Last updated on February 22nd, 2023 at 02:53 pm
Recently the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) has reversed its ruling over electronic devices to allow GPS use in all levels of competition. As a result, many competitors are searching for the best GPS watch to wear during their orienteering courses. So, whether you’re competing in short course, mountain bike, horseback, sprint, handicap, long course, cross country ski orienteering, relays or night courses you’ll need GPS to keep up with the competition. This is why we’re breaking down the best watch for orienteering below.
Our Favorite Watches for Orienteers Are...
Along with the above points that are crucial for orienteering, there are several other considerations. Many GPS watches come with customization abilities, and extras like speed/pace tracking. After comparing on these points and selecting our favorites, we found the following deserved special mention:
The Best: POLAR Grit X
Runner Up: Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR BARO
Our Favorite Budget Option: POLAR M430
Below we go into more detail on these favorites, and navigate other options.
Comparison Table of GPS Watches for Orienteers
Firsst, we placed all of our finalists in the table below for quick reference and easy comparison.
As you can see, many options look almost identical to one another. Upon first glance, it would be easy to purchase any of these and assume it has everything you need. However, there are plenty of important differences and unique positives for each that we explain further in this post.
1. POLAR Grit X
Firrstly, our favorite overall, the POLAR Grit X combines elegance and endless features with military-level durability.
In fact, the Grit X takes grit and efficiency to another level with its capabilities. For instance, it features an ultra-long battery life, reliable water resistance, compass and barometric altitude, and more.
Since performance plays a large role in orienteering, it is also good for optimizing your adventure on a physical level. Plus, the Grit X is also durable and lightweight for other outdoor sports.
Ultra-Long Battery and Military-Grade Durability
One thing is for sure, battery life won’t be an issue with the POLAR Grit.
The Grit X performs up to 40 hours in training mode (which includes GPS) and up to 7 days’ worth in watch mode.
Additionally, there are several power save options that can even give you up to 100 hours of battery.
Furthermore, the Grit X offers Military-Grade durability and water resistance.
The manufacturer states it has passed several MIL-STD-810G tests and is water resistant up to 100m.
In fact, this means if your orienteering terrain includes plenty of water or rugged areas, POLAR can withstand it.
Fuel Reminders and Overnight Recovery Stats
Additionally, the Grit X also features the FuelWise Fueling Assistant.
Designed to help you stay energized, FuelWise reminds you to fuel up.
Its “smart carbs reminder,” moreover, calculates how many carbs you need, then reminds you to eat.
The “drink reminder” also reminds you to rehydrate.
In addition, POLAR also offers nighttime recovery and sleep tracking.
For instance, this measure how well you recover overnight, then gives you advice for the next day. We found all of these features optimize performance and reduce time to controls.
GPS, Barometer, and Hill Splitter
Finally, the Grit X offers turn-by-turn guidance powered by Komoot.
Plus, it also includes a barometer, with a compass and altimeter, and the Hill Splitter.
The Hill Splitter automatically detects hills, both downhill and uphill. It then gives you detailed information on your performance, such as heart rate and speed.
And, with all of these stats available, you can keep track of everything, including performance. Orienteers love this watch for its fantastic training features. And, when it comes to courses, the Grit X outshines its competitors.
ros and Cons of the POLAR Grit X P
POLAR Grit X PROS
- GPS turn-by-turn guidance powered by Komoot
- Compass, altimeter, incline, ascent and descent
- Route planning
- Detailed hill stats with Hill Splitter (heart rate, distance, speed, ascent and descent)
- Ultra-long battery life of 40 hours in training mode, 7 days in watch mode
- FuelWise estimates and tracks carbohydrate and water needs
- Recovery and sleep tracking
- Weather forecast
- Lightest weight at 2.25 ounces
POLAR Grit X CONS
- Display is slightly dim, especially in bright sunlight
- Takes several minutes to establish a GPS lock
- Heart rate tracker can be inaccurate
Who is This Model Perfect For?
