The 7 Best AI Camping Watches Available Now in 2025
Are you looking for the best AI camping watches? Read our latest blog to find the right one for you, whether you’re a weekend camper or a seasoned explorer.
Last Updated on 3 March 2025
The days of relying solely on a compass and paper maps are behind us! Today’s best AI camping watches have transformed the outdoor experience with intelligent features designed specifically for wilderness adventurers.
According to Research and Markets, the smartwatch market was estimated at $34.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $52.4 billion in 2030. This increase is primarily driven by the health advancements they provide.
These multiday hiking timepieces now offer everything from precise GPS navigation to intelligent route planning, and even emergency satellite communication. Whether you’re a weekend camper or a seasoned backcountry explorer, the right AI watch can enhance your safety, convenience, and enjoyment in the great outdoors.
Let’s dive into the current market of the best AI camping watches and help you find your perfect digital trail companion!
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The 7 Best AI Camping Watches Available to Try in 2025
1. Garmin Fenix 7X Solar
Key Features
- Solar charging provides up to 37 days of battery life in smartwatch mode
- Built-in LED flashlight
- Access to global navigation systems to track your adventures in more challenging terrain
Product Pros
Product Cons
Let me start by telling you I used to be that person who’d plan hiking trips only to have my watch die halfway through! It wasn’t until I discovered the Garmin Fenix 7X Solar camping watch that I understood what I was missing out on.
I remember my first multi-day hike through the Cairngorms after getting this watch. Five days in a similar setting, and my old smartwatch would’ve been dead by lunch on day two. But the Fenix 7X Solar? It barely dropped below 80% battery. I was honestly shocked. The solar charging capability isn’t just marketing fluff — it actually works, especially during summer adventures when you’re getting consistent sunlight exposure.
The battery life on this thing is also insane. I’ve pushed it to almost 35 days in battery saver mode, though Garmin claims it can hit 37 days. Of course, your mileage will vary depending on how often you’re using GPS and other power-hungry features.
The AI terrain mapping feature has saved me more than once. Last autumn, I took a wrong turn on a poorly marked trail in Devon in foggy conditions. Despite this, the Fenix’s topographical mapping helped me navigate back to the main trail. The watch actually suggested an alternate route that I wouldn’t have considered, which ended up being less steep and much safer given the conditions.
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2. Apple Watch Ultra 2
Key Features
- 36 hours of battery life on a single charge
- 100-metre resistance
- Super tough with a 49mm titanium case
Product Pros
Product Cons
Next on my best AI camping watches list is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 hiking companion. I had the opportunity to try this watch last year, and for someone who hasn’t used an Apple device before, I was pleasantly surprised.
The first thing that struck me about the Ultra 2 was its rugged design. I’m not exactly gentle with my gear, and I’ve accidentally smacked this watch against rock faces while trekking over tricky terrain and subjected it to some pretty extreme weather conditions. Yet, despite this and its appearance, it’s a rugged watch.
The battery life is decent, but not mind-blowing. In everyday use, I get about 36 hours, which is enough to track sleep and make it through the next day. But on multi-day hikes? That’s where it falls short of some competitors. I’ve resorted to carrying a small power bank, which isn’t ideal when trying to minimise pack weight. Apple claims up to 72 hours in low-power mode, but in my experience, it’s closer to 60 if you’re still using core features.
Heart rate monitoring during high-intensity workouts has been more accurate than any other device I’ve tried. My previous watch would lose track during sprint intervals or when climbing, but the Ultra 2 keeps up without a hitch. This has made a huge difference in my training, as I can now rely on the zones I’m hitting rather than going by feel alone.
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3. Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar
Key Features
- 85 hours of exercise tracking and up to 60 days in daily mode without charging with the Solar or Titanium versions
- Offline trail navigation for maximum safety
- Storm alarm and up-to-date weather forecast
Product Pros
Product Cons
Next up on my list of best AI camping watches is the Suunto Vertical trail navigation watch, which I’ve really enjoyed using. Considering some of the other bulkier satellite SOS watches available, I was a bit sceptical about what it could offer, particularly the 3D mapping feature.
When I was hiking through the Peak District and visibility dropped due to an unexpected weather shift, the detailed 3D terrain visualisation proved its worth. I could actually see the contours of where I was going and identify potential hazards that weren’t visible through the fog.
