If you’re an avid outdoor adventurer or need a smartwatch that can keep up. So you may need to upgrade your current tracker to a more rugged smartwatch. However, finding the right model for your needs can be difficult, with so many options saturating the market right now. To help you with your decision making, we’ve reviwed 6 popular rugged smartwatches.
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Is the TicWatch S2 Smartwatch Military Grade?
A superb rugged smartwatch is what you get with the Mobvoi TicWatch S2. Especially for anyone that needs a trusty device in the toughest of conditions. It has military-grade protection, two-day battery life, and a waterproof design.
It is affordable for most budgets. Especially if you’re looking for a device that will last rather than replacing it every year. The only drawback is that there is no contactless payment. Nor does it feel like a premium device when you wear it, despite having removable straps and being lightweight.
Is the Casio WSD-F30 (Pro Trek Smart) Too Large To Wear?
With a seriously clever layered screen and a robust casing, this rugged smartwatch is not for the fainthearted! Casio worked hard to deliver a great smartwatch for serious hikers and adventurers. But it is also a great choice for those who love to fish, kayak, and run.
Casio created the ProTrek Smart WSD-F30, a wristwatch that integrates smart watch features with maps and GPS capabilities. It’s perfect for both adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The WSD-F30 has a dual-layer monochrome LCD touchscreen for better battery life and usability. When GPS, Wifi, Bluetooth, and the colour display are all turned on, the watch will last up to 1.5 days. Without Bluetooth or WiFi, you can extend this to 3 days, and Multi-Timepiece mode offers up to a month of battery life while still showing key sensor information like time, compass bearing, altitude, and ambient pressure.
Full-color maps can be downloaded and viewed offline, and built-in sensors such as breadcrumb detail, compass, altimeter, and barometer to display your direction of travel, altitude above sea level, and atmospheric pressure can help you never get lost again.
You can download a variety of apps from the Google Playstore (Android phones only), including popular outdoor and exercise apps like Viewranger and Strava. You can also use the built-in microphone to access and respond to text messages, enabling you to leave your phone at home while you’re out and about.
How Reliable Is the Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical?
Garmin is a sports watch pro. And the Instinct Solar is even more brilliant than we first thought it would be! You’ll no doubt be impressed with the detail and practicality of this solar watch. For one, it keeps itself charged. Also, it offers a range of power modes so you can maximize the battery life to suit your needs.
It also comes with a range of quality features, including an oxygen sensor and a heart rate monitor. It is made from seriously tough materials so you can depend on it wherever you are. The battery life last weeks between charges in. Particularly handy if you’re out and about sucking in that solar energy. A great choice for anyone with a decent budget to spend.
Does the Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smartwatch Perform Well?
The Amazfit T-Rex is a tough watch designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It was released a few years ago and packs a lot into a design that can withstand a lot of abuse. The Amazfit T-Rex Pro, its replacement, now has a few upgrades that make the wristwatch superior and more robust.
If you’re looking for a tough smartwatch that can correctly monitor and map your workout while also measuring your heart rate and sleep, this is a terrific bargain option. However, its frenzy of data is frequently nonsensical, and it does not communicate with third-party apps.
In short, the advantages are that the HRM and SpO2 are nice advanced features. Data readouts are crystal clear. Battery life of a week and waterproof to 100m. However, there is no GPS navigation, third-party app integration and not everyone likes the rugged design.
How Good Is the Garmin Fenix 6 Series?
Of all the rugged smartwatches we tested, the Fenix 6 really blew our minds! It offers an exceptional design that is solid and dependable even in the most difficult terrains. It has a wide range of outdoor tracking options that will tell you how hard you are hitting your goals each day. Not only is there a wealth of tracking options, but we feel that it will be unbeatable on tracking accuracy. Which is great if you need accurate stats to measure your progress.
It is an upgrade on the Fenix 5, but it feels like a brand new device! Unfortunately, it is a costly one that will set you back a fair amount. Though, if that’s your budget, you’ll not be disappointed.
If you need to know more about Garmin to decide, check out our comparison.
Is the Ticwatch Pro 3 a Viable Choice?
The TicWatch Pro 3 is a pleasant surprise. Not only does it come with a Snapdragon 4100 chipset, but it also offers an amazing high-resolution display for you to enjoy. With good fitness tracking and notification options, you will track your efforts and stay in touch with your loved ones with ease.
This is a great allrounder. Plus it has a decent battery life that will last up to three days before needing to be charged. The only real issue is that sleep tracking is not 100% accurate. So if this is a deal-breaker for you, then it may be worth looking elsewhere.
Rugged Smartwatches – The Verdict
It’s clear that all these rugged smartwatches have something special to offer. But we’d be lying if we didn’t point out that the Garmin Fenix 6 is particularly special. With great battery life, range of functions and comfortable, yet stylish design, you can be certain that your daily life will only ever be enhanced by what this rugged smartwatch has to offer.
No matter what model you choose, take the time to find the device that can meet your needs in full. You’ll soon wonder how you ever coped without it! Whichever you opt for, we wish you the happiest adventures with your new rugged smartwatch.
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Last Updated on July 23, 2021
Emma is an experienced multifaceted writer and is our Copy and Visual Editor, Social Media Manager and regular Content Contributor. When not working, Emma enjoys life with her little girl, partner and Jack Russell Terrier in the lovely countryside of the South West UK.