The POLAR Grit X is a multi-sport watch that is ideal for the professional orienteer. If you’re looking for more than basic GPS, the range of features won’t leave you disappointed. For instance, its high-performance altimeter and turn-by-turn guidance is designed for accuracy and it’s particularly good for its long battery life, making it excellent for competitions.
2. Suunto Spartan Sport HR Barometric
Next up, our second favorite is the Suunto Spartan Sport HR Barometric. For orienteers and trail runners looking for a large, high-quality display with an array of features, the Suunto Spartan Baro is where it’s at.
Plus, with tech that combines barometric altitude with GPS, accuracy also plays a key role in the Spartan’s design.
In fact, the Spartan has an impressive route planner and track-back feature.
As a result, the Suunto is more than capable for full rogaines or any course.
Accurate Barometric Altimeter and Route Planner
Firstly, tracking elevation changes accurately is important in many sports, including orienteering. Doing so with a compass is great for route purists. However, while it’s an essential skill to learn to calculate elevation manually, it’s not as necessary these days.
Infact, the Spartan Sport’s altimeter accurately tracks elevation stats, plus your performance at these elevations.
Furthermore, runners can access these stats with the Suunto Movescount platform on the Movescount app.
We found this app easier to navigate and use than even Garmin’s Connect app.
In addition, the map and route tracker is very detailed.
Orienteers can set routes, points of interest on those routes, and even backtrack your route. If you’re lost, you can also tap “Find Back” and it will direct you to the start of your route!
Great Battery Life With GPS
In addition to all of these features, the Spartan Sport doesn’t compromise battery power for optimal GPS accuracy.
In fact, the Spartan Sport features a 10 hour battery life with a 1 second GPS fix.
Furthermore, this is the most accurate setting, but reducing the GPS fix time can also increase the battery life when you need it.
Obviously, very accurate GPS data is crucial for orienteering, so knowing you’re getting this with battery life is key. Plus, 10 hours is more than enough time to complete your course, regardless of your orienteering style.
Intuitive, Beautiful Touch Screen Display
Finally, being able to see your watch screen in all conditions is an underrated topic.
After all, struggling to see your watch face clearly in bright sunlight or rain can eat up your time.
Many route runners mentioned the Spartan sport has an amazing display. And, it is easy to read, even in low light.
Plus, it has pleasant designs and graphics as well as a bigger display than some competitors.
Pros and Cons of the Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR BARO
Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR BARO PROS
- 100m water resistant
- Long battery life: 10 hours with full power, and up to 40 hours with power save Options
- Clear, outdoor-grade color touch screen
- GPS (GLONASS) tracking and route navigation
- FusedAlti™ combines GPS and barometric altitude for enhanced altitude accuracy
- Supports over 80 sports with interval and race modes
- Wrist heart rate with memory
- Storm alert, plus sunrise and sunset times
- Progress and performance analysis
- 30-day training summary
- Discover and plan new routes with heat maps
- Customizable watch face
- Compass compensates for tilt
- Lightweight at 2.6 ounces
Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR BARO CONS
- Pricier than competitors
- Step counter can be inaccurate at times
- Watch face can feel too large for small wrists
Why Will Orienteers Love This Watch?
The Suunto Spartan Sport HR Barometric is a watch for professional orienteers running any style of course. The ability to have GPS and elevation fused together with FusedAlti™ gives outstanding accuracy. Plus, the deep array of trackable stats means optimizing performance will be more than attainable. Having access to the features on the Movescount app and community insights also makes Suunto stand out. Overall, the Suunto is for serious competitors and athletes who need a high-tech companion.
3. POLAR M430
Sometimes, simplicity is the wow factor. Our favorite for the budget conscious or for younger competitors is the POLAR M430.
We found this watch to maximize the basics to give you straightforward GPS and activity data. With the ability to track altitude, map routes, and monitor physical stats, it’s a no-fuss option.
24/7 Activity Tracking And Heart Rate Monitor
Firstly, one of the most notable features of the M430 is its tracking feature.
