Best Hiking and Backpacking Watches of 2024/25

We put in 125 hours of research and 500 days of trail testing to review the best GPS and ABC watches for hiking, backpacking, and multisport outdoor activities.

Garmin inReach Messenger Review

Garmin inReach Messenger in-depth review — easy-to-use, affordable satellite communicator (vs. inReach Mini) with emergency SOS, 2-way texting, weather, and more.

Garmin fenix 7 and 7 Pro Watch Review

With long battery life, durability, full smartwatch capabilities, and superior mapping capabilities, the fenix 7 Pro is our top pick for endurance activities.

Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Watch Review

Long-term, in-depth review of the Garmin Forerunner 55 running watch, as written by a smartwatch noob. Spoiler alert – the watch converted her from a technophobe to a believer!

Running, GPS & Electronics, Gear ReviewsShawnté SalabertAugust 26, 2024run, gps, gps technology, GPS, GPS watch, gps watches, gps watch, running gear, running, running watch, garmin

Best Satellite Messengers and Personal Locator Beacons of 2024/25

Stay safe, stay connected, and stay found in the backcountry with a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon.

Gear Reviews, backpacking, Climbing, GPS & Electronics, Hiking, Kids Outdoors, Thru-Hiking & Backpacking, Travel & Lifestyle, Snow Sports, Running, Camping, BicycleDean KrakelJuly 19, 2024satellite messengers, personal locator beacon, garmin inreach, garmin inreach mini, inreach mini, garmin mini, spot, safety equipment, snow sports, hiking, backpacking, thru-hiking, eletronics, gps technology, safety, water sports, camping, snow, PLB review, garmin inreach vs plb, rescue me plb review, acr rescue me, plb with messaging, best backpacking emergency beacon, personal location device, garmin emergency beacon, garmin personal locator beacon, garmin locator beacon, best plbs, plb1 review, satellite beacon for hikers, personal locator beacon reviews, best plb for hiking, ocean signal rescueme plb1 review, main, bicycle-related, running, running-related, PLB, electronics, travel, GPS, emergency, emergency preparedness, PLBs, thru-hiking gear, running gear, climbing-related, travel-related, dean krakel

Garmin Instinct GPS Watch Long-Term Review

After 8 months and 8 million steps, we still believe the Garmin Instinct is the best hiking GPS watch for most people. Here’s pros and cons after long-term use with this ABC watch.

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