Suunto Vertical Steel Solar

 

Features

Maps you can count on

Suunto Vertical's intuitive maps tell you all you need to know about the landscape. Contour lines, water, paths and other important landmarks are available in three different map styles.

For maximum safety, all navigation features can be used in offline mode too. Never get lost exploring!

With the altimeter, barometer and compass, you'll maintain spatial awareness with ease. In demanding surroundings, this can be a lifesaver.

Storm alarm and up to date weather forecast help you stay out of harm's way.

In daily mode the Suunto Vertical GPS Siolar watch accompanies you up to 60 days – in the solar and titanium solar variants even up to one year without charging, a great product for the ultra-runner out on the trails.

A solar powered watch which really does increase the battery life substantially.

Suunto Vertical is an excellent companion for everyday training too. From running to cycling, and swimming to cross-country-skiing, your favourite sports are sure to be found here.

Receive personalised feedback on your training load, progress and recovery, calculated based on heart rate variability (HRV). For more information, follow your efforts in Training Zone on Suunto App or coaching tools such as TrainingPeaks.

Specs

In the box

- Suunto Vertical Steel Solar Watch 
- USB Charging cable
- Suunto Documentation

FAQ's

1. Is the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar worth buying?

The Suunto Vertical Steel Solar is one of the most capable GPS watches available for outdoor adventures, endurance events and expedition use. It combines exceptional battery life, solar charging, offline maps and highly accurate multi-band GNSS with advanced training features, making it an excellent choice for hikers, mountain walkers, trail runners, cyclists and anyone who spends extended periods outdoors. If battery life and reliable navigation are your priorities, the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar is one of the best GPS watches on the market.

2. Who is the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar best suited for?

The Suunto Vertical Steel Solar is designed for people who spend serious time outdoors. Whether you're walking long-distance trails, climbing mountains, competing in ultra-distance races, bikepacking or exploring remote areas, it provides the navigation, battery life and durability needed for demanding adventures. It is also an excellent everyday sports watch for runners, cyclists and fitness enthusiasts who value long battery life and premium build quality.

3. Can I follow GPX routes and use offline maps on the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar?

Yes. The Suunto Vertical Steel Solar includes free offline maps, allowing you to navigate even when there's no mobile phone signal. You can create or import GPX routes using the Suunto App and synchronise them directly to the watch. It also supports route guidance, waypoints, breadcrumb navigation and back-to-start navigation, making it ideal for walking, hiking, trail running and exploring unfamiliar terrain.

4. How long does the battery last on the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar?

Battery life is one of the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar's biggest strengths and one of the key reasons many outdoor enthusiasts choose it. Thanks to its large battery and integrated solar charging, it is designed for everything from everyday training to multi-day expeditions.

Typical battery performance is:

Up to 60 days in everyday smartwatch mode (up to 30 days without solar charging).
Up to 90 hours of continuous GPS tracking in Performance mode (65 hours without Solar).
Up to 140 hours in Endurance mode (90 hours without Solar).

Solar charging helps extend battery life whenever the watch is exposed to sufficient sunlight, reducing battery drain during long days outdoors. Although it won't fully recharge the watch on its own, it can make a noticeable difference during multi-day hikes, ultra-distance events and backpacking trips.

Actual battery life will vary depending on GPS settings, screen brightness, heart rate monitoring, navigation features and weather conditions, but the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar is widely regarded as one of the longest-lasting GPS watches currently available.

5. What are the benefits of solar charging?

The integrated solar panel captures sunlight while you're outdoors, helping to extend battery life during everyday use and longer adventures. While solar charging won't fully recharge the battery on its own, it can significantly reduce battery drain during prolonged activities, especially in bright conditions. This makes the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar particularly attractive for walkers, cyclists and endurance athletes who spend many hours outside.

6. Is the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar suitable for hiking and mountain walking?

Absolutely. The Suunto Vertical Steel Solar has been designed with outdoor navigation in mind. Offline maps, highly accurate GPS, barometric altitude information, weather forecasts, storm alarms, sunrise and sunset times, waypoint navigation and back-to-start guidance make it an outstanding companion for hill walking, mountain hiking and long-distance trails throughout the UK and overseas.

7. What is the difference between the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar and Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar?

The Suunto Vertical Steel Solar and Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar share exactly the same software, GPS accuracy, offline maps, navigation features, sports modes, battery performance and solar charging technology. In terms of functionality, they are identical.

The main differences are the materials used and the overall weight:

Suunto Vertical Steel Solar features a stainless steel bezel, making it slightly heavier but offering exceptional durability and excellent value for money.
Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar features a premium titanium bezel, reducing the overall weight by around 12 grams while providing excellent corrosion resistance and a distinctive premium finish.

If you're planning long-distance hikes, ultra-distance races or simply prefer a lighter watch for everyday wear, the Titanium Solar model is an excellent choice. However, if weight isn't your primary concern, the Steel Solar version delivers the same outstanding navigation, mapping and training features at a more affordable price, making it the better value option for many users.

8. Can I use the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar without my phone?

Yes. Once your routes and maps have been downloaded, the watch works completely independently. You can navigate, record activities, monitor your performance and follow GPX routes without carrying your phone or relying on a mobile signal. Your phone is only needed when syncing activities, downloading maps, updating the software or adjusting certain settings.

9. How accurate is the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar?

The Suunto Vertical Steel Solar uses advanced multi-band GNSS technology together with a barometric altimeter to provide highly accurate positioning and elevation data, even in forests, steep valleys and mountainous terrain where satellite reception can be more challenging. This level of accuracy makes it particularly popular with hikers, mountain runners and expedition users who depend on reliable navigation.

10. Can I connect a heart rate strap, cycling sensors and other accessories?

Yes. The Suunto Vertical Steel Solar supports a wide range of Bluetooth accessories, including heart rate monitors, cycling power meters, cadence sensors and running foot pods. The built-in optical heart rate sensor performs well for most activities, while a chest strap can provide even greater accuracy during interval training and high-intensity exercise.

11. Why buy the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar from Outdoor GPS Shop?

When you purchase your Suunto Vertical Steel Solar from Outdoor GPS Shop, you're buying from a UK specialist in outdoor navigation and GPS technology. Every watch includes a printed Quick Start Guide to help you get started quickly, along with fast UK delivery and knowledgeable customer support. If you'd like even more help, our sister company, GPS Training, offers comprehensive online resources, training courses and technical support, helping you get the very best from your watch whether you're exploring local trails or taking on your next big adventure.

Still have a question about the Suunto Vertical Steel Solar?

If there's something we haven't covered, please get in touch. Our team uses GPS watches every day for walking, hiking, trail running and navigation, so we'll be happy to help you choose the right watch or answer any technical questions before you buy.