Best GPS Watches For Trail Running & Ultrarunning in 2023

Last updated on January 2nd, 2023 at 08:10 am

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The first time I used a GPS watch it saved me from spending a freezing night in the Colorado wilderness. This made me realize running trails with a GPS watch isn’t just good for tracking splits, but it is an absolute safety tool. This is specifically true during the edge hours of the day (as I found out), or if running ultra-level distances.

GPS watches do more than save you from your own bad decisions. They help you improve performance, guide you when lost, tell you the weather, and sync with other technology.

In order to help you find a GPS watch that matches your trail running goals, this post focuses on the best GPS watches for trail running.

The Best GPS Watch For Trail and Ultra Running is...

After comparing battery life, weight, water-resistance, price, and a handful of other factors we felt that these three GPS watches offer the most benefit to trail runners and ultramarathoners:

Best GPS Watch for Trail and Ultra Running: Coros Pace 2 (for the price, this watch is amazing)

Second Best / Has Most Versatility: Garmin fenix 6 Pro (great running watch overall BUT costly) **I own this one.

Best with Super Long Battery Life: Suunto Ambit 3 Peak (Best battery)

An Awesome Budget Running Watch: Coros Pace (reasonable price with massive value)

While any of the four GPS watches above are perfect for your next mountain run, we do recognize not all trail runners need the same things out of a watch. Not everyone does 100 milers, or travels to the best trail races in the US. Luckily, the GPS watches we cover in this post provide something for nearly every type of trail runner.

If you want to get more details on each of our favorite options, and see a comparison table of all those we compared check out the rest of this post.

Comparison Table of the 8 Best GPS Watches for Trail and Ultra Running

We dive deeper into specific watch comparisons further on in this post, but provide the below comparison table to compare their looks, weight, and price.

If you want to see more pictures, specs, or current pricing on Amazon you can click on the watch name or picture (which is a link).

Name / Link	Weight	Price
Coros Pace 2	1.06 oz. OR 1.24 oz.	$
Garmin fenix 6 Pro	2.88 oz	$$$
Suunto Ambit 3 Peak	3.14 oz	$+
Coros Pace	1.69 oz	$
Garmin Forerunner 735XT	1.41 oz	$+
Garmin Forerunner 645	1.47 oz	$
Coros Apex Premium	1.73 oz	$$
Garmin Instinct	1.83 oz	$$+

The table above shows how much variation exists between GPS watches when it comes to weight and cost. Read below to get more details on our favorites.

Our 2021 Favorite GPS Watch for Trail Running: The Coros Pace 2

While I’m a Garmin enthusiast and proud owner of the Garmin fenix 6 Pro, there is no denying that the Coros Pace 2 provides comparable trail running functionality and versatility for a fraction of the price.

As the name suggests, Coros Pace 2, is a sequel to the original Coros Pace Running Watch, which also appears on our list of favorites. Below we go through the reasons why the Coros Pace 2 is a trail running watch deserving respect.

Price to Value Ratio is Nearly Insurmountable

The original Coros Pace was inexpensive; that was its main claim to fame. Sure, it came with a pretty good battery life, and all the expected features of a GPS trail running watch, but at the same time it had some short comings.

The Coros Pace 2 is priced AFFORDABLY, but comes with fairly substantial improvements over the original model. This makes the Coros Pace 2 a high value watch at its achievable price point.

The Coros Pace 2 is The Lightest GPS Running Watch on The Market (at time of its release)

A lot of factors go into how much a GPS watch weighs. Here is what the different aspects of the Coros Pace 2 are made of and below that two different weights.

Screen: Corning® Glass
Bezel: Fiber Reinforced Polymer
Cover: Fiber Reinforced Polymer
Band: Silicon OR Nylon

The watch weight varies depending on which band you opt for.

With the Silicon band: 1.24 oz
With the Nylon band: 1.06 oz.

** Source for above: Coros Website

If you select the Nylon band for your Coros Pace 2 watch, the watch will be almost unnoticeable on your wrist.

