Top 8 Must Have Hiking Watches Under $200

Garmin Vivoactive 3

Let’s begin with the most crucial part that could influence your decision – Money. Garmin Vivoactive 3 (Standard Version) starts from $120. It is not much, but for someone else, it could be, and that’s why it’s better to leave the further interpretation to you.

To Spicy Part!!!

You are in a jungle filled with creatures of deep and death. You are not native to the area, so your knowledge to navigate out of there is as little as the patience of creatures.

What would you do?

Well, if you were without Garmin Vivoactive 3, there is not much you could do.

But.

If you had bought Garmin Vivoactive 3 and had it in your hand, you might be able to escape. Its accurate GPS capacity is more than enough to guide you out of the hell. Although you might want to turn off the Heartbeat tracking, it’s pretty accurate. But assuming you are running from Lion, your heartbeat would be facing fluctuations with time. Even though updates can take time to show up on the screen, you don’t want to record 200 bpm. It doesn’t look good.

But hey, maybe you won’t have to be running away. Maybe you will be relaxing under the shade of your favorite tree, and you might feel the need to listen to music. That happens, right? Everyone loves songs.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 can help you out there as well. You have a watch capable of giving strong battery life with support for many third-party applications.

It is also pretty durable. So even under unforeseen circumstances, chances of not getting scratch are pretty good. An extra protective layer is there in the face of Corning Gorilla Glass to keep your watch safe and steady.

Fitbit Versa 2

Much like Garmin’s Vivoactive 3, this model of Versa stands not far from the $150 mark. Its current valuation of $130 – give or take – is hard to further dumb down. But, given the Industry standard, it won’t be wrong to assume it’s on the cheaper side of the smartwatch world.

And you’re with your Grandfather!!!

You happen to be on a lovely trip he planned to take with you. He suffers from occasional pain in the chest and has to be given CPR in case of SCA – Sudden Cardiac Arrest. So you thought Fitbit Versa 2 would be perfect for keeping his vital on track and bought it for him.

Did you make the correct choice?

If you ask us, we would say yes, it was indeed a great option.

Why?

First of all, Fitbit allows data to be synced to your phone. Using its “All-Day Sync” feature, you would always stay one step ahead, he won’t have to say anything to you. With a small beep, you would be ready. Secondly, Fitbit excels in engineering efficient products. Versa 2, due to not having a built-in GPS saves hours of battery life. Which, in your case, not only can be a sign of relief but keep both of you on track and even entertained.

It also has Amazon Alexa, so even after the sober trip, your Grandfather won’t have a hard time staying in touch with you. You can set it up for him, and it would be good to go.

Yes, there are a couple of downsides to it too. Gmail happens to be the only mail carrier service. Despite the complicated claims, it might not be the best choice to take it to the shower – it might be. Applications available in-store isn’t relevant or valuable to many.

For what it is worth, Fitbit Versa 2 makes up for it. Yes, it is not the best watch or fitness tracker in the world. It can do so much for you, so much for your Grandfather.

CASIO Men’s PRO TREK PRG-270-1

CASIO’s Pro Trek falls short just before reaching the $150 mark. With the price listed at $148, it is not the most expensive or cheapest watch to have in your collection. But it is one to keep in mind.

You’re about to reach the peak!!!

It is not uncommon for people to enjoy great heights, many individuals get a kick out of it, or it is simply their jam. Although between you and me you have a better chance of doing it.

Intense Acrophobia Grips

When you are up there, or about to reach a significant elevation, it is always recommended to have something with you to record the conditions. And what better way is there to do it than using CASIO PRO TERK, huh?

Fitted with ABC sensors – Altitude, Barometer, and Compass, it can significantly help you measure the needed metrics. After all, Casio has taken special care to reduce them to a small enough size for a better experience.

For sure, it doesn’t have a beautiful face like Versa 2. It doesn’t need to be. It is perfectly crafted for Outdoor living. Or, in your case, Hiking.

