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Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy trail running because it presents a special challenge and feeling of adventure. You need the correct equipment, including a top-notch GPS watch, to get the most out of trail running.
The leading watch brands in the outdoor wearable market include Garmin, Coros, Suunto, Casio, and Polar. But when it comes to running watches, Garmin is by far the market leader; in fact, the American brand has devoted an entire series to it (the Forerunner range).
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | GARMIN FENIX 7 | Check Price | |
 | Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE | Check Price | |
 | Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music | Check Price | |
 | Garmin Enduro | Check Price | |
 | Garmin Instinct Solar | Check Price |
Running watches from Garmin come in a variety of styles, from entry-level devices to feature-rich solar watches. Based on our exhaustive study, we’ll look at the top Garmin watches for trail running in this article.
When looking for a trail running watch, there are many different things to take into account, such as price, quality, battery life, and features. Let’s go through them in more depth.
Best Garmin Watches for Trail running Reviews
1. GARMIN FENIX 7
Trail running has constantly been introduced as an activity profile over the years, from Fenix 3 to Fenix 7. The most recent Fenix 7 has higher battery life, a more precise ELEVATE heart rate sensor, and a more appealing design. But the watch doesn’t provide much more than its predecessor when it comes to trail running.
The watch comes in nearly every wrist size, and its SOLAR variants offer incredible battery life. No matter whatever version you choose, the toughness and bulky appearance will not change (it is particularly ideal for muddy terrain and shock and water resistant). The Fenix 7 is the first device in the range to include a touchscreen, though.
Along with the fundamentals like pace, time, and distance, the watch also measures more complex parameters like vertical oscillation, vertical ratio, ground contact time, stride length, and others. Only when you connect external sensors to the watch through ANT+ or Bluetooth can you access some advanced stats.
Full-color TOPO maps are already preloaded on the Fenix 7. You may plan your routes in advance and use waypoints to help you navigate difficult paths. You can quickly return to safety thanks to its trackback feature.
Additionally, you may use Garmin Connect to communicate your advancement with other trail runners. If your preferred platform for communicating with trail runners is Strava or another well-known program, you may export your data there.
Let’s examine the sensors aboard in more detail. It includes a thermometer, a compass, a strong GPS with multi-GNSS capabilities, and a barometric altimeter. For Garmin watches, as well as other industry leaders like Apple, Samsung, Polar, and Suunto, the Fenix 7 set the bar for accuracy.
An endurance activity like trail running is quite taxing on the body. The Fenix 7 would act as your coach in this situation by providing you with information on your body’s ability to burn calories, cope with stress, sleep soundly, and recover from exertion. It tracks your heart rate zone performance as you run and provides you with vital statistics like VO2 max, training load, heart rate fluctuation, and more.
But things are not perfect in Fenix 7. Its primary drawback is that it is extremely pricey compared to its siblings. Its tough construction is plainly the reason it weights more than the Forerunner Series. And last, for someone seeking for an entry-level trail running watch, its features are a little bit excessive.
2. Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE
Trails, treadmills, and roadways can all be ran on with the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE. The watch is small and light, yet it has a ton of functions that are nearly identical to those in the Fenix 7. If this watch is compared to the most recent Fenix watch, the two biggest omissions are a touchscreen and the most recent Elevate Heart Rate sensor.
Additionally to allowing you to download playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, and other services, the watch features music storage for offline listening. The same is offered by Fenix 7, but with larger storage.
The watch contains a preset activity called “trail running” that keeps track of your heart rate, speed, time, distance, and duration. Additionally, sophisticated running dynamics (Pacepro, stride length, vertical ratio, lactate threshold, etc.) are immediately accessible on your wrist if you connect a foot pod and an external heart rate sensor via ANT+ or Bluetooth.
Additionally, it monitors performance indicators such as training load, status, concentration, rest intervals, stress level, and more. The watch serves as a fitness tracker that keeps tabs on your blood oxygen levels, sleep, and heart rate.
When necessary, the watch may send messages to emergency contacts thanks to its LTE version. An incident detection sensor included within the watch will immediately activate the feature. The Forerunner 945 would be your only saving grace if you didn’t have your smartphone with you since trail running is full with dangers.
The watch allows you to upload GPX maps and supports full-color mapping. However, the FR945’s navigation is limited by the tiny screen and large bezel.
When operating GPS continually, the battery’s performance drops to 10 hours from 2 weeks on a single charge. The watch doesn’t come in a solar version, which is not a problem for trail runners but can be a deal-breaker if you compete in ultramarathons or marathons.
3. Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music
Given that the watch includes a special trail running mode, we initially preferred the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. However, as we learned that it lacked a special barometer, we switched to the Garmin Vivoactive 3. Both are low-end versions, but the vivoactive is one of the more affordable Garmins on the market and has a price that is significantly lower.
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music watch is weak in many ways and lacks a specific mode for trail running, but it gets the job done. For this, you may either create a personalized activity on the watch itself or download apps from the ConnectIQ store.
The pace, distance, and time components of the activity tracking are largely accurate. The elevation data (ascent and descent) is adequate but not on pace with the top-tier watches from Fenix and Forerunner. Advanced metrics are missing, and it makes sense why.
Additionally, the watch lacks performance metrics like race predictor, recovery counselor, and race status/effect measures. Forerunner 245 Music offers all of them, however the latter lacks elevation tracking.
Since this watch has a waypoints capability, you can plan a precise path for your next trail run. The lack of the TOPO charts, nevertheless, is a great drawback for trail runners and hikers.
The battery life of the Vivoactive 3 Music is over two weeks on a single charge. However, as soon as you activate the GPS and play music, the performance suffers.
4. Garmin Enduro
If you enjoy through-hiking, Garmin Enduro should be at the top of your list of priorities. This watch is specifically designed for long-distance trailing enthusiasts. It has every tool you might need for a protracted hiking trail.
This watch lacks internal music and maps storage just like the Fenix 6. But there is one significant distinction between the two watches, and this is where Garmin Enduro excels. Through-hikers, marathon runners, and triathletes will find this watch more appealing simply due to its longer battery life.
The Enduro delivers 50 days of charging life in contrast to the Fenix 6’s 14 days of smartwatch mode battery life. The Enduro also has the additional feature of being solar-powered, which can increase its battery life to 65 days when used in smartwatch mode. This makes it the ideal option for lengthy hikes when there are no electrical outlets for charging your watch.
Additionally, the watch has every feature we previously discovered in the Garmin Fenix 6. The barometric altimeter and magnetic compass are included as well as the fundamental ABC capabilities. Additionally, it offers daily activity tracking, including step counting, floor ascent, heart rate monitoring, etc.
There are a few small distinctions between the Enduro and the Fenix 6 in terms of design. The screen size on the former is greater. Its display quality is also superior to that of the latter in terms of resolutions. This watch is more expensive than the Fenix 6 because of its superior battery timing and nicer design.
5. Garmin Instinct Solar
The Garmin Instinct Solar smartwatch, known for its ability to take on any outdoor experience, is fashionable, tough, and loaded with incredible capabilities. The watch is extremely resistant to extreme outside circumstances because it was constructed in compliance with US military specification 810G.
The fiber-reinforced material strengthens the watch’s case. Your equipment will endure even if you treat it roughly.
The best watch to rely on for solar charging is the Garmin Instinct Solar. In smartwatch mode, the battery life is respectable at 24 days. Due to the battery’s capacity to be charged by the sun, its lifespan is increased to 54 days.
The watch boasts over 30 hours of battery life while in GPS mode. With solar luminosity, the limit is further extended to 38 hours. This qualifies it as a viable option for a multi-day hiking journey that includes overnight stops.
The Garmin Instinct Storm Alert is another intriguing feature of this watch. A storm alarm can be set up for the watch’s barometric altimeter so that it activates when the air pressure rapidly lowers. The warning enables you to anticipate the stormy conditions so that you can seek shelter and adjust your travel plans.
Sight n Go is a feature that is available on the Gramin Instinct Solar, Gramin Enduro, and Garmin Fenix 6. The watch will direct you there if you aim the compass at a distant object, such as a mountain peak or a hill station.The fantastic device also has a TracBack feature that aids in returning you to your beginning place.
The Sunrise/Sunset feature is also made possible by the watch. When you are on long-distance thru-hiking treks, this basic function is useful. Your watch will notify you when sunset is approaching. In this manner, you can discover a decent camping area before dusk falls.
Final word
Regarding trail running features, the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE meets all the boxes. It is the bBest Garmin Watches for Trail Running available right now because to its sturdy construction, long battery life, and comprehensive metrics tracking.
In addition, it offers excellent value for the money due to its affordability. However, the Garmin Fenix 7 Series is the best option if you want higher accuracy, a touch screen, and dependable battery life.