I test smartwatches for a living — and these are my 5 favorite models when I go hiking

Close-up of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (left) next to the Garmin Instinct 3 (right) on a user's wrist.

You don't need to break the bank to score a solid smartwatch for tracking hikes and other outdoor adventures. Models like the $99 Amazfit Active 2 have all the basics like onboard GPS, offline maps and solid battery life.

However, higher-end models like the Garmin Instinct 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 bring exceptional durability and other nifty features — including a built-in LED flashlight on the Garmin — into the equation. Want something supremely comfortable and reliable? The Garmin Forerunner 165 might be your jam.