It’s of utmost importance to have the right gear for rucking. After you have equipped yourself with rucksack, shoes, and clothes, you can start thinking about other equipment that can significantly improve your rucking experience. One such piece that often gets overlooked is the outdoor watch. The best watch for rucking can make a difference.
Nowadays, smartwatches have become almost as important as smartphones because they offer so many possibilities. However, most of them are not durable enough for rucking. That’s why I explored the best watches made for outdoor activities.
The 5 Best Watches for Rucking
A few companies dominate the market, such as Garmin, and these are the best models in different categories.
Best Overall: Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Solar
If you are familiar with outdoor activities and GPS devices, I believe you will not be surprised that the Garmin model is the first one.
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar is probably the best Garmin watch. It has a resilient fiber-reinforced polymer case and steel bezel, so durability is not questionable.
Power Glass solar charging lens is a real game-changer. Thanks to it, you can count on weeks of battery life. GPS is impressive, as with all Garmin products.
One standout feature that caught my eye is the built-in LED flashlight. This light provides variable intensities and strobe modes for added safety and convenience during night-time rucks or unexpected low-light situations. It’s certainly not a feature we often see.
This watch will monitor your health 24/7, so you will always have health and training data available.
Best Budget: COROS PACE 3 Sport Watch
Regarding affordability, if you buy the COROS PACE 3 Sport Watch for rucking, you won’t sacrifice any essential features. Okay, you can say that over $200 is not that cheap at all, but it is actually a budget model in the world of high-quality outdoor watchs.
After wearing it for a few days, the always-on transflective touchscreen display was one of the features I liked the most.
I was delighted with the battery life as well, which gives you 38 hours of continuous GPS use and 17 days of daily use — more than enough even for long rucks.
Since I used it equally for rucking, gym, and running, the next-gen optical heart rate monitor was very useful.
I’m sure you’ll be delighted that you can sync it with so many third-party apps, including Nike Run Club, Apple Health, and GoPro.
Best Premium: Garmin MARQ Expedition
This premium model is for seasoned ruckers who will use all its features and thus justify this significant investment.
I was stunned by the design, a combination of titanium case and Italian vacchetta leather strap. The Garmin MARQ Expedition looks like a regular premium watch but hides so many features inside.
I will only mention parts of its fantastic functionality:
- Domed sapphire lens
- Always-on display for clear visibility in any lighting conditions
- 360-degree compass markings
- Water-resistant design up to 100 meters
It comes with built-in navigation features, including support for multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems, a barometric altimeter, an electronic 3-axis compass, and Trackback routing. Also, it is preloaded with topographic mapping. Around Me map mode and Climber ascent planner are worth mentioning, too. Now you understand why it costs so much.
Best Battery: SUUNTO Vertical
The SUUNTO VERTICAL is an overall great watch with an impressive array of features for outdoor exploration, but what sets this watch apart is its exceptional battery life. It offers up to 500 hours of continuous exercise tracking in tour mode and up to 60 hours in the most accurate tracking mode, which is nothing short of amazing. If you are ready to spend another $200 and upgrade to the titanium model, it will extend battery life by 30% on sunny days because you will get solar charging. However, even without solar charging, you will stay connected even during long adventures.
It has dual-band GPS technology that is accurate in challenging conditions, including cliffs, valleys, and urban environments.
Worth mentioning is the craftsmanship, which is backed up by almost a hundred years of tradition. The watch is made in Finland, one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world, so you can rest assured that 100% renewable energy is used and that it is fully carbon compensated. I know that it is significant for you as an outdoor enthusiast.
Best Versatility: Apple Watch Ultra 2
You need a watch equally good for everyday use and rucking? The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the solution.
More than 50% of people in the USA have an iPhone, and with this watch, you will get phone-like features. The S9 SiP is so fast that you won’t even notice the difference in speed when you access Siri, for example, from your phone or this watch.
It is very durable, primarily thanks to the titanium case. It is excellent for rucking and many other activities, including swimming and diving, because it is water resistant up to 100 meters.
The battery is excellent, and fast charging works flawlessly. Overall, it is the best versatile smartwatch, but that comes with a price — the price varies, but you’ll hardly find one under $750. If you ask me, it’s worth that money.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Watch for Rucking?
These are factors that everyone should consider before buying a watch for rucking. You don’t need any additional knowledge about watches to be able to make the right decision.
Durability and Build Quality
Durability and craftsmanship are key for any item you intend to use for rucking, be it shoes, pants, backpacks, insoles, or a watch. Everything on you will be exposed to rough terrain, impacts, and adverse weather.
Therefore, you must invest in a watch made of premium materials and with features such as durable casings, scratch-resistant crystals, and reinforced straps. Additionally, check water resistance ratings since you will need your watch in wet and muddy environments, too.
Comfort and Fit
It can be comfortable to the point where you won’t even realize it’s there (Rafael Nadal plays tennis with a Richard Mille watch, for example), and it can also be so uncomfortable that you have to take it off after an hour or two.
An ill-fitting watch will cause discomfort and irritation during long rucking marches. So, check the band first (or find reviews about it if you don’t have a chance to try it). The band has to be adjustable and made from breathable materials. The watch should also have an ergonomic design that matches your wrist shape.
Functionality and Features
GPS mode, altimeter readings, barometric pressure sensors, and compasses are just some of the highly functional features that can provide valuable data for navigating and planning your rucking routes.
Can you successfully ruck without all that? Yes, of course, but there is no doubt that this data will enable you to improve performance, avoid some potential pitfalls on the trail, and so on.
Battery Life and Power Source
Battery life and power sources are among the top three factors to consider when buying a smartwatch, in my opinion.
When selecting a watch, consider the expected battery life under typical usage conditions. Opt for a watch with energy-efficient designs and reliable power sources to support extended outdoor activities. Look for power-saving modes and low-power components to maximize battery longevity without compromising performance.
Also, explore options for convenient recharging, such as USB charging ports, wireless charging capabilities, and solar chargers. Remember that in nature, you will not be able to charge your watch whenever you want.
Compatibility and Connectivity
You have become inseparable from your smartphones, laptops, and other devices, right? The Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer something from science fiction movies but reality.
Whether we like it or not, we have to pay attention to seamless compatibility and connectivity. Otherwise, you will have a hard time integrating it with other devices and apps. Your new watch should be compatible with smartphones, tablets, and computers for effortless data syncing and analysis. Connectivity options like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are a must.
Price and Value
It is tempting to buy the latest and most expensive model. I’m not advising you against that because I like to spend money on a watch myself. Nonetheless, consider whether the features and capabilities justify the investment.
A high-quality rucking watch will be your companion on the trails for years to come, so it’s certainly not a waste of money. Yet, it’s not advisable to spend a fortune if you go to the ruck once every few months.
Conclusion
Buying the best watch for rucking is a personal decision that depends on your individual preferences and requirements.
Whether you prioritize durability, functionality, or affordability, there’s a best hiking watch out there to suit your needs. Think about durability, comfort, features, and price.
Once you analyze all these factors, you will be able to choose the watch from our list that suits you best. Once equipped with the superior timepiece, hit the trail with confidence, knowing that you’ve got the best watch by your side to keep you on track every step of the way.
