The Best Watches For Hiking and Backpacking
We look at the best options when it comes to buying a watch for hiking and backpacking.
We’re taking a new look at the best watches for hiking and backpacking — five years after I first wrote this guide. I’ve updated it several times over the years, but this version is the most field-tested yet. Every watch on this list has been worn, used, and, in many cases, beat up on real trails and in real backcountry conditions.
Normally, I’ve always recommended quartz or solar watches for hiking and backpacking. They’re reliable, shock-resistant, and just work when you need them to. But over the last few years, I’ve found myself wearing automatics like my Seiko Turtle and Seiko Land Tortoise on long trips — and they’ve been awesome.
They’ve held up to rain, cold, and altitude without missing a beat. The only time I’d say an automatic is a poor choice is if you’ll be doing a lot of hard chopping, hammering, or heavy work with your arms. If that’s the case, wear the watch on your other wrist, or go with a quartz or solar-powered option.
That said, I’ve included a few automatics in this updated list, along with the tough quartz and solar watches I’ve trusted for years. My goal here is simple: recommend watches that have actually survived the dirt, sweat, and miles — not just ones that look “outdoorsy” on Instagram.
For Serious Adventures, Ditch the Rechargeable GPS Watch and Get Something Rugged and Reliable
For serious backcountry travel, I still believe in keeping things simple. A reliable analog watch, quartz or solar-powered when possible, beats a rechargeable GPS watch any day when you’re deep in the wild and far from an outlet. Battery anxiety is the last thing you want when you’re counting daylight or tracking your pace.
So, whether you’re heading out for a weekend hike or a two-week trek, these are the watches I trust — because I’ve worn them, tested them, and in a few cases, tried to break them.
See Our List Of The Most Durable Quartz Watches
See Our List Of The Most Durable Automatic Watches
Casio F91W-1 Classic
So good and so cheap! This watch is almost disposable with it’s sub $15 price tag. But don’t be fooled, it’s surprisingly robust and can take a beating. If you look close, these were even handed out on the BBC TV show “Who Dares, Wins” where they go through modified SAS training. On top of that recommendation, my kids have beat on these for years. The straps give out long before the watch does.
Casio Analog Sport MRW200H-7BV
This is another watch that is hard to believe is under $20. It’s also one of the reasons we love a solid quartz watch. This Casio comes in several color combinations and even has a rotating bezel.
With a water resistance of 100m and a rugged strap, it’s a good watch to have on your wrist when the going gets tough. Another bonus (like the Timex Scout below) is that you can pick these up at almost any Walmart, so it’s also a good watch if you forgot or lost yours while out of town or on vacation.
Citizen Garrison Field Watch BM8180-03E
This watch makes every single watch list around! That’s because it’s rugged, looks good and is inexpensive. I also think it’s recommended so much because it’s often on an Amazon “deal of the day” for well under $200. It’s a tad on the small side, and only has a 18mm band width, but if you like a discreet watch on the wrist, here is your pick.
Timex Expedition Rugged Core Analog
This is a personal favorite of mine, and one I often recommend. The white dial version has the best Indiglo function of any Time watch around. Lightweight, easy to read, and priced just right so that if you smash it or lose it, no tears will be shed.
I have taken these guys on many trips from river adventures to multi-day backpacking trips without issue. It’s also my “beater” watch that I wear in the shop and while working on the cars or yard.
Timex Expedition Scout
You can’t get more outdoorsy than the classic Timex Scout. Perfect field watch look with an easy to read dial and the added benefit of Indiglo. When you finally reach civilization again, the watch can be dressed up nicely for the office.
Besides online, you can find these at almost any Walmart around. It’s actually this watch that really got me hooked on the whole wristwatch thing as they say.
Timex offers several dial and case colors and they come on different straps too. If someone asks me for a inexpensive watch that looks good, the Scout is always my forts choice.
It is also a watch that makes you question the higher end of the horology spectrum. frankly, it looks just like a classic Hamilton field watch and other than the sometimes loud ticking, performs just as good.
Seiko Solar Tuna
The Seiko Prospex Solar Dive Watch, nicknamed the “Solar Tuna,” is a handsome and rugged addition to Seiko’s long line of exceptional dive watches. It’s a fairly close replica of the Seiko 7549 “Golden Tuna” model from the ’70s, one of the most iconic dive watches of all time. This is one of the greatest watches ever, hands down, I mean I am in love with it!
The solar battery has a 10-month reserve when fully charged, and the Lumibrite-coated hands and markers are easy to read at a glance. It’s water-resistant to a depth of 200 meters, making it a functional dive watch as well as a good-looking trail companion.
