Searching for the best hunting watch is probably nowhere near the top of your list of the most important gear you'll need this hunting season. After all, you surely already own something that can tell you the time, whether it be a watch or your phone. On the other hand, many of these items aren't built to withstand the weather or beating they could face in the bush, potentially leaving you not knowing the time should your watch or phone break.
The best hunting watches are incredibly durable with handy additions that make them even more useful on a hunting trip. Many have features such as navigation aids, solar powered batteries and weather gauges to name a few. A good hunting watch is about much more than simply checking the time. The extra functions allow it to do the work of numerous hunting gadgets in one small, easy to wear package.
Here are the top 8 watches for hunters on the market today.
Suunto Traverse Alpha GPS
OUR RATING: 5 out of 5
In terms of high tech gadgetry, the Suunto Traverse Alpha is fully deserving of the top spot on this list. Few if any others even come close in terms of what this watch can do. Featuring built-in GPS and GLONASS for navigation, this watch lets you keep track of the route you travelled using 'bread crumb' markers.
The digital compass also automatically adjusts for tilt and altitude. The map function also allows you to mark important trails or hunting spots. This makes finding prime spots easy on your next trip. You can also use Suunto's Movescount.com website or the Suunto Movescount app to view topographic maps and plan out your route before you head out into the field. As well as planning out your route, the app can also be used to help keep track of your steps (like a pedometer) and the amount of calories you're burning on your trip.
Another incredibly useful function is the automatic shot detector. This detector allows the watch to automatically track and record the location each time you fire your gun. Finally, it also features a weather tracker and storm alerts to help keep you from getting stranded in bad weather.
All of these features wouldn't be worth much if the watch wasn't durable enough to last for years. Luckily this isn't a problem either as the Suunto Traverse Alpha has been built and tested to strict military standards. The entire watch and nylon strap are waterproof. The sturdy stainless steel bezel and scratch resistant crystal glass ensure that the watch face remains in ideal condition. In fact, Suunto made a huge upgrade on earlier models by adding a bit of texturing to the bezel. This was done so that it doesn't show scratches like the older models often did.
Battery life is another area where this watch excels. You can expect to get around 100 hours of life in GPS mode. This means you can easily use it for an entire weekend trip or even much longer if you only use the GPS functions occasionally. Also, this model uses a red backlight that allows it to be used even when wearing night vision goggles.
The fact that this watch is so ruggedly built and comes with so many features makes it easy to say that it's definitely among the best hunting watches currently on the market. However, as expected, all of those features don't come cheaply, meaning you should expect to pay over $500. Therefore, if money is no issue and you're looking for top of the line, the Alpha is a great choice.
Casio G-Shock Rangeman Triple Sensor
OUR RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Casio has long had a reputation for producing reliable, quality watches. The Casio G-Shock series have been especially well-known for long-lasting strength, durability and ruggedness. In fact, pretty much the entire G-Shock range of watches (of which there are numerous models) could be deserving of a spot on this list. But for the sake of saving space, we decided to only include this particular Rangeman Triple Sensor model.
Durability is really where this (and again, the entire G-Shock line) stands out. G-Shocks are easily among the most durable, longest lasting watches out there. On this particular model, the watch face is made from a special inorganic material. This material is great as it conducts very little heat and helps resist scratching and breaking.
However, the extra features of the Rangeman Triple Sensor are why we chose it for this list. The watch includes an altimeter, barometer and thermometer in addition to a digital compass. While these functions are useful, the thermometer only has a range of 14 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This could be a minor setback if it's required when hunting in extremely cold weather conditions.
Another obvious bonus of this model is the fact that its solar powered. You'll never have to worry about the battery dying as the watch will automatically charge whenever it is exposed to the sun. As well, the watch has several different backlighting options and a light sensor that automatically turns the lighting on or off depending on the light situation.
The watches atomic clock ensures you'll always keep the correct time, while the sunrise and sunset sensors should help you keep track of exactly when you can start hunting. All in all, if you're looking for a top of the line hunting watch and don't feel like you need all of the extra features like GPS that come with a smart watch, then the G-Shock Rangeman Triple Sensor might be the perfect solution.
Garmin Fenix 3 GPS
OUR RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Like the Suunto Traverse Alpha, the Garmin Fenix 3 GPS watch includes a full GPS and GLONASS navigation system that lets you track your movements and ensures you'll always know exactly where you are. The navigation capabilities, altimeter, barometer and compass are all incredibly accurate and should definitely come in handy. However, this is really more than just your standard hunting watch with GPS. It can also double as a fitness or training watch thanks to a variety of advanced metrics for running, swimming and skiing/snowboarding.
For the full package, the watch can be purchased with a heart rate monitor, which allows you to measure various aspects of your performance using these aforementioned metrics. The watch can also be paired with Garmin's external temperature sensor allowing you to instantly and accurately gauge the temperature.
As a full-on smart watch, you can also use the ConnectIQ software to further personalize the watch with a variety of useful apps, widgets and even customized watch faces. The watch is fully Wi-Fi compatible and can also be connected to the 3G or 4G signal on your smartphone. This is great as it can alert you whenever you receive an email or message.
All of these features again make the Garmin Fenix 3 near the top of the line in terms of GPS smart watches for hunting. The one issue with this watch when compared to the Suunto Traverse is that it just doesn't seem to be quite as durable. Nonetheless, it is still quite rugged and features a reinforced housing that should help to protect it from most damage. Still, if you plan on using it primarily for hunting, it is a good idea to choose the model with a scratch resistant crystal face, as only one of the three available models comes with this added feature.
Casio Digital ProTrek Pathfinder
OUR RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars
Slightly less robust than the G-Shock series, the Casio Pathfinder is nonetheless a more than decent hunting watch. This solar powered watch is still quite durable and costs quite a bit less than the G-Shock watches. This means it’s a good choice for those who don't feel like spending several hundred dollars on a watch.
