Hiking watches are not the most essential equipment on a hike, but they won't make your luggage heavier, that's for sure. Given that today many people have a smartphone, where you can download a bunch of applications on a tourist theme, we can assume that the watch is obsolete. Nevertheless, the presence of a watch in business circles is a status, and in the circles of avid travelers it is one of the reliable assistants.
You can argue in favor of a smartphone that it is more functional, but the watch is more reliable, and far from civilization, in the mountains, forests, tundra or desert, it will be a definite plus. Don't think that tourist "cauldrons" are just time plus a compass. In fact modern devices have many features that will help you on a difficult hike.
For those who don't know, "cauldrons" is a slang term for wristwatches. Actively used in prison slang.
Naturally, given the conditions in which your chronometer will constantly stay (trekking routes), it simply must be waterproof and durable (shockproof).
Below we will try to consider in detail the main features and capabilities that a tourist watch should have for hiking and forays into the wild. And based on this information, you can already make your choice.
What can watch for tourism?
It only seems that the watch is a simple object that shows the time, in fact, it is crammed with all sorts of functions that will not only help, but also satisfy your curiosity in some matters.
- GPS navigator;
- Thermometer;
- Compass;
- Barometer;
- Altimeter;
- Solar module for recharging;
- Depth gauge.
As you can see from the list, the watch can only make calls and take pictures. But this is for now Apple Watch not received such a widespread distribution. Everything is still ahead, and maybe in a few years tourists will not carry cameras and phones with them.
GPS-navigator and Compass will help you navigate the terrain and not get lost in unfamiliar lands. The thermometer will tell you the temperature at this moment and the barometer will show atmospheric pressure. With the help of an altimeter, we will find out at what height we are and what distance is left before conquering the summit. The solar module for recharging will not allow the clock to sit down and they will always be in working mode.
The GPS module is most often added to, but for tourism there are very few models that would combine all the necessary functions. Offhand models with GPS: Casio GPW-1000FC-1A9, Casio GPW-1000-1A, Garmin Forerunner 15, but they are all from the category of "smart" watches for physical activity.
In general, tourist models are well thought out and not useless, as it might seem at first glance.
On a hike, you will definitely come in handy and. Choose only a quality model!
Be sure to film everything that happens to leave an impression. For these purposes, an action camera is useful -
A few more words about two important details - water resistance and shockproof properties.
Waterproof
This indicator is symbolized WR (Water Resistant) and an accompanying number. Most often, the designation goes in bars or atmospheres. One bar is equal to one atmosphere, and this corresponds to ten meters of water pressure. But this does not mean that they will withstand diving to such a depth, it means that they can withstand the pressure that is created at the corresponding depth.
For example: marking 1bar = 1 ATM = 10 meters of static pressure of the water column, i.e. one atmosphere pressure.
Here the tightness of the mechanism becomes more important.
Tourist Watch Water Resistance Chart
Shockproof
Another obligatory and necessary condition for tourist watches. If a tourist is engaged in active recreation, then the watch will constantly be in contact with the external environment. It is necessary to climb a mountain or pitch a tent, break firewood or collect stones for a fire - there is always a risk of hitting your chronometer.
Here, as in the case of water resistance, there are no values, and the manufacturer simply indicates shockproof watches or not. In addition, the material from which the body is made is important.
- The most popular material is plastic, it is quite strong, light and not subject to rust or corrosion;
- Stainless steel - increased strength, lightness, high cost;
- Titanium is the best and therefore the most expensive option for watches;
- Brass is the most unsuitable option for tourism - a heavier item, moreover, it is prone to oxidation.
Choosing the best travel watches
The list was compiled thanks to reviews and ratings on Yandex Market.
Casio PRG-120-1A
This model quartz, has digital way time display, rechargeable solar battery. The case is shockproof and made of stainless steel with plastic. Casio PRG-120-1A are waterproof with WR100 (10 atm), that is, they allow you to freely swim in a pond and even dive to a shallow depth.
In addition to the standard stopwatch and timer, they have more specialized tourism features: altimeter, barometer, thermometer, compass. There is a backlight. The weight of this model is 62 grams.
