Fitbit Straps for Hiking: Stay Active and Comfortable on the Trails

When it comes to heading out hiking at the weekend, having the right gear is essential. You've got your boots, your backpack, and your water bottle. But what about your fitness tracker? Your Fitbit is probably your go-to for tracking steps, monitoring your heart rate, and keeping tabs on your overall health and performance. But if you're planning to take it on a hike, is it ready for the adventure?

One thing most people overlook is the strap on their Fitbit. Not all straps are made equal, and when you're hitting the trails, you need one that's comfortable, durable, and sweat-resistant. In this post, Fitstraps will dive into whether Fitbits are good for hiking, the best outdoor-friendly bands, and how you can get your Fitbit hike-ready.

Are Fitbits Good for Hiking?

Let’s get this straight: Fitbits are fantastic for hiking. Whether you’re tackling a gentle hill walk or a much more intense mountain climb, your Fitbit can be your best friend. Why? It’s because Fitbit trackers are packed with features that help you monitor your fitness progress, even in the wild.

First off, most Fitbits have built-in GPS. This means you can leave your phone behind and still track your route, elevation, distance, and pace. So, if you’re hiking in areas with poor phone signals or simply want to disconnect, your Fitbit has you covered.

Then there’s the heart rate monitor. Hiking can sometimes be more physically demanding than you expect. Your Fitbit’s continuous heart rate tracking will help you keep tabs on your heart health, letting you know when you’re pushing too hard or when to take it easy.

You’ll also get insights into how many calories you’ve burned, how many flights of stairs you’ve climbed (yes, Fitbit even tracks elevation), and steps taken—all super useful for tracking your hike and comparing it to previous outings. Plus, some models also offer sleep tracking. After a long day on the trail, you can check how well you’ve rested and see if you’re ready for another round tomorrow.

So, the answer is yes—Fitbits are excellent for hiking. You just need the right strap to go with it.

What are the Most Outdoor-Friendly Fitbit Bands?

While your Fitbit is perfect for hiking, the strap it comes with might not be. A standard silicone strap might do well for everyday wear, but the ruggedness of a hike demands more.

Let’s talk about the best outdoor-friendly options.

1. Silicone Sports Bands: These are probably the most versatile. They’re lightweight, breathable, and can handle sweat like a champ. If you’re going on a short day hike, silicone bands are a good option. They won’t absorb sweat and are easy to clean after a dusty adventure. Plus, they come in loads of colours to match your style.
2. Nylon Bands: If you’re heading on a longer trek or a multi-day hike, consider a nylon band. These are durable, comfortable, and dry quickly if they get wet. Some nylon bands come with a rugged Velcro fastening, which can be easier to manage when you're on the move compared to standard buckles.
3. Leather Bands: This might sound like an odd choice for the outdoors, but hear me out. Some people prefer leather for its durability and the way it softens over time, moulding to your wrist. If you’re doing a more laid-back hike and still want something stylish for a meal down at the local pub afterwards, leather can be a great option. Just be cautious in wet conditions as leather doesn’t do well with water.
4. Metal or Stainless Steel Bands: Now, these are not ideal for heavy-duty hikes but might work for casual hikes. Metal bands add a more sophisticated look but tend to be heavier and less breathable, which could get uncomfortable on longer treks.

For serious hikers, it’s a good idea to have more than one strap depending on the type of trail and weather conditions.

Can I Add Hiking to My Fitbit?

Absolutely, you can! In fact, many Fitbit models come with a dedicated hiking mode. If yours doesn’t, you can simply use the workout mode and manually adjust your stats after your hike.

To add hiking as a workout, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Fitbit app on your phone.
2. Tap on Exercise Shortcuts.
3. Look for Hiking in the list of available exercises (if it’s not there, you can add it manually).
4. Once added, you can start tracking your hikes directly from your Fitbit. It will measure your distance, steps, heart rate, calories burned, and elevation gain.

If you’re using a Fitbit with built-in GPS, it will track your route and offer real-time data on elevation, making it easy to monitor your progress. Some models even have SmartTrack, which automatically detects when you start hiking and begins tracking without you needing to press a button. So, if you often forget to start logging your hike, this feature is a game changer.

By adding hiking to your Fitbit, you can set goals, challenge yourself, and see how each hike stacks up against your previous ones.

Best Fitbit Straps for Hiking

Choosing the right strap for hiking comes down to comfort, durability, and practicality. Here are our top recommendations:

1. Fitbit Charge 5 Sports Bands: If you own a Fitbit Charge 5, you’ll want a strap that can handle the elements. The silicone sports band is our top pick. It’s flexible, breathable, and won’t weigh you down, making it perfect for both long and short hikes. Plus, it’s water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about rain or sweat.
2. Fitbit Versa 2 Nylon Bands: This is an ideal option for anyone doing more intense or longer hikes. The nylon material is tough but comfortable on the skin. It’s also easily adjustable, which means you can tweak the fit as you go, ensuring it stays snug on your wrist without feeling restrictive.
3. Fitbit Sense 2 Silicone Bands: The Sense 2 model pairs well with silicone bands, which are soft, easy to wear, and can handle dirt, sweat, and moisture. Perfect for day-long hikes or short treks where you don’t want any fuss with your gear.
4. Fitbit Luxe Leather Bands: For more casual hikes, or if you want a versatile option that looks great off the trail, go for leather bands. They’re durable and stylish but not ideal for wet or very intense hikes.

Whatever your Fitbit model, the key is to choose a strap that suits the type of hike you’re doing. Comfort and durability should be your top priorities.

Why Get Fitbit Straps from FitstrapsUK?

At FitstrapsUK, we offer the most extensive range of Fitbit straps and wristbands online (to find the one for you click here). Whether you’re after a sports band for your next hike or something more stylish for a night out, we’ve got you covered. Our bands are specially designed to fit specific Fitbit models, ensuring the same high quality as the originals, at a fraction of the cost. .

Looking to elevate your look or swap out your worn strap? Check out our full range of Fitbit Sense, Charge 5, Versa 4, and Inspire 3 straps. You’ll find straps in different materials and styles to suit both your fitness goals and your fashion sense.

The Bottom Line

Fitbits are a great tool for hiking. With the right features, they’ll help you track your progress and challenge yourself in ways you might not expect. But to get the most out of it, you need the right strap. From silicone sports bands to durable nylon options, choosing a strap that’s fit for the outdoors can make all the difference.

Before your next hike, why not upgrade your Fitbit with a new strap? Check out our wide selection at Fitstraps.co.uk and find the perfect match for your adventure.