15 Best Hiking Watches Under 100 Dollars: Best Picks for 2023

Are you on the hunt for the best hiking watch under 100 dollars, or wondering which are the best outdoor watches under 100 dollars?

The good news is that even when you’re on a tight budget, it’s possible to pick up a high-quality hiking watch with a broad range of features, such as an altimeter, barometer, and compass.

It’s no surprise that well-known brands Casio and Timex feature extensively in this list.

Cheap hiking watches don’t need to be low quality. These brands have established a solid track record of producing durable hiking watches for hikers on all budgets. 

For those searching for something a little different, watches from Garmin, SUUNTO and LAD are all excellent options.

With so many cheap hiking watches available, your only problem will be choosing which one to purchase.

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Quick Guide to the Best Hiking Watches Under 100 Dollars 

Are you short on time? Here’s our quick guide to the best hiking watches under 100 dollars.

• Best Overall: Casio SGW-1000-1ACR Triple Sensor

Hands down the best hiking watches under 100 dollars. This watch is rugged, durable, and packed with features such as an altimeter, barometer, and compass. 

• Best For Those Who Want To Splurge: Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS

Are you wondering which are the best GPS watches for hiking? If you need GPS you won’t regret splurging on this incredible timepiece built to military standards.

• Best For Those On A Tight Budget: Casio F91W-1 Classic Resin Strap Digital Sport Watch

For those on a tight budget who just want to know which is the best hiking watches under 100 dollars, you can’t go past this little classic by Casio. 

15 Best Hiking Watches Under 100 Dollars (2022)

We’ve searched high and low for all kinds of hiking, outdoor and fitness watches that are ideal for hitting the trail. Have a read below to find out which are the best hiking watches under 100 dollars.

1. Best Overall Hiking Watch: Casio SGW-1000-1ACR Triple Sensor

The Casio SGW-1000-1ACR Triple Sensor is just the very best budget hiking watch that money can buy. 

With its altimeter, compass, and barometer you’ll stay on track wherever you are. Rugged and water-resistant, the watch is tough-as-nails and holds up well to all elements.

You can wear it on hikes, vacations, road trips, and back-packing: it is the best watch for the outdoors.

It’s simply a no-brainer to add this watch to your collection.

What I Like: This watch is definitely value for money. I love the simple interface but sophisticated features. 

What I Don’t Like: The altimeter may not always be entirely accurate if you take the measurements while wearing the watch on your wrist and the waterproof feature is questionable

Key Features:

Weight: 4.8 Ounces  

Case Diameter: 55mm

Window Material: Mineral

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Band Material: Plastic

Band Width: 15.3mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: Temperature

Altimeter: Yes

Barometer: Yes

Compass: Yes

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Other Features: 5 alarms, countdown timer, stopwatch

Movement: Quartz

2. Best For Those Who Want To Splurge: Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS

Those searching for the best GPS hiking watches will know that you may struggle to find a quality watch under 100 dollars if you need GPS functionality.

Hiking watches under 100 dollars, generally do not come with GPS.

That’s why I recommend those after a GPS hiking watch splurge on something a little more upmarket, like this amazing timepiece by Garmin.

Built to the U.S. military standard 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance (rated to 100 meters), this watch is built to last in all conditions. Though it is over the 100-dollar mark, it still represents outstanding value for money.

What I Like: The battery life is great and it can go about a week without being charged.

What I Don’t Like: The watch’s software can get a little bit laggy and the apps are limited

Key Features:

Weight: 1.76 ounces 

Case Diameter: 45mm

Case Material: PVD Plated

Band Material: Silicone

GPS: Yes

Altimeter: Yes

Barometer: Yes

Compass: Yes, 3-Axis Compass

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Other Features: Health Monitoring (Heart Rate, Activity & Stress), Pre-loaded Activity Profiles, Smart Notifications (Connected to Smartphone)

Movement: Quartz

3. Best For Those On A Tight Budget: Casio F91W-1 Classic Resin Strap Digital Sport Watch

If you are looking for the best budget hiking watch at a rock-bottom price, you can’t go past this little classic from Casio.