Most keen tourists sooner or later have a desire to buy a special watch for hiking. So that the waters are not afraid, withstood abuse and delighted with various tourist functions.
I came across a forum where a newbie was advised to look at watches with a price tag of 1000+ bucks. Models of tourist watches for the active use of a lower price category were labeled "underwatch". The arguments are simple, they say, “you don’t buy for a year.”
Such snobbery certainly amuses, but an unenlightened person after such advice is likely to refuse to buy at all. The claim that a good hiking watch should cost at least a thousand greenbacks is nonsense! Watches for $100 and even less will serve the owner for many years no worse than expensive models, despite aggressive use. Let's figure it out.
There will always be two types of people. Some remain adherents of watches, while others prefer to watch the time on a mobile phone, it is more convenient for them and it makes no sense to convince them. Let's not say now which is better. In my opinion, everything is obvious here. But when choosing a watch specifically for tourism, do not forget that the main purpose of any hiking watch is to correctly show the time and reliably withstand external loads, and it is also important to understand that most options are more like pleasant additions than a necessity.
I would divide the watches suitable for hiking into two categories. Actually - tourist watches, designed specifically for hikers and crammed with all sorts of options, as well as, as I call them "near-tourist" watches, are watches that, in addition to displaying time, can resist water and shock, plus simple functions such as a timer / stopwatch / alarm clock.
Why Tourist Watches Are Loved
The functionality of modern watches for tourism is very wide. But I will describe my attitude to the most popular options:
Waterproof and shock protection
In my opinion, these are just the functions that primarily distinguish tourist watches from ordinary ones. Protection against water and shock must be mandatory. Hiking is an extreme environment for your watch and exposure to moisture or accidental bumps is inevitable. We will talk more about water resistance in a separate note, I do not want to overload the text.
Barometer
Displays the current pressure. With it, you can predict the weather for the next day. From the tracked indicators, the watch forms a graph of pressure fluctuations, according to which the user can determine the improvement or deterioration of the weather in the near future.
It's simple, if the pressure drops sharply, then the weather will probably worsen and it may rain, and if it rises sharply, then vice versa - the weather is likely to improve. A straight graph indicates that the weather will be stable.
In general, a barometer is a very useful thing on a hike. If possible, choose a watch with such a function, it can even come in handy when traveling.
Altimeter (altimeter)
Shows altitude above sea level. It would seem that a very convenient and useful feature for lovers of mountain hiking and climbers. But there is one "but". The altimeter in the watch does not always correctly display the height.
This is due to the fact that most altimeters measure altitude based on atmospheric pressure, that is, based on barometer readings. Pressure tends to change not only with altitude, but also depending on the weather and even on the time of day. Therefore, even being at one point for a long time, you can notice fluctuations in the height readings of a wrist altimeter.
To get any benefit from your watch's altimeter, you must calibrate it from time to time. Let's say you are at a certain point before a hike, the height of which is marked on the map. To calibrate, you need to enter the current altitude data into the instrument. And if the weather conditions are stable during the hike, you will be able to get more or less accurate altitude data.
Indicators for calibration can be obtained, for example, from peaks (from pointers), from marks on a map or from a GPS navigator. By the way, the GPS-navigator measures the height more accurately, since the data depends only on satellites.
digital compass
Might be a nice addition. But in the event that you are lucky with the watch model, where the compass will work correctly. Many users have complaints about this. To the point that the compass in the watch lies ninety degrees or shows the correct direction every other time!
Like any other digital compass, it cannot be 100% accurate, but it must determine the cardinal points with a minimum error. Before the trip, it is necessary to make control measurements of the direction by checking with a conventional magnetic compass, and preferably with two. Remember that the electronic compass does not display the result immediately, it needs some time (up to 30 seconds).
As for me, the presence of a digital compass in a watch is not at all a mandatory item. I would not rely only on it and would still advise duplicating it with the good old magnetic analogue.
Thermometer
Measures the ambient temperature. The indicators are in most cases quite accurate, but some features should be taken into account. Firstly, for the correct measurement of air temperature, the watch should be removed from the hand. Otherwise, the thermometer will "lie", being influenced by body temperature. Secondly, the watch must lie down for at least 10 minutes to cool down and accept the air temperature.
