The Best Watch for Hiking
The great outdoors is full of adventure, wonder, and overall excitement. But it is also a place where certain gadgets might not work well. One of those gadgets is a watch. A normal watch is not cut out for hiking or outdoor activities. Ultimately you need a watch that can withstand shock, resist scratches, and be waterproof, just to name a few features. So how do you go about finding the best watch for hiking?
Well, here are a few options to consider:
Suunto Core Outdoor Sports Watch Review
The Suunto Core comes equipped with a full functioning altimeter, barometer, compass, and depth measurement capabilities. All of which should come in handy when you are hiking, especially if you are treading unfamiliar territory.
The barometer, in particular, should be helpful because getting caught in a storm when you are high up on a mountain is much worse than on ground level. The barometer warns of a change; this gives you enough time to change course or set up camp. The elastomer strap completes the watch to ensure maximum durability regardless of environment.
Casio Men’s SGW300HB-3AVCF Multi-Function Sport Watch Review
When it comes to hiking watches, there are not many that offer the same value as the Casio Men’s SGW300HB-3AVCF Multi-Function Sport Watch, which comes with a strong green nylon strap. Nylon straps are some of the most durable and elastic straps available for hiking watches.
The watch is very rugged, and it has multiple digital screens all of which are under a 50mm resin case complete with a mineral dial window. There are also exposed screws on the bezel to reinforce the structure of the watch.
The watch uses quartz movement with digital display to ensure accuracy. You might also enjoy that it features an effective altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. The watch also has a strong LED light, just in case it is necessary. There are also 5 different sets of alarms in case one does not wake you up. Another useful feature is that it is water resistant; and can resist 100 m worth of water-depth. This watch is also one of the least expensive on the list if you are on a budget.
Garmin Fenix 2 GPS Watch Review
The Garmin Fenix 2 GPS Watch is the kind of watch that could be called the perfect blend between outdoor technology and sophistication. It is definitely the kind of watch that you can wear on hiking trips as well as more formal occasions. The color shown is jet black, though other colors are available.
The watch has a lot of options that any adventurer would love, like the ability to track distance, pace, or heart rate. Not to mention the fact that it helps monitor your recovery time using its VO2 technology. The Garmin technology also allows you to use the GPS system in more ways than you might have imagined. For one, you can choose to record your exact path, or you can share with others who are using Garmin technology. The high-sensitivity of the watch can also help someone track you, should you get lost and need some help.
You can also use the watch to connect to some of your devices, like your smartphone. This feature is great to ensure you are notified of emails and other important information, even while having your adventure.
Timex Men’s Expedition Watch Review
The Timex Men’s T49928DH Expedition Watch is a rugged digital compass shock watch with an awesomely strong black resin strap. The color shown is a jet black, though there are other options available. The look is both simple but with some noticeable design choices that make the watch stand out.
The case is perhaps the most desirable feature of this particular watch- a 48.5mm durable and lightweight resin case; it was made to resist shocks. The acrylic dial window is also quite strong, and especially adept at refusing to shatter. This is good for rock climbing because you never know when you might accidentally hit the watch on a rocky surface. The watch comes with quartz movement and a digital display to ensure accuracy.
Luminox Men’s A.8832.MI Recon Black Watch
The Luminox Men’s A.8832.MI Recon Black Watch is one of those beauties that comes fully equipped with everything an outdoors-person might need. For those who will encounter water, this watch can resist up to an impressive 660 feet. The watch has a black carbon reinforced polycarbonate case, very effective at resisting shocks or other damage. The hands and numbers are luminescent. The dial is also anti-reflective to make sure it is always easy to read–no matter your position. Finally, this watch’s most unique feature is the compass included on the band. I have yet to come across another watch with this feature.