The M430 tracks your daily activity, including steps and distance, 24 hours a day. This helps give you a complete picture of your performance on and off the field.
Plus, the unique heart rate monitor is extremely accurate.
This makes it an excellent choice to use in your lifestyle, outside of orienteering.
Water Resistant
Additionally, The M430 is also water resistant (WR30).
While it isn’t suitable for intense diving, it is resistant to rain, splashes, bathing, and swimming.
This is ideal for orienteering in rain or routes that will feature rivers, lakes, or stream crossings.
We found this watch’s GPS to even perform well while swimming, which is not always the case with other watches.
Syncs Data To Phone And Computer With POLAR Flow App
Finally, the M430 links GPS data to the POLAR Flow app, where you can view routes and mapping.
POLAR Flow keeps your data available for up to 13 days, which is ideal for reference.
Furthermore, more runners liked the POLAR Flow app than other competing brands.
Pros and Cons of the POLAR M430
POLAR M430 PROS
- Great heart rate accuracy
- Good GPS accuracy
- Tracks altitude ascent and descent and pace
- Affordable
- Easy to use, with large fonts
- Links data with POLAR Flow app
- Lightweight at 1.8 ounces
POLAR M430 CONS
- Shorter battery life with GPS (6-8 hours)
- Design is a bit dated, very minimal
Who Would This Watch be Perfect For?
The straightforward nature of the POLAR M430 is great for the amateur to intermediate orienteer on a budget. It lacks the bells and whistles of more expensive competitors, but highlights the basics. You’ll be able to track pace, altitude, descent, and map/view routes. It is also a premier health tracker. This makes it ideal for orienteers who also do other sport activities.
4. Garmin Instinct Solar
Another great option for the serious orienteer, the Garmin Instinct Solar hosts of advanced navigation features.
For instance, multi-satellite support, extreme durability, and astounding battery life keep this watch at the top of our list.
Also, the Instinct Solar features a solar recharge.
Solar Battery And Military Durability
Firstly, the Garmin Instinct Solar takes battery life to new levels with its solar function.
Furthermore, the Instinct uses a technology called Power Glass to harvest solar energy efficiently.
In fact, this tech boosts the Instinct’s battery life to to 38 hours with GPS, and 24-54 days in water mode.
Of course, this depends on sunlight exposure. To keep track of this, the Garmin also displays current solar intensity.
In addition, the Garmin Instinct is built for durability at the military level.
Its rugged design can withstand water, intense heat, cold, shock, and more.
It is also easy to read in direct sunlight, with adjustable brightness.
Multi-GNSS Support System
In addition, if you’re looking for a watch that has you covered basically anywhere on Earth, the Garmin Instinct is for you.
The Instinct features a multi-GNSS support system. This means it has access to multiple global navigation satellite systems: GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS.
The Garmin Instinct also offers superb Navigation functions.
This allows you to create routes and courses to follow, or follow courses created by other users.
Combine this with the built-in compass, altimeter, and thermometer, and any terrain is yours.
Optional Button Locks
Finally, an interesting feature which I struggle with using my Coros Pace 2, this Garmin is its ability to lock buttons.
It’s common for watches to take bumps, or brush against foliage or even your sleeves. This can result in changing modes or accidentally turning things on or off.
The Garmin insures against this with the ability to lock its buttons.
And, while this doesn’t seem like an important attribute, a bumped button can delete your progress and send you into ‘swimming mode’ for example.
Pros and Cons of the Garmin Instinct Solar
Garmin Instinct Solar PROS
- Solar battery and military durability
- Battery life up to 38 hours (GPS); 24-54 days in smartwatch mode
- Multi satellite support system
- Compass, altimeter, thermometer, barometer, route maker
- Determines how well your body is absorbing oxygen
- Clearly presents biometric and map data
- Reveals recent solar intensity
- Nightly Recharge data
- Heart rate, pace, steps, and distance monitor
- Connects to Garmin app
- Access to elevation maps
- Water resistance up to 100m
Garmin Instinct Solar CONS
- Garmin’s Connect App leaves something to be desired
Who Would Love This Model?
