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Parents always want the best for their children, why should it be any different when it comes to a stroller?

Whether you are exploring rough trails or simply want to take your child on a relaxing walk, owning a good hiking stroller is very important. In this guide, we review a few popular choices for the best hiking stroller on the market and explore what makes them so great.

Before you dive into our reviews, here are a few reasons why every parent should look into buying a hiking stroller:

• Safety: When it comes to hiking, most regular strollers just wont cut it. They simply aren’t made to take the bumps, obstacles, and dirt. The last thing you want is your stroller breaking apart or collapsing in the middle of a hike. Hiking strollers are much safer and reliable out on the trails.
• Durability: The best hiking strollers out there are made specifically for durability. Theres no telling what you are going to run into while hiking. These strollers are made out of heavy duty materials, feature large wheels, and won’t rip or tear.
• Ease of Use: Pushing a regular stroller through a rough trail will tire you out in no time. Hiking/Jogging strollers are designed for ease of use even when the trail gets bumpy. You will notice a difference after your first trip out!

Our choice for the best hiking stroller is the BOB Revolution. Keep reading for a more in depth review!

Our Top Choices for the Best Hiking Stroller

Here is our list for the best hiking strollers on the market:

1. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller

The Baby Trend Expedition Jogger is easily the most affordable hiking stroller on our list, and rated as highly as hiking strollers twice its price point.

The Baby Trend’s strength is very much in jogging/hiking on flatter trails and less on rough hiking terrain, so if that’s all you’re looking for it’s a great choice. It boasts both child and parent trays with 2 cupholders each, plus a large under-seat basket.

With those features and its large sun cover, it comes in at 28.7 pounds—not the absolute lightest weight option out there as far as jogging strollers go. That being said, no jogging stroller is going to feel particularly “light” compared to classic baby strollers anyway.

Some reviewers commented on how bulky the Baby Trend felt when lifting it into or out of their vehicles. The only other somewhat common complaint was that, unlike a few others on this list, the Baby Trend was difficult to fold and unfold one-handed. This is a small price to pay for athletic adventures with your little one, which this jogging stroller absolutely, reliably delivers.

The front wheel locks for jogging and bumpier terrains, a standard feature in most jogging strollers. For your little one’s comfort, there is a fully adjustable 5 point safety harness and adjustable, padded reclining seat (again, pretty standard features).

For your comfort, there’s an extra wide ergonomically shaped rubber handle. Another appealing safety feature of the Baby Trend are its footrest reflect​​​​ors for morning or evening jogs.

The Baby Trend Expedition Jogger comes in 5 awesome colors with arguably the coolest names ever, such as Elixir (purple), Carbon (yellow), and Phantom (black).

As with most jogging strollers, the maximum weight recommendation is around 50 lbs, and it’s compatible with Baby Trend brand carseats.

If you don’t mind carrying a little extra weight in exchange for great storage space and sun cover, and want a jogging stroller just for jogging/hiking on relatively smooth terrain, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger is a dependable choice that’ll get the job done.

​2. Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Stroller

The Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Stroller is another affordable option in the world of jogging and hiking strollers.

Graco is a well-known name in the stroller biz, so naturally they were going to produce an all-terrain jogging stroller model sooner or later. “All-terrain” is the key term here, as the Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger really does aim to please all forms of joggers and hikers regardless of how rough their paths may be. It performs on beaches and trails as well as city streets.

The Graco has a smooth swiveling, lockable front wheel, plus air-filled tires which help a lot on bumpy terrain. Some customers reported their tires deflating, in which case they simply contacted the manufacturer for replacements. You can easily purchase a protection plan with Amazon when you buy the stroller if anything should happen.

Parents love how easily this stroller is to fold/unfold even while holding their child in one hand, and how it stands upright when folded thanks to a convenient kickstand. The two cup holders and phone/mp3 player holders are other bonuses, and of course the standard under-seat storage space for snacks and diaper bags.