Now you could be wondering if it’s rugged and robust. Would it be a wise investment since you will not be hiking forever? Well, unlike the previous Pro Trek version, Casio has worked on the size and screen. And they have managed to do quite some wonders.

With the sensors’ location moved from 10 o’clock to 9 o’clock and the usual indents at ( 12, 3, 6, 9 ) refined. You can now have it on your hand daily. The battery life is far too long to hit the lower end.

Suunto CORE – Classic

Similar to Garmin Vivoactive 3 and others Suunto Core (Classic) is currently sitting on the $120 mark. A better option in terms of the budget than Casio’s Pro Trek. There is more to it than the price tag.

You’re heading towards a raging storm!!!

You and your friends are racing towards a place unbeknownst to you where a storm is raging hard. It has destroyed a lot and taken many lives. Due to the disruption of services, locals are disconnected from the world, and so would you if you didn’t stop soon.

But how would you?

If you would’ve Suunto Core with you, there is more than a good enough chance you would be informed in due time.

Why you could ask?

Engineered with ABC sensors Suunto Core is capable of issuing Storm Warnings. Of course, it isn’t helpful or recommended just for it. Readings can be accurate up to 99%. Which isn’t bad for something as small as a watch.

And from what we tested, it is more than Casio’s Pro Trek. So not bad, huh?

Also, Suunto Core isn’t just bound to it. Even if you would have to change your plans with your group and find another spot to Hike. It can come in handy in more than one way. Navigation is one of many features it has taken from modern smartwatches.

Suunto made sure to craft it with durability and fail-safe option in mind. Use it inside. Use it outside. It’s perfect for both. Lightweight. But Not Cheap Lightweight. Not to mention the community that’s up and online on the website that can be of great asset in times of need.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Until now, we have listed four options (apart from this one) that we felt are worthy enough to be listed under the “best hiking watches under $200.” However, Galaxy Watch 4 holds an eccentric position in this regard. Due to its almost $200 mark price tag, it felt not okay to have it here. What it could do and how it could do that forced our hands.

You’re with your partner on a romantic getaway where you both intend to hike and stay for a few days.

Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? 

Well, it is. Everyone loves to spend quality time with their significant others. Sadly, here, yours is suffering from insomnia and elevated anxiety. Even the very reason you took a sabbatical to hike was for them to have peace of mind.

So you gifted them a watch – Galaxy Watch 4 – and now you two are pretty far from the comfort of your home.

Was it a good decision to gift them?

Of course, first of all, it is always sweet to grace your partner with gifts of appreciation. So, good job. Secondly, with Galaxy Watch 4 on them, you have the opportunity to keep track of their sleeping cycle.

“I should spend $200 just to track of sleeping when I could stay awake and do it myself for the next week?”

Well, your reasoning is at the point, and that’s why, no, it is not recommended by us just because of it. There are other reasons as well.

What you might ask?

It has everything you need and much more: Samsung has crafted it with two things in mind, Fashion, and Function. It is their tagline for it and believes us, they are not lying here.

If you are a Galaxy phone owner, it shouldn’t even be a debate for you to go for it. With smooth syncing between familiar Smart Devices, your data will always stay with you one way or another. So it doesn’t matter how far apart your phones would be, records of your heartbeat, body composition, steps, and whatnot would never be lost.

“I could do the same with my Fitbit device. Why should I get it then?”

We agree, and yes, Fitbit has a great line of products. We have even discussed one of them above – Versa 2. However, after testing on our own, we found applications integration much smoother in Galaxy Watch 4. That’s not to say Fitbit has it worse. No, not all.

But that it is better here. For better understanding we have done comparison post for Fitbit Sense and Galaxy Watch 4.

Just the same way how battery life seems to be taking a toll of one day here when it’s better on Fitbit. Or how Fitbit premium, in the long run, costs more and couldn’t be the wise decision if you are not gonna change the watch soon.