The digital thermometer also requires calibration. And here you can use a little trick so that each time you do not remove the watch from your hand. Go to a trusted source and calibrate the data right on your hand, indicating the numbers of the actual air temperature. Or, empirically, determine the difference in the indicators in the removed state and on the arm, after which, while measuring the temperature on the arm, mentally subtract the resulting value. But these methods also have their drawbacks. The higher the air temperature, the stronger the t of the body affects the sensor, and at a very low temperature, the opposite is true. It turns out that the difference value obtained earlier can change. Conclusion: the watch still shows the most accurate temperature after a little “rest” by hand.
Most often, the thermometer in the watch is able to display the temperature range from -10 ° C to + 60 ° C.
Sports buns
A separate segment is occupied by watches for an active lifestyle with a sports bias. Such devices can be equipped with a pedometer, calorie counter, heart rate monitor, etc. Quite useful functions, but if you are not involved in any kind of sport, then such functions are useless on a hike.
Other features:
- alarms/sounds
- stopwatch/timer
- rotating bezel
- mineral glass
- LED lights
- display of the tide table and the age of the moon
- sunrise and sunset display
- titanium strap
- solar battery
In addition to those listed, manufacturers equip individual models with such unthinkable functions that they are unlikely to be useful to an ordinary tourist, for example, a clinometer (a device for measuring vertical angles). All these bells and whistles are quite specific and designed for the most demanding customers.
Most of the features in today's travel watches are more of a welcome addition than a necessity.
Manufacturers producing watches for tourism
Watches for tourists are now produced by many companies, the lineup quite wide, the price range - respectively. The most popular tourist watch brands are:
Suunto(Finland). The company has been producing watches since 1936. It specializes in watches for tourism, mountaineering, diving and other activities. Produces very high quality, but expensive watch. Nice design.
Casio(Japan). One of the most popular firms. It has a very large tourist and diving line. Excellent value for money.
Tissot(Switzerland). Very cool brand with a corresponding price tag. They make watches with a metal case, sapphire crystal, but there is a minus - weak water protection compared to other companies.
Polar(Finland). Decent watch, but the focus is on sports features. Their niche is rather sport. But apart from sports training also great for hiking.
timex(USA). They have many functions, good design for every taste.
highgear(USA). Relatively inexpensive watch, but it has a rich functionality.
Garmin(USA). The company is known for its GPS navigators, but also produces a line of sports and leisure watches equipped with GPS receivers.
Many other companies also offer separate watch models for extreme conditions, so the choice is really just huge.
Opinion
By and large, the main function of the watch is the correct display of time, and any, even the cheapest, wrist devices will cope with this. But the life of a tourist is associated with staying in an aggressive environment and the influence of external factors on the device is inevitable. Therefore, it would be nice to have a mechanism protected from dust, water and shock.
Of course, each person has their own requirements. One will be satisfied with the display of time and security, while the other will consider the presence of modern navigation functions mandatory in the watch.
Personally for myself, I made such a list minimum requirements: reliability above all, water and damage resistant, date display, stopwatch/timer, alarm clocks, backlight. All other functions are optional. At the same time, I do not consider them superfluous, but it is difficult to call them the first necessity either.
Tell us in the comments what watch you use while hiking and why you love it. How much do you use the functionality of your watch and what functions are really useful on a hike?
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How to choose the best watch for hiking, climbing and just outdoor activities. Review popular models and manufacturers, characteristics. Suunto, Casio G-shock and Pro Treck.
The most famous manufacturers of watches for outdoor activities.
Casio G-shock and Pro Treck series
One of the most popular brands of watches for tourism are Casio watches G-shock and Pro Track series. The first watch model of this series was released back in 1983 and since then a huge number of watch models have been released. G-shcok watches have a recognizable angular-brutal look. There are models with arrows and without. The filling of the watch is also very different, you can buy the simplest watch for $70 or even cheaper, or the most sophisticated watch for $1000 or more.
Suunto
Another well-deserved brand is the Finnish company Suunto, which has been producing watches since 1936. It specializes in watches for mountaineering, hiking, diving and other activities. These watches are very popular among climbers. Their only "disadvantage" is the price which starts from $100 for the most simple models. Clock with barometer. altimeter and compass will cost from $300.
highgear
The American company Highgear also specializes in sports watches for tourists. The watches of this company are characterized by rich functionality and a relatively low price; a fully functional watch can be bought for $150. I tried this watch during a motorcycle trip in Zakopane (Poland) and trekking in the High Tatras. I liked the watch, I did not find any particular shortcomings, the accuracy of the barometer and altimeter readings is quite accurate (after calibration on the ground). But unfortunately then they drowned while diving in the Philippines.
Origo
Another watch manufacturer is Origo, the founder is an English yachtsman with many years of experience, who strives to make watches in the most modern technologies while keeping the price low. There are models for hunters and fishermen that show the phases of the moon, the time of sunset / sunrise, etc. There are also models for tourists - with a compass, altimeter and barometer. Price from 65 to 250$. Unfortunately they are difficult to buy outside the UK.
Polar
It is also worth mentioning Polar brand heart rate watches, which are designed more for training than for hiking and climbing.
Garmin
The well-known manufacturer of GPS receivers Garmin also releases its line of wristwatches equipped with a GPS receiver.
Separate models for extreme conditions are produced by many watch companies, but these models are not so common. These include Citizen Promaster, Timex Expedition, Sector Mountain Master, Emporio Armani Sports and many more.
Are you into extreme sports? Do you prefer to spend your free time racing, skydiving, conquering mountain peaks, exploring the bottom of the ocean or just working out in a fitness club? But do they meet your individual requirements and requests? Unfortunately, everyday and classic models are not suitable for sports. After all, in this case watches should not just show time, but become “smart”, almost omnipotent personal assistant. Only specialized models are capable of this! If you are still looking for a decent gadget, then our article will help you make the final decision. We will tell you how to choose a watch for outdoor activities. Discover something new, join us!
How to choose a watch for active leisure?
First of all, it is necessary to determine what technical specifications should have the best for you. Perhaps this is the most difficult stage in the selection process, but it can be dealt with. What to pay special attention to?
Without strong steel structure not indispensable if you prefer fairly dynamic sports, whether it be scuba diving, climbing, or mountain biking. It is able to withstand heavy loads (shocks, falls, deep water pressure, elevation changes, and so on). Housing tightness optional, but desirable. Especially if there is a possibility of getting caught in the rain or another dive to coral reefs.
Typically, outdoor models have quartz movement. Its main advantage is the accuracy of the course. You can forget about changing the battery for several months, since such a mechanism absorbs little energy.
Bracelets watches for extreme types of recreation are most often made of steel, strong textiles, rubber, rubber. It is important that the strap is durable and up to the task. After all, this is not for a stylish look, but real “workhorses”. But the design and colors are a matter of personal taste.
Glass can be different: sapphire, mineral or polymer. Any of them is highly durable and can withstand large overloads (shocks, scratches, falls, water pressure). But a particularly pleasant surprise in such models is the absence of glare under any rays of natural or artificial light. A very useful trifle for true extreme sportsmen!
Clock face on for outdoor activities is most often performed in black, but there are also white, green, brown, blue variations. Basically, it has no of great importance, but on a dark background, arrows and numbers are better visible. At night, the readings of the dial will be available to the eye thanks to backlight. For some models, this function is automated and works by slightly turning the wrist relative to the person's face.
Additional functions. can be equipped with a stopwatch, timer, barometer, compass, GPS-navigator, pedometer, altimeter, heart rate monitor and other useful devices. Which model to choose depends entirely on your preferred sport and your goals.
Design wristwatch belongs to the secondary characteristics and is selected based on the individual preferences of the man.
A brief overview of current models for extreme sports and recreation
Light, bright, comfortable, practical, functional... These are the epithets that come to mind when looking for the best watch model for active pastime. What do manufacturers offer for inveterate "fidgets"?
For diving
This watch skillfully combines the aesthetic appeal of design with high functionality. They have a stainless steel or titanium-coated case, excellent water resistance at a depth of 100-5000 meters, high accuracy even at high water pressure. They can also be equipped with automatic winding, a power reserve of up to 38 or even 68 hours, additionally built-in devices. And the discreet design of some of the models allows you to wear them in combination with clothes.