This stroller comes in 4 color choices. It’s got the standard comfort qualities for your kiddo, like the adjustable padded seat, removable tray, and large sun cover. It weighs 30 lbs without the Graco car seat, which adds an extra 5 lbs. This makes the Graco the heaviest stroller on our list, but it’s also the most affordable truly all-terrain option.

One happy customer referred to the Graco as “the Land Rover of strollers”! It’s a great choice if you want an affordable all-terrain jogger with somewhat basic features and don’t mind its somewhat bulky weight.

3. Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller

At 25 pounds, the Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller technically is the lightest jogging stroller on this list, if only by a few pounds. For a jogging stroller to have all the capabilities and features you want while managing to be this lightweight is nothing to scoff at.

While we’re on the subject of weight, another appealing aspect to the Joovy Zoom is its high maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds. This combined with a high, large seat allows parents to have older, taller children in this stroller.

The tradeoff there is a minimum weight recommendation of 15 pounds (every other stroller on this list has a minimum of 5 pounds). The absolutely massive sun cover which goes over the seat is also much larger than those of most other strollers, so if that feature is a bonus for you this stroller will not disappoint.

A fascinating selling point of the Joovy Zoom 360 is its aluminum frame with shock absorbing suspension, which is supposed to be great at minimizing the effects of bumpy terrain. Parents tend to find that it does that job well indeed, though would not use this stroller for anything rougher than a rocky road. In other words, trail runners may want to pick a different option.

Parents did love that this stroller is easy to fold one-handed and it includes a tire pump for keeping those wheels nice and full so their child feels as few bumps as possible.

The Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller will work well for those who are willing to spend for a few more high-end features, need a larger jogging stroller/sun cover, and do more jogging than trail running or hiking.

4. BOB Revolution FLEX 2016 Jogging Stroller

Besides looking totally snazzy, the BOB Revolution FLEX 2016 Jogging Stroller has some of the most glowing parent (and kid) reviews you could ask for. There’s a reason it’s the most expensive option on this list.

Even so, the Revolution FLEX 2016 model itself is one of the most affordable jogging strollers sold by BOB. It comes in 5 colors, though a couple colors are perplexingly a full $100 more than others.

It also has the widest potential age/size range, from a minimum weight recommendation of only 5 pounds to a maximum weight recommended of 75 pounds. So while you’re paying more, you can at least get a bit more use out of it depending on how fast your child grows!

The super high-end features of the BOB is really incredible. It boasts 9 different positions to adjust handlebars for parents’ heights and an adjustable suspension system for the smoothest rides. Even if Mom is 5’2” and Dad is 6’3”, everyone can use this stroller with ease on any terrain.

The child seat angle is also easily adjustable with one hand, which a lot of parents really loved as their child grew and wanted to sit more upright. With all this, it still somehow only weighs 28.5 pounds.

If you are looking for a top shelf jogging stroller with all the bells and whistles (whether you’re a casual jogger, hardcore runner, or rough trail hiker) the BOB Revolution Flex 2016 can’t be beat.

5. Chicco TRE Performance Jogging Stroller

The Chicco TRE Performance Jogging Stroller shines in its adjustability. Almost every feature on this thing is adjustable or customizable in one way or another.

It is another fairly heavy option at 34.5 pounds, but if you want total control over your stroller experience that’s what you pay for. Specifically, the TRE control console includes the standard jogging stroller activated swivel lock, a deceleration brake, a parking brake, and height-adjustable handlebars.

You only need to use one hand to easily and quickly fold it up, and it stands by itself when folded. There’s also a foot activated suspension that many parents seem quite happy with.

The maximum weight the manufacturer recommends carrying is 50 lbs and the Chico TRE only appears to be sold in one color at the moment, though that could change.

There is no child tray—the only common complaint among generally happy customers—but there is a removable parent tray, plus lots of compartments and two beverage holders beside the handlebar control console. Overall it does not have the most storage space compared to other jogging strollers on this list, so keep that in mind if that’s a deal breaker for you.

