Watches
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Anyone have experience or info to share regarding "expedition" watches. Is the digital compass reliable, altimeter, thermometer, etc... I was looking at the protrek and garmin watches. They're expensive but if they are reliable I would buy one. I know a watch compass is no subsitute for the real deal but I think it would be convient to have available incase I was without a real compass on a simple day hike or climb in a new area.... |
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Depending on it's intended use, their bulk can make them tough to climb in. |
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Avalon wrote:Anyone have experience or info to share regarding "expedition" watches. Is the digital compass reliable, altimeter, thermometer, etc... I was looking at the protrek and garmin watches. They're expensive but if they are reliable I would buy one. I know a watch compass is no subsitute for the real deal but I think it would be convient to have available incase I was without a real compass on a simple day hike or climb in a new area....Theres a lot that can make those watches not work accurately... The compasses aren't worth shit IMO. Altimeter uses barometer thus changes in weather = changes in your altitude even if you haven't moved up or down. A real compass and map will do you much better. |
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Suunto Ambit 2. |
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I like my Suunto Vector watch. I don't use the compass function on it, but the altimeter is helpful, even if it's a couple of hundred feet off. I reset the altimeter to reference points often, to compensate for barometric changes. A GPS will provide a more accurate altitude. |
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I have guided using Suunto watch for years, always use a real compass but the altimeter is great (yes you need to adjust for barometric pressure changes) but all altimeters require this. The Suunto I use is the least expensive ($250.00) which will do all you need it to accomplish, loud alarm to wake you up for summit day. |
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I own a suunto vector and suunto ambit 2. Both excellent watches. |
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A few years ago I got in touch with my feminine side and got one of the Suunto Lumi watches: |
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My Brunton Nomad V2 Pro meets Allen's requirement of wearing it around your neck, and has altimeter, barometer, clock, stopwatch, alarm, compass and thermometer. It's a whole lot cheaper than any expedition watch and easier to use. Battery life is good. No rate of descent/ascent, but a little mental arithmetic gets me that. I don't bother with the compass, I carry a real one. |
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I like my Vector. Agree its complicated, but that kind of challenge floats my boat. I use the compass only as back-up but whenever I compare it to a good one, its close enough for emergency use. |
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I have the Suunto Ambit and love it. The ability to program apps for special activities is great, although I wish they would open up some new variables. The compass seems to work well, and matches up with my regular compass the few times I have checked it. The thermometer is only accurate if you are not wearing the watch. |
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The Suunto Ambit2 has a very large range of options and you can even use the thing to get home if your lost. |