For me, the DayNight Diver and this really go head-to-head and I love them both, but there is just something about that deep dial and crazy lume on the Tuna!
The gold version is harder to find now, but there is still the Save The Ocean on Amazon, check the link above. Here is the black dial version.
Victorinox Swiss Army Quartz — The Go-Everywhere Field Watch
A pure expression of Swiss functionality — simple, accurate, and built to handle anything from alpine trails to city streets.
The Victorinox Swiss Army Quartz is a perfect reminder that sometimes the best hiking watch doesn’t need solar charging, GPS, or a 300-page manual. This is a field watch done the Swiss way — clean, over-engineered, and ready for real use.
At 42mm, it hits a sweet spot for wearability, with a brushed stainless-steel case, screw-in caseback, and 100 meters of water resistance. The flat black dial is simple but purposeful, with oversized Super-Luminova hands and raised numerals that make telling time in low light effortless. My real only complaint is the 21mm lug width, its just an odd size.
Inside beats the dependable Ronda 517 quartz movement, known for its accuracy and bulletproof reliability. The day-date complication at three o’clock adds just enough practicality without cluttering the dial. It ships on a brown leather strap, but like most Victorinox watches, it looks even better on a NATO or rubber strap when you’re heading into rougher terrain.
Why You Should Buy It:
Because this is the modern embodiment of the classic field watch — rugged, unfussy, and utterly dependable. The Swiss Army Quartz doesn’t pretend to be a luxury piece or a digital tool; it’s a trustworthy companion that will outlast most adventures and still look great at dinner afterward.
Citizen BN0211-50E Promaster Tough
Slick, simple and hardwearing, the Citizen Promaster Tough is a rough-and-tumble watch that looks great and doesn’t quit. The black dial is easy to read and offers excellent contrast against the stainless steel case and chain-link bracelet. It’s nice to know you can wear your watch on a hiking or fishing trip without having to worry about getting it wet or banging it on a rock.
This thing isn’t quite indestructible, but it’s close. Plus, the Eco-Drive technology is powered by light—any light—to ensure that you’ll never need a battery. I think Citizen built it to go up against the Victorinox Inox and its a close battle.
Victorinox Inox
The Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s I.N.O.X. Watch has a reputation that rests on its toughness. It’s made to resist fire, water, salt–you name it. But almost as importantly, it’s a stylish timepiece that looks just as good at a swanky dinner party as it does when you’re scrambling up a rugged rock face.
The watch comes with a handsome and durable leather strap (the same grade of leather used in firefighters’ boots) so the strap is just as tough as the watch it’s attached to. It’s come along with me on many camping trips, and I have zero complaints.
This is also an interesting watch because it comes in so many combinations, which makes the pricing all over the place. You can snag these for $200 to $600 and up depending on the movement, case, band, etc. Beware, all the bracelets are not created equal here.
If you go and watch the Victorinox Inox torture test videos, the bracelet that is used has a special fold over locking clasp. It’s a little of a pain compared to a regular divers buckle, but if you want to hand from a helicopter it’s a small price to pay. Some of the bracelet models have more traditional divers clasp. One complaint is they use 21mm lugs…but I guess if Rolex if going to 21mm lugs, we can live with it.
Good thing the a there are a lot of strap options, like my favorite silicone quick release from Ritche, which come in 21mm!
Citizen PRT Eco Drive Watch AW7045-09E
The Citizen PRT is a beautiful and sturdy watch that makes for a trusted companion on any adventure. It certainly looks the part, with a black, ion-plated, stainless steel case and rugged, brown leather strap. The black dial, luminous silver-tone hands, and rotating bezel with compass markings give it a look that is—if you’ll forgive the pun—timeless.
I imagine it would go nicely with a whip and a fedora. This watch is also water resistant to 200 meters, and keeps ticking along without a battery change thanks to Citizen Eco-Drive technology. One cool feature that I wish every watch had is a power indicator!
I have several solar Citizen and they seem to hold a charge for a very long time. Once every few months I grab them and line them up outside for a few hours and it keeps them ticking.
Wenger Sport Model: 01.1541.104
I love the design simplicity of the Wenger Men’s Sport Stainless Steel Swiss-Quartz Watch. With luminous hands, and bold hour marks against a black case and dial, it has a clean and dynamic look that’s easy to read in all conditions. It’s Swiss-made and has a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
This watch comes with a tough nylon band that gives it an outdoorsy look as well as being water and abrasion resistant. I’m a fan, but the band is pretty easy to switch out if it’s not your style. Overall, this is one of the best watches of its kind for under $200.