The solar battery can last for up to 6 months without needing to be recharged. The altimeter, barometer and thermometer help you stay aware of your surroundings.
All in all this is a great choice so it gets 4 stars. Plus, the fact that it's made by Casio means you can rest assured you're getting a quality watch.
Suunto Core
OUR RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars
Like the Suunto Traverse Alpha, the Finnish-made Suunto Core offers incredible functionality. The watch includes an altimeter, barometer and thermometer that can detect temperatures down to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. It also uses the barometer to power its automatic Storm Alarm feature. This can detect significant drops in pressure over a three-hour time period to help warn you of impending storms. The barometer is also used to give extended weather forecasts based on the barometric pressure history in your location.
In terms of features and functions, this product is most definitely worth the price. However, its not quite as durable as others. It can't live up to the strength or durability of the G-Shock series or even the Suunto Traverse Alpha. That being said, if you're looking for something with tons of useful features and don't want to spend $500 or more, then the Suunto Core is definitely worth a look.
Dakota Watch II Analog & Digital Clip Watch
OUR RATING: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
The only product to make this list that’s not a wrist watch, the Dakota Watch II is a rugged watch that uses a carabiner to clip on to your belt loop or other clothing. If you've been searching for a hunting watch that you don't have to wear on your wrist, then this is definitely the one for you.
This particular model features both an analog and digital watch face, and like most other Dakota watches, it is constructed from a durable stainless steel case for long-lasting strength. It also has a built-in standard compass to help make sure you're always heading in the right direction. If you happen to be an avid fisherman in addition to the hunter, you can also check out Dakota's Angler watch, which also includes a handy fish hook sharpener.
Timex Expedition Shock Digital Compass Watch
OUR RATING: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Another popular watch maker, Timex has attempted to branch out into the hunting or survival watch market. The Expedition Shock series features a shock resistant housing that allows it to take a beating and still keep on ticking.
Timex has long been known for producing decent, highly affordable watches and this particular model is no different.
Although it costs well under $100, the overall quality and built-in digital compass make it equally as good or even better than many watches that cost two to three times its price. In fact, with its built-in digital compass, it is probably the best budget hunting watch currently out there.
LAD Weather Men's Sport Watch
OUR RATING: 3 out of 5 Stars
Another fantastic budget option, this German made watch includes a ton of useful features and yet somehow still has a price tag of under $50. Barometer, altimeter, thermometer and digital compass are all included, offering up some high tech features for an incredibly low price.
However, in terms of durability, it doesn't come anywhere near being able to compete with the various shock resistant models. Still, for such a low price, you probably won't feel too bad if you have to replace it every so often.
What Makes the Best Hunting Watch?
Just because a company makes some of the best watches around doesn't necessarily mean they make the best watches for hunting. In fact, there are really only a handful of companies out there that produce really top notch hunting, military and survivalist style watches, and what sets these companies apart from the rest is really quite simple, as it comes down to the strength and durability of the materials and construction.
Durability
As you'll likely be using the watch in a range of different conditions or situations, first and foremost you want to make sure to choose a product that is durable and rugged enough to handle it. The best hunting watches are generally shock-resistant and waterproof. You'll also want to consider what the band is made of and whether or not the glass is scratchproof. Next comes the question of what extra gadgets you'd like to include and exactly how much you're willing to pay.
Navigation
In terms of special features, one of the most basic and potentially useful items is a compass. Luckily, finding a hunting watch with a compass isn't at all difficult. Even fairly basic watches come with a compass. However, you could also choose to go a bit more high-tech and upgrade to a watch with built-in GPS if you're willing to splash the cash.
Preparedness
Other features you'll find on many hunting watches are an altimeter, barometer and possibly a thermometer. You can also find a few models with mini LED flashlights and a range of other gadgets. These features are incredibly handy in helping you remain fully aware of your surroundings and prepared for any event. Particularly, the altimeter and barometer can become quite useful tools when it comes to dialing in those longer range shots.
Still, if you want to be fully prepared, you could upgrade to a high tech model that comes complete with a full weather station, giving you instant access to forecasts, storm alerts and more. The key thing here is to compare how often you think you'll actually use each feature versus how much extra you'll have to pay for it. If you're willing to go all out, you may consider something like the Suunto Traverse Alpha. This is a full-on smart watch that just happens to have all those important hunting features.
Display
One final thing that you'll want to keep in mind is backlighting. It's important to ensure that the watch is visible in any condition or situation you might encounter. Also pay attention to the watch face itself, including both the glass covering the face and also the display. Scratch-resistant watch faces are definitely a good idea when it comes to choosing a hunting watch, whereas with the display you should choose something that is easy for you to read. When it comes to choosing between a digital or analog display it's really just a matter of personal preference. But just to be safe, you could always go with a model that features a dual digital and analog display.
In terms of digital displays, many of the hunting or survival watches you'll find have a negative display. Many of these were designed for military purposes, where the negative color display comes in extremely handy as it generally makes the numbers much easier to read in low light situations.
Price
In terms of price, you can easily find an inexpensive watch, possibly even compass or altimeter, but like most things in life, you'll need to pay a big more to get the best. That being said, you can easily find a rugged, durable and useful product for well under $100. For the top, highest tech models though, you could easily find yourself paying well upwards of $500.
Final Word
All of the above products are definitely amongst the best hunting watches out there, but this list is by no means complete as it would be impossible to list all of them here. In fact, we could probably make an entire list just out of Casio products. Therefore, when it comes to finding the best hunting watch for you, it's important that you consider when and how you'll be using it and how much you're really willing to spend.