The AI route suggestions have saved me countless hours of pre-trip planning. On a recent trip to an unfamiliar mountain range, I simply inputted my desired distance and elevation parameters, and the watch generated three different options based on popular routes in the area. What’s impressive is that these weren’t just the obvious trails — the AI actually suggested an interesting loop that combined a well-known path with a less-travelled connector trail that turned out to be the highlight of my day.
Battery life has been pretty solid in my experience. On regular day hikes with full GPS tracking, I’m seeing about 60-70 hours, which aligns with what Suunto claims. When I switched to expedition mode for a multi-day backpacking trip, it stretched to almost two weeks with basic tracking still active. That’s a game-changer when you’re far from power sources.
One feature I wasn’t expecting to use much was the heat maps for route planning. These visual representations of popular paths have actually introduced me to several trails I might have otherwise missed. There’s something satisfying about seeing where others have ventured and then finding your own variation.
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4. Coros Vertix 2
Key Features
- Up to 127 hours battery life of full GPS tracking or up to 60 days in regular use
- LCD touch screen that supports up to eight data fields
- Talks with five satellite systems at the same time: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and Beidou
Product Pros
Product Cons
I still remember the frustration of having my previous GPS watch die halfway through a marathon. Nothing kills your race mojo faster than losing your pace data at mile 18!
That experience sent me searching for a truly reliable option, which is how I ended up trying out the Coros Vertix 2. And let me tell you, this is one of those best AI camping watches that has completely transformed my approach to how long-distance adventures should be.
The Coros Vertix 2 battery life on this thing is absolutely mind-blowing. Coros claims up to 60 days in regular watch mode, and I can confirm it’s not just marketing hype. During my most recent multi-day trip through Wales, I used full GPS tracking for 8-10 hours daily, and after a week, I still had over 70% battery remaining.
The offline global mapping feature saved me during an unexpected detour in a remote area. My planned route became impassable, but having detailed AI topographical mapping right on my wrist meant I could confidently navigate an alternate path without mobile phone service.
I’ve found the GPS accuracy to be excellent in most environments. The track recordings are clean enough for all but the most data-obsessed athletes. The multi-band GPS option dramatically improves accuracy, but does hit the battery harder, so I save that for races or when navigation is critical.
For serious endurance athletes or backcountry adventurers, the Coros Vertix 2 strikes an impressive balance between battery endurance, navigation capability, and training insights. This makes it one of the best AI camping watches to consider. It does have a steep price tag, but if reliability is something you’re searching for, then this mountain expedition technology watch should be one to consider.
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5. Polar Grit X Pro
Key Features
- Up to 40 hours of battery with full GPS and HR tracking and up to seven days in watch mode with 24/7 HR tracking
- Can handle extreme conditions from -20C to +50C
- Turn-by-turn navigation
Product Pros
Product Cons
Whatever gear I’ve owned, I’ve always been tough on it. From accidentally dropping my previous watch off a cliff (true story) to submerging it during river crossings, I’ve destroyed more fitness watches than I care to admit. That was until the Polar Grit X Pro entered my life about a year ago. I can definitely say this is one of those rugged AI watches that has taken everything I’ve thrown at it.
Despite its less than bulky appearance, the Polar Grit X Pro durability speaks volumes, which is why it’s on my list of best AI camping watches. During a recent race, I smacked it hard against a rock. My heart sank, thinking “here we go again,” but when I looked down, there wasn’t even a scratch. The sapphire glass face and reinforced bezel have held up impressively well against my less-than-gentle approach when I’m exploring the outdoors and the elements.
The hill splitter feature has been a game-changer for my trail running. It automatically detects climbs and descents, providing specific performance metrics for each section. This has helped me pace challenging courses much more effectively, saving energy on the uphills and taking advantage of the downhills. It’s like having a knowledgeable trail coach on your wrist.
For athletes who prioritise durability and recovery intelligence over flashy features, the Polar Grit X Pro is one of the best AI camping watches that offers tremendous value. It’s not the most sophisticated looking watch out there, and it won’t wow you with colour screens or touchscreen interfaces. But what it does, it does extremely well – guiding your training, surviving whatever you throw at it, and providing actionable insights that actually improve performance.
