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When going hiking, you have probably done your research and figured out what hiking shoes you need, what outfit will be best for the terrain you will be hiking in, and more. But, have you considered the many benefits of investing in a high-quality hiking watch?
Mountaineering watches are ideal for keeping track of your physical progress, environmental features like temperature and weather prognosis, and it can provide you with a digital compass to prevent you from getting lost or off track.
For a hiking watch to adequately aid you during your hiking adventures, you don’t need to spend a fortune, despite common belief, and it is possible to find high-quality options for less than $100!
The best hiking watch under $100 is out there waiting for you – ready to make your hiking trips more fun, safer and more relaxed, and this is a guide to help you find the right product for you and your lifestyle.
View The Best Hiking Watch Under $100 Below
1. Garmin Forerunner GPS Running Watch
Before you put on your favorite hiking boots and hit the trails, make sure you have a reliable hiking device for telling time and for keeping track of your progress! These are some of the best hiking GPS watch models for under $100, and you choose if you want to pair it with a smartphone or just use it without.
With a hiking watch like this, you won’t have to worry about anything while out and about, as it stores and analyzes data like heart rate, pace, distance, and more for you! It is water-resistant to protect it from sudden changes in the weather.
This watch from Garmin comes in four different colors, has a long battery life, a large digital display, a digital thermometer, and a reliable digital compass – everything for the adventurous hiker who won’t settle for anything but the absolute best.
Pros:
+ 24-hour heart rate monitoring
+ Easy to read digital display
+ Colorful water-resistant straps
+ Triple sensor for accurate data collection
Why We Like It – These digital hiking watches are among the best hiking watches under 100 dollars thanks to the many features it offers! A top digital GPS running watch with everything from countdown timer, to compass, alarm functions, and spot-on tracking ability – these are undeniably among the best outdoor watches for your hiking trip.
If you have more budget, check out these watches under 200 dollars.
2. Casio SGW100 Twin Sensor Digital Watch
A watch like this is made to provide the best hiking watch GPS features, such as graphic direction indication, an incredibly accurate measuring capacity, declination correction, shock resistance, 3 years of battery life, countdown timer, thermometer, and much more – all for under $100! Hiking watches under $100 might not always meet the high expectations of an enthusiastic hiker and outdoors enthusiast, but the Casio SGW100 has it all figured out.
A durable and resistant black resin strap holds it in place also when out doing extreme activities like climbing, paddling, and skiing. It has a digital LED backlight display where you can easily tell time, and the watch offers side button controls and an impressive three years of uninterrupted battery life.
Pros:
+ Declination correction (magnetic)
+ 59’59.99″ measuring capacity
+ Graphic direction indicator
+ Pre-programmed auto-calendar
Why We Like It – A round digital digit display with a mineral dial window makes this a very resistant hiking watch under $100, and the many features make it perfect for your next hiking trip!
3. Timex Ironman Essential Watch
When being out in nature, you might find yourself needing more than just a watch to tell time and a digital compass, and that’s where this hiking watch under $100 comes in handy! It has a 100-hour chronograph, a calendar with day, date and month, two time zones, 330 feet water resistance for sudden changes in weather conditions, Indiglo backlight, a scratch-resistant window, and easy to read digital digits.
All features are incorporated to make this a great hiking watch for hikers and those loving the outdoors. However, the great basic features the watch offers aren’t what surprises people. It’s the fact that these are hiking watches under $100. It may not be a smartwatch, but for someone who prefers something a little more straight forward – these water-resistant hiking watches with everything you need for a day in the wild are the ideal pick.
Pros:
+ Shock resistant construction
+ Water-resistant to 330 feet
+ Two different time zones
+ Thick and durable silicone band
Why We Like It – This hiking watch looks great, weighs little, and is both shock-resistant and with 330ft water resistance, to keep up with you and your active lifestyle.
4. Casio Shock Rescue Digital Sport
The Casio Shock hiking watches under $100 have all the active-life features you can imagine! It is made with resistant resin, is water-resistant to 660 feet, has a large digital sport display screen where you can easily see the time, what phase the moon is in, keeps track of the tide, day, and the date and much more.
The thick band makes it comfortable to wear, and the watch itself is has a low enough weight to be carried effortlessly on your next hike. Hit your favorite trail and let your classic budget hiking watch accompany you on your outdoor expedition, with highly accurate time-telling and a design that will motivate you always to do better.
When you set your mind to something – you can do it, and this cheap waterproof watch will be right there to achieve your hiking goals and dreams with you.
Pros:
+ Moon phase and tide data
+ Shock resistant construction
+ 50mm black resin case
+ 660ft water resistance
Why We Like It – A heavy-duty hiking watch that resists both water and the occasional bump, and it is ideal for sports thanks to its excellent durability and carefully designed four-point set up and a large, easy-to-read screen.
