Posted on Dec 10, 2017
What is the best GPS watch for servicemembers?
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Looking for ease of use, durability, battery life, quality
Technology
GPS
Gear
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 9
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SFC Jim Ruether
Well stated SFC. Multi function watches and or exercise bands are prone to failure. Get a good watch like you say.
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I'm actually surprised no one brought up Suunto. They are very expensive, but, they are basically a GPS that has a watch function, not a watch that they jammed every happyass bell and whistle into with crappy GPS. But, I would also say that if you get a GPS watch from any GPS maker - Garmin, TomTom, Suunto, etc, then you will have excellent GPS capability.
All that being said - never leave home without a good lensatic compass and topo map. Batteries do die, electronics do fail, and watches do get crushed. Always know your land nav FIRST, then GPS becomes only an aid, not something you're dependent on.
All that being said - never leave home without a good lensatic compass and topo map. Batteries do die, electronics do fail, and watches do get crushed. Always know your land nav FIRST, then GPS becomes only an aid, not something you're dependent on.
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CPT(P) (Join to see)
I'm mainly looking for something that will hold up to military abuse, GPS track my runs, calendar alerts, phone sync, and saferoom approved... No need for land nav, lol I don't even think there is a watch that does that
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Capt Michael Tucci
CPT(P) (Join to see) - Actually most of the ones I mention allow you to set way points, backtrack, plot points, and things. But, if you're just looking for a sport watch with GPS to track your runs, you can do that with the typical characters - Fitbit Surge (not fully waterproof), the Garmin Vivoactiv, like the LtCol recommended is another, and the apple watch. No need to spend a lot of money (will run about $150-250) on the more robust units.
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CPT(P) (Join to see)
Wow, I didn't know these watches actually allow the ability to plot points. As in full 8 digit grid points?
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Capt Michael Tucci
I think it is more like longitude/latitude like plotting points on any gps or google maps. They are basically the exact same as a gps tracker for hiking/outdoors (I believe the military has the ones you wear on your forearm - but, that's long after my time), but, in the form of a watch. Obviously you can get as large a map display on the watch, though.
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I have the Garmin VivoActive HR and I love it. Features I enjoy the most include the fact it is as thin as the band, which prevents it from digging into my wrist throughout the day. It has GPS, it's waterproof (which the same style for Fitbit was not), and allows you to download a suite of apps and widgets. More importantly, and this might be important if you work in a secure facility, it is approved to be worn in many secure facilities (that is if your security manager agrees).
The watch is easy to use and has a lot of great features. I'm not crawling around tight spaces or finding myself in any combat situations these day (I got the watch after I retired), but I could imagine loving the watch while I was deployed to Afghanistan too. As for battery life, I have no comparisons but mine is able to go at least for one week if I'm not using the GPS constantly. If I use it for my runs/walks/etc, I believe it could go for about 3 days depending on the length (in time) of the activity. I once took it on a hike up Pike Peak CO, turning the GPS on at the beginning of the hike. It got down to 3% by the 5 1/2 hour. I had about 1/2 an hour left, so I turned off the GPS tracking and I was able to get back to a charger before it hit 0%. Quality wise, I love it. It's discrete, easy to wear, and it will charge fast. I usually take it off when I hit the shower to charge it each day and it's generally ready when I get out. I'm usually in the upper 80% zone unless I used the GPS (then high 60s to 70s).
Let me know if you need to know anything about it's features.
The watch is easy to use and has a lot of great features. I'm not crawling around tight spaces or finding myself in any combat situations these day (I got the watch after I retired), but I could imagine loving the watch while I was deployed to Afghanistan too. As for battery life, I have no comparisons but mine is able to go at least for one week if I'm not using the GPS constantly. If I use it for my runs/walks/etc, I believe it could go for about 3 days depending on the length (in time) of the activity. I once took it on a hike up Pike Peak CO, turning the GPS on at the beginning of the hike. It got down to 3% by the 5 1/2 hour. I had about 1/2 an hour left, so I turned off the GPS tracking and I was able to get back to a charger before it hit 0%. Quality wise, I love it. It's discrete, easy to wear, and it will charge fast. I usually take it off when I hit the shower to charge it each day and it's generally ready when I get out. I'm usually in the upper 80% zone unless I used the GPS (then high 60s to 70s).
Let me know if you need to know anything about it's features.
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Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin
Bear in mind, there are a lot of watches on the list. Generally it's the ones which do not have WiFi (like the Apple SmartWatch would not be allowed). This particular Garmin connects to your phone via Bluetooth.
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MSG Dan Castaneda
I have a Garmin VivoActive as well but it does not do MGRS. I have a separate Garmin for MGRS.
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Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin
MSG Dan Castaneda - You should check the apps on the Connect IQ store. There are several which can convert to MGRS data on the VivoActive HR device. I don't have a need for MGRS personally, but I still believe it can do it.
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