watch that best fits your aesthetic.

Do I Need Smart Technology?

In this day and age, most of us remain connected to our mobile phones. But having this smart technology [R] in your outdoor watch comes with a hefty price bump. So consider whether you really need these features, like music control, or the ability to answer texts.

Suppose you're planning to mainly use your outdoor watch for hiking or going to remote locations. In that case, these smart features may not even be useful. If you need it for daily indoor or outdoor fitness activities, then this may be useful.

Wrap Up

This list has all the information you need to choose the best watch for you. From a basic watch with extra-long battery life to a GPS watch with heart rate monitoring and smart technology, there's a watch here for every outdoorsman.

If you make the right choice, you may just be buying a watch that will last you a decade.

Happy watch hunting!