Coros, though not a household name like Garmin, has carved out a niche as a maker of high-value sports watches. Their approach? Delivering competitive features at lower price points. The Coros Apex 2, for example, rivals Garmin’s high-end models in mapping while costing half as much. The new Coros Pace Pro continues this trend, primarily aimed at runners and cyclists but offering a compelling mix of features for hikers too. We put it to the test on a four-day trek through Exmoor National Park to see how it holds up.
Design: Comfort First
Adventure watches are often bulky, advanced, and packed with tech. The Coros Pace Pro breaks the mold. It’s noticeably lighter and less imposing than most competitors, making it comfortable for all-day wear. The 1.3-inch AMOLED display is bright, clear, and easily readable in all conditions, even direct sunlight. The silicone band is surprisingly pleasant, avoiding the rigid tightness found in many outdoor-focused wearables.
However, durability is a concern. The 5ATM water resistance is standard for running watches (safe for rain or shallow swims) but lower than the 10ATM found in many adventure models. The plastic case and mineral glass display are less robust than titanium or sapphire crystal, meaning rough use (rock scrambles, for example) could cause damage.
Features: A Solid Toolkit for the Trail
The Pace Pro boasts a dual-band GPS, altimeter, compass, and offline maps. While not as feature-rich as premium Garmin models, it covers the essentials. The Coros app allows custom route creation with topographical maps and GPX file import, offering turn-by-turn navigation and backtracking.
Fitness tracking is comprehensive: heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen, and training load are all monitored and presented clearly in the app. The watch lacks NFC payments or music streaming, but these omissions aren’t dealbreakers for most hikers.
Performance: Accurate and Long-Lasting
Battery life is impressive. Six hours of GPS use per day, combined with standard watch mode, lasted the entire four-day trip without a charge. The GPS accuracy was excellent, with minimal discrepancies in distance and elevation gain. The watch also handled high temperatures without overheating.
The one weakness? Heart rate accuracy. Compared to a more reliable wearable (Whoop MG), the Coros Pace Pro tended to overestimate readings, especially above 140 bpm. This may be a concern for hikers who track cardiovascular load precisely.
Should You Buy It?
The Coros Pace Pro is a strong choice for casual hikers and runners seeking a comfortable, feature-rich watch without breaking the bank. Its strengths lie in its lightweight design, accurate GPS, and long battery life.
✅ Buy if: You hike casually or want a dual-purpose running/hiking watch.
❌ Don’t buy if: You hike in extreme conditions or need a watch for diving/water sports. The Pace Pro is durable enough for typical trails but lacks the ruggedness of high-end adventure models.
Alternatives
If the Pace Pro doesn’t fit, consider these:
- Coros Pace 2: A cheaper alternative ($150 less) with similar features.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6: A beginner-friendly option with guided workouts for $299.
- Garmin Enduro 2: The ultimate adventure watch, with exceptional battery life and durability, but at a steep $900 price tag.
In conclusion, the Coros Pace Pro is a well-rounded sports watch that delivers excellent value for hikers who prioritize comfort, accuracy, and battery life over extreme ruggedness. It strikes a solid balance between features, performance, and price, making it a worthy contender in a crowded market.
