This can be motivating whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned hiker.

This goes hand-in-hand with using your smartwatch to improve your fitness.

Tracking workouts on an Apple Watch is one of the best ways offilling your Move and Exercise rings.

A hiker’s hands checking their smartwatch, with wilderness hills in the background.

lzf/Shutterstock.com

These come with Garmin’s built-in mapping software and have superior battery life compared with less specialized wearables.

Even lifestyle wearables like the Apple Watch work well for shorter hikes if you’re prepared to charge frequently.

You’ll also get more information about your route usingbasic workout trackingavailable on most devices.

Apple Watch route data

Garmin

This data is also fairly interesting if you’re a bit of a data fiend.

The Garmin Fenix can even show you to what altitude you’ve acclimatized.

While not all of this data is useful, many people will find it interesting.

Garmin Fenix 7

Garmin

These depend on your Garmin rig being connected to a compatibleAndroid phonerunning Garmin Connect via Bluetooth.

The Apple Watch can even monitor heart rate and identify patterns thatcould signal a cardiac event.

This includes elevated heart rate at rest, which will alert you that something could be wrong.

Apple Watch Series 5 compass

Apple

This can help you make wiser decisions like not pushing it too hard if you’re not feeling well.

Prop up your smartphone, launch the companion app on your smartwatch, and frame your shot perfectly.

It also takes the guesswork out of using your camera’s timer function.

Apple Watch workout data in Fitness app

This will preserve your smartphone battery for more important things (like making emergency calls and taking photos).

The data you gather while working out can help you stay motivated by monitoring progress over time.

The more you track, the more data you gather.

Activate Emergency SOS on Apple Watch

Tim Brookes / How-To Geek

For Galaxy Watch owners,Samsung Healthdoes a similar job.

Pick the Right Smartwatch

confirm youpick the right smartwatch.

Whatever you choose, if you’re doing a multi-day trip you’ll want aportable battery packtoo.

Asking Time to Apple Watch on Siri

Resting heart rate Health app

Walking hear rate in Health app

Keep It Going trends on Apple Fitness

Worth a Look trends in Apple Fitness