Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch vs Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (6,100 owners)

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

Full Review

Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (3,800 owners)

45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch	Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (6,100)	4.5★ (3,800)
Verdict	Great	Great

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch: Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch. Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack: 45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

AMOLED display brings Garmin's best screen to the entry price point
Training Readiness score guides workout intensity without overwhelming beginners
11-day battery in smartwatch mode — matches the more expensive Forerunner 265
GPS accuracy from Garmin's trusted GNSS satellite support
Under £200 brings proper training analytics to budget-conscious runners

Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain
No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+
Smaller feature set vs Forerunner 265 for structured workouts

Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack

Ventilated back panel separates pack from spine for airflow on steep ascents
Large hipbelt pockets hold phone and snacks without removing the pack
Front U-opening allows full access to pack contents without unpacking from top
Integrated rain cover deployable without removing the pack
Thule's Scandinavian heritage in outdoor equipment design since 1942

45L is touring size — too large for day hiking, slightly too small for 5+ day expeditions
Hipbelt fit requires proper sizing — poorly fitted hipbelts are uncomfortable for long days
Premium pricing over Osprey Talon alternatives at similar capacity

FAQ

Which is better, Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS or Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking?

Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS worth the extra cost?

The Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS best suited to?

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

Who is the Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking best suited to?

45L, ventilated back, hipbelt pockets, rain cover, accessible front opening. Scandinavian hiking pack.

What are the main downsides of each?

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch: Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain; No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+. Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack: 45L is touring size — too large for day hiking, slightly too small for 5+ day expeditions; Hipbelt fit requires proper sizing — poorly fitted hipbelts are uncomfortable for long days.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch sits at 4.5★ from 6,100 verified Amazon owners, and Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack at 4.5★ from 3,800.

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