Just for reference, my Garmin fenix 6 Pro weighs more than twice this watch, and I wear the fenix to sleep many nights without noticing it.

The weight of this watch makes it a great match for those of you looking for GPS watches you can wear at all hours of the day.

The Battery Power Has Improved From The Original Version

This version of the watch has seen battery improvements without compromising watch weight.

With a full-tilt GPS battery life of 30 hours, the Coros Pace 2 provides enough battery power to take entry-level ultra runners through an entire course on a single charge.

I am basing the above on the most typical course cut-offs being 30 hours or less for 100-milers.

If you don’t need GPS functionality you can toggle to its UltraMax mode, and still get 60 hours, or you can go with the standard watch usage (no GPS), and get a full 20 days of use.

Pros and Cons of the Coros Pace 2

Coros Pace 2 PROS

Great battery life
Super affordable
Very lightweight
Beautiful color display
Mobile connectivity
Easy to navigate menus

Coros Pace 2 CONS

No metal based bezel option
Still less “frills” than top-end GPS Watches

Why Trail and Ultrarunners Should Give The Coros Pace 2 a Chance?

Serious trail runners benefit from quality metric tracking, and the Coros Pace 2 pulls through with data tracking on par with more established brands. And the watch does so at a much more reasonable price point.

If you are a competitive trail runner, you may find yourself doing occasional interval training or wanting to do strength training. This watch provides cool new features for ACCURATE track workouts and cross training exercises. Keep in mind that even the best GPS watches struggle to provide accurate distances when run on a track, which further makes this affordable GPS watch worth considering.

If you’re a committed trail or ultrarunner, and seeking an affordable straight forward design with top level functionality, this watch should be given a chance. You can check out more specifications, data, and pictures on Amazon here: Coros Pace 2

Specs for our Second Favorite GPS Watch: Garmin fenix 6 Pro

The Garmin fenix 6 Pro is probably the most professional GPS watch for trail running on the market. While this is a more costly option than many, Garmin is a company known for quality, and the fenix 6 pro is no exception. From its battery power, navigation accuracy, and pacing technology, this watch is perfect for trail running.

The Garmin fenix 6 Pro Has Excellent Battery Life

While we have a post specifically focused on comparing battery life of GPS watches we need to state it here that the Garmin fenix 6 Pro has one of the best battery lives on the market for GPS watches.

The battery of the fenix 6 Pro has a variety of power settings which can lengthen life between charges. Here is a rundown of the battery life you can expect in the different modes:

GPS Mode: 36 hours
Max. Battery GPS Mode: 72 hours
Expedition GPS Mode: 336 hours
Battery Saving Watch Mode: 48 days

A long lasting and reliable battery is integral for trail running, especially when long distances come into play. For those wanting to do ultramarathons this watch will work VERY well for training and racing.

Many ultras take 15 to 24 hours to complete, and even the most intense GPS tracking mode will provide ample battery life to get through without a needed recharge.

The Display is Large and Colorful

The display is larger than other Garmin watches, making it easier to read and use. The fenix 6 Pro boasts a 260 pixel x 260 pixel display resolution, and is a full 1.3″ across. When factoring the size, resolution, and color presentation, this watch is among the most enjoyable to wear (and read) while running.

Color Display Example (from my watch)

Below I have a few pictures that show what the display ACTUALLY looks like.

The picture here is a shot of my fenix 6 Pro (yes, I purchased this watch, and I love it).

I pressed the top left button before taking the photo (which lights the display), and as you can see the display is VERY clear.

The display is large enough to clearly show health data and running splits (I show this below in more detail).

How Running Data is Displayed

Okay, the display is great… but how easily can you read actual running data? Below is an example of how mile-splits display on the watch; this is from one of my recent runs.

As you can see from the picture here, there is ample space for a good chunk of data… without having to scroll.

The watch face can fit 5 miles worth of data on one screen before requiring you to press the “down” button.

There is also room enough to fit heart rate data, which is a nice touch if you are tracking your VO2 Max on your runs.

Syncs With Garmin Connect App | Better Data Tracking

Below are a couple of screen shots from my Garmin Connect App. There are endless analytics to reference in the app that help connect you to the power of your watches data collection.

