Venturing outdoors is an exhilarating experience for many, and having the right gear is crucial – and this includes a reliable fitness tracker. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or kayaking, these devices help track your activity, guide your way, and even monitor your health. This comprehensive guide takes a look at some of the best fitness trackers suitable for the outdoor-loving Aussie.
Navigating Your Choices
Like purchasing any gadget, buying a fitness tracker can be overwhelming, with many factors to consider. Does it have built-in GPS? How long does the battery last? Is it durable enough for rough terrains and extreme weather conditions? These are some of the questions that you might want to answer before making a purchase.
GPS Functionality
A fitness tracker with built-in GPS is a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts. Some trackers come with pre-loaded maps, whilst others only offer simple GPS tracking. The latter allows you to mark specific locations (“waypoints”) and trace your path (“breadcrumbs”). When choosing a device, consider whether you need comprehensive maps or if simple tracking would suffice.
GPS Accuracy
GPS isn’t the only satellite system available for location tracking. Other systems like GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS can also be used. Opt for a fitness tracker that can utilise multiple systems for the best accuracy.
Battery Life
An essential factor to consider, especially for adventurers embarking on multi-day trips. Some fitness trackers can last for weeks on low battery settings and track all-day activity with GPS. Some models even offer solar charging!
Top Picks for Outdoor Fitness Trackers
Best Overall: Coros Apex 2 Pro
The Coros Apex 2 Pro is an excellent all-round fitness tracker. It boasts a five-system GNSS with multi-band GPS and comes with global maps pre-loaded. The device also offers a multitude of sport modes, catering to different types of outdoor activities. It lasts for 24 days in smartwatch mode and 66 hours with full GPS.
- Coros Apex 2 Pro
- Coros Apex 2: less advanced GPS and requires manual map upload.
- Coros Vertix 2: upgraded version with a longer battery life and larger, high-resolution screen.
Best for Battery Life: Garmin Instinct Solar
The Garmin Instinct Solar is perfect for those who prioritise battery life. It offers multi-system GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) and boasts built-in compass and altimeter. It doesn’t come with full-featured maps but offers breadcrumb navigation and waypoint marking. The smartwatch mode lasts for an impressive 24 days, and GPS and heart rate recording last for 30 hours. In battery-saving mode, the device can go up to 56 days, and with sufficient sunlight, it provides theoretically unlimited battery life.
- Garmin Instinct Solar
- Non-solar Instinct: budget option with shorter battery life.
- Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: latest model with minor upgrades like customisable watch faces.
High-End Option: Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar Sapphire
If you’re willing to splurge, the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar Sapphire, priced at $1330, is worth considering. It offers a long battery life, solar charging, rugged build, and even comes with a flashlight for campsites. It supports various outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing, with special navigational features.
- Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar Sapphire
- Fenix 7S Solar: cheaper model with slightly shorter battery life.
- Refurbished Fenix 6 Pro: older model without flashlight, solar panels, or touchscreen.
Best Unique Pick: Suunto 9 Baro
Finnish brand Suunto is a lesser-known but reliable choice. The Suunto 9 Baro comes with a built-in barometer to warn of incoming storms. It offers 80 different sport modes. The battery lasts up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, or 24 hours of activity tracking with GPS.
- Suunto 9 Baro
- Suunto Vertical: more expensive model with 60-day battery life and free global maps.
- Suunto 9 Peak Pro: lighter model with a 21-day battery life.
Wrapping Up
Finding the perfect fitness tracker is a personal journey, and your choice should depend on your specific needs and preferences. Be it superior battery life, GPS capabilities, or sport modes, each of the trackers listed above has its unique strengths.
Ultimately, a fitness tracker is more than an outdoor companion. It’s a tool that allows you to understand your body, track your progress, and motivate you to push beyond your limits. So, choose wisely, and happy adventuring!