It’s no secret that the camping and outdoor industry continuously produces an avalanche of new designs and tech-enabled gadgetry. Hiking gearheads can be found on trails and campsites across the globe, extolling the virtues of their latest buy. In recent years, consumer tech giants like Apple and Samsung have entered the space, causing this previously niche scene to steadily creep into the mainstream. Elsewhere, the rapid adoption of the camping brands Salomon and Arc’teryx among the fashion set means there’s never been a better time to get a new accessory for the great outdoors.
Personal outdoor inventions range from the potentially lifesaving to the endearingly absurd. Of course, not every gadget is a gimmick – some, like the camping stove or headtorch, have become wilderness essentials. The emerging field of outdoor and hiking smart watches spans this entire spectrum. And with the advent of cellular tech, the capabilities of smart watches are still being explored.
What then is a cellular smartwatch? Which watch is best for you? And are they worth it? Before spending any money, read through our quick guide to eSIM and cellular hiking smartwatches below.
What is a hiking smartwatch?
The idea of a smartwatch as an outdoor companion isn't a recent innovation – GPS watch models first appeared in the 90s and gained a foothold in the hiking market during the 2000s. Recent developments in cellular technology have led to a flood of ‘sportwatches’ - both from big tech and specialist outdoor brands like Garmin and Suunto.
This market shift is reflected in Apple’s Watch OS updates. Though initially launched as a lifestyle watch, the latest Watch OS10 software includes elevation notifications, topographic maps and more. 2022 saw the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra, a direct competitor to the Garmin watch range. This rugged, eSIM-enabled $800 sister model to the regular Apple Watch is aimed squarely at the sports and outdoor market.
What does an outdoor smartwatch do?
Adventure smartwatches are usually categorised as cellular, Bluetooth or GPS-only. Some models, like the Apple Watch Series 9, are available in more than one of these configurations. Here's a quick outline of the differences between them:
- 1
Cellular smartwatches, sometimes referred to as LTE or 4G watches, are smartwatches with a built-in SIM (known as an eSIM) that allows them to connect to mobile signal, just like a smartphone. Usually a feature of premium-range smartwatches, eSIM tech means they can call, text, use apps and access the internet via 4G data.
- 2
Bluetooth smartwatches require a nearby paired phone to function properly. They allow the user to get online, use apps and more via the phone’s internet connection. They are usually cheaper than cellular watches, with the drawback that they lose most functionality if the connected phone is damaged, lost or runs out of battery.
- 3
GPS-only watches are the original outdoor smartwatch format, debuting in 1999 with Casio’s trailblazing but cumbersome PRT-1GP. Nowadays, they bear more of a resemblance to modern smartwatches, though without the internet connection. GPS-only watches are the cheapest of the three categories, but still boast a range of useful features for augmenting a workout, hike or swim.
Note that all cellular smartwatches will also support GPS. The combination of GPS and cellular service allows for an unparalleled level of precision in reporting location data. The benefits of this range from tracking your workout during a Sunday jog to backpacking your way through the wilderness.
Cellular Hiking Watch Limitations
Cellular watches use battery faster than Bluetooth watches, and much faster than GPS-only models. If you are planning an expedition, ensure you have durable and reliable means of communication, including backups.
Cellular watches rely on mobile phone networks for their connectivity. In remote areas with no cell signal, a cellular watch will not be able to contact others or get online. Consider using a satellite phone if this is the case.
Do you need cellular with your outdoor watch?
So, should you upgrade to a cellular outdoor watch? It depends on your priorities. If you want no frills and no internet, a GPS-only watch is the way to go. If you’re looking to spend your money wisely and plan on having a phone nearby anyway, then a Bluetooth watch is your best bet.
On a broader level though, the appeal of cellular smartwatches aligns with the desire to venture out into the great outdoors. As they require no paired smartphone to function, a cellular watch enables its owners to leave their phone behind, while retaining the ability to call or message - provided you still have cell signal.
Apple Watch data plans
If you’ve got your heart set on an eSIM-enabled watch, you’ll need to book a data plan for it so you can access mobile data - venture out with confidence with a BetterRoaming eSIM plan for the Apple Watch. Specifically designed for Apple Watches, BetterRoaming Watch plans allow you the freedom to enjoy unbound cellular connectivity as great rates.
Plans can be quickly and simply booked via the watch itself – learn how to set up a BetterRoaming Watch package in seconds here.