Something that might make up for this, besides the unique control console, is how easy this stroller is to fold/unfold and pack into a vehicle (despite its weight). Several parents commented on how easy it was to store and load into their vehicles, which is nothing to sneeze at considering the size of the Chicco TRE.

If you want control over virtually every aspect of your jogging stroller, you may want to consider the Chicco TRE. It has incredible reviews from casual joggers and trail running parents alike. While not the most expensive option on this list, it’s certainly not the cheapest and still could be considered a high-end splurge. Depending on what you want out of your jogging stroller, it could also be absolutely worth it.

Features to Look for in a Hiking Stroller

Here are a few features to look for in a good hiking stroller:

5 Point Safety Harness 

Safety should be your number one concern, especially when it comes to a hiking or jogging stroller.

Strollers understandably tend to take a lot more of a beating out on the trails. As a result, it is very important that your child is always buckled in nice and snug.

A five point safety harness works similarly to a car seat, ensuring that the child will stay secure in the case of an accident. Generally, they go across the hips, legs, and shoulders to provide maximum stability. Nearly all hiking/jogging strollers feature a five point harness, but make sure you check it off your list before ordering.

Swiveling and Fixed Front Wheel

You’re probably wondering…

How can the front wheel be both swiveled and fixed? Well, most hiking strollers contain a simple locking mechanism that locks the front wheel in place when activated, but allows it to swivel free when removed. This is essential, because both setting have their own strengths and weaknesses.

A swiveling front wheel always for much more maneuverability. Turning is much easier and you can change direction at a moments notice. That being said, high speed jogging is very difficult with a swiveled wheel. You will constantly be correcting the direction, which can get very tiring.

A fixed front wheel allows you to run a little faster while maintaining a straight line. With this setting, you must sacrifice a little maneuverability. Turning will be a lot more difficult.

As you can see, each setting can be useful depending on what type of exercise you choose for the day. Having the ability to switch back and forth is extremely convenient and useful.

Tether & Parking Break

There are tons of distractions out hiking, so we don’t blame you from looking away from the stroller every once in a while. With dangers and drops around every turn, though, it is important to stay connected to your stroller at all times.

Tethers are usually attached somewhere around the handle and wrap around your wrist, allowing you to take you hands off while still being connected. Roll away strollers are a huge danger. Make sure your’s has a tether.

Parking breaks are more useful for times when you’re not hiking and need to step away for a second. They loch up the wheels and make sure the stroller doesn’t roll into a dangerous situation.

Both of these features are a must from a safety position.

Padded Handlebar 

Pushing a stroller while hiking (trails and rough terrain) is understandably harder than pushing it on smooth pavement. As a result, you tend to tire out faster. A padded handlebar is one of those features that you think you could overlook, but is really a necessity.

Padded handlebars not only make for a more enjoyable experience, but also allow you get focus more on your child and less on your aching hands.

Large Tires

In general, hiking and jogging strollers have larger tires than their everyday counterparts. Large tires make it significantly easier to roll over obstacles and lend to a smoother ride.

Keep in mind, though; hiking stroller tires are usually air filled, meaning you will have to check the air pressure once in a while.

Extra Storage Space

I’m not sure about you, but I tend to carry a lot of stuff when hiking. Any added storage space is a huge plus, no matter where it is.

A lot of hiking strollers have a storage basket under the seat. If this is as important to you as it is to me, make sure you look into storage specifics before you make a purchase.

Adjustable Canopy

I’m sure you will agree that sometimes hiking exposed us to some bad weather conditions. As a result, an adjustable canopy is necessary to protect you child from UV rays, rain, and wind. Make sure the canopy is large enough to provide complete protection.

Cup Holders 

This one isn’t a necessity, but it is nice to have a little reminder to stay hydrated without having to carry around a water bottle.

Final Thoughts

Judging all of these hiking strollers against each other is pretty difficult. Some strollers on the list are half the price as others, so you can’t really expect the same features.

