If you love running, hiking, or biking regularly, chances are you get tired of the same routes and would embrace the chance to go off-road and explore new territory. Or maybe you wish you could easily keep track of the distance you’ve gone to help you set goals or change up your training program. 

Bringing your phone along to help you map out and measure your trail distance can be cumbersome, however, and is definitely not always a practical solution. Luckily, many GPS running watches are available on the market that can help you with the touch of a button on your wrist.

We’ve collected some of the most advanced, convenient, stylish options available, all loaded with some amazing extra features. We’ve also included some tips below to help you navigate the numerous brands out there. Keep reading to learn more.

Track Your Health

With several wellness features, like monitoring heart rate, stress, and sleep, this watch helps you stay on top of your overall health and set reachable goals to train at your best.

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Take It To The Limit

One of the toughest GPS watches on the market, this one is made to stand up to even the roughest outdoor sporting use, whether trail running, hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, or biking. 

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Exercise Rain or Shine

Track incoming weather when you are out on the trail, so you can be better prepared for whatever comes your way. Storm alerts help keep you safe even when you’re away from home.

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Not Just For Running

With this watch, you can answer phone calls, text, and stream music while exercising. You also have access to information about your heart rate, oxygen levels, and body mass index at your fingertips.

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Get In Shape

We know we need to move more, and this watch gives helpful reminders if you’ve been inactive too long, motivating you to get up and go. Tracking your calories will also help in your health journey.

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Technically, no, you do not need to own a smartphone or tablet to use a GPS running watch. Most of these watches will give you the basic information you need – time, date, GPS coordinates for a route, timer – to enhance your workout. However, many brands do include apps that will help store and track your workout information, and, in some cases, information about your sleep, calories burned, heart rate, etc. to better help you set exercise goals and track your progress. 

If you find that your GPS running watch moves around on your wrist, either from sweat or because it’s too large for your wrist, first try adjusting to the smallest setting of the watch band. If the watch is still moving too much to get accurate readings, you could switch out the band for a smaller version, or you can pair the watch with an optical sensor attached to your arm or chest.

Finding the perfect GPS running watch can make a huge difference in your exercise routine. With the right watch, you’ll be able to keep track of your fitness, develop training plans, explore new places, and push your boundaries safely. With all the options out there, keep the following factors in mind to help you decide which watch is the best one for you: