Need help choosing a watch for hiking and work… any suggestions?

Seeking Advice
1

Hi all, I’m having a hard time picking a watch that fits my needs. I’ve been scrolling through this forum but couldn’t find posts that match exactly what I’m looking for, so I figured I’d ask here. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Here’s what I need, in order of priority:

  • Cost: Hoping to stay under $250 Canadian. I’m using an Android phone (Pixel 9).
  • GPS: I do a lot of hiking and need a reliable GPS for safety. I also use trail apps.
  • Water resistance: Something decent for hiking in different weather.
  • Text notifications: This is a big deal for work. Pulling out my phone takes time, and my coworkers all use watches for this.
  • Media controls: Would like to control Spotify and YouTube Music so I don’t need to grab my phone all the time.

Here’s what would be nice but not a dealbreaker:

  • Heart rate tracking and distance tracking: Mainly for curiosity, not fitness goals.
  • Sleep tracking: Don’t need it, but it’s fine if it’s included.

If I can find a watch that’s “decent” in all these areas, I’d be happy. Thanks again for any suggestions!

2

What kind of watches are your coworkers using? Also, for text notifications, do you need to be able to reply directly from the watch?

3

Pippin said:
What kind of watches are your coworkers using? Also, for text notifications, do you need to be able to reply directly from the watch?

A quick reply option would be great, like ‘I’ll get back to you soon.’ Even just seeing who the message is from or part of it would be fine, so I’d know if it’s urgent and worth pulling my phone out.

To explain, my phone is buried under layers of work clothes while I’m working outdoors, so having notifications and media control on a watch would be super helpful.

4

@Sam
If you’re using an iPhone, only the Apple Watch lets you reply to texts. For Android, most watches should work. I’d suggest checking out Garmin, Amazfit, Huawei, Coros, Polar, and Suunto.