The Garmin Instinct Solar’s advanced navigation features and superb battery life are a professional orienteer’s dream. This is your partner for very long distance adventures over varying terrain. The Instinct is military-grade durable, and offers advanced health stats, such as oxygen absorption. It does have a higher price point, but the features are in line with the price.
5. POLAR Vantage M
Next up is another great watch for fast paced or younger orieenteers. The POLAR Vantage M shines in sleek design, sport features, and adequate GPS.
It also features superb battery life for long competitions. The Vantage M is water resistant, which supports varying weather and terrain. Plus, it’s very affordable for all that it offers.
Superb Battery Life
Firstly, when charged, the Vantage M has a superb battery life of 30 hours in training mode.
This means both the GPS, GLONASS, and heart rate monitor are running.
When just using the heart rate monitor, it can last up to 5 days or more. Charging is also quick and efficient.
Smart Coaching And Sport Features
Additionally, the Vantage M is also excellent for analyzing overall performance and health over time.
It gives feedback based on your activity and make recommendations.
You can also set “sport profiles” for the activity or terrain you’re on, such as hiking, climbing, etc.
Sleek And Easy To Use
Finally, the Vantage M is lightweight, modern, and sleek.
Its face is not touchscreen; however, many customers state they like the button navigation.
The buttons make navigating the watch face simple and straightforward.
We found this watch to perform amazingly, and at the light weight of 1.59 ounces.
Pros and Cons of the POLAR Vantage M
Vantage M PROS
- Long battery life: 30 hours with GPS; up to 5 days with just the heart rate monitor
- Accurate heart rate monitor
- Water resistant for swims (WR30)
- Stride sensor (distance, pace, time)
- Smart Coaching software
- Extras like breathing and stretching exercises
- Slim and lightweight at 1.59 ounces
- Data syncs with POLAR app
Vantage M CONS
- No barometric altimeter
- More sport, less navigation features
Who is This Watch Perfect For?
The Polar Vantage M is a well-rounded GPS watch for the orienteer who is looking to seriously level up their fitness. It has a large array of sport and fitness features that are great for optimizing physical performance. The GPS is accurate, lacking the bells and whistles of other more advanced competitors. Overall, it is a great GPS watch for an orienteer, at a lower price point.
6. Garmin Forerunner 245
Finally, the Garmin Forerunner 245 is great for those sticking to short courses, or are able to complete routes under 6 hours. Especially, for orienteers looking for a GPS watch that plays music.
Not only does the Forerunner 245 feature an accurate, quick GPS connection, and onboard music sync, orienteers will enjoy its vast performance stats.
Sync Music And Podcasts
Firstly, no need to carry your smartphone or iPod. You can download your favorite tunes, and even podcasts, from services like Spotify.
And if you’re like us, sometimes music can be the push you need to pick up the pace!
Plus, you can even listen while enjoying your GPS stats and still get that 6 hours of battery life. My iPhone hardly even does that anymore.
Quick GPS Connection And View Stats
Furthermore, the Forerunner is known for connecting quickly to GPS.
This means no lag time in waiting for your route. You can also customize the screen to view the stats that are most important to you.
As far as sport and fitness stats, the Forerunner is loaded. You can set tracking options to running, hiking, cycling, and more to retrieve accurate data.
You can also access customized training plans and pair with the Garmin app for even more data points.
Pulse Oximeter
Finally, a feature that is available on very few watches, the Forerunner features a pulse oximeter.
This advanced sensor is used to determine the amount of oxygen in your blood.
It is very valuable for high altitudes, where there is less oxygen available. It can also reveal how your body is adapting to elevation.
And, given recent times, it’s just nice to have this peace of mind. I especially like this at night. Runners that suffer from sleep apnea, for instance, can have their running performance stunted by unseen factors at night.
