Rugged outdoor smartwatches

Outdoor smartwatches rely on thick cases made of reinforced plastic or metal, a raised bezel to protect the display and large buttons that can be pressed even with gloves on. Many models have a large battery that lasts from one to several weeks depending on use. Typical extras include a compass, barometer or altimeter, a built-in torch and calling via Bluetooth.

The term "military" is usually just a design label. Some manufacturers state that they tested to the US standard MIL-STD-810 – a standard that describes test procedures but isn't a uniform certification. How thoroughly a watch was tested is hard to verify from the outside.

Take a close look at the battery claim: "100 days" usually means a power-saving mode with sensors switched off. Battery life with normal use – notifications and heart rate measurement – is a more realistic figure. If you want to navigate, you need real GPS in the watch; many budget models only use the phone's GPS.

Branded models such as the Garmin Instinct, Amazfit T-Rex or Casio G-Shock with smart features offer mature apps, accurate GPS recording and long-term updates. Cheap unbranded military-style smartwatches score on size, feature list and price. That is often enough for trade work and occasional trips; for serious mountain tours or off-road navigation, an established model with reliable GPS and maps is the better choice.

Tip: on longer tours, always take an independent navigation aid with you, such as a paper map or offline maps on your phone.

Even rugged watches benefit from a little care. Rinse the watch with clean water after use in dust, mud or salt water, and dry the charging contacts thoroughly before charging – corrosion on the contacts is a common cause of charging problems. Silicone or nylon straps can usually be swapped via standard spring bars if they tear or stretch.