In production since 1989, Casio sells around 3 million of these babies every year – making the F91W-1 the best-selling digital watch of all time.

Small, cheap, and cheerful, the F91W-1 suits those who are just looking for a watch that tells the time. In fact, it’s so cheap that it’s not even a big deal if you lose it in the woods. 

Buy one or a couple to have as spares, and you’ll never be without the time again.

What I Like: The price point is excellent. Affordable, practical, and extremely useful for beginner hikers. 

What I Don’t Like: The strap may be a little fragile and break easily. So you have to take really good care of it to ensure that it lasts. It also does not have a built in GPS.

Key Features:

Weight: 1.94 Ounces 

Case Diameter: 33mm

Window Material: Mineral

Case Material: Resin

Band Material: Plastic

Band Width: 18mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: No

Altimeter: No

Barometer: No

Compass: No

Water Resistance: 30 meters

Other features: Alarm, Luminous

Movement: Digital

4. Best Value for Money: Casio Men’s SGW-100-2BCF Twin Sensor Digital Display 

Coming in at around $50, this Casio watch represents amazing value for money. That’s why this watch is listed as one of the best hiking watches under 100 dollars.

Perfect for anyone who works outdoors, this watch can handle being knocked about and worn in all kinds of conditions.

It might not have as many features as some other outdoor hiking watches, but it’s sleek, handsome, more lightweight, and not as bulky.

What I Like: This watch is super hardy and sleek. It is easy to wear and is great for every day use. 

What I Don’t Like: The watch glass/crystal can be overly reflective, making it hard to read the time sometimes.

Key Features:

Weight: 1.9 Ounces

Case Diameter: 45mm

Window Material: Mineral

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Band Material: Plastic

Band Width: 19mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: Thermometer

Altimeter: No

Barometer: No

Compass: Yes

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Other Features: Alarm

Movement: Quartz

5. Best Solar Charging ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) Watch: Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar Triple Sensor Multifunction Digital Sport Watch

If you spend a lot of time hiking in the great outdoors, this is the only watch you’ll ever need.

As a solar-charging watch, you won’t need to worry about the batteries being drained as you use the ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass) functions.

The sunrise and sunset times based on longitude and latitude are a bonus.

This watch is just the right size: big enough to operate while wearing gloves.

Beloved by hikers, you can’t go wrong with the Pro-Trek.

What I Like: I absolutely love the solar-charging feature. It is perfect for long hikes! It is also great value for money. 

What I Don’t Like: It may be quite bulky, especially if you have smaller wrists. 

Key Features:

Weight: 2.36 ounces

Case Diameter: 52mm

Window Material: Mineral

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Band Material: Plastic

Band Width: 26mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: No

Altimeter: Yes

Barometer: Yes

Compass: Yes

Water Resistance: 100m

Other features: Stopwatch, Luminous, Sunrise/Sunset Data

Movement: Quartz

6. Best Entry-Level G-Shock: Casio Men’s GD100-1BCR G-Shock X-Large Black Multi-Functional Digital Sport Watch

G-Shock watches have an excellent reputation for being the best utilitarian watches on the market.

Extremely durable and shock-resistant, it’s no wonder they are extremely popular in the military community.

G-Shocks are ideal for hiking because they can handle being knocked about in all kinds of weather conditions.

With a cool, stealthy appearance, the G-Shock GD100-1B can also be worn in many different professional environments: from paramedics to those working outdoors.

They can even hold up to dinosaurs! This watch was worn by Chris Pratt in Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom.

What I Like: It is incredibly easy to clean, making it perfect for daily use in any situation. 

What I Don’t Like: It may be a little bit pricey for its limited features. 

Key Features:

Weight: 2.5 Ounces

Case Diameter: 55mm

Window Material: Mineral

Case Material: Resin

Band Material: Resin

GPS: No

Weather Functions: No

Altimeter: No

Barometer: No

Compass: No

Water Resistance: 200m

Other features: Auto LED Backlight (Super Illuminator) with Large Digital Display Face, Multi-time

Movement: Quartz

7. Best for Hikers Who Get Out on the Water: Casio Men’s G7900-1 G-Shock Rescue Digital 

Rugged as anything, this watch is popular amongst paramedics and those in military service.

