Why This UAG Apple Watch Strap Is the Only Choice for True Outdoorsmen

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Updated March 31, 2025: UAG Just launched the Monarch Watch Strap, the toughest strap ever made for Apple Watch Ultra. Check it out → CLICK HERE

Over the past few years, I've gotten more into mountain biking, hiking, hunting, and really anything that keeps me outside.

But recently, I started noticing a problem with my watch strap...

Dust and sweat would build up under the band, making my wrist itchy, uncomfortable, and even causing a bit of a rash directly under the strap.

I did some Googling and learned this was a common problem with cheap watch straps, especially for those who are really out there getting after it.

Rugged Design

Monarch Strap

For Apple Watch

The Monarch Strap is UAG's toughest Apple Watch band yet, made from FKM fluoroelastomer for durability& the angled hardware prevents pinching, while the perforated design keeps it breathable for all-day wear.

Shop Now

When looking for a solution, UAG kept coming up as a brand I needed to check out.

After visiting their site, I noticed they had just launched the Monarch Watch Strap.

So Why Did I Choose the Monarch Strap?

UAG makes a few different watch straps, but I ended up choosing their new Monarch Strap because it checked all the boxes:

FKM Fluoroelastomer material & stainless steel hardware to prevent skin irritation
Breathable, lightweight design to stop sweat buildup
Extremely lightweight but still tough enough for outdoor use
And most importantly—a clean, rugged look... let's be honest, this thing has to look good.

First Impressions: Tough, But Comfortable

The first thing I noticed was the material. Instead of typical silicone, the Monarch Strap is made from FKM fluoroelastomer rubber, which is noticeably more durable.

It's designed to resist:

Extreme temperatures
Water
and Dust

Making it ideal for anyone who's active or spends time outdoors (like me!).

Even though it's built for toughness, it's still comfortable for all-day wear. The strap has just the right amount of flexibility, so it never feels stiff or restrictive. It's also extremely lightweight while still giving off a rugged & tactical feel.

Then there's the hardware.

The Monarch Strap comes with titanium-colored stainless steel hardware which adds a nice touch of sophistication to an overall rugged look.

It's built with a pin-tuck closure that keeps everything in place, so there's no excess strap flopping around.

Grab the Monarch Strap Today

After a few days of wear, a few things stood out:

It doesn't pinch The angled hardware prevents the strap from digging in, making it comfortable for all-day wear.
Easily Adjustable I can adjust it exactly to my wrist size without awkward gaps or pressure points.
It handles sweat and water I wore it during workouts, in the shower, and even while washing dishes. No moisture absorption, no weird stickiness.
It stays put The tuck-and-pin closure keeps the strap in place, so I never have to readjust it.

The Little Details That Make a Difference

It's obvious to me that Urban Armor Gear really thought about the details with this strap because even the small design choices make a noticeable difference.

Perforated Design

The perforated design wasn't something I thought much about at first, but after wearing it for a while, I realized it actually makes a big difference. Other straps can start to feel sticky after a long day, but this one stays breathable, even after workouts or all-day wear.

Angled Hardware

And then there's the angled hardware—a tiny adjustment that completely removes the pinching or pressure you sometimes get with other straps. It's the kind of thing you don't think about until you wear a strap that actually gets it right.