We can all agree that hunting is such a fun and exciting sport. It’s a great exercise to improve your focus and shooting skills, plus it allows us to reconnect with our natural instinct as hunters.
But in the thrill of the chase, there are times when you find yourself lost and running around in circles. This is especially true if you love hunting when it’s still dark out.
In these cases, you can count on a hunting watch to get you back on track. These watches do not only help you tell the time - but they also come with varied features that help you trace your steps and get back to safety.
And, while we acknowledge the situation that we're going through, life goes on. Subsequently, we have to move forward as well. However, make sure you're always taking the proper safety measures whenever you're going hunting or even just going out for groceries!
If you’re new to hunting watches, or simply looking for a more updated model, then you came to the right place. Here, we will talk about our top 10 picks for the best watches for hunting in 2022. Additionally, we’ve also added in a buying guide to give you further information.
Best Overall Pick
After spending a spending a huge amount of time nitpicking and comparing, we decided the Suunto Traverse Alpha to be the winner among these options. We took durability, pricing, visuals, and multi-functionality in consideration before coming to this conclusion.
Best Budget Pick
After taking the same 4 factors into account, it was quite apparent that the SKMEI 1358 Digital Watch offered the best value for money. Considering the functions it offers, this timepiece is definitely a steal.
Best Watches For Hunting: Our Reviews
Suunto Traverse Alpha - Our Overall Top Pick
With its premium materials and high-quality build, there’s no doubt that the Suunto Traverse Alpha is made for the rugged outdoors. And for this reason and more, we believe it is worthy of being the best overall watch for hunting.
The SUUNTO Traverse Alpha uses a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass for its frame that’s held into place by a knurled stainless steel bezel. From this alone, you can tell that this is a watch that’s built for heavy-duty performance.
This hunting watch comes with a built-in GPS that allows you to keep track of your path, thanks to its automatic breadcrumb trail feature. You can also keep track of your footsteps through the Suunto Movescount App that’s compatible with most smartphone operating systems.
Another interesting feature of the Suunto Traverse Alpha is its "Automatic Shot" detection technology. This feature keeps track of all the places you shoot, as well as the time you made your shot. The feature then maps out the location for each shot, which can help you keep track of your hunting progress. Amazing, right? We thought so as well!
Aside from its impressive location mapping, the Suunto Traverse Alpha also works great with predicting the best time to hunt. This is possible all thanks to its location-based moon phase calendar. This calendar also comes with accurate moonrise and moonset times to help you plan the best hunting times.
You don’t have to worry about using it in the dark, either. The Suunto Traverse Alpha has a red backlight that’s compatible with night vision goggles. This allows you to operate it without distracting your target.
We also love that it comes with a barometer so you can check the weather and plan your actions accordingly. This is paired with a topographic map and an altitude graph for your convenience. Thus, it’s not just made for hunting - it’s perfect for any extreme outdoor sport imaginable.
Overall, the Suunto Traverse Alpha is one of the best hunting watches because of its sturdy construction and unparalleled features.
Pros
- Easy to operate.
- Water-resistant for up to 100 meters.
- Comes with a built-in GPS
- It has a solid frame, scratch-resistant glass, and water-resistant strap
- It can help make accurate predictions for planning
- Has a unique automatic shot detection technology
- The red backlight makes it easy to read, even while wearing night-vision goggles
- Has a heart rate counter and steps counter
Cons
- Some users reported issues with their mobile apps
- Customer service isn’t that reliable
Casio Men's Pathfinder Triple Sensor Sport Watch
The Casio Men's Pathfinder Triple Sensor Sport Watch is another hunting watch that instantly caught our eye. With its all-black exterior and accessible controls, there’s no doubt that this is one of the best hunting watches for this year.
This watch has a 51mm stainless steel body that makes it rugged yet stylish. It is paired with a large mineral dial window that easily tells the time. This also makes it easy to operate and make adjustments.
The Casio Men's Pathfinder is solar-powered, so you don't have to worry about it running out of battery. And even if it's not exposed to light for a while, its battery allows it to last for up to 6 months when it's fully charged. So, You won't have to worry about your watch running out of power in the middle of hunting.
