The Toughest Smartwatches for Survival and Adventure

For outdoor adventurers, survivalists, military personnel, and others who work in extreme environments, a delicate smartwatch just won’t cut it. They need an ultra-rugged smartwatch built to handle the abuse. Here are some of the toughest smartwatches on the market today:

Casio G-Shock Rangeman

• Constructed to meet U.S. military specifications for toughness.
• Shock resistant, mud resistant, and waterproof to 200m.
• Built-in sensors for temperature, pressure, altitude and compass bearing.
• Solar-powered so it doesn’t require charging.
• Retails for around $350.

Garmin Fenix Series

• Designed for climbers, hikers, runners and outdoor athletes.
• Rugged build with steel or titanium bezel options.
• Waterproof rating of 100m to 10ATM depending on model.
• Built-in topo maps, GPS navigation, and ABC (altimeter, barometer, compass) sensors.
• Solar charging capabilities on some models.
• Retail price range $550 – $1,100.

Suunto 7

• Ideal for hikers, skiers, campers.
• Gorilla glass lens, waterproof to 50m.
• Robust Finnish design withstands shocks and vibrations.
• Offline outdoor maps, route navigation, weather data.
• 24/7 fitness tracking capabilities.
• $499 retail price.

Luminox Navy SEAL Colormark Watch

• Official watch of the U.S. Navy SEALs.
• Durable carbon reinforced polycarbonate case.
• Waterproof to 200m, shock and corrosion resistant.
• Uses tritium for illumination so it’s always visible.
• Retails starting around $500.

Citizen Promaster Tough BN0211-50E

• U.S. military-approved for combat field use.
• Monocoque case structure for durability.
• Waterproof 200m, interchangeable straps.
• Eco-drive solar charging, perpetual calendar.
• Approx. $375 retail price.

Garmin Tactix Delta Solar

• Built to military standard 810 for thermal, shock and water resistance.
• Steel rear case, domed sapphire lens, ballistic nylon strap.
• Preloaded tactical maps, navigation, jumpmaster mode.
• Solar charging extends battery life up to 70 days.
• $1,099 MSRP.

The Takeaway

These tough smartwatches represent just a sampling of rugged options available for those whose lifestyles demand ultra-durable timepieces. Whether trekking through the wilderness or training in combat, this new breed of smartwatch brings connectivity, navigation, and performance tracking to the most extreme environments. While pricey, they deliver capabilities unmatched by normal smartwatches for the hardiest adventurers.