If price is a big factor for you, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger is probably the best choice. It excels in basic features and has an amazing price point (making it one of the most popular hiking strollers on the market).

If you don’t mind splurging and throwing around some extra cash, the BOB Revolution FLEX 2016 Jogging Stroller is very hard to beat.

In you want something mid range in terms of price, but still full of great features, the Joovy Zoom is a great lightweight choice.

Clearly, the question of the best hiking stroller comes down to your wallet and needs.

We have worked hard to compile this list of the best hiking strollers on the market. No matter what you choose, we are sure that you will be more than satisfied. Enjoy your new stroller and happy hiking!

I think we can all agree…

Boots are one of the most important accessories for any hiker. If your boots aren’t comfortable and effective, chances are you won’t be comfortable or enjoy your time outdoors.

That being said, no one wants to spend a tons of money on hiking boots. After all, there are SO many cool things that you can spend you money on (check out these 7 awesome survival tools).

In this guide, we review a few of the best cheap hiking boots that are sure to fit any budget. We cover both cheap men’s hiking boots and cheap women’s hiking boots, so everyone is sure to find something they like.

Best Cheap Men’s Hiking Boots

Here are a few of the best cheap hiking boots for men:

1. Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Boots

Timberland is a classic brand when it comes to quality boots, and for great reason.

The Timberland White Ledge’s are 100% waterproof, tried and tested by thousands of hikers. With this boot, you won’t have to worry about any leaks or tears. In addition, the rugged leather is abrasion and puncture resistant, so they are poised to last you at least a few years.

Not only are these boots built for performance, but also comfort. In fact, these are rated as one of the most comfortable boots on the market. They feature a padded tongue and collar as well as a removable footbed for prolonged comfort.

To top it off, the Timberland White Ledge waterproof boots and one of the most durable on our list. The rubber soles should last 3-4 year at the least, even with every day use in rough terrain. The rubber sole also features a BSFP motion efficiency system, which increases traction.

Overall, these boots are extremely tough to beat for the price.

​2. KEEN Targhee II Hiking Shoe

The KEEN Targhee II is one of the highest rated hiking shoes on the market. They are carefully crafted out of high quality leather right here in the United States.

One thing that I can say about these shoes is that they can handle some rough treatment. They feature a lugged outsole, a thick rubber sole, and thick leather to ensure amazing durability, no matter what you put them through. These shoes are also completely waterproof up to the collar.

These shoes are also great on the comfort side of things. They feature a padded tongue and collar and don’t require more breaking-in.

One thing that I do have to say about the Keen Targhee II is that they tend to run a little small. If you decide to go with these, you might want to order a half size larger than you usually would.

3. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boot

Columbia make amazing outdoor gear for virtually every hobby. Why should hiking be any different?

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Men’s Hiking Boots are a safe bet for anyone looking for well made, durable boots. They are crafted from PU coated leather, mesh, suede, and metal to form the ultimate hiking footwear. In addition, these boots are seam-sealed to form a airtight, waterproof fit that can take on any stream or river.

One thing I really love about this boot is its 0.5″ platform sole, which keeps you from feeling every little pebble you step on. Overall, the high platform makes for a much more comfortable hike. The soles are also made from a Omni-Grip™ non-marking traction rubber (a Columbia special!) which lends to an amazing grip.

Finally, these boots are surprisingly lightweight and comfortable. Judging by their appearances, the Ridge Newton Plus II’s look like they would weight a ton. In reality, they are very light and cushiony. I think the PU leather has a lot to do with this.

4. Merrell Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Just by looks, you can probably tell that these Merrell Moab waterproof boots are the most unique on out list! Made out of a combination of leather and textile, these boots are different than anything else we have covered. Don’t get it wrong, though; they are great hiking boots.

I am not sure what type of magic Merrell developed here, but the mesh on the Moab’s keeps water out while allowing moisture and heat to escape. I don’t know how it works, but I won’t question greatness. If you want to be safe, spray the outside with a waterproof boot spray.

In addition, these boots are lightweight and able to handle any task. They are light enough to wear as everyday work shoes, but tough enough to take on rough terrain. A lot of reviewers also say that the Moab’s do excellent with slippery surfaces.

5. Hi-Tec Bandera Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

For those on a strict budget, these Hi-Tec Bandera Waterproof Boots are hard to beat. They are the cheapest on our list, yet still deliver some good features.

Like any great hiking boots, these are breathable. They effectively keep water out without making it feel like your feet are stuck in plastic bags. Some users report that they experience leaks, which others claim the Moab’s are 100% waterproof.

When it comes it comfort, these boots are average. You really can’t expect too much though out of a $50 pair of boots. For what you pay, they are definitely worth it!

Best Cheap Women’s Hiking Boots

Here are a few of the best cheap hiking boots for women:

1. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Women’s Hiking Boot

Columbia’s Newton Ridge line of boots was covered in our men’s list, so it is no surprise that rank high on the female list as well! Just as you would expect, the Newton Ridge Plus Women’s Hiking Boots are high-quality and built to last.

These women’s boots really excel in the comfort category. They are one of the lightest hiking boots on the market, so if that is a selling factor for you this may be a winner. In addition, a lot of reviews state that they are a lot easier to walk long distances in than other pairs on the market.

Next, the waterproofing on this pair is done extremely well. You won’t have to worry about leaks like you will with other boots (looking at you Hi-Tec). Overall the Newton Ridge line is hard to beat if you don’t mind shelling out $100 or so.

2. Ahnu Sugarpine Women’s Hiking Boot

The Ahnu Sugarpines are one of the highest rated hiking boots for women on the market; trust us…we have scoured the web.

One thing that hikers really love about this boot is its durability. Put them through any sort of torture, a simply rinse with the hose as the end of the day will have them looking brand new. When it comes to hiking, durability is a very desired trait.

In addition, these boots are truly waterproof. I don’t just mean puddle waterproof, I mean hours in the water waterproof. If I had to rank all of the boots on our list based off that one trait, this would be a clear winner.

Overall, the Ahnu Sugarpines are great for anyone who frequents wet, muddy, or rocky terrain; maybe even a combination of the three!

3. Timberland Woman’s White Ledge Hiking Boot

Ah, back to the classic Timberlands. Can you really blame us though?

The Timberland White Ledge Women’s Hiking Boots are the powerhouse of the boot world. If you aren’t impressed with any of the fancy features of the other boots on our list, these are always a good choice.

These Timberlands are tough and built to last. Virtually the entire boot is made out of thick leather, leaving very little weak points. As a result, they tend to last a lot longer than pairs with mesh pieces. Points to Timberland for longevity!

One thing that kind of concerned me about these boots were the mixed reviews about comfort. Some reviewers claim that they are extremely comfortable, which other say they sort of lack on that aspect. In addition, it seems like they take a little while to break in. If your feet are especially sensitive, these might not be the best for you.

4. Ariat Terrain Women’s Hiking Boot

These Ariat Terrain Women’s Hiking Boots are probably less known than some other brands on the list, but that doesn’t make them any less effective. In fact, Ariat holds a special place in my heart for being the first pair of boots I ever owned!

These boots are great for women who wan’t to use them for activities other than hiking. They don’t have any spiked soles or crazy features, so they are great for everyday wear. In fact, these boots are very popular in the equestrian world.

A few reviewers claim that these boots run a bit large. You may want to order a half size smaller than you normally would if you are concerned. Other than that, we really don’t have many negatives things to say about the Ariat Terrains!

5. Merrell Moab Ventilator Women’s Hiking Boot

The Merrell Moab makes another appearance on our list, this time with their Ventilator line.

These are more of a shoe than boot, but we had to include them because they are simply too great. Since these are a lot smaller than other pairs on out list, they are great for hikers looking for extra agility.  If you are looking for something lightweight to conserve energy, these are a great choice.