Timex Men’s TW4B02500 EXPEDITION

First, let’s take a look at the price tag, and we are happy to inform you it’s not much. $80. Yes, that’s it. You can get yourself this piece of tech just for $80. Unlike almost everything else on this list, it is probably the cheapest option. However, I understand if money would or wouldn’t be the most crucial factor for you to decide.

Your hiking trail is leading you towards a Cave.

I have personally never been in a Cave, but from what I have heard, Cave isn’t exactly the perfect picnic spot. Unless they are called Lascaux and are in France, I don’t think I’d ever be willing to visit one. However, you could find yourself in one.

Even then you have got nothing to fear. As long as Timex Men’s TW4B02500 is on you, no harm shall come your way.

Okay, that sounds flimsy and probably not true. You can die due to millions of reasons in there (I pray not). Timex has indeed crafted a fine product that would be handy for you.

Let’s start with the built. Despite the vast size and even huge-looking face, it is not an uncomfortable wearable to wear in a Cave. On a contradictory note, it would be pretty comfortable, if not the most comfortable.

So jump, crawl, run, or find the lost city. It wouldn’t matter to your watch. Expedition durability can tolerate a lot on its own. From what we tested, even after 48 hours of the scut work, it didn’t have a scratch on its screen.

Impressive, no?

Similarly, its battery doesn’t take any hit either. It remains stable enough to give you days of uptime.

Although, since it is not made with fashion in mind, many of you wouldn’t find it appealing. But, if you are someone who doesn’t care about it and places functionality over fashion, you wouldn’t get a better deal than this one.

Seiko SRPD65

Before we begin and tell you about its price, a quick note. All the products listed here are what we felt would be the best given the circumstance and consensus, i.e. Hiking. If you feel otherwise, feel free to suggest our team your thoughts. Seiko 5 has a price tag of $200.

And you’re with your kids!

I don’t have them right now (kids). But they can be a handful, and there is no doubt about it. However, you have them here, and they are a “handful.” Thankfully your hands are also with Seiko 5.

“My watch would make them behave on the hill?”

We wish, but no, even if they couldn’t get their order right, you won’t have to worry about chasing them with your Seiko watch.

Built with stainless steel, there is no chance it will endure a scratch on its Gun Metal skin. A lovely shade, if you ask me.

“I should buy it just because it’s built?”

If that’s something that interests you. Even though it comes with many options to change bands, and given its traditional outlook, there is no clothing style it wouldn’t match with.

There is more than what meets the eye!

“For Example?”

Seiko 5 is certified to resist as well as thrive underwater. So, even if your kid drowns it, it wouldn’t budge. Analog display has always been associated with royalty and a high-end lifestyle, and Seiko 5 offers it. Indeed, not the most critical factor, but one of the contributing ones.

Amazfit GTR 3

Our last but certainly not the cheapest option here: Amazfit GTR 3 is priced at $180. Is it a lot? Is it nothing? We’ll leave that to you, and head straight to what we do best: Telling a story! 

You’re hiking with your friend who has Apple Watch

I love Apple. I’m iPhone SE 2020 user myself, but we can be honest here. Sometimes, Apple users can be snobby. I am not, but your friend Mike on the Hike with you is undoubtedly about his new brand smartwatch.

Mike: You know it can track my heartbeat.

At this point, you would smile and tell him, “Oh yeah? Well, my Amazfit Watch can do the same and more. It can even track my sleep while I am sleeping – both day and night.”

Our records tell us Mike would not wait for a second and get back to you with: “My watch can do the same, and something that I’d thought wouldn’t be possible ever.”

You: “What’s that?”

Mike: “I can use it to pick up the calls. How cool is that!!!”

He is smiling, and so would you, not on the excellent watch but a stupid friend. There is no benefit in telling him how your Amazfit has integrated Amazon Alexa to guide them ahead or how fantastic the straps are with lots of variety. Most importantly, the battery isn’t going to have them stranded.

You can charge it enough and use it for 21 days!!!