Some of the dive watches are: Tag Heuer Aquaracer, G-Shock Frogman by Casio, Citizen Eco-Drive Professional, Aquadive Bathysphere 500, Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea, Seiko Prospex SRP775K1, Victorinox Master 500 Mecha, Pita Barcelona Oceana.
Among the diving models, the legendary Seamaster 300 Omega Master Co-Axial 41 mm “SPECTRE” Limited Edition was also noted. She is known to the world for participating in the filming of the film "Spectre" about an ultra-popular agent, for which she was released in a limited series. But this list does not end with a long list of worthy specimens. In addition, each diver has his own preferences for a particular brand or special watch. But maybe you already have an ideal model that is not on our list?
Pilot's watch
They feature a simple yet modern design. Their diameter usually exceeds 50 mm. Wrist watch pilots are distinguished by high accuracy and a large power reserve, the presence of a shockproof case, a chronograph, an altimeter, GPS and other functions useful in the air. Some of the models are equipped with protection against magnetic fields, as well as an analogue of the pilot's logbook, allow you to load the flight route, and are powered by solar energy. The range of such watches is quite wide, they are produced by many Russian and foreign manufacturers. Models differ in design features or their technical functionality. It is easy to choose a decent one that fully meets the requirements of a particular man.
Here are some of the well-known and popular models today:
- Pilot Time series;
- IWC Big Pilot's Heritage Watch 48;
- Breitling Exospace B55;
- Aviator Mig-29 Cockpit Chrono;
- Rocket Pilot 031;
- Longines Aviation;
- Bremont ALT1-ZT;
- Hamilton Khaki Action Flight Timer Quartz;
- Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33
- Garmin D2;
- Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Satellite Wave-Air Watch;
- Patek Philippe 5524G-001;
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King;
- Fortis Pilot Professional.
Of course, this is not all the pilot's watch. There are other manufacturers and models.
Field watch
Their direct purpose is to withstand any test that occurs during military operations. But in recent years, field clocks are increasingly common in the city. Here they found a place for themselves in kits. The main thing is to replace the strap with a leather or steel laconic design.
There are both models showing only the time and date with a simple design, as well as technically equipped, modern solutions for special forces. In any case, field watches are distinguished by high wear resistance and shock resistance, they are made of high-quality steel, they can withstand the influence of a humid environment, including water jets. What's it like?
Popular models include: Lum-Tec Combat B27 Military, Bell & Ross WW1-92 Military Watch, Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium Auto, G-Shock GWG-1000GB-1A Watch, Seiko Prospex, Citizen Eco-Drive, Suunto X-Lander Military Watch, Timex T49928 Expedition Digital Compass Watch.
Did you like any of the models?
For hiking and mountaineering
Such watches should have multifunctionality. Manufacturers equip models with an altimeter, GPS, compass, barometer, as well as a distance counter, a calorie calculator, and many other useful features.
For those who cannot imagine life without hiking and mountaineering, we recommend that you pay attention to the following watches: Garmin Fenix 3, Suunto Traverse, Seiko SARB017 Alpinist, Suunto Ambit 3, Casio Pro Trek PRW 3000 1A, Suunto Core Crush and others. Some of these models are also relevant for swimming, running, cycling. Dare!
For fitness and sports
For the gym and traditional city sports, wristwatches with big amount useful features. This is tracking distance, speed, heart rate, time, analysis of the individual daily routine. Also, the watch can have a built-in MP3 player, calorie counter, workout planner, sleep tracker, weather forecast and a function wireless connection. In addition, sports models are distinguished by the brightness of the colors of the case and bracelet. These will not leave you indifferent!
Among the new products popular with men: TomTom Spark, Garmin Forerunner 235, Fitbit Surge, Moto 360 Sport, Suunto Ambit3 Sport, Polar V800, Tom Tom Runner, Sony SmartWatch 3, Garmin Vivoactive, TomTom Multisport Cardio, Garmin Forerunner 15. The choice is yours !