After all, what is the point of collecting data on your cadence, Pulse Ox, nightly sleep data, and more, if not to try and improve those data points.

Screenshots from my Garmin Connect App

Once you go on a run, you can sync the data from that run to Garmin Connect. This app allows you to get more easily viewed data on your phone OR your desktop (there is a desktop version of the app).

While there is ample room on the display face to show your run data, it is also nice to get a snap shot for the last 4 weeks, see your cadence on a larger screen, and more.

With the Garmin Connect App, you can more easily get a snapshot of how you have improved (or not) over any set period of time.

The Garmin fenix 6 Pro is Lightweight

While we may not think of weight when trying to narrow down our pick of GPS watch, we probably should. At the very least we should factor weight into the decision making process. After all, how many times are you going to swing your arms during that next 30k?

The Garmin fenix 6 Pro watch only weighs 2.88 oz., which is pretty light for the size of the display and strength of the strap (the strap seems very strong).

There are lighter watches on the market, but at 2.88 oz. this watch isn’t so heavy that it will make a huge impact one way or the other. For all the watch does for you, we think this is a fair weight.

The Garmin fenix 6 Pro Boasts Great Tech

Part of what makes the Garmin fenix 6 Pro so great is that it contains some pretty awesome tech. More specifically, the watch provides measurements of your heart and oxygenation rates. This can be really helpful as you try to acclimatize to high altitudes.

Tracking oxygenation rates can also be helpful if training for some mountain runs, or if you plan on hitting any of the best trail races in the US. Having the ability to measure heart and oxygenation rates is a big deal.

As with all top-end GPS watches, the Garmin fenix 6 Pro includes a compass, gyroscope and barometer.

New Pacing Capabilities to Push Training

With this watch, Garmin has launched a pretty awesome pacing program, which is absolutely perfect for trail runners. The pacing technology will help keep you on whatever pace you choose – it can even be set to your own PR for the trail route you are running – and the watch will notify you when your pace deviates.

In other words, the watch can push you to go faster by giving you real time data feedback on how your run compares to previous runs.

You Can Listen to Music With This Watch

As manufacturers become able to jam more and more technology into GPS watches, music listening capabilities have become more common in these watches. The fenix 6 Pro is an example of this, as it offers music listening capabilities that you could use while running.

With 32 GB of memory, the fenix 6 Pro provides space to store up to 2,000 songs, and also boasts Bluetooth and WiFi, which makes earbud connection and streaming easy.

2000 songs is more than enough for a watch, and with that type of storage capacity the fenix 6 Pro is among the best GPS watches with music capabilities on the market.

PROS and CONS for the Garmin fenix 6 Pro

Garmin fenix 6 Pro PROS

Great battery life
Pacing technology that will keep you on target
Thousands of pre-loaded maps
Beautiful color display
Music listening capabilities

Garmin fenix 6 Pro CONS

Cost

Who Will Love The Garmin fenix 6 Pro?

With a long battery life, advanced technology and features, and a beautiful color display that is easy to read, this watch is as close to perfect as a running watch can get.

Altogether, this watch will help keep you on pace (literally). If the Garmin fenix 6 Pro sounds like your dream trail running watch you can check out more specs, pictures, and current pricing on Amazon here: Garmin fenix 6 Pro.

Our Third Place GPS Watch: Suunto Ambit 3 Peak

The Suunto Ambit 3 Peak has many of the same qualities of the Garmin Fenix 6, but at a lower (slightly) price. With an awesome battery, top-of-line water resistance rating and more, it’s jam packed with value.

Below we cover why this GPS watch is one of our favorites for trail running.

The Ambit 3 Peak's Battery is Great

Like the other top GPS watches we researched for this post, the Suunto Ambit 3 Peak has a strong battery. You can read more about the Suunto Ambit 3 Peak’s battery life in our post comparing its battery to other GPS watches, but just know that it is among the best batteries on the market.

How good is its battery life really though? Suunto reports the battery will last up to 200 hours.