This watch was even worn by John Krasinski (Jack Silva) as he jumped over walls and fought the baddies in 13 Hours – The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.

“G-Shock,” the G-Rescue G7900 series of watches are made to be very cold resistant. They can handle temperatures right down to negative four (- 4) degrees Fahrenheit.

Shock-resistant, waterproof, and withstanding the cold, this watch is ideal for hikers who also get out on the water. From hiking through rivers to surfing, fishing, and serious surface water sports. This watch can take it.

What I Like: The multiple alarms and timers are great! Especially on days when I feel like hitting that snooze buttons a few times! It is also extremely durable. 

What I Don’t Like: It doesn’t have the ABC features that serious hikers may be on the look out for. 

Key Features:

Weight: 2.4 Ounces

Case Diameter: 50mm

Window Material: Mineral

Case Material: Resin

Band Material: Plastic

Band Width: 28.3mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: No

Altimeter: No

Barometer: No

Compass: No

Water Resistance: 200m

Other features: Tide and Moon Data, Stop Watch, Chronograph, EL backlight, Cold Resistant Design

Movement: Quartz

8. Best Durable Solar-Charging Watch with a Sleek Profile: Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 Men’s Solar Sport Watch

As we know, G-Shocks are well-regarded for their shock resistance and durability. However, some people, particularly those with smaller wrists, can find them to be too bulky. 

This G-Shock model is smaller, thinner, and lighter than others in the G-Shock range. But that doesn’t mean it won’t hold up to the elements. It’s strong, tough, and perfect for hiking.

With crisp and clear numbers, the watch is easy to read in all conditions.

Solar charging teamed with automatic atomic timekeeping means that you’ll always be able to keep accurate time.

What I Like: This is a tiny but deadly kindda watch! I love that it is easy to read and incredibly durable. I also don’t have to stress about it running out of battery!

What I Don’t Like: The strap is slightly on the longer side so if you have smaller wrists, the tab may stick out and get in the way of your activities. 

Key Features:

Weight: 2.08 Ounces 

Case Diameter: 46.7mm

Window Material: Mineral Crystal

Case Material: Resin

Band Material: Plastic

Band Width: 20mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: No

Altimeter: No

Barometer: No

Compass: No

Water Resistance: 200m

Other features: EL Backlight with Afterglow, World Time w/ 29 Time Zones, Stopwatch, Automatic Atomic Timekeeping, Solar Charging

Movement: Quartz

9. Most Stylish ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) Watch: SUUNTO Core, Outdoor Sports Watch

Well regarded and used extensively by those in the military, firefighters, and paramedics, this outdoor sports watch by SUUNTO is built to last.

This sleek and sexy watch is perfect for those seeking ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass) features without the chunky utilitarian look of Casio models.

What I Like: The sleek design of this watch makes it easy to wear. More importantly, despite it’s slender look, it has all the main features you would need as a keen hiker. 

What I Don’t Like: It may be a little difficult to read the time in certain lights as the display is a little small.

Key Features:

Weight: 2.88 Ounces

Watch-face Diameter: 49.1mm

Window Material: Mineral Crystal

Case Material: Composite

Band Material: Metallic-Fiber 

Band Width: 24mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: Sunrise, Sunset, Storm Alarm, Temperature, Alti/Baro Profile, Pressure Resolution, Move Altitude Graph

Altimeter: Yes

Barometer: Yes

Compass: Yes

Water Resistance: 30 meters

10. Best for Being Big, Bold, and Easy to Read in All Conditions: Timex Men’s Expedition Grid Shock 50mm Watch

Given that many hiking watches are cluttered with features, not all of them are easy to read at a glance. 

In comparison, this watch from Timex is big and bold. It features a large display with easy-to-see numbers and a powerful backlight.

This makes for a refreshing change for those who are tired of overcomplicated hiking watches.

When you’re out on the trails, sometimes you just want to be able to glance down and simply see what the time is.

You can set three separate alarms to alert you through vibration. You can use these as reminders to pick up the kids or take your medicine. It’s also a great feature for waking up without disturbing the person next to you.

