How to find the perfect GPS watches for trailrunners?

Running, or trailrunning is one of the simplest forms of sport. You only need your running shoes and you are good to go. But some of us feel like we might need some more than just the simple running experience. If you would like to bring your running to a new level, analyze your progress or make sure you never get lost on a trail or make sure you find the new trail your co-worker has been bragging about – a smart GPS watch is a must-have piece of an equipment for your next run!

But how do you pick the right sports watch for a trail runner? The selection has been growing in recent years and sometimes it gets very overwhelming with all the functions, you might not even need. But that is where we start – what are the essential functions you should keep an eye on and why do you need them, that is what this blog post is going to answer, to help you find the perfect watch for trail running.

 

 

 

what are the most important GPS watch features  for trail runners


GPS Watch: Touchscreen hot or not? 

Touchscreens might seem like a very attractive feature, at first. Once you actually start to wear your GPS watch during any activity, you might find out that touchscreens are very hard to operate while moving, running or walking. Because the screen is rather small, you might have sweaty hands or you have been running in the rain and that is when your touchscreen gets slippery and very hard to operate without stopping.

Our Sport Conrad user tip: stick with good old buttons. This brings us to the next topic:

 

Operating system and design

This is very up to your personal preferences. Each manufacturer has its own operating system (OS). You should make sure that you feel comfortable operating it. Another important feature is the connectivity of the OS with desktop programs or apps you use on your smartphone. Decide whether you need a wireless solution or you feel fine with a cable connection. Before you buy your new GPS watch you should make sure you also like the OS as well as the desktop apps, because you will be using it a lot. To watch your stats, upload GPS tracks, download or record new trails or even connect/compare with other GPS watch users in your area. Which you can do for example with Suuntos Movescout.

 

GPS watch reliable battery life

The durability of the battery in your GPS watch might be crucial once you start running on long distances or decide to take you watch on multiple day adventures. There is a difference between a battery life and battery life. You might take into consideration the battery life of the watch while using the GPS feature because that is the one you will be probably using the most on your trailrunning rounds. 

A very strong player in the game of battery durability is Garmin. For example, the Garmin Fenix series can last up to 2 weeks in its smartwatch mode or up t 25 hrs in the GPS mode – which of course will vary, depending on how much you use it or how old it is. But in general you should not rely on the full operating hours, and rather have some “spare hours” of battery life left for safety. 

 

The right fit

Another very important thing you should consider when buying GPS sports watch for trailrunning is the proper fit. You will be jumping up and down and moving your arms a lot. So you should make sure that your watch fist like a glove! Since GPS watches are rather bulky, because of all the technology which is hiding in their small body, it still should manage to stay in place. You would try some models and if you prefer smaller watches go for the women’s model, which is lighter and more compact.

The strap also plays its role, there are many variations, but usually, sports watch straps are made from some sort of durable plastic materials. Somer are soft and have this soft or “silky” feel, like the one from Suunto, and other use harder materials, which some people might prefer – because they feel more durable. For example, Garmin Fenix models even come with interchangeable wristbands. 

 

Key Features for Trailrunners

GPS sports watches are nowadays packed with various features. But we have listed the most important ones which make the difference between a regular running or fitness watch and the one you can rely on during your trailrunning adventures:

 

  • GPS/GLONASS navigation: so you can save your favorite trails, explore new ones or even save completely new trails to share with your friends and community
  • Barometer or altimeter: to determine the elevation of your trail run
  • Heart rate monitor: build in, or through a chest strap
  • Water resistant: not only will you sweat a lot, but your watch would survive rainfall as well as refreshing swim in a lake
  • Battery life: as above mentioned
  • Compatibility with various training software – Strava, Endomondo, Runtastic,…

 

Of course, there are many more features, such as training vs. rest time, compass, or even storm alert – Suunto Spartan Baro models – which will alert you before a big storm hits. These are up to you if you find them necessary for your regular outdoor training sessions. 

Check out our selection of GPS sports watches for trailrunners:


 

 

Interested in more?

Trail Running: Race Equipment Guide

The ABC of trail running shoes: All you need to know

Trailrunning backpack and hip ag guide