The Moab Ventilators probably aren’t great for hikers who frequent muddy or wet trails. These aren’t completely waterproof, so you feet will probably get wet. What this shoe does, it does very well…but that is not waterproofing.

That being said, there is a reason the Moab Ventilators are one of the best selling hiking shoes on the market. They are very well rounded and make for an easy, enjoyable hike. For hikers not looking to do anything too crazy, these are a go-to choice.

Features To Look For In Hiking Boots

As we said before, quality is important when it comes to your hiking boots. You should always evaluate these features before shelling out any cash:

Durability

The most obvious first…

Hiking books have to be durable and able to withstand a beating. Out of all the gear hikers are required to buy, shoes tend to wear out the fastest. After all, they are under stress 24/7.

If possible, you should try to go with a leather hiking boot. They tend to be more durable, last longer, and provide better performance. Also, who doesn’t love leather?

In addition, rubber soles are a must for hiking boots. Not only are rubber soles durable, but they provide excellent traction and help prevent falls/slips.

Comfort

Gauging the comfort of a pair of hiking boots over the internet can be difficult…for obvious reasons. There are a few things you can look at, though, to see if your potential new boots will be comfy.

First of all, you should check to make sure the boot has a padded tongue. Generally, a lot of pressure is put on this are of the shoe. Having a padded tongue ensures your feet will stay snug and comfortable.

In addition, removable insoles are a big plus. If not, its a huge deal. You can always replace your insoles with a more comfortable, custom pair.

Waterproof

There is nothing worse than wet shoes, especially on long hikes. Not only are wet shoes uncomfortable, but they can actually encourage infection and sickness. There is no telling what sort of rivers, streams, or unexpected downpours you will have to deal with while hiking.

As a result, it is an absolute must that your hiking boots are waterproof. If there was one make or break feature for me, this might be it.

Breathability

There is not doubt about it…hiking boots can get quite gross after a while. Between a combination of dirt, sweat, and who knows what else, the insides of your boots may not be the nicest place.

To combat this issue, a lot of manufacturers are coming out with breathable boots. In my opinion, this feature is a huge plus.

Tips For Maintaining Your Boots

When you buy a pair of boots (regardless of how much you spend), you definitely expect the to last a while. Here are a few tips to help keep your boots in tip top shape:

1. Break them in correctly

There are tons of tips out there for breaking in a new pair of boots. Let me tell you…I have heard some crazy suggestions. In reality, breaking in your boots is simple (although not that enjoyable); just wear them around the house.

Don’t judge your boots the second you put them on. Chances are they won’t exactly feel comfortable. Leather needs some time to soften up and adjust to your feet. By wearing your boots around the house, you form a perfect fit and shape for your foot.

You might get a few blisters at first, but it is worth it in the long run.

2. Keep them inside

Keeping boots outside is a huge mistake that I see way too often. Though boots are tough and meant to last, extreme temperature for long periods of time can destroy even the best of the best.

Way too often, hikers will come back from a day on the trails and leave their wet boots outside for the night. If you live in a cold part of the country, your boots could freeze and crack. On the other hand, hot temperatures combines with damp boots encourages the growth of mildew. You will never get the smell our of your boots if this is the case.

It is best to keep your boots inside in a place of high air flow (if your boots are wet).

3. Clean your boots thoroughly after each hike

This one may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people just throw their boots aside until the next trip. Taking a few minutes after each hike to clean your boots prolongs their life and makes for a much more enjoyable hike next time.

First, you should shake your boots and remove any mud/debris. Don’t let this build up over time.

Second, wash your boots under warm soapy water. Make sure to get the inside as well to remove salt from your sweat. This will help remove and last trace of mud, debris, or dirt.

Allow your boots to dry in a ventilated area. Make sure to keep them away from direct heat or sunlight.

4. Spray your boots with a waterproof coating

This one may surprise you!

Most hiking boots on the market are already waterproof. If you find your boots leaking after prolonged use or just want to add another layer of protection, this is for you.