We also love that it comes with features such as a thermometer, altimeter, barometer, and a built-in digital compass. All of these ABC functions can help you plan your trip and keep you on the right track.
And did we mention that you can take the Casio Pathfinder with you almost anywhere? It has low-temperature resistance and is water-resistant for up to 100 meters. This makes it perfect for your all-terrain adventures.
This hunting watch also boasts a full auto LED backlight that automatically illuminates when you turn your wrist. This allows you to tell the time and take a peek at other data without even lifting a finger. We also love that its backlight is not too bright to potentially scare off your target.
If you’re looking for a hunting watch that’s easy to operate and read, then look no further than the Casio Men's Pathfinder Triple Sensor Multi-Function Sport Watch. Its sleek all-black exterior also allows it to look good in whatever outfit you choose to wear.
Pros
- Easy to read and operate, even in low-light areas
- Runs on solar power
- Water-resistant for up to 100 meters
- Can withstand low temperatures up to -10 degrees Celsius or 14 degrees Fahrenheit
- Comes with a thermometer, barometer, altimeter, and digital compass
Cons
- Some users reported that the alarm sound is inaudible
- The backlight may be too dim for some users
Garmin Instinct Rugged Outdoor Watch
The Garmin Instinct Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS is one of the toughest hunting watches in this list.
One of the most impressive features of the Garmin Instinct is that it is constructed according to the U.S. military standard 810G, making it strong enough to withstand water, extreme temperatures, and shock. This makes it one of the most durable watches for rugged outdoor use.
To keep you on track, the Garmin Instinct Rugged Outdoor Watch uses multiple global navigation satellite systems including GPS, Galileo, and Glonass. This guarantees that you will never lose your way home - you can even use the trackback feature to retrace your steps to safely return to your starting point.
This hunting watch also helps you plan your next hunting trips thanks to its built-in barometric altimeter.
When you’re not in hunting mode, the Garmin Instinct still looks great with almost anything. You can use it for hiking, camping, or simply when you’re casually hanging out with friends. The watch strap that comes with it ensures comfort as well.
You can even use it when you go out for your morning jog - or for when you hit the gym. It comes with built-in features such as heart rate, activity, and stress monitors. It is also compatible with smartphones, and this allows you to keep track of your progress.
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy hunting watch that looks good with almost anything, the Garmin Instinct Rugged is your best bet.
Pros
- It is a military-grade watch that is resistant to shock, extreme temperatures, and water for up to 100 meters
- It offers impressive connectivity with your smartphone
- Uses multiple global navigation satellite systems
- Impressive battery life.
- It has a simple user interface
Cons
- Some users report allergic reactions with the silicone band
Lad Weather Swiss Sensor Watch
One of the most affordable options on this list is the Lad Weather Swiss Sensor Watch. However, its features are anything but cheap. If you’re looking for a hunting watch you can use during the day time, this watch is for you.
For its price, we were quite impressed that it comes with features such as a barometer, altimeter, and weather forecast. These allow you to plan your outdoor activities during the right time and day to keep you out of harm’s way.
The Lad Weather Swiss Sensor Watch also comes with a built-in digital compass and GPS, that will make sure that you can find the way home safely - even if you’re hunting in unfamiliar territories.
Aside from hunting, you can use its different functions for other activities such as working out, running a marathon, hiking, going camping, and so much more. This practically guarantees that you’ll get the best value for your money.
We also love how you can easily track your progress with the Lad Weather Swiss Sensor Watch. All of this data can also be synchronized to your computer, where everything is shown graphically. You can even track your every movement, and that can be useful when you’re hunting, jogging, or running a marathon.
While the Lad Weather is not the easiest hunting watch to operate, there’s no doubt that you’ll get great value for the money. This makes it the perfect entry-level watch for new hunters on a budget.
Pros
- Very reasonable price tag
- Can be used for several outdoor activities
- Has a built-in digital compass and GPS connectivity
- Allows users to track their progress via a computer
Cons
- The dial is not easy to read, and you have to make adjustments to the contrast settings under different light situations
- It is not very durable
Luminox Men's 3051.BO Navy Seal Colormark Watch
If there’s one word to describe the Luminox Men's 3051.BO Navy Seal Colormark Watch, it’s this: luxurious. With this handsome analog watch on your wrist, you can instantly turn heads.