What I Like: The large display is extremely useful, especially when I’m in a rush to get things done. 

What I Don’t Like: The surface is extremely prone to scratches. So if that bothers you, you may want to get a screen protector to prevent your watch from getting scratched. 

Key Features:

Weight: 2.72 Ounces 

Case Diameter: 50mm

Window Material: Acrylic

Case Material: Resin

Band Material: Plastic

Band Width: 16mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: No

Altimeter: No

Barometer: No

Compass: No

Water Resistance: 100m

Other features: Alarm, Chronograph, Timer, Water Resistant, Shock Resistant

Movement: Quartz

11. Best for Tall Hikers with Large Arms: Timex Expedition Shock XL 

Are you a tall hiker, with larger arms? Smaller hiking watches can make you look disproportionately large, and can also be hard to read at a distance.

A larger watch like this model from Timex will look great on your frame and is easy to read even at the end of a long arm.

Durable and shock-resistant, this hiking watch is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activity. It has a light, yet rugged construction that sits comfortably on your wrist.

What I Like: I really love the size of this watch and the vibrating alarms that work well to remind me of all the things that I need to do! This watch is also an affordable choice for those on a budget. 

What I Don’t Like: If you have smaller wrists, the straps may run a little large on you. 

Key Features:

Weight: 2.72 Ounces

Case Diameter: 50mm

Window Material: Mineral

Case Material: Resin

Band Material: Plastic

Band Width: 22mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: No

Altimeter: No

Barometer: No

Compass: No

Water Resistance: 200m

Other features: 100-hour Chronograph, 3 Vibrating and Audible Daily Alarms, Shock Resistant, Stopwatch

Movement: Digital

12. Best Stylish Daily-wear That’s Rugged Enough for Hiking: Timex Men’s Expedition Metal Field Watch

Hikers who don’t like the utilitarian look of most outdoor sports watches should check out the “field watches” from Timex.

“Field watches” are accurate and durable timepieces that were invented for use in WW1. In terms of aesthetics, field watches look classic, but are much more durable and rugged than dress watches.

Timex produces an excellent range of field watches that are perfect for hikers seeking a watch for daily wear. 

This is ideal for hikers who don’t want to constantly swap around their watches as they go from daily life to walking the trails.

The Expedition Metal Field Watch is classic, clean and smart. The padded leather band is very comfortable.

It is basic, but sometimes that’s all you need.

What I Like: This watch is incredibly lightweight and easy to wear. It also looks really good and professional, making it versatile. 

What I Don’t Like: The leather straps may wear off relatively quickly. 

Key Features:

Weight: 1.6 Ounces 

Case Diameter: 39mm

Window Material: Mineral

Case Material: Brass

Band Material: Leather

Band Width: 18mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: No

Altimeter: No

Barometer: No

Compass: No

Water Resistance: 50m

Other features: Water Resistant, Luminous 

Movement: Quartz

13. Best for Wearing From the Office to the Trails: Timex Men’s Expedition Scout 40

Have you fallen in love with the idea of wearing a field watch on the trails, but need something a little classier that you can also wear to the office?

You can’t go past this beauty from Timex. It’s stylish and would look great in the boardroom, but can also take a beating on the trails.

With a wide range of watch-face colors and band types, you can choose the best Expedition Scout 40 for your personal style.

For maximum versatility at a great price, you can’t go past this little number.

What I Like: The incredible range of colors that this watch comes in! There is indeed something for everyone!

What I Don’t Like: The loud ticking may irritate you if you’re sensitive to sounds!

Key Features:

Weight: 2.24 Ounces 

Case Diameter: 40mm

Window Material: Mineral

Case Material: Brass

Band Material: Leather

Band Width: 20mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: No

Altimeter: No

Barometer: No

Compass: No

Water Resistance: 50m

Other features: Date, Indiglo Night Light

Movement: Quartz

14. Best for Tracking Time in Style: Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph

Have you ever considered a chronograph watch for hiking?

A chronograph is basically a stopwatch that you can use to track the length of elapsed time. This is incredibly useful when hiking, as you can track the amount of time that has gone by since embarking on your trek, or say, passing a landmark.