5. Timex Expedition Mini Metal Field Watch
Are you looking for a hiking watch that is a little more discrete and classy in its design? Perhaps these small and exclusive looking hiking watches could be what you are looking for, and what will accompany you on your next hiking adventure? The 12mm strap is made with durable nylon and real leather. The 26mm silver brass case adds that extra sense of luxury to it, and the Arabic numerals are just the right size to be easy to read.
It is a hiking watch that looks expensive, while actually being a top contender for the title of ‘Best Hiking Watch Under $100’. If you feel you prefer simpler hiking watches without extra features like a digital compass, altimeter, barometer, triple sensor, a timepiece like this analog display hiking watch is likely to be a perfect fit.
Pros:
+ Genuine adjustable leather band
+ Luminous hands and Indiglo light-up dial
+ Water-resistant to 165 feet
+ Participant in the Amazon ‘Best Choice’ category
Why We Like It – Not everyone needs their hiking watches to have an altimeter, barometer, and compass, and these are the perfect hiking watches for someone who prefers a more classic timepiece to form part of their hiking equipment.
6. Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch
The Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch is low in price and rich in watch features for outdoor activities! Let it help you keep track of the time right there on the generously sized watch display, and discover how you can actually get high quality at a reasonable price. This outdoor watch is the perfect choice for someone who wants a durable watch.
With features like revolutionary Indiglo Backlight, accurate time telling, chronograph, water resistance, up to an impressive 10 years of battery life, vibrating alarms, and a hardened black resin case for improved durability when used for sports and outdoor activities. Quality materials are essential for hiking watches, as they may have to withstand the elements, and the Timex Expedition definitely delivers.
Pros:
+ 24-hour countdown timer
+ Adjustable 16mm resin strap
+ I.S.O. standard shock resistance
+ Mode for 24-hour military time
Why We Like It – These are incredibly durable hiking watches that you can hike with both when it is sunny outside and when it rains, and they will look amazing on your wrist with that large watch hiking display.
7. Armitron Sport Digital Chronograph Watch
This gunmetal black hiking watch appears almost like a Transformer at first glance, and the printed patterns, details, and buttons are enough to make anyone look twice. It is a hiking watch with chronograph, dual time, military time, and Japanese movement, plus so many other features that makes it hard to believe that this altimeter, barometer, and compass watch could cost you less than $100.
Whether you plan to use your watch for sports, outdoor adventures, or just to tell the time nicely – this watch does not disappoint! It features a large display with digital Arabic numerals, and it comes as no surprise that it continually gets such a high rating in almost every best hiking-watch review. This is the dream watch for anyone who wants to use their timepiece for more than just to tell time. It’s what makes it such a great pick for a hiker.
Pros:
+ Buckle closure for security
+ Japanese quartz movement
+ Great selection of features
+ Digital Arabic numeral display
Why We Like It – For people who enjoy spending time in nature, the long-lasting battery will be a hugely relevant feature, and the robust design makes sure your new watch can easily keep up with your active lifestyle.
8. PALADA Digital Sports Waterproof Watch
Do you know what features you want your new watch to have? Yes? No? Well, why not get it all? This futuristic and fashionably designed hiking watch looks unlike any other sports watch you have ever seen before, and it does everything you need your watch to do when you hit the trail! There is a reliable digital compass, a rubber wristband that makes it extremely comfortable to wear also for longer hikes.
It has a light button to light up the watch screen when it is too dark to see the numbers, and it features some of the best active-life functions you are likely to find on a watch. If you don’t care too much about the compass or the other extravagant features offered by this watch, then at least enjoy the impeccable design and accurate time-telling!
Pros:
+ High-quality resin strap
+ Multiple sports features
+ Acrylic mirror window
+ Hourly alarms and shock resistance
Why We Like It – A uniquely designed sports watch that gives you all the best features – such as silent alarms – at a surprisingly low and affordable price.
9. BENYAR Classic Sports Chronograph Watch
The best watch for a hike or other outdoor activities is one you will feel comfortable wearing and one that will live up to whatever expectations you have. This stunning timepiece has a large and round flat dial, where it features three Chronograph sub-dials, date information, and other helpful information, while also looking so good that you can’t believe it costs less than $100.
You don’t see this type of watch very often, and it is an option worth considering when you are choosing your next deal on the best watch for hikers. The automatic quartz movement makes sure you always have the correct hour, as that can sometimes be more important than a compass when out in nature.
Pros:
+ Precise Quartz movement
+ Tachymeter and Chronograph
+ Classic look and accurate time-keeping
+ Three smaller sub-dials
Why We Like It – The three chronograph subdials, along with the flat black dial and the leather band, make this watch one of a kind whether you plan to use it for a hike or a fancy event.