However, you shouldn’t use watches or pulse oximeters to diagnose anything. But, it doesn’t hurt to check in with your doctor about low pulse ox readings at night. When resolved, you can bet, your running performance will see a boost.
Pros and Cons of the Garmin Forerunner 245
Garmin Forerunner 245 PROS
- Preset tracking options like: run, trail, hike, cycling, etc
- Wrist heart rate monitoring
- Customized training plans and V02 max
- Oxygen saturation sensor to determine blood oxygen
- Compact
- Lightweight at 1.35 ounces
- Syncs with music streaming services such as spotify
- Incident detection and assistance contacts emergency services
Garmin Forerunner 245 CONS
- Navigating all of the features can be complicated
- Only 6 hours in GPS mode, but that includes its music feature
Why Will Orienteers Love This Watch?
The Garmin Forerunner is a high-performance GPS watch with a great addition: onboard music! Orienteers who want a fully functional, accurate GPS with the addition of tunes will love this watch. Plus, the amount of performance statistics and training options is truly superb. From oxygen monitoring to recovery optimization, the Forerunner delivers stats, fast.
Other Great Watches That Nearly Made Our Top 6
What Makes a Great Watch for Orienteering?
From the above reviews, you can see that all watches are not created equal. So, if you’re looking to use your watch for other activities like hiking, consider prioritizing battery life and light weight. However, if you’re a very serious orienteer, I would put accuracy, light weight, and features over budget and battery life. Regardless, remember to consider the following attribute, and choose a watch that:
- Long Battery Life: Naturally, you’ll want a piece that lasts at least all day, if not just for the time and heart rate functions. The last thing you want is a dead watch just as you near the last control. While the average course may only last 100 or so minutes, time limits are usually set to 3 hours to bring in the stragglers, and most models last at least that long. Additionally, you’ll want to consider if you’ll possibly use it for any other activities, such as hiking, trail running, or if you’ll be running a full ‘rogaine.’ In which case a model with extra battery life will be very useful.
- Light Weight and Comfortable Size: A larger screen makes reading map data easier. But, with a larger user interface, the heavier and cumbersome the design. Conversely, the lightest option is not always the best, as GPS antennae are usually shortened and sacrificed for a slimmer design resulting in less accuracy.
- Accuracy: GPS works within an accuracy of 1-3% of pinpoint perfection. However, some watch results can be skewed by tree cover and others lag while you’re running. While others also feature ped-units to backup any GPS data measured by the watch. For just accuracy’s sake, the models that made our list are top-notch at keeping up with the fastest orienteers, especially for bragging rights over the fastest route.
- Reasonable Price Point: Now obviously with the best features and biggest face, price will reflect this premium. However, most of our favorite watches strike a perfect balance of features for a reasonable price for most adult orienteers.
Regardless of the watch you choose for orienteering, we recommend nylon bands for comfort. They’re pretty durable, although easily dirtied. However, lots of runners prefer silicone for durability.
Hit those Controls with Accuracy
Finding the best watch for orienteering is an adventure in and of itself. From durability and GPS accuracy, to fitness tracking and terrain information, there are many considerations behind a great watch. We’ve taken the time to review the top in the industry based on orienteering standards and considerations. Hopefully this means less time navigating the web, and more time navigating to your next control! So, get out there and conquer those courses.
About the Author
Sarah Sampsell
Title Image Credit, Best Watch for Orienteering: Juozas Šalna | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
Image Credit 1, Best Watch for Orienteering: Wapster | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
Image Credit 2, Best Watch for Orienteering: Ingrid Aulike | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
Best Watch for Orienteering, Image Credit 3: Ingrid Aulike | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
Best Watch for Orienteering, Image Credit 4: Ingrid Aulike | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
Best Watch for Orienteering, Image Credit 5: Ingrid Aulike | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
Image Credit 6, Best Watch for Orienteering: Ingrid Aulike | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
Image Credit 7, Best Watch for Orienteering: Ingrid Aulike | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
Best Watch for Orienteering, Image Credit 8: Umea Orienteering | (source) | Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) –reduced file size