Kiwi Boot Protector is a great choice and is surprisingly inexpensive. Just follow the directions closely and you should be good to go!

5. Apply leather conditioner regularly

Leather conditioner is great for tons of products, not just good. No matter what type of boots you own, it is always a good idea to apply leather conditional regularly. Leather conditioner helps keep the leather soft, strong, and free of cracks.

I use Leather Honey Leather Conditioner and have only positive things to say. It does a great job of hydrating the leather and keep it looking new.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the best cheap hiking boots, it is easy to get overwhelmed. A lot of people claim that you have to spend $200 or $300 to get a good pair, but that is simply not true. There are tons of amazing hiking boots for less than $100.

All of the boots on our list have been tried and tested by thousands of hikers just like you. No matter what you pick from our list, we are sure that you won’t be disappointed!

Gaia Outdoors is moving all of our article to our new site, OutdoorNomads.com. This site will no longer be updated, but we will continue to publish weekly article on OutdoorNomads. Here is our updated list of the best hiking watches under $100.

Watches aren’t just for corporate executives and businessmen…

In reality, watches provide tons of uses for people in all walks of life. Whether you are a camper, angler, backpacker, or hiker, a watch is a must-have tool and accessory.

In this guide, we will review five of the best hiking watches under $100 for hikers on a budget. In addition, we will go over a few of the key features and elements to look for when buying a new hiking watch.

Best Hiking Watch Under $100 – The List

Here are our votes for the best hiking watch under $100:

1. Casio Triple Sensor Hiking Watch

The Casio Triple Sensor digital display hiking watch is truly the jack of all trades. Of the five watches on out list, it is the only one the include ALL of the features listed above. If you are looking for one accessory to do it all, this is your winner.

One unique feature of this watch that we didn’t mention above is the daily alarm settings. You can program 5 daily alarms, a countdown feature, and even a calendar. When out in the wilderness for days at a time, this can be very useful.

In addition to all its great features, the watch is extremely durable. Being made specifically for the outdoors, this watch can stand up to anything you put it through.

For easy reading, here is a list of a few of its features:

• Water resistant up to 330 feet (not that you should ever be that deep!)
• Alitmeter
• Barometer
• Digital Compass
• Thermometer
• 3 year battery life

2. Timex Expedition Shock Digital Compass Watch

As its name suggests, the Timex Expedition is made for those who really like to go off the beaten path.

Specifically designed to survive any outdoor torture test, this watch can withstand any sort of beating you throw at it. When climbing, hiking, or backpacking, durability is a must. This watch accomplishes that very well.

The Expedition Shock is completely waterproof up to 660 feet, so you will never have to worry about this watch in the rain. As someone who has been stuck in quite a few storms out on the trails (whoops), I know exactly how much peace of mind a waterproof watch provides.

In addition, the Expedition Shock features a digital compass. For those looking to go deep into the wilderness, this is a vital feature.

Finally, this watch features a luminous watch dial. After testing a few other watches, I noticed one common back draw…they were nearly impossible to read in the dark. The luminous watch dial on the Timex Expedition allows you to read it even in the darkest depths of the woods.

3. Casio 100MB G-Shock

I am not going to lie; the G-Shock doesn’t have all the features of the previous watches.

That being said, not everyone needs a altimeter, barometer, and compass built into their watch. If you are just the casual hiker or already have these tools, this G-Shock could be the perfect choice for you.

The 100MB G-Shock undoubtedly tops every other watch on this list in one category; durability. It can endure pretty much anything you throw at it. You simply CAN NOT break this thing.

This watch is large and rugged, but not in a bad way. Despite its large size, the G-Shock is pretty lightweight. In addition, it features a multi-function alarm and a backlight, for easy reading in the dark.

4. Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch

Right off the bat, you probably noticed that the Expedition Grid Shock is unlike any other on out list. It is high-tech and caters more towards those who are technologically friendly.

To start off, lets cover some of the more basic features.