For the hunters who love the sea, this hunting watch is for you. It uses a scratch-resistant mineral crystal that’s held by a ratcheting polymer bezel. These components are housed securely by a carbon-reinforced polyester case that protects all of its internal components. These features alone guarantee that this watch is as sturdy as it gets.
The Luminox Men's 3051.BO has an analog dial with luminous hands and easy-to-read Arabic numeral markers. It also has minute markers to help you tell time more accurately(Not a fan of the fonts though).
This watch is also built with shock and water resistance of up to 200 meters - and these features make it perfect for water sports activities like fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. So, you can even use this as a diver alternative as well!
We also love the all-black aesthetic of this hunting watch. Because of its analog face and stylish exterior, you can use it on various occasions - and not just for sporting events.
Thus, the Luminox Men's 3051.BO Navy Seal Colormark Watch is a heavy-duty watch that also looks good with almost anything you wear.
Pros
- It has an impressive water resistance of up to 200 meters
- Built with solid and durable materials
- List Very easy to read
- Stylish and versatile
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Does not offer GPS or a digital compass
Suunto Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch
Another entry from Suunto is the Suunto Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch. This is perfect for the hunter who loves high-altitude adventures.
One of the winning features of this hunting watch is its accurate altimeter. It is capable of tracking your vertical movement for up to 30,000 feet - making it perfect for hunting on top of mountains or hiking.
The Suunto Core All Black also boasts a barometer to keep track of air pressure, a weather monitor, and a unique storm alarm feature to keep you safe. These are useful functions that you can take advantage of in planning your adventures.
To keep you on the right track, this hunting watch also comes with a compass. However, unlike the Suunto Traverse Alpha, the Suunto Core does not come with a built-in GPS. Nevertheless, if you don’t have a problem with navigating with a compass, the Suunto Core is perfect for you.
We also love that the Suunto Core has a large dial that’s easy to read. Even when you’re in low-light situations, you won’t have a problem with reading what’s on the screen.
The Suunto Core All Black Outdoor Sports Watch also has a minimalist design that makes it easy to operate. This makes it perfect for budding hunters and all others who love extreme sports. There's also a version called Suunto Core Brushed Steel that has identical features, a much more stylish look, and our profound love for Suunto.
This hunting watch can withstand extreme temperatures ranging between -5 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also water-resistant for up to 100 meters, and this proves that you can take it with you to almost any adventure imaginable.
Overall, the Suunto Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch is one of the best hunting watches in the market, especially if you’re looking for a heavy-duty item that’s well worth the money. Additionally, it's one of the best digital watches out there in 2022.
Pros
- User friendly. Easy to read and operate.
- It has impressive all-weather resistance
- Very comfortable to wear.
- Has an accurate altimeter, barometer, built-in compass, and weather monitor
- Has a unique storm alarm function.
- Comes in four languages
- Compatible with different straps for different occasions
Cons
- Some of its components are not very durable.
- The display is hard to read in certain conditions
- Relatively short battery life span
Casio Men's Pro Trek Outdoor GPS Sports Watch
One of the easiest hunting watches to navigate with has got to be the Casio Men's Pro Trek Outdoor GPS Sports Watch. With its full-color maps, it’s almost impossible to be lost when you’re wearing it.
The most notable feature on this hunting watch is its full-color maps. Since it’s running on Wear OS by Google, you get access to Google Maps and Mapbox straight from your Pro-Trek. This also allows you to switch between map types, so you can easily navigate according to what’s most convenient for you.
The Casio Men's Pro Trek also boasts a location memory feature that helps you keep track of your previous and current positions. This will help you retrace your footsteps in case you get lost.
When the watch gets access to the Internet, you get to unlock more of its features. You can receive emails and app updates, or even stream your favorite music. Without a doubt, this hunting watch has the functionality to keep you entertained for hours.
All things considered, the Casio Men's Pro Trek Outdoor GPS Sports Watch is probably the most interactive watch on this list.
