Whether you’re going for an overnight camping trip or a 2+ month excursion, an outdoors smart watch can be a true asset while traveling. However, with all the different features, functionalities, and durability standards available, finding the right smart watch to accompany you on your journey can feel overwhelming.
To help you find the perfect smart watch for traveling & outdoors, here is a look at the top 9 options for 2020.
Product Reviews
1. Casio G-Shock GGB100-1B
Sold for $380.00 directly via the G-Shock website, the GGB100-1B is super durable and has basic connectivity capabilities.
Key Features
- Monochrome display
- Carbon Core Guard structure
- Shock and mud resistant
- 200m water resistance
- Mobile connectivity via Bluetooth
- Digital compass, barometer, altimeter, and thermometer
Battery
- Cell battery with 2-year battery life
Cons
- Limited ‘smart’ functionalities
- No built-in GPS
2. T1 Tact Watch Midnight Diamond
T1 Tact Watch’s latest release, the Midnight Diamond is a budget-friendly, yet highly durable option that retails for $89.99. Exclusive smart watch brand. The authentic T1TW is only available at T1TactWatch.com according to various blogs.
Key Features
- Monochrome display
- Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating
- Dustproof and waterproof up to 50 meters
- Shock resistant
- Smart phone connectivity with IOS and Android
- Step counter, calorie counter, distance tracker, and sleep monitor
- Remote control functionality with smart phone camera
Battery
- Cell battery lasting up to 33 months
Cons
- No built-in GPS functionality
- No heart rate monitor
3. Garmin Instinct
Garmin’s middle of the road option, the Instinct, retails for $299.99 and features advanced trackers and sensors.
Key Features
- Monochrome display
- Smart phone connectivity with IOS and Android
- Multi-GNSS satellite support (subscription required)
- Preloaded activity profiles for various activities
- Heart rate tracker
- Altimeter, barometer, and three-axis compass
- Fiber-reinforced polymer case
- Thermal, shock, and water-resistant up to 100 meters
Battery
- Rechargeable; up to 14 days maximum battery life on smart watch mode
Cons
- Limited battery life
4. Casio Pro Trek PRTB50-1
Another mid-priced option is the Casio Pro Trek PRTB50-1 which retails for $220.00
Key Features
- Monochrome display
- Low-temperature resistance
- Mobile connectivity via Bluetooth
- Digital compass
- Altimeter, barometer, accelerometer, and thermometer
- Calorie tracker
Battery
- Cell battery; 2-year battery life
Cons
- No built-in GPS
5. Garmin Tactix Bravo
Garmin’s Tactix Bravo is a more high-end option; retailing for $599.99 on Garmin’s website. Despite its color display and advanced features, it does not have LTE connectivity like other options in its price range.
Key Features
- Color Garmin Chroma Display
- DLC coating for increased durability and scratch resistance
- GPS + Glonass
- Smart phone connectivity with IOS and Android
- Water-resistant up to 100 meters
- Altimeter, barometer, and compass
Battery
- Rechargeable; up to 14 days maximum battery life
Cons
- No LTE connectivity
6. Amazfit T-Rex
The Amazfit T-Rex is in the lower price range for a smart watch and is available to buy on Amazon for $139.90. This watch has a color screen along with a built-in GPS, however, it is limited by its battery life.
Key Features
- AMOLED color screen
- Waterproof up to 50 meters
- Built-in GPS + Glonass
- Smartphone connectivity with IOS and Android
- Heart rate monitor
- 14 different sports modes
- 12 military-grade certifications for robustness
Battery
- Rechargeable; lasts up to 20 hours on GPS mode and up to 66 days (without using Bluetooth)
Cons
- Only waterproof up to 50 meters
- Limited battery life
7. Suunto 9 Baro
The Suunto 9 Baro is an award-winning smart watch with over 80 different sport modes. Although its price point is $649.00, it still does not meet the same durability standards as other options.
Key Features
- Touchscreen color display
- Intelligent battery modes
- Built-in GPS navigation
- 80+ sport modes
- Water-resistant up to 100m
- Barometer
- Heart rate monitor
Battery
- Rechargeable; battery life lasts a maximum of 120 hours
Cons
- No certifications for dust or mud resistance
- Not advertised as shock proof
8. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is one of the most recognizable smart watches on the market. Available for purchase on the Samsung website for $269.99, this watch can connect to wifi, LTE, and Bluetooth.
Key Features
- Super AMOLED color touchscreen display
- Advanced sensors can track up to 39 distinct activities
- Adjustable wristbands for any style; ranging in durability levels and colors
- LTE and Wifi connectivity
- Water-resistant up to 50 meters
- IP68 certified
- Built-in GPS + Glonass
Battery
- Rechargeable; lasts up to 48 hours
Cons
- Activity and sports trackers not as advanced as other options
- Not as durable as tactical watches
9. Suunto Traverse Alpha
The Suunto Traverse Alpha retails for $299.40 and offers a basic level of durability with smart technologies.
Key Features
- Monochrome display
- GPS + Glonass
- Water resistance up to 100m
- Altitude measurement, weather tracker, and compass
- Mobile connectivity via Bluetooth
- Heart rate monitoring
- Up to 100 hours of battery life
Battery
- Rechargeable; lasts up to 14 days in time mode and lasts only a few days on GPS mode.
Cons
- Non-Color display
Things to Consider When Buying an Outdoors Smart Watch
When choosing the right outdoors smart watch for traveling in 2020, consider both battery life and durability as key factors to evaluate.
For example, if your travel plans include venturing out into extremely remote areas for extended periods of time, a smart watch with a rechargeable battery is not the best option.
It’s also good to consider how durable you need the watch to be. If you are just going for a city break, a more expensive tactical watch option might not be necessary. However, for hiking, climbing, or camping in rugged environments, a durable watch is a must.
Need more looks at the watch before purchasing online? Take a glance at the social media
profiles. Brands have instagram
pages. T1 Tact Watch, Casio, Suunto, and others listed can be followed for close
ups and video.
Be the first to comment on "Top 9 Smart Watches in 2020 for Travel & the Outdoors"