That 200 hours of battery is based on a 1-minute GPS ping. In other words, every minute a signal marks your location through the duration of the run. If you want 5-second GPS accuracy (pings every 5-seconds) there is a setting for that, and it will provide up to 30 hours of battery life.

The Ambit Peak 3's Wireless Connectivity is Solid

One of the perks of the Ambit 3 is that it will connect wirelessly with your smartphone. This technology will allow you to use your watch almost as if it is a phone.

While we might hit the trails to escape our phones, there are benefits to being connected. For those of us running extremely long distances that require hours of time, it is nice to receive message and call notifications on your watch. Knowing that a spouse called or texted is great when you’ve been on the trail for three hours.

The Suunto Movescount App is Pretty Awesome

The Ambit 3 Peak also has another pretty unique selling point: The Suunto Movescount App.

After going on a run, for example, you can export that day’s data from the watch into the App. You can use the data to track improvements in training runs, mile-splits, comparing distances run over time, and more.

The Movescount App also provides the ability to add images within the context of your run in order to create a story, which you can then share with friends. While I am not great at taking pictures on a run (even though there are plenty of running belts that can carry your phone), I recognize that some trail runners love their social media accounts.

My social media game is lacking. But, for trail runners looking to build an audience, or make money trail running, I could see this App coming in handy.

All in all, the Movescount App isn’t THE reason you might purchase this GPS watch, but it is a nice add-on perk.

The Ambit 3 Peak Has Great Water Resistance

While some of the other watches on our list don’t mention water resistance as a main selling point, the Ambit 3 Peak has a killer water resistance rating.

Being able to perform in up to 100 meters of water, the Ambit 3 Peak won’t leave you worried in even the worst rain storms.

Have to do a river crossing? No problem. The water rating on this watch is among the best of all those we researched.

Whether you’re are an ultrarunner or just a trail running novice, you will likely find yourself stuck on a trail in the rain a few times. Getting a watch with a solid water resistance rating will ensure you make your way back… and that the data from your run is gathered and saved.

The Tech in The Ambit 3 Peak Is Top Notch

The Ambit 3 does have an optional heart rate monitor. This can be a great tool if you want to further track your physiological performance in relation to specific training runs (yes, this is a real thing).

As with most high quality GPS watches, the Ambit 3 Peak does includes an altimeter, barometer and compass. While these items are standard in most of the best watches, it is worth stating since these come in handy for mountain runs.

Pros and Cons for the Ambit 3 Peak

Suunto Ambit 3 Peak PROS

Suunto Movescount App
Awesome battery
Heart rate monitor
Water resistance up to 100 m

Suunto Ambit 3 Peak CONS

Could be lighter

Who Is The Ambit 3 Peak Perfect For?

The Suunto Ambit 3 Peak is a great option for pretty much any trail runner. With a battery that can last long enough for an ultramarathon, and water resistance that can handle river crossings this watch is definitely worth considering.

This watch is for anyone wanting many features of a high end GPS watch, but at a slightly lower price-point. If you think you might be interested in this watch you can check out more specs, pictures, and current pricing on Amazon here: Suunto Ambit 3 Peak.

A Good Budget Trail Watch: Coros Pace

If you want an awesome GPS watch that enhances your trail running experience without breaking the bank, the Coros Pace is right for you. You can check its current price on Amazon here: Coros Pace.

This Watch is AFFORDABLE

The price point of the Coros Pace is what makes this watch extremely attractive. While this is true, it is surprising just how many features this watch comes with while being so affordable.

It can’t be ignored that the Coros Pace offers major value for its price category, often competing with much more costly watches by offering many of the same features.

The Coros Pace Has A Great Battery

The battery on the Coros Pace will last 25 hours in GPS mode. While there aren’t as many GPS Modes offered through the Coros Pace, the 25 hours in its standard setting should be enough to work perfectly for the majority of trail runners.

With a standard battery that can last through any trail marathon, and a super powerful battery for its price-point, the Coros Pace ranks well in this category with many other top watches.

