Polar Pacer Pro 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.

Polar Pacer Pro GPS Running Watch

9.0/10 Excellent

4.5★ (3,600 owners)

Running power, barometer, maps, hill splitter, 35hr GPS. Polar's training-focused runner's 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

	Polar Pacer Pro GPS Running Watch	Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (3,600)	4.5★ (3,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Great
Heritage	Polar, HR since 1982	Thule, Sweden 1942

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Polar Pacer Pro GPS Running Watch: Running power, barometer, maps, hill splitter, 35hr GPS. Polar's training-focused runner's 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

Polar Pacer Pro GPS Running Watch

Running Power metric measures actual effort regardless of terrain — hills show true exertion without GPS distortion
Barometer altitude tracking is more accurate than GPS altitude — critical for hill running and racing
Hill Splitter breaks down hilly runs into climbing and descending segments with individual stats
35-hour GPS battery covers ultra-marathon distances without charging
Polar's 40-year heart rate monitoring heritage — the brand that invented wrist HR monitoring

Polar Flow app is less intuitive than Garmin Connect for new users
No AMOLED display — MIP display is readable outdoors but less attractive than competitors
Polar's running community is smaller than Garmin's — fewer training plan resources

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, Polar Pacer Pro GPS or Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking?

Is the Polar Pacer Pro GPS worth the extra cost?

Yes — Polar Pacer Pro GPS Running Watch scores higher at 9.0/10 vs 8.9/10.

Who is the Polar Pacer Pro GPS best suited to?

Running power, barometer, maps, hill splitter, 35hr GPS. Polar's training-focused runner's 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?

Polar Pacer Pro GPS Running Watch: Polar Flow app is less intuitive than Garmin Connect for new users; No AMOLED display — MIP display is readable outdoors but less attractive than competitors. 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 — Polar Pacer Pro GPS Running Watch sits at 4.5★ from 3,600 verified Amazon owners, and Thule AllTrail 45L Hiking Backpack at 4.5★ from 3,800.

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