When heading into the wild, a hunting smartwatch can be an invaluable tool, combining functionality with the rugged design needed for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re tracking prey, navigating difficult terrains, or keeping an eye on your health, the right smartwatch can make your hunting experience more efficient and enjoyable. This guide will help you find the best smartwatches for hunting, their key features, and the benefits they bring to your outdoor pursuits.
Key Features to Look for in a Hunting Smartwatch
When choosing the best smartwatch for hunting, it’s important to consider features that will assist you in various outdoor scenarios. Here are some key features that will benefit any hunter:
1. GPS and Navigation Tools
Hunting often takes you into uncharted territories, making navigation a priority. Smartwatches with high-quality GPS features will help you track your location, set waypoints, and return to your starting point without getting lost.
2. Rugged and Durable Design
A hunting smartwatch should withstand the elements, from harsh weather conditions to bumps and scrapes in the wild. Look for smartwatches that are water-resistant and shockproof.
3. Battery Life
Extended battery life is crucial for long hunting trips. A smartwatch with a battery life that can last several days will ensure that you don’t run out of power in the middle of your adventure.
4. Heart Rate Monitoring and Fitness Tracking
While hunting, it’s important to monitor your health, especially during physically demanding tasks. Smartwatches with heart rate sensors, step counters, and calories burned features can help you track your fitness levels.
5. Weather Alerts
Having access to real-time weather data can be a lifesaver in the wild. Smartwatches that integrate weather apps and provide notifications for adverse weather conditions are essential for staying safe.
Top Smartwatches for Hunting in 2025
1. Garmin Fenix 7X Solar
Key Features:
- Display: 1.4-inch sunlight-readable display
- Battery Life: Up to 24 days in smartwatch mode
- GPS: Multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)
- Durability: MIL-STD-810G standard for toughness
- Special Feature: Solar charging for extended battery life
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Solar charging for long trips | ❌ Higher price point |
| ✅ Advanced GPS and mapping tools | ❌ Large design may not fit all wrists |
| ✅ Great for rugged environments | ❌ Steep learning curve for new users |
The Garmin Fenix 7X Solar is designed with the toughest hunters in mind. It’s perfect for navigating rough terrains, and the solar-powered charging extends the battery life significantly, meaning you can go longer without worrying about charging. Its advanced navigation and mapping tools are a great advantage for hunters who need precise tracking.
2. Suunto 9 Peak Pro
Key Features:
- Display: 1.2-inch color touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 170 hours of continuous GPS tracking
- GPS: Multiple global navigation satellite systems
- Durability: Titanium case with water resistance up to 100 meters
- Special Feature: 80 sport modes with detailed metrics
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Extremely durable and waterproof | ❌ Smaller display may be difficult to read in sunlight |
| ✅ Long-lasting battery for multi-day hunts | ❌ Lacks smart notifications compared to other models |
| ✅ Lightweight, comfortable design | ❌ Expensive in comparison to basic models |
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is ideal for hunters who need a reliable and durable watch that can handle harsh conditions. With up to 170 hours of battery life on GPS mode, it’s perfect for multi-day hunting trips. It’s also very lightweight, making it comfortable for extended wear.
3. Apple Watch Ultra
Key Features:
- Display: 49mm Always-On Retina Display
- Battery Life: 36 hours on a single charge
- GPS: Dual-frequency GPS for enhanced precision
- Durability: MIL-STD-810H, water-resistant up to 100 meters
- Special Feature: Dive computer mode for water hunting activities
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Excellent app ecosystem for hunting | ❌ Less rugged than other outdoor-focused watches |
| ✅ Built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring | ❌ Limited battery life for extended trips |
| ✅ Easy to pair with iOS devices | ❌ High price tag |
The Apple Watch Ultra isn’t just for everyday use—it’s perfect for hunters who also want the functionality of an advanced smartwatch. It’s equipped with dual-frequency GPS for precise navigation and a host of apps tailored to outdoor adventures. While its battery life may not be as long-lasting as some other models, it’s a great option for shorter hunting trips.
4. Coros Vertix 2
Key Features:
- Display: 1.4-inch always-on display
- Battery Life: 60 hours of GPS tracking
- GPS: Dual-frequency GPS with GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou support
- Durability: Titanium frame, military-grade protection
- Special Feature: Blood oxygen monitoring and barometric altitude tracking
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Excellent battery life for long trips | ❌ Expensive for the average user |
| ✅ Robust and designed for extreme conditions | ❌ Lacks many smart features like music storage |
| ✅ Accurate altitude and weather data | ❌ Smaller display compared to others |
The Coros Vertix 2 is built for extreme conditions. With its military-grade protection and dual-frequency GPS, it’s perfect for hunters who venture into the harshest environments. It also includes unique features like blood oxygen monitoring, which could be valuable for keeping track of your health during high-altitude hunts.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Hunting Smartwatch
Budget
Smartwatches for hunting can vary significantly in price. While high-end models like the Garmin Fenix 7X Solar and Suunto 9 Peak Pro offer extensive features, they come with a hefty price tag. If you’re on a budget, consider the Apple Watch Ultra, which provides many outdoor features at a lower price.
Comfort
During long hunts, comfort is key. Opt for a smartwatch that fits snugly on your wrist without feeling bulky. Lighter models like the Suunto 9 Peak Pro are comfortable for all-day wear, while larger models like the Garmin Fenix 7X Solar may feel heavy after long periods.
Battery Life
If you’re heading into the wilderness for days at a time, choose a smartwatch with exceptional battery life. Models like the Garmin Fenix 7X Solar and Suunto 9 Peak Pro are designed to last long trips, so you won’t need to worry about charging frequently.
Conclusion
A hunting smartwatch is more than just a tool to tell time—it’s a game-changer for anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. Whether you need precise GPS navigation, health monitoring, or long-lasting battery life, the right smartwatch can elevate your hunting experience.
For the ultimate in rugged design, extended battery life, and top-notch GPS, the Garmin Fenix 7X Solar and Suunto 9 Peak Pro are excellent choices. However, if you need a more affordable yet feature-packed option, the Apple Watch Ultra provides great functionality for hunters who already use iOS devices.
Ultimately, the best smartwatch for hunting will depend on your personal needs and the type of hunting adventures you embark on. Make sure to prioritize the features that matter most to you, whether it’s battery life, durability, or health tracking, and you’ll be well-prepared for your next hunt.
References:
- Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Review – Garmin. https://www.garmin.com/fenix-7x-solar, 2024.
- Suunto 9 Peak Pro Review – Suunto. https://www.suunto.com/9-peak-pro, 2024.
- Apple Watch Ultra Review – Apple. https://www.apple.com/watch-ultra, 2024.
- Coros Vertix 2 Review – Coros. https://www.coros.com/vertix-2, 2024.