You can use the chronograph to measure your heart rate, keep track of two different events simultaneously or calculate your average speed.

As well as the chronograph feature, this watch from Timex is solid, rugged, and feels good on your wrist.

The cool vintage styling will work well in any workplace, making this hiking watch highly versatile.

What I Like: It’s definitely great value for money and extremely stylish and versatile. Perfect for every day use. 

What I Don’t Like: It takes a while to figure out how to operate the watch and the instructions are not clearly set out. 

Key Features:

Weight: 2.72 Ounces  

Case Diameter: 43mm

Window Material: Mineral

Case Material: Brass

Band Material: Leather

Band Width: 20mm

GPS: No

Weather Functions: No

Altimeter: No

Barometer: No

Compass: No

Water Resistance: 100m

Other features: Chronograph, Water Resistant, Luminous 

Movement: Quartz

15. Best for Tracking the Weather: Lad Weather Sensor Watch

Packed with features, the Lad Weather Sensor Watch is great value for money. 

Not only does it provide a thermometer and weather forecasts, but it also packs in an altimeter, barometer, and compass. 

Despite all these features, the watch is so lightweight and comfortable, that you’ll barely notice you’re wearing a watch.

What I Like: It is a wonderful watch if you ever find yourself in unpredictable environments. It provides plenty of useful weather-related information so that you can plan your hike accordingly

What I Don’t Like: It is extremely hard to read the watch in low-light conditions or at night. The compass may not always be accurate as well so keep an eye out for that. 

Key Features:

Case Diameter: 48mm

Case Material: ABS Plastic / Stainless Steel

Band Material: Polyurethane

Band Width: 22mm

GPS: Yes

Weather Functions: Thermometer

Altimeter: Yes

Barometer: Yes

Compass: Yes

Water Resistance: 100m

Other features: Stopwatch, Timer, Alarm, Luminescence Backlight

How to Choose From the Best Hiking Watches Under 100 Dollars

1. Sturdiness

Sturdiness and durability is perhaps the most important feature when selecting the best hiking watch under 100 dollars.

The great news is that even cheap hiking watches tend to be much more durable than your standard dress watch.

If sturdiness and durability is your primary concern then we recommend selecting a watch from Casio’s G-Shock range.

2. Altimeter

What does an altimeter do? An altimeter measures altitude: which is the distance above sea level.

Most altimeters measure altitude by calculating the air pressure of the surrounding location.

An altimeter in your hiking watch will help you navigate and stay on course by enabling you to cross-check the altitude of your location against a map that shows topography (the changing altitude of the landscape). 

3. Compass

What is a compass? It is simply a device that shows you your direction. It uses a magnetic pointer that aligns itself with the magnetic field of the Earth.

It is incredibly useful to have a compass in your hiking watch, as you can easily glance down at any time to check the direction you are heading in.

4. Barometer

A barometer will measure the atmospheric pressure around you, in units of measurement that are called “atmospheres” or “bars”.

A rapid fall of pressure usually means that a storm is on its way. When the reading is steady or slowly starts to climb during rainfall, it usually means that fair weather is coming.

Barometers are great to have within a hiking watch, particularly for those on long treks who need to keep track of the changing weather conditions.

5. Thermometer

What is a thermometer and why is it useful within a hiking watch?

A thermometer is simply a tool that measures the temperature. 

One thing to note about thermometers and hiking watches: to get an accurate temperature reading you will need to remove your watch for some time so that the reading is not influenced by your body heat.

Thermometers are great to have when on the trails, as they can help you monitor the changing conditions.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best hiking watch under 100 dollars, there are plenty of quality options to suit all hikers.

Unsurprisingly, a broad range of Casio and Timex watches dominate this list due to their superior construction and value for money.

Quite simply, hikers on a budget cannot go wrong with a Casio or a Timex.

Hiking watches under 100 dollars do not always have such a broad range of features as an altimeter, barometer, or compass.

If you spend a little more, then it is possible to access these features in a hiking watch.

However simple features such as durability and water resistance might be all you need for the trails.

What watch do you use when hiking, and would you recommend it? Let me know in the comment section below.

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