Trekking is a popular outdoor activity that involves hiking or walking for an extended period of time, often in rugged or remote areas.
If you are planning a trekking trip, it is important to have the right gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
In this blog post, we will be focusing on the best wearables for trekking, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and GPS devices.
Smartwatches
A smartwatch is a wearable device that combines the features of a traditional watch with the functionality of a smartphone.
Many smartwatches have built-in GPS and are able to track your location, distance traveled, and elevation.
Some smartwatches also have a variety of sensors that can track your heart rate, sleep patterns, and other health metrics.
When it comes to trekking, a smartwatch can be a valuable tool to help you navigate, stay on track, and monitor your fitness level.
Some of the best smartwatches for trekking include:
Suunto 9
The Suunto 9 is a GPS smartwatch designed for endurance athletes and adventurers. It has a long battery life and is built to withstand tough conditions, making it a good choice for trekking and other outdoor activities. Some notable features of the Suunto 9 include:
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring
- Multiple sports modes and customizable training plans
- Barometric altimeter for tracking altitude
- Compass for navigation
- Water resistant up to 100 meters
- Ability to track and analyze your sleep
- Connected GPS for accurate location tracking
- Option to download and display topographic maps
The Suunto 9 also has a smartwatch function, allowing you to receive notifications, control music, and access other apps on your phone.
Overall, the Suunto 9 is a versatile and reliable GPS device that can help you make the most of your trekking experiences.
Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a smartwatch developed by Apple Inc. It is the eighth generation of the Apple Watch.
It has a larger display, a faster processor, and improved water resistance.
The watch also includes a variety of health and fitness tracking features, such as a heart rate monitor and activity tracker.
It can be paired with an iPhone to receive notifications, make phone calls, and access apps.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a versatile and feature-rich smartwatch that can help you stay connected and track your health and fitness during your trekking adventures.
Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are wearable devices that help you track and monitor your physical activity, such as steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned.
They can also often monitor other health metrics, such as heart rate and sleep quality.
These devices are designed to help you set and achieve fitness goals, and can be worn on the wrist or clipped to clothing.
Many fitness trackers also have features such as smartphone notifications, music control, and GPS tracking.
It can be a useful tool on a trekking adventure and can help you a lot on the hike.
Some of the best fitness trackers for trekking include:
Garmin Vivosport
The Garmin vívosport is a fitness tracker that is designed specifically for outdoor activities, including trekking.
It has a slim design and a long battery life, making it easy to wear and use for extended periods of time.
The vívosport includes GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support, as well as a barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass, which can be helpful for tracking location and altitude during outdoor activities.
In addition to its outdoor-specific features, the vívosport also has a variety of fitness tracking features, such as a heart rate monitor and activity tracker. It is water-resistant and can be worn in rainy weather.
The Garmin vívosport is a durable and feature-rich device that can help users track their fitness and outdoor activities.
Fitbit Versa 4
Fitbit Versa 4 is popular among trekkers due to its slim design, long battery life, and extensive fitness tracking features.
It has a built-in GPS, as well as a variety of sensors that can track your heart rate, sleep patterns, and other health metrics.
It could be a handy device to take with you for trekking as it can monitor your breathing rate, heart rate variability, and night-time skin temperature.
Smart Rings
Smart Rings are also a wise choice while going for trekking. There are various smart rings in the market like Oura, Evie and Circular that will serve the purpose for you.
These rings will help you in monitoring your heart rate, the HRV and will also tell you about the temperature variations at the altitude.
If you are booking for something light then Oura Gen 3 could be a good option, Oura comes in two variants Oura horizon and Heritage, you choose between the two according to your requirements.
GPS Devices
GPS devices are a useful tool for trekkers, as they allow you to accurately track your location and navigate through unfamiliar terrain.
They work by receiving signals from satellites orbiting the earth and can be used to plot your route, mark waypoints, and track your progress.
GPS devices can be handheld or mounted on your vehicle or bike. Many modern GPS devices also come with additional features such as altimeters, compasses, and the ability to display topographic maps.
When using a GPS device for trekking, it is important to make sure it is fully charged, bring spare batteries if necessary, and familiarize yourself with its functions before setting out on your journey.
Some of the best GPS devices for trekking include:
Garmin InReach Mini 2
The Garmin InReach Mini 2 is a portable GPS device that is well-suited for trekking and other outdoor activities.
It is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you on your adventures.
The InReach Mini 2 has a built-in GPS and a long battery life, allowing you to track your location and navigate through unfamiliar terrain.
It also has a variety of other features that can be helpful for trekking, such as a digital compass, barometric altimeter, and the ability to send and receive text messages and emails.
The InReach Mini 2 is rugged and durable and is able to withstand challenging outdoor conditions. Overall, it is a reliable and convenient tool for trekking and other outdoor activities.
Spot Gen3
The Spot Gen4 is a portable GPS device that is designed for outdoor activities, including trekking.
The Spot Gen4 has a built-in GPS and a long battery life, allowing you to track your location and navigate through unfamiliar terrain.
It also has a variety of features that can be helpful for trekking, such as the ability to send and receive text messages and emails, as well as an “SOS” button that can be used to call for help in an emergency.
The Spot Gen4 is an ideal choice for trekking and other outdoor activities due to its reliability and suitability.
Other Wearables to Consider
In addition to smartwatches, fitness trackers, and GPS devices, there are a few other wearables that can be helpful for trekkers. These include:
Headlamps: A headlamp is a wearable light that can be worn on your head, allowing you to see in low-light conditions. Headlamps are a useful tool for trekkers who may be out on the trails after dark or in areas with limited lighting.
Action cameras: An action camera is a small, portable camera that can be worn on your body or mounted to your gear. Action cameras are ideal for trekkers who want to document their adventures and capture photos and videos of their experiences.
Solar chargers: A solar charger is a portable device that can be worn on your body or attached to your gear. Solar chargers use the sun’s energy to charge your electronic devices, making them a convenient and eco-friendly option for trekkers who may be away from a power source for an extended period of time.
Conclusion
When it comes to trekking, having the right wearable can make a big difference in your overall experience.
Whether you choose a smartwatch, fitness tracker, or GPS device, make sure to select a device that has the features and capabilities that are most important to you.
Consider factors such as battery life, durability, and accuracy when making your selection.
With the right wearable by your side, you can embark on your trekking adventures with confidence and peace of mind.
