Best overall
Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar
$1,349.99
With a solar-charging battery and an easy to use, durable touchscreen, this one tops our list.
Buyer’s Guide: Outdoor Tech
Looking for the best tech to train or go off-grid? Check out our top smartwatches to track progress on runs or rides, plus GPS devices and emergency communicators for hiking.
To fine-tune this list, our team of tech-heads – including James and Brody, part of the crew that decides how products show up at MEC – chose what gear is best for what activity. See their picks.
Best smartwatches of 2023
Your smartwatch’s heart rate monitor is a useful tool to track if you’re going too hard (or not hard enough) and when you need to rest.
Most versatile
Garmin Epix Sapphire Titanium
$1,349.99
Super bright AMOLED colour display makes it easy to read outside, inside, day or night.
Best for runners
Garmin Forerunner 265
$599.99
Tracks distance, pace, heart rate with a brilliant AMOLED display for long runs and training.
Best value
Coros Pace 2
$278.95
Boasts all the useful features (GPS and activity tracking) at a price and lightness you can’t resist.
More favourite smartwatches
Best satellite messengers of 2023
Heading out solo? Make sure you leave a trip plan with a few trusted pals at home and that they know what to do if they get your SOS message.
Best overall
Garmin inReach Mini 2
$539.99
Send and receive messages anywhere on earth – it’s our best-seller for a reason.
Best battery
Garmin inReach Messenger
$399.99
Up to 48 days of battery life and you can charge your phone off it in case of dwindling power.
Best value
Zoleo Satellite Communicator
$268.95
Affordable and comes with your own phone number to send an “I made it” text from anywhere.
Best handheld GPS devices of 2023
Multi-band GNSS support gives you access to multiple signals across the globe to make backcountry navigation a breeze.
Best overall
Garmin GPSMAP 67
$669.99
Access to more satellites and signals = higher accuracy of where you are and who you can message.
Best hybrid
Garmin GPSMAP 67i
$799.99
The best blend of communication and navigation with preloaded maps, pinpoint accuracy, inReach capabilities and more.
Best value
Garmin eTrex SE
$199.99
Features a digital compass and multiband GNSS support, all at a price that’s hard to beat.
More Buyer’s Guides
Top tents. Best waterproof jackets. Toughest gear for trails. It’s all here.
More Buyer’s Guides
Top tents. Best waterproof jackets. Toughest gear for trails. It’s all here.