While GPS is really the function battery life needs to be measured by, it is worth noting that the battery life of the Pace is up to 30 days if the watch isn’t in GPS Mode. So, as a standard watch you can squeeze a ton of time out of the battery.

Wireless Connectivity is Alive with the Coros Pace

Like many other top-line GPS Watches, the Coros Pace has the ability to wirelessly connect to your phone. This means you WILL be able to receive text and call notifications. While not the main reason you would want a GPS watch on the trails, it is sometimes a nice feature to have when you’ve been on single-track trails for 4 hours.

The Pros and Cons of the Coros Pace

Coros Pace PROS

Strong battery for the price
Budget friendly
Wireless phone connectivity
Heart Rate Monitor

Coros Pace CONS

No top of the line frills

What Trail Runner Would Love The Coros Pace?

The Coros brand has begun to get recognition among trail runners as being nearly as trusted as Garmin and Suunto. This is in large part due to the Coros Pace and its popularity among trail runners of all skill levels.

For trail runners looking to get as much functionality as possible, and who can get away with 25 hours of battery life, this watch is for you. If you are budget-conscious that is just another positive this watch brings.

With a good battery, wireless connectivity capabilities, and its low price point, this watch is for nearly any trail runner. You can check out more specs, pictures, and current pricing on Amazon here: Coros Pace.

What Makes a GPS Watch Perfect for Trail Running

A great GPS trail running watch will have a long-lasting and reliable battery, accurate GPS technology, won’t weigh down your wrist too much, and will include things like an altimeter, compass and barometer. A great perk is a wireless connection to your phone.

Quality Navigation and Routing Capabilities

Learning how to read maps can be useful and fun. But the point of having a good GPS watch is to cut down on a lot that work for you.

So, your GPS watch should be able to provide high quality navigation and routing capabilities. The Garmin fenix 6 Pro is a great example of this. It is at the top of our list for trail running watches in part because it already has thousands of maps pre-loaded. This makes navigation and routing even easier for you.

That being said, all of the watches on our list will reliably help you get where you want to go and back, as this is definitely a prerequisite for a quality trail running watch.

Quality Battery Life is Very Important

Of course, if you are relying on the watch for navigation the battery must be reliable. As in all other technology, the more you pay, the better battery you will get.

Smaller, stronger batteries simply cost more money. So, if you can afford it, pay more for a watch in order to get a better battery. All of the watches on our list should handle normal use for most trail runners. If you are planning to run ultramarathons, however, you will really want to pay attention to battery life and buy a watch accordingly.

Tracking Elevation Gain and Descent

One of the best, and hardest, parts of trail running is the incredible elevation changes you can experience. Running up a Colorado 14k-er, for example, can be the thrill of a lifetime. But that kind of thing takes training and preparation. A good GPS watch will help you immensely in this regard. The altimeter function will help you train and acclimatize more appropriately.

Waterproofing and Weather Resistance

If you think you will encounter any water on your runs, pay close attention to the water-resistance ratings for each watch. For trail runners this is a near certainty, as it WILL rain sometime on your runs.

You will also likely have a handful of streams (and possibly river) crossings from time to time. Buy a watch that has a good water-resistance rating if you know you will get it wet; the last thing you want is a watch that fails in the middle of a big race you’ve been training for.

Comfort and Feel While Running

In the comparison chart above, you will see the drastic differences in weight of the GPS watches. They can weigh less than 2 oz, but some are more than 4 oz. Some runners will want the lighter, sleeker products, but this can mean a smaller screen. So consider what is most important to you: ease of screen use versus weight/size of the watch. Comfort is subjective so think through what you are looking for carefully when selecting a watch for your runs.

Picking a GPS Watch for Trail Running

Now that you have spent some time reading about the GPS watches on the market, it’s time to make your choice and get out on the trail. Using a GPS watch for trail running can help your performance, especially by collecting data to set goals and track your progress.

Keeping better track of your training, and having a tool to log miles, will help you feel more confident to go places you wouldn’t without the GPS function. Whatever kind of trail running you do, a GPS watch will make your runs and training even more enjoyable.

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Image Credit: Peter Mooney |(source)| Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)