The Expedition Grid Shock is completely water resistant up to 330 feet. As with the other watches on our list, this is a necessity. The Grid Shock is also shock resistant. It may seem like the large screen would be a vulnerable point, but it is actually extremely tough. If you are worried about scratches, many users recommend buying a simple screen protector and cutting it to shape/size.

One of the more unique features of the Grid Shock is the hydration alarm. As I am sure we all know, it is easy to forget to drink when you’re busy on the trails. The Grid Shock will alert you every so often to stop and hydrate.

If you don’t mind passing up on the traditional dial watch, the Expedition Grid Shock is a great, affordable option.

5. G-Shock G Rescue Casual Digital Watch

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise to you that another G-Shock makes the list.

Like the rest of the G-Shock like, the Rescue Series is tougher than a box on nails. It is waterproof up to 660 feet and features a unique four point protection system. In addition, the buttons are large, easy to use, and durable.

Unlike the previous G-Shock we reviewed on this list, the Rescue Series displays tide and moon phase data. For hikers who also spend a lot of time on the water, you really can’t ask for much more!

Features To Look For In A Hiking Watch

Watches can be confusing, especially when trying to find one made specifically for hiking. In addition, hikers on a budget will want to keep costs down. Here are a few of the key features to look for when shopping for a hiking watch under $100:

Waterproof

As a fellow hiker, I am sure you can think of many times when you unexpectedly caught out in the rain. As a result, it is extremely important to make sure any watch you use while hiking is waterproof. There are simply too many other things to worry about while hiking than your watch getting wet.

A waterproof hiking watch will ensure that you can enjoy your hike, get maximum performance out of your watch, and always have the peace of mind that your watch is safe.

Shock Proof

Any hiking gear is going to get dinged up quite a bit, that is for sure. When choosing a hiking watch, it is important to pick one that can stand up to the beating.

Fortunately, most hiking watches are pretty durable. As will you see in our review guide below, manufacturers have perfected the art of making durable, shock watches.

Compass

A compass is one of the most important tools for any hiker or outdoorsman. Fortunately, many hiking watches have compasses built right into them! When buying a hiking watch, this is definitely a feature that you should be looking for.

Altimeter

An altimeter, short for altitude meter, is a tool used to measure how high something us above a base level.

You have probably heard the phrase “above sea level” used before. This is the tool used to determine that measure. An altimeter works by measuring the air pressure in the surrounding area to calculate altitude.

Altimeters are such an important feature in hiking watches because they are not affected by the lack of GPS or internet connection. As great as GPS devices are, they are sometimes useless if the surrounding area is densely packed or remote. With an altimeter, you will always be able to gauge your altitude and position.

Barometer

Much like altimeters, barometers also measure air pressure. The application and uses of barometers, though, are completely different.

A barometer tracks changes in surrounding air pressure to forecast weather conditions. For example, a shard drop in air pressure usually indicates that a storm is coming. Many hiking watches will automatically track and alert you of situations such as this.

Having a few minutes notice on large storm can be the difference between life or death out on the trails. As a result, you should definitely looks for a hiking watch with a built in barometer.

Thermometer

Being cold is one of the biggest danger a hiker can face when stuck out in the wild. As a result, it is important to closely monitor the temperature of your surroundings at all time. Luckily, a lot of hiking watches nowadays feature build in thermometers.

A good hiking watch is essentially a way for a hiker to combine all of their necessary tools into one, compact accessory. A lot of the models below include all of the features on this list, so you really can’t go wrong!

Final Thoughts

We have put in quite a bit of testing and effort to review the best hiking watches under $100. What it comes down to, though, is your needs and preferences.

If you are looking for a watch do do it all (altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer), the Casio Triple Sensor Hiking Watch is you best choice by far. For the price, you really can’t find something with better features.

If you are rough on your watches and want something can withstand any sort of beating, the 100 MB G-Shock or the G-Shock Rescue are both amazing options.

No matter what you pick, we are confident that you will be satisfied with anything on our list. Enjoy your new watch and happy hiking!