Praesidus A-11 Jungle Field
A faithful field watch that earns its place in the backcountry
The Praesidus A11 Jungle Field is a compact, no nonsense tool watch that nails the vintage military feel. At around $200, it’s built with purpose, not pretense. The 34mm case feels perfectly sized for real use—light, tough, and easy to wear all day. The domed K1 crystal adds character, the bead blasted finish cuts glare, and the drilled lugs make strap swaps simple.
The matte black dial is clean and functional with applied Arabic numerals, a 24 hour track, and syringe style hands. No logo, no clutter—just pure utility. Lume is strong enough for night use and the Seiko VH31 Mecha quartz movement gives a smooth sweeping seconds hand with quartz accuracy.
It’s assembled in the USA, rated for 50 meters of water resistance, and comes on a solid canvas and leather strap. I’ve worn it hiking, camping, and in bad weather—it just works. The A11 Jungle Field isn’t trying to impress anyone; it’s a simple, rugged, and trustworthy watch built for the outdoors.
H.Goose Saluda
Field watches have been mounting a comeback in recent years, and the H.Goose Gen 3 Saluda is a great indicator of why that is. It’s plenty durable for hikers and other outdoorsy types, and has a vintage-inspired look that’s handsome but by no means flashy.
This watch comes with either a nylon or leather strap (I personally prefer the nylon for outdoor wear) so you can choose the style you like best. Also, the medium-sized 39mm case may be refreshing to anyone who’s gotten a little tired of the “big watch” trend. I have to also give H.Goose a few bonus points for making this watch right here in South Carolina.
Casio Heavy Duty Chronograph
This is one of those I bought killing time at Walmart! I only recently got into Gshocks and these sub $50 Casio’s are a great way to test the waters if you want to wear a bigger watch. I’ve really ended up loving this watch.
Lightweight and comfy on the wrist, you will barley know it’s these while your slogging away the miles down the trail. One of the best traits is that the chrono / stopwatch function is VERY easy to use on this guy. I love chronographs, but more for the looks than practical use. However, this Casio’s chrono function works well and you can actually use it to time a lot of stuff.
Deep Blue Tritium Diver
Deep Blue may not be a household name in the watch world yet, but the New York-based company makes some truly exceptional dive watches that stack up nicely against the Seikos and Citizens that dominate the market.
The DAYNIGHT Tritium Quartz Dive Watch is a prime example. Dependable, lightweight and water resistant to 200 meters, this is a great watch that will stay with you through some tough scrapes.
It’s good-looking and comfortable on the wrist too. One of the best parts of the DAYNIGHT series is the tritium lume on the hands and dial markers, which makes it easy to read from about a mile away. Overall, it’s a great value in the $300 range.
This really has become one of my go-to choices for almost any backcountry adventure, mainly because the Tritium tubes! Rather than traditional lume, the DayNight uses little tubes of radioactive Tritium gas that glow for 25 years. You just can’t beat the nighttime advantage over lume or pressing a button.
Bertucci A-11T
There are a lot of watches out there that you could call “strong,” “sturdy,” “long-lasting,” hard-wearing,” and just about a hundred other adjectives meant to make a product sound tough. But the Bertucci Men’s 13330 A-11T, with its solid titanium unibody case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, is really, really tough.
The same design that makes this watch durable also makes it incredibly comfortable and surprisingly lightweight. I love the vintage WWII-inspired design, and I love wearing a watch that I can accidentally drop off a cliff and still find ticking at the bottom.
I recently picked this guy up because of the new dial layout and it’s a quick favorite. I reviewed in-depth the Bertucci A2-T here, the watches are very similar.
Seiko SSC081 Compass
Seiko has a well-earned reputation for making some of the world’s finest solar watches, and the Seiko Men’s SSC081 Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch more than lives up to the standards set by its extended family.
It’s a pretty hefty timepiece, but there are times when there’s a direct line between weight and quality. The stainless steel bezel and case are tough (and easy on the eye) and the watch is water resistant to 100 meters. Personally, I really love the vintage look of this watch, particularly the black compass dial, although it must be said that the compass feature is more ornamental than practical.
Seiko Prospex Solar SNJ031P1 “Modern Arnie”
A solar-powered hybrid dive watch inspired by the 1980s Seiko “Arnie” — tough, capable, and packed with retro attitude.
The Seiko Prospex Solar SNJ031P1, better known as the Safari Arnie, is a modern reimagining of the legendary Seiko H558 worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger in movies like Predator and Commando. It’s big, bold, and unapologetically functional — a watch that looks just as good in the mountains as it does in the water.