Pros
- Very interactive & easy to use
- Its maps are colored and easy to read
- Made of premium durable materials
- It boasts military-grade construction
- Offers Bluetooth and Wireless Internet connectivity
- Triple sensors for the barometer, altimeter, and compass
- Comfortable resin strap
Cons
- Some users claimed that the interface is slow and not very responsive
Casio G-Shock Men's GD-120CM Camo Sport Watch
When you’re looking for the best heavy-duty watches, no list is complete without an entry from G-Shock. And when it comes to the best hunting watches, the Casio G-Shock Men's GD-120CM Camo Sport Watch is another top contender.
Whether you’re hunting on land or at sea, this sports watch can be your best friend. Its shock-resistant construction makes sure that its internal workings remain securely intact even if you’re very active. It also has a water-resistance of up to 200 meters, which allows you to enjoy almost any extreme water sports, except scuba diving.
This 51-millimeter watch is easy to read, with accessible buttons that make it easy to operate. It also has a convenient LED backlight, so it’s easy to read even at night.
Overall, the Casio G-Shock Men's GD-120CM Camo Sport Watch is the perfect hunting watch for those who are always active on the field - especially if they don’t need extra help with navigation.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Impressive 20-bar water-resistance and shock-resistance
- Easy to read and tells the time accurately
- User friendly and easy to operate
- Offers great value for the money
Cons
- Does not have a built-in GPS or compass
Skmei 1358 Survival Compass Digital Watch - Best Budget-Friendly Hunting Watch
The most affordable hunting watch on this list is none other than the Skmei 1358 Survival Compass Digital Watch. But, even with its inexpensive price tag, we were quite impressed by its array of features.
From its name, you can tell that this watch is made to help you navigate. One of its most useful features is its built-in compass, which accurately points you in the right direction. This is a great safety feature, especially if you’re hunting in a new field.
It also comes with an altimeter to help you navigate safely in case you’ve been hiking, a barometer, and a thermometer as well. The Skmei 1358 also has a built-in weather forecast(not too accurate though) , and this helps you plan your next hunting game.
If you’re not hunting, you can use this watch for a variety of outdoor sports as well. It is loaded with sports-friendly features such as a step counter, a calorie tracker, pedometer, and similar functions. These will surely help you get into shape and stay healthy.
Surprisingly, the Skmei 1358 is also incredibly lightweight. This makes it comfortable to wear regardless of what you're doing. We also love that it comes with a large dial because this makes it easy to read.
The buttons on this hunting watch are marked so operating it is a breeze. It also boasts a super backlight that conveniently illuminates the dial to make it easy to use even at night - but without hurting your eyes.
Although, the watch is water resistant upto 30 meters, it is advised that you DO NOT press the buttons while underwater.
Overall, the Skmei 1358 Digital Watch is the best hunting watch for those who are on a tight budget. With its impressive functions and features, you’re sure to enjoy more than your money’s worth.
Pros
- The most affordable item on this list
- Easy to read and operate
- It has a fairly accurate compass
- It has an altimeter, barometer, and thermometer
- Can also be used for other sports as well as walking
- Lightweight and comfortable.
Cons
- It is not very durable.
- Some users noted that the backlight is too dim.
Timex Men's Expedition Scout Chronograph Watch
And finally, completing our top picks for the best hunting watches is the sleek-looking Timex Men's Expedition Scout Chronograph Watch.
We have always been fans of chronograph timepieces and this hunting watch is made with scratch-resistant mineral glass that’s coupled with the legendary durability of Timex. This assures you that this is one tough watch that can surely take a beating and probably last a lifetime.
The Timex Men's Expedition Scout Chronograph Watch is also water-resistant for up to 100 meters. You can take it to your swimming trip and it would still work perfectly after.
We also love its analog face which makes the timepiece quite easy to read. This is coupled with the Indiglo backlight technology that allows you to use it easily even in low-light situations.
If you plan to use it to time and track your hunting progress, it has an accurate chronograph feature that can measure up to 1/20th of a second.
Another thing we love about the Timex Men's Expedition Scout Chronograph Watch is its incredible versatility. It comes with several strap options for you to choose from, as well as eight color schemes for its face. This allows you to come up with the perfect watch that will best reflect your unique personality.
Overall, the Timex Men's Expedition Scout Chronograph Watch is one of the most stylish and versatile hunting watches in the market. Its reliable accuracy comes in handy when you’re hunting, while its durability guarantees long-lasting usability.
