11 Best Camping Watches To Buy In 2021
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A camping watch has several features that can make your outdoor adventures convenient. It helps you find directions, predicts the weather, displays sunrise/sunset times, and tracks your health and fitness too. Some watches also connect to the InReach satellite messenger for sending messages.
We have compiled a list of the best camping watches to choose from for your next trip.
Top Picks
11 Best Camping Watches
1. Suunto Traverse Alpha
The Traverse Alpha Camping Watch is handmade in Finland and could be the perfect choice for hunters and anglers. It is a stainless steel watch built to military standards and features an altimeter, barometer, compass, GPS, weather alerts, and activity tracking. It has hiking, hunting, and fishing modes, and gives sunrise and sunset alerts as well. The best feature is its automatic shot detection that keeps track of time and location every time you fire. The watch is compatible with the Suunto Movescount App (iOS and Android).
Pros
- Power-saving mode
- Durable
- Water-repellent strap
- Location-based moon phase calendar
- Versatile
Cons
- The button placement could have been better
- Battery may not last long
2. Lad Weather Altimeter Watch
Manufactured by Lad Weather, this camping watch has a plastic case, stainless steel case back, polyurethane strap, and acrylic glass. This is the first model of the Sensor Master series and follows the global standards of altimeter, barometer, and compass (ABC) watches. The watch shows four weather forecast icons of sunny, partly cloudy, cloudy, and rainy. It can be set up in less than five minutes and is useful for hiking, climbing, camping, cycling, and fishing purposes.
Pros
- Quartz watch movement
- Accurate compass
- Strong and durable strap
- Waterproof
Cons
- Does not have GPS
- May be bulky
3. Bluestraw Survival Bracelet Watch
The Bluestraw Watch features everything you need for survival on your camping trip. It has a compass, whistle, thermometer, fire starter scraper, and paracord. The fire starter scraper can be doubled up as an emergency knife, and the parachute cord can be unraveled into a three-meter rescue rope. This unique bracelet-design is perfect for wrist sizes of seven to nine inches.
Pros
- Multifunctional survival gear
- High-quality build
- Fashionable and trendy
- Decent alternative to paracord
Cons
- Not waterproof
- The bracelet is not adjustable
4. Neovivid Nautical Compass Watch
The unique sundial watch with antique brass finish and Thoreau’s engraved quote could be an attractive gift option for an avid camper. It features a detailed copper compass and a leather case. It comes with a brass keyring as a complimentary gift.
Pros
- Classic, vintage design
- Accurate compass
- Intricate inscriptions
- Can make a good educational tool
- Antique brass finish
Cons
- May not be durable
5. LYMFHCH Mens Sports Watch
The military-style camping watch shows time in analog and digital formats. It has a green EL light that shows the time and date. The time displayed on this watch is as accurate as the airplane’s computer time. Amidst all the features, the placement of the knob is an absolute show-stealer.
Pros
- Perfect size
- Not too bulky
- Highly accurate
- Comfortable strap
- Multifunctional
- Waterproof
Cons
- Some users report watch slipping and falling off
6. Vikano Survival Bracelet Watch
The Vikano Survival Bracelet Watch can also be used as a sports watch. With its adjustable and waterproof wrist band, it can even be hung on your backpack. The parachute cord of the watch can be unraveled into a 1.6-meter rescue rope. It has a built-in compass, emergency whistle, corrosion-resistant, and anti-aging features. The bracelet watch is suitable for marine activity and surface water sports, but not scuba diving.
Pros
- Two-in-one wrist strap
- Multifunctional watch
- Well-equipped
- High-quality build
- Sturdy
Cons
- The band may not fit well on small wrists
7. Ueasy Store 6-in-1 Sports Watch
If you are looking for a waterproof watch with a compass, whistle, sickle, fire starter, and a paracord, this could be a good pick for you. It has an 86-cm-long rope capable of holding about 250 pounds of weight. The set-up is easy, and the watch is convenient for everyday use.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Impressive backup battery
- Dual-time display
- Rugged and durable
- Adjustable wrist band
Cons
- Not suitable for soaking in water for a long time
8. Fanmis Men’s Waterproof Watch
This classic black watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters and highly durable. It includes a timer, stopwatch, world clock, three alarms, a calendar, and more. The watch is also suitable for various business, casual, indoor activities, and everyday use.
Pros
- Multifunctional
- Offers accurate readings
- High-quality Japanese quartz movement
- Durable and shock-resistant
- Stylishlook
Cons
- Not advisable for long underwater activities
- Functions may seem complicated for everyday use
9. Soondar Super Bright Wrist Watch
The portable LED wristwatch is an ideal pick for nighttime adventures. It includes an adjustable nylon wristband with a metal buckle for a great clasp, with high, low, flash, and SOS light modes. The watch is suitable for everyday camping, hiking, hunting, sports, and other outdoor activities.
Pros
- High-quality build
- Adjustable wristband
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Built-in flashlight
Cons
- Not waterproof
10. Sunderpower Wrist Light Watch
The Sunderpower wristwatch has a well-built and seamlessly stitched adjustable wristband. The manufacturer claims that the flashlight can work up to 1hr 30min on high and 7hr 30min on low mode.
Pros
- Tactical flashlights
- Waterproof
- Multifunctional
- Adjustable wristband
- Rechargeable
Cons
- No indicator light to show the remaining charge
- Compass may not be accurate
11. Maxbei Tactical Display Rechargeable Watch
The mini and light camping wristwatch from Maxbei is ideal for any sporting or outdoor activity. It is waterproof and has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The watch is sturdy and comfortable for everyday use.
Pros
- Time-display function to set time
- Adjustable wrist band
- Heavy-duty build
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Battery may not last long
How To Choose The Right Camping Watch?
Here, we list some important factors that you consider to choose the best camping watch.
- Budget: The prices of a camping watch may vary based on their features. Fix a budget based on your requirements and then sort out options. Listed below are a few options for your idea:
- $10–$200: They have basic ABC (altimeter, barometer, compass) and GPS features, and are suitable for hikers.
- $200–$500: They are trendy and offer GPS and atomic timekeeping for greater accuracy. These watches are suitable for explorers and adventurers.
- $500 and above: They come with bike sensors, heart rate monitor capability, and downloadable routes. These are good for ultra-marathon runners, mountaineers, and professional trekkers.
- Durability: Straps, case, hardware, and stitches contribute to the durability of the watch. It is essential to know specifications and read reviews to find a durable watch.
- Design: If you want to buy a watch for camping and everyday wear, pay attention to its design and style. Some may blend with casual wear, while some may not. Choose wisely by keeping in mind when you are likely to wear the watch.
- Features: If you are looking for a basic model, you will get an altimeter, barometer and compass, temperature sensor, and lap timers, whereas advanced models will include GPS, thermometer, wi-fi connectivity, water-resistance, heart rate monitor, etc.
Can Hiking Watches Be Used Offline?
Most of the camping watches can be used offline for navigation purposes. But they do not support mobile syncing.
Your choice of the best camping watches should be based on your personal preferences. Take some time to determine which one is worth your money and time. Also, read reviews to know if it serves a specific purpose. We hope this list and buying guide will help you buy the best camping watch.
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