At 50mm lug-to-lug, the SNJ031P1 is surprisingly wearable thanks to its short lugs and ergonomic case. The black shroud gives it that distinctive “Tuna” silhouette while protecting the bezel and case from knocks and scrapes.
It’s ISO 6425-certified for 200 meters of water resistance and powered by Seiko’s H851 solar movement, which charges off light and runs for months without a battery swap. The analog-digital display offers dual time, alarm, stopwatch, and calendar functions — all practical for real-world use.
The lume is, of course, pure Seiko magic — bright, long-lasting, and reliable in any environment. The rubber strap is comfortable and long enough to fit over a wetsuit or heavy jacket, making it ideal for hiking, diving, or just beating around the campsite.
Why You Should Buy It:
Because the SNJ031P1 is one of the most capable and entertaining watches you can wear outdoors. It blends rugged Seiko dive heritage, solar reliability, and nostalgic 80s cool into one unstoppable package. Whether you’re hiking a desert trail or quoting Predator around a campfire, this is a watch that’s built to survive and built to make you smile.
Phoibos Eagle Ray GMT
A key to picking a solid watch to take camping is the watches versatility. This slim quartz from Phoibos is perfect as a companion in the wilderness on the weekend, but still dressy enough for the Monday morning business meeting.
What set this watch above a lot of other quartz watches are the screw down crowns making this guy watertight to 300 meters, a rare feat for many field watches. packing stellar lume and a sapphire crystal, the Eagle Ray will be able to withstand some abuse. You know a watch is a good looker when the kids want to wear it too. mine has stood up to heavy wear and tear with nary a scratch.
Orient Chronograph FKV01005Y
The Orient Sporty Chronograph Men’s Watch has a lot going for it: reliable Quartz movement, tough stainless steel case, scratch resistant mineral crystal. The smaller sub-dials track seconds, minutes and hours in military time.
They also give the watch, with its cream-colored dial, a classic military look, though the case is maybe a bit over-sized for a true “vintage” watch. One small drawback is the leather band, which is perfectly functional but nothing to write home about.
You can easily replace it if you’re so inclined. Overall, I’d call it one of the best watches you can find under $100.
Seiko Baby Tuna SRPH77K1
One of the toughest automatic dive watches Seiko has ever built, wrapped in a stunning blue dial that looks like frozen seawater.
The Seiko Tuna SRPH77K1 is one of those rare watches that manages to be both ridiculously beautiful and brutally tough at the same time. Part of Seiko’s Save the Ocean series, this “Baby Tuna” features a deep blue textured dial that looks like frozen seawater, complete with subtle penguin silhouettes. It’s a small artistic touch on what is otherwise a full-blown piece of dive gear.
At 43mm across and just 44mm lug-to-lug, it wears more compact than you’d expect. The signature metal shroud gives it that unmistakable “tuna can” profile while protecting the case and bezel from just about anything you can throw at it. The 4R35 automatic movement keeps things simple and reliable, while the 200 meters of water resistance, screw-down crown, and sapphire crystal round out a serious tool watch package.
Out of the box, it comes on Seiko’s soft, comfortable silicone strap, but mine lives on a NATO — it fits the rugged vibe perfectly. The lume, as you’d expect from Seiko, is blindingly good, and the dial might be one of the best in any modern dive watch, period.
Why You Should Buy It:
Because this is a rare combination of durability, beauty, and purpose. The Seiko Tuna SRPH77K1 can handle real-world abuse, looks incredible doing it, and supports ocean conservation through Seiko’s Save the Ocean series. It’s a mechanical beast you can trust from summit to seashore.
Reliable Watch Choices For Hiking and Camping
In reality, almost any watch is perfectly fine for camping and backpacking if it’s durable. Every watch above I have owned or still do.
So, it’s good to get some first hand advice about whether you need a watch when you go hiking and then watch watch you should pick. I think I touched on this above, but i would never go hiking without a watch! One because I am crazy and two because I think in a list of top survival tools, a watch is straight up there. Not only can you tract your movement, time of day and the such, a watch in a serious situation will help you keep a level head, it gives you a sense of civilization and normalcy.
Blair Witkowski is an avid watch nut, loves pocket knives and flashlights, and when he is not trying to be a good dad to his nine kids, you will find him running or posting pics on Instagram. Besides writing articles for Tech Writer EDC he is also the founder of Lowcountry Style & Living. In addition to writing, he is focused on improving his client’s websites for his other passion, Search Engine Optimization. His wife Jennifer and he live in coastal South Carolina.