Pros
- Very stylish, versatile, and durable
- Easy to read and operate
- Water-resistant of up to 100 meters
- Has an impressive chronograph function
- Offers great value for the money
Cons
- It does not have a built-in GPS or compass
- Some users noted that it requires frequent re-calibration
- List Element
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hunting watch?
A hunting watch is an accessory that comes with features that make it fit for use in the wild outdoors. Some of its notable features include shock and water-resistance, navigation features such as a compass or a GPS, and a barometer. These will help you prepare, improve, and make the most of the hunting experience.
How do I apply watches for hunting?
When it comes to hunting, you can use the watches to prepare for your next game or to make the most of the current game. You can take advantage of sunrise or sunset times, or changes in the weather, to prepare your next game. Alternatively, navigation features can help you track down your prey without worrying about getting lost.
Why do I need a GPS watch?
While not all hunters use a GPS watch, we advise beginners to use a GPS watch while they’re hunting. This feature can help you retrace your footsteps or guide you to a safe place in case you find yourself lost in the wilderness.
Do GPS watches need the Internet?
No, GPS watches do not require you to connect to the Internet to perform properly. The Global Positioning System is available for everyone and its use is for free. Thus, GPS watches are not dependent on the Internet to function.
Buying Guide
If you’re still confused with all these options, we’ve also prepared a comprehensive guide for your reference. We’ll discuss all the important factors you have to consider before you buy a hunting watch.
Construction
The first factor you have to consider is how the watch was built and the materials that went into it. Bear in mind that you have to spend a lot of time outdoors when you’re hunting, so it’s best to get a watch that can take a beating and withstand the rugged outdoors.
It would be best to go for a watch with a scratch-resistant dial and a durable metal case and bezel. This guarantees a tight build that’s sure to last for years.
We also recommend getting a watch that’s rated as shock-resistant, water-resistant, and extreme temperature-resistant. This allows you to use it wherever you are and whenever you feel like hunting.
Navigation
Much of your time hunting will be made in large hunting reserves that can be tricky to navigate. A lot of new hunters tell stories of being lost, and this can be very dangerous.
For this reason, we recommend getting a hunting watch with features that help you navigate through different areas. Depending on what you’re comfortable with, you can choose between a GPS, a digital compass, or both.
Sensors
Some hunting watches come with sensors like altimeters, barometers, or thermometers. Some even come with a weather monitor that can predict the weather for up to a few days.
These sensors come in handy when you have to plan your next game. They will help you adequately prepare to make sure that you’re safe and successful.
Some watches also come with sun and moon trackers that help you determine when either rises and sets. This comes in handy if your target lurks when it’s still dark out.
Battery Life
Of course, the battery life of the watch is something that you should not overlook. You don’t want your watch to run out of juice while in the middle of the game.
If you can, go for a watch that offers solar charging. But if these watches are too expensive for you, look for one that can last for months without being charged. And as much as possible, always remind yourself to fully charge the battery before you leave the house.
Comfort
And finally, you have to consider how comfortable the watch is. You may have to use it for hours, and a bulky watch can seem heavy and uncomfortable. Or, you might end up sweating, and this could cause an allergic reaction with the strap - and that, too, is uncomfortable. No matter which wrist you wear your watch on - left or right, you should be comfortable wearing it.
Thus, we recommend looking for a lightweight watch that uses a hypoallergenic strap. This will ensure comfort while you enjoy the hunt.
Final Thoughts
The best hunting watches are those that come with features that help you stay on top of your game. It must not only be accurate in terms of time but must also be reliable in all its other functions.
With that said, there is no doubt that the Suunto Traverse Alpha is the best hunting watch for the year 2022. It boasts having built-in GPS for accurate navigation, location mapping, and night-goggles-friendly backlight to ensure a successful hunt regardless of the time of day.
It is also constructed with premium materials, so you know that it’s built to last a long time. This guarantees the best value for what you pay for.
We hope our two cents on the best hunting watches for 2022 will be able to help you narrow it down so you can finally make a decision that you can be proud of!
Do share your thoughts about this list in the comments. Cheers!
