Best Tactical GPS Watch for Survivalists (2023)

Tactical GPS watches have become an essential piece of equipment for those who frequently engage in outdoor activities, such as hunting, hiking, and survival expeditions. These multifunctional devices offer a wide range of features, including GPS navigation, weather updates, and fitness tracking, making them the perfect companion for enthusiasts and professionals alike. When it comes to choosing the best tactical GPS watch, there are several factors to consider in order to find the perfect match for your outdoor needs.

With these factors in mind, we spent countless hours researching and testing various tactical GPS watches to present you with the best choices for your outdoor adventures.

Best Tactical GPS Watches

Check out our top picks for the best tactical GPS watches that offer you durability, reliability, and all the features you need for your hunting and survival adventures.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical Edition

A top choice for outdoor and tactical enthusiasts looking for a solar-powered, reliable GPS watch with extensive features.

Pros

• Unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode, thanks to solar charging
• Dedicated tactical features for versatile utility
• All-day health monitoring for better insight into your body

Cons

• Expensive compared to other tactical GPS watches
• Monochrome display may not suit everyone’s taste
• Limited smartwatch capabilities compared to higher-end models

If you’re in need of a robust and reliable GPS watch that can withstand the toughest conditions, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical Edition might just be your best bet. This watch is designed not only for everyday use but also for various outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and swimming.

The built-in solar charging ensures your battery life can be extended while the watch is exposed to sunlight. Coupled with the extensive battery life, you won’t have to worry about constantly recharging your watch during long adventures.

The dedicated tactical features such as Jumpmaster activity, stealth mode, and waypoint projection make this watch versatile for various situations. Plus, the all-day health tracking features enable you to keep an eye on your heart rate, sleep quality, and other important metrics, helping you gain better insight into your body.

On the downside, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical Edition does come at a higher price point, and with a monochrome display, it may not be to everyone’s taste. Also, its smartwatch capabilities are limited when compared to higher-end models in the market.

Garmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition

This military-inspired GPS watch provides tactical features, reliable navigation, and exceptional battery life.

Pros

• Solar charging capabilities
• Applied Ballistics calculator
• Rugged design with military-inspired features

Cons

• Limited headphone compatibility
• High price point
• Solar charging benefits might be minimal

The Garmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition sets itself apart with its rugged, military-inspired design. The combination of a 1.4-inch always-on solar-powered display, black DLC-coated steel bezel, and black PVD-coated steel rear cover ensures durability in various conditions. Its unique features, such as Jumpmaster mode, stealth mode, and waypoint projection, cater to those who are in the field and need advanced tactical assistance.

Navigating the great outdoors is a breeze with the tactix 7’s preloaded TopoActive and ski maps. Thanks to the combination of navigation sensors, multi-GNSS, and multi-band support, you’ll experience Garmin’s highest level of positional accuracy. The built-in Applied Ballistics calculator enables shooting solutions on the fly, and the AB Synapse Garmin app lets you create custom ballistic profiles.

When it comes to fitness tracking, the tactix 7 offers more than 30 built-in sports apps and various performance metrics. Paired with a compatible smartphone, you can keep an eye on your health and wellness, receive smart notifications, and use Garmin Pay for quick, contactless payments. The battery life of up to 37 days in smartwatch mode, when solar charging, ensures you have continuous functionality on your adventures.

It’s important to note that while the watch does have some downsides, like limited headphone compatibility and a high price point, its tactical features, rugged design, and excellent battery life make it a top contender for those in need of a reliable tactical GPS watch.

Garmin Instinct Tactical GPS Watch

Get the most out of your outdoor adventures with this rugged and feature-packed GPS watch.

Pros

• Rugged, military-grade construction
• Excellent GPS accuracy
• Preloaded activity profiles and monitoring functions

Cons

• Complex interface with a learning curve
• Smaller display
• 16 MB memory and storage

From navigating challenging environments to monitoring vital stats like heart rate and stress, this watch is designed with tactical and survival situations in mind.

The first thing you’ll notice is the rugged, military-grade construction. With a U.S. Military Standard 810G rating for thermal, shock, and water resistance (up to 100 meters), this watch is built to last even in the toughest conditions. The watch weighs in at just 1.83 ounces, making it surprisingly lightweight given its durability.

The built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, along with multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) support, ensure that you can track your location accurately, even in challenging environments. If you’re into more than just hiking, this watch also has preloaded activity profiles for various sports and exercises.

On the downside, the initial setup and interface can be tricky, with a bit of a learning curve. The display size (0.9 x 0.9 inches) might feel small for some users and is not a touchscreen. However, with a resolution of 128 x 128, it remains clear and legible during outdoor use. The storage capacity is also limited to 16 MB, which may be a factor to consider if you plan to store routes and waypoints.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best tactical GPS watch, there are several key features you should consider to ensure you’re getting a reliable and functional piece of gear. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind.

Battery Life

A long-lasting battery is essential for any GPS watch, especially when you’re relying on it for navigation and tracking in the field. Look for a watch with a battery life that can last multiple days on a single charge, or even better, one with a solar panel for continuous charging during daylight hours.

Durability

Your tactical GPS watch should be able to handle the wear and tear of outdoor activities. Seek out watches with rugged constructions, including features like water resistance, shock resistance, and scratch-resistant screens.

GPS Accuracy and Reliability

The primary purpose of a tactical GPS watch is accurate navigation, so it’s crucial to find a watch with reliable and precise GPS tracking. Look for watches that use multiple satellite systems, like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, for improved accuracy and faster lock-on times.

Mapping and Waypoint Features

A good tactical GPS watch should include various mapping and waypoint features, allowing you to easily navigate and mark locations. Some essential functions are the ability to set and save waypoints, track your route, and provide topographic map information.

Customization and Extra Features

While not always necessary, extra features and customization options can enhance your tactical GPS watch’s overall usability. Consider watches with customizable watch faces, fitness tracking, notifications, and smartwatch capabilities if those are important to you.

Remember, the key to finding the perfect tactical GPS watch lies in identifying which features and functionalities are most vital for your specific needs. Keep these aspects in mind while browsing, and you’ll be well on your way to locating the ideal watch for your outdoor adventures.