10. Vikano Survival Bracelet Watch
This is not your average watch and more of a survival kit for when you are out on a hike! The bracelet has a watch, a compass, a scraper you can convert into a convenient knife if needed, a whistle if you would ever find yourself in a situation where you need to send out a loud signal, a paracord and many other essential features. The watch itself is digitally run; with large numbers, you can easily see also when it is dark outside.
It is a watch option that just had to go on this list due to its tough exterior, accurate measurement features, and essential accessories. The pressure is on for finding the best compass watch out there, and while this may not be your conventional watch – it is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pros:
+ Highly accurate compass
+ With an included loud whistle
+ Great personal survival kit
+ Amazon Services LLC Associates
Why We Like It – To monitor the hour isn’t all you should want to get out of your watch, and with this revolutionary invention – you suddenly have everything you need to survive out there in the woods.
Hiking Watch for Under $100 Buyers Guide
Hiking is one of the most rewarding activities you can engage in. The air smells fresh, the sounds from the woods come at you all at once mixed with an unmistakable vibe of freedom. It is almost as if nature wipes away all your problems and concerns; if so, just for the hours when you find yourself out there with nature as your only true company.
When spending a day outdoors, it is important to have the right hiking gear and equipment, and this includes having basic time-telling equipment along with features like GPS! The best way to keep everything in one place is by purchasing a watch with features that suit a hiker, and this guide will hopefully help you find a quality watch that can go on adventures with you for many long years to come.
It is not just about finding the best hiking watch, though, as you might also want an affordable watch so that you don’t have to use up all your money on your time-telling device! Here is everything you need to know to find the ultimate watch for your next adventure!
Heart Rate Monitor
What a heart rate monitor does is that it registers the beats of your heart throughout the day, and this can be helpful when wanting to set up an exercise plan and to keep track of your health. Not all watches made for hikers have a heart rate monitor, but if this type of data is something you are interested in, then perhaps scanning the product descriptions for this specific feature could be a good idea. The heart rate is monitored through the pulse in your wrist, and in most cases, it does not require any additional equipment or device.
Barometer, Altimeter, etc. etc.
When looking for a watch, you are very likely to eventually come in contact with terms like ‘altimeter’ and/or ‘barometer’. Before you decide whether these are important to you – you need to know at least what each of them is. Let’s start with altimeters!
Here your watch will use sensors to collect data related to air pressure, and this can then be converted to accurate information about your current altitude. Most watches will first have you set a starting point, such as the level of the ocean, and the watch will then register changes in air pressure and altitude as you continue to move.
A barometer, on the other hand, is a handy feature for predicting what the weather will look like, such as if there is a storm or heavy rain approaching. The reason for this is that a barometer measures the atmospheric pressure – registering changes, highs and lows – and converting the obtained data to useful information for hikers and those doing sports out in the open. These are also great features if you simply enjoy learning about your environment, and if you want to share such data with others after each hike.
Smartwatch vs. Regular Watch
Some hikers opt for a smartwatch, which is a watch that can do everything, basically, including receiving social media notifications and incoming calls. While this can be a great resource when out in the wild – a quality smartwatch is also likely to be more expensive than a more basic watch, and it is, therefore, a good idea to consider a watch that only has basic outdoor features like a compass and GPS. Special features may not be a top priority if you are trying to find a quality watch under $100.
Compass for Navigation
Here is why having a proper watch for your next hike is such a great idea! Instead of carrying several different items with you, you can get a watch that has all the features you need! Many watches will have a built-in compass, and this will save you both space and effort, as the compass will sit there securely on your wrist. A compass will often be a crucial device to navigate along more difficult trails and hiking areas, and it is something a dedicated hiker cannot be without.
Additional Features
Other great things to look for are whether the watch is water-resistant, as any experienced hiker knows that the weather can change in seconds, and before you know it – the rain could be pouring down! The last thing you will want to worry about in such a situation is the watch that is on your wrist, so if you are outdoorsy and plan to use your new timepiece for your adventures – get a water-resistant one.
Conclusion
Discover the many benefits of owning a hiker’s watch, and how this can do so much more for you than just keep you updated on whether it is late or early. Finding the best one can seem tricky at first, but it doesn’t take an expert to find a high-quality option that still falls within your budget.
The buying guide above is there to help make your decision a little bit easier, by pinpointing exactly what you might want to look for in a cheap hiker’s watch. Despite what many people think – there are affordable options out there that will still meet all your expectations.
Expert Tip
Don’t overthink your choice too much. Be ready to compromise on some of the functions to keep the price low and the overall quality high.
Did You Know
Hiking is an activity you can enjoy on your own or together with family and friends, and a good watch has been proven to make most hiking adventures both safer and more fun.