6. Amazfit T-Rex Ultra
Key Features
- Has passed 15 military-grade tests
- 1,000nit brightness, providing ultra-clear visibility
- Free dive up to 30-metres
Product Pros
Product Cons
The first thing that struck me about the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra was how sturdy it felt right out of the box. While it doesn’t have the premium materials of watches twice its price, the build quality is surprisingly solid. I’ve accidentally banged it against rocks while hiking through tight areas and even dropped it from shoulder height onto concrete (oops!). Despite my unintentional durability testing, this is one of those shock-resistant smartwatches that has held up remarkably well with just a few minor scratches on the bezel.
What makes this one of the best AI camping watches is the battery life of around 20 days. With regular activity tracking and notifications enabled, I’m consistently getting 17-19 days between charges. Even with GPS active during my weekend hikes, I’m still easily clearing two weeks of use. That’s been a total game-changer for longer trips where charging options are limited.
The stress and recovery monitoring has become one of my favourite features. The watch measures heart rate variability throughout the day and provides a stress score that’s surprisingly accurate. On days when work deadlines are piling up, the watch notices my elevated stress levels before I’m fully aware of them myself. The guided breathing exercises it suggests actually help bring those levels down when I remember to use them.
For someone who wants a capable outdoor watch without breaking the bank, the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra hits a sweet spot that’s hard to beat. No, it doesn’t have all the premium features of the high-end models, and the app ecosystem isn’t as robust as the major players.
But the core functionality—long battery life, decent durability, and surprisingly comprehensive health insights—delivers tremendous value for the price. Sometimes you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a watch that does what you need it to do, and does it well, which is why this is one of the best AI camping watches on the list.
7. Casio Pro Trek PRW-6900
Key Features
- Multi-Band 6 radio-controlled solar watch for accurate time keeping
- Double LED light for readability in the dark
- Weather resistance to -10C and 14C
Product Pros
Product Cons
I was lucky enough to try the Casio Pro Trek PRW-6900 last year, and while it’s not as appealing as some of the other best AI camping watches on the list, it was a refreshing change of pace.
The first thing you notice about the PRW-6900 is how different it feels from today’s typical outdoor watches. It’s got that classic Casio ruggedness that brings back memories of the indestructible watches from my youth. No fragile touchscreen to worry about, no need to baby it around water or rough conditions.
The triple sensor technology has proven remarkably accurate in my experience. The barometer readings line up perfectly with official weather stations, the compass has guided me reliably through backcountry routes, and the altimeter stays consistent even with weather changes. Having these three essential outdoor tools in a single, reliable package that doesn’t require daily charging has been liberating.
What surprised me most about the Casio Pro Trek outdoor features was the effectiveness of the AI weather prediction. During a recent backpacking trip, the watch accurately predicted an incoming storm system about six hours before it hit, giving me enough time to find suitable shelter. The barometric trend indicator combined with the AI analysis has been spot-on more often than not, which is impressive for a device that’s not constantly connected to the internet.
Battery life is where this watch absolutely shines. The solar charging capability means I’ve literally never had to plug it in or replace a battery in the time I owned it. Even after multiple days in cloudy conditions, the battery indicator barely moves. For someone who’s experienced the anxiety of watching a smartwatch battery drain during a multi-day hike, this feature alone is worth its weight in gold.
The display is certainly not as pretty or information-rich as modern smartwatches. The black and green LCD screen feels like a throwback to the 90s, and in very low light conditions, you’ll need to press the backlight button to see anything. I’ve grown to appreciate this simplicity, though – there’s something zen about having just the essential information without constant notifications and distractions.
Final Thoughts on the Best AI Camping Watches
Today’s best AI camping watches represent a remarkable fusion of outdoor utility and cutting-edge technology.
From the affordable Amazfit T-Rex Ultra to the premium Garmin Fenix 7X Solar, there’s a model to match every outdoor enthusiast’s needs and budget. The right watch can serve as your navigation system, weather station, health monitor, and emergency beacon—all in one wrist-worn package.
When selecting your ideal camping companion, consider your typical adventure profile: weekend warriors might prioritise user-friendly interfaces and health features, while backcountry explorers should focus on battery longevity and offline capabilities. With any of the seven exceptional models we’ve highlighted, you’ll be equipped with intelligent technology that enhances both safety and enjoyment on your next wilderness expedition.
The trail awaits—now with one of the best AI camping watches right on your wrist!
Happy adventures!
