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A GPS watch logs where you've walked and can lead you back the same way. Several models here have a track-back function that retraces your route, and some let you save waypoints and read the bearing and distance to each one. That helps when a side trail splits off or the light starts to fade, though a paper map still earns its place beside the rest of your hiking gear.
Most of the GPS models add a barometer, altimeter and compass. A drop on the barometer gives you notice before the weather turns, and one watch charts your elevation gain and loss over the walk. The smart styles track heart rate and sleep, and some take Bluetooth calls through your phone on a colour screen. One even adds a small torch and an SOS alert. All of that draws on the battery, so read the charge notes on each page. A countdown timer or alarm makes a handy drink reminder on a long climb, as long as there's a water bottle within reach.
Read the water resistance before the watch goes in a creek. Several are water resistant to 50 m and fine for swimming, one is listed at 100 m, and the splash-resistant smart model handles rain only. Case sizes run from 46 mm up to 56 mm across, so look at the width if you like a slimmer fit. Digital compasses also need a quick calibration at the trailhead before you trust the bearing.
Not every walk needs satellites. A plain hiking watch with a compass, stopwatch, alarms and a backlight covers most day walks, and the dual-display models pair analogue hands with a digital screen for timing. One survival style carries a compass, whistle, fire starter and paracord on your wrist, and the watch-style compass weighs 30 g if a bearing is all you're after. Straps and cases come in black, camouflage, grey, army green and khaki. If you refill from creeks on longer walks, carry one of our water filter bottles.
