Suunto has carved a strong position in the outdoor smartwatch market, and the Vertical 2 is the latest proof. This high-end adventure watch competes directly with Garmin’s premium Fenix series but comes in around $300 cheaper, making it an attractive option for serious explorers. The Vertical 2 doesn’t try to be everything to everyone; it focuses on durability, long battery life, and precise navigation—and excels at all three.
Built to Explore
The Suunto Vertical 2 is designed for those who spend more time off-grid than in front of a screen. It’s available in stainless steel or titanium finishes, with interchangeable silicone straps in earthy tones. Weighing 3.07 oz (87g), it’s solid but not overly bulky. While noticeable on the wrist, its ruggedness assures reliability in harsh conditions; it survived months of testing without scratches or issues, even in freezing temperatures and during heavy workouts. The silicone strap is comfortable, soft, and doesn’t cause irritation.
Display and Usability
The 1.5-inch AMOLED display is vibrant and readable, though AMOLED screens generally consume more battery than specialized MIP displays common in other adventure watches. Suunto has optimized dimming to manage power consumption, but the display can feel dim at times. The touchscreen is responsive, even in cold weather, and the interface is well-organized, though scrolling through sports modes can be slow.
Core Features: Navigation and Fitness
The Vertical 2 shines in its navigation capabilities. It includes a built-in LED flashlight, detailed offline maps, and reliable dual-band GPS supporting all major satellite systems. Features like breadcrumb tracking, route planning, and “find back” (a lifesaver when you lose your way) make it ideal for off-trail adventures.
This watch also offers over 115 sport modes with in-depth tracking metrics, including continuous heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen sensing, and sleep analysis. The Suunto app provides detailed data, though beginners may find the wealth of information overwhelming. It’s not about holistic wellness coaching; it’s about raw performance data.
Performance and Battery Life
Suunto claims up to 20 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, 65 hours in Performance GPS mode, and up to 250 hours in Tour mode (lowest accuracy). Testing confirmed impressive endurance; the watch barely needs charging. Accuracy is improved over previous models, with heart rate and sleep tracking closely matching more precise devices like Polar chest straps. Step counting and calorie estimates may be slightly off, but the overall experience is solid.
User Feedback
Customer reviews are positive, with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 4.78 on Suunto’s site. Users praise its rugged design, accurate navigation, and built-in flashlight. Some criticize the interface and sleep tracking, but overall, satisfaction is high.
Should You Buy It?
The Suunto Vertical 2 is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability, long battery life, and reliable tracking. It’s not a smart watch loaded with extra features like contactless payments or music storage.
Buy it if: You’re a serious explorer, hiker, or fitness enthusiast who needs a dependable adventure watch for multi-day trips.
Don’t buy it if: You want a general-use smartwatch with advanced smart features or don’t spend much time outdoors.
Alternatives
- Coros Vertix 2: Similar features at a comparable price, with slightly longer battery life and a simpler interface.
- Garmin Fenix 8: The premium competitor, offering similar ruggedness, tracking, and smart features, but at a higher cost ($799-$1,199).
- Amazfit T-Rex 3: A budget-friendly option with durable design and good accuracy, but fewer advanced features ($279.99).
The Suunto Vertical 2 is a focused tool for those who demand performance in the wild. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone; it delivers exactly what it promises: a rugged, reliable adventure watch that won’t quit when you push your limits.