Finally
If you are just a beginner, then you should not immediately buy expensive watches. Start with a budget solution. When using the watch in extreme conditions, you will understand what functions are missing in the watch for solving specific tasks. It is this experience that should be taken into account when choosing the next, already more expensive model. If you are a professional with many years of outdoor experience, then you probably have several watches, each of which is "sharpened" for a specific sport. Which models do you like or do you already prefer? Why? Write in the comments! It is important for us to know your opinion.
A sports watch is a stylish, multifunctional accessory that will become a faithful and reliable companion for all fans of a healthy lifestyle, athletes, both professionals and amateurs. Sports digital watches are equipped with many different functions that are useful during training, daily use, night sleep, competitions and even on vacation.
Our online store of sports watches and health gadgets offers a huge number of models of watches for sports and outdoor activities. Dozens of options for color, design, functionality will allow you to choose the best watch for sports, buy a device that will satisfy the most demanding requirements. Today, the decision to buy a sports watch is not a whim, it is a challenge to a sleepy, lazy society, an elegant and spectacular way to demonstrate your position in life to the whole world.
For whatever category of users sports watches are intended, developers are trying to design electronic devices taking into account the requirements of modern fashion. The current trends of each season can be traced through new models of sports watches.
Being fashionable and stylish is especially important for the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. Unlike men, who pay more attention to functionality and hardware, women first of all pay attention to. Even during sports and recreation, young ladies want to look their best.
In the collections of sports watches, models are available in classic colors - black and white, as well as versions with a case and bracelets that shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow. Thanks to the possibility of using interchangeable bracelets, smart watch for sports within a few seconds are easily transformed in accordance with the moment, mood, clothing, equipment. On our site you can find descriptions of models, specifications, customer reviews, pick up sports watches, the price of which will not hit the family budget.
What to look for when choosing a sports watch?
Ergonomics. Watches for sports should sit comfortably on the hand. The strap should be soft, elastic and comfortable to fix the watch on the wrist. For sports watches, the weight of the device matters - they should not be too bulky and heavy.
informative. An important factor when choosing a watch is ease of use. Best watch for sports, those that make it possible, literally at a glance, to obtain information of interest.
Many manufacturers organize the interface of electronic watches in such a way that the user can see at least three parameters at the same time. For example, time, distance and heart rate. It's good if you can choose the variables you prefer to display. useful feature is the possibility of manual and automatic selection of circles.
Design. Choosing and buying a sports watch is another problem. The market offers a huge number of models. Hours can be underlined. Such devices are primarily focused on the collection of biophysiological information. Many models are available in colors and materials of the case and interchangeable bracelets.
The best sports watches don't have to be expensive. The main principle to follow when choosing - the device should be pleasant, easy to use and not overloaded with options. Inexpensive sports watch is perfect for daily use. Thanks to the ability to interface with mobile gadgets and syncing statistics with apps, a sports watch doesn't just capture and store daily activity data. The sports watch can compare and analyze data across multiple parameters, generate detailed reports, and provide vivid, color-coded activity graphs.
Some models are stylized as traditional ones. Such sports digital clock an ideal choice for those who adhere to classic trends in clothing and accessories.
Functionality. Convenient options are display backlight and . If you need to choose a watch for running or cycling, pay attention to models with a stopwatch, timer and lap function. One of the important points regarding the choice of a suitable sports watch model is the presence of an integrated sensor.
A wide range of sports watches are available for swimmers. It should be borne in mind that the moisture protection marking indicates the degree of protection electronic devices from the aggressive effects of the external environment, including liquids. The most common sports watches on the market have the following degree of protection:
- Class up to 30 meters- sports watch resistant to rain and water splashes. Withstand short-term water on the case when washing hands.
- Class up to 50 meters- a sports watch that is suitable for swimming in indoor pools and open water, subject to immersion to a depth of not more than 5 meters for a period of 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Class up to 100 meters- sports watches, the degree of protection of which allows you to dive to a depth of 10 meters. These watches are ideal for those who like to swim with a mask, fins and snorkel.
- Class up to 200 meters or more- sports watches of the professional segment, which are suitable for diving at great depths.
Fans of extreme sports will certainly appreciate the sports watch with increased resistance to shock, scratches and vibrations. These, as a rule, are somewhat heavier and more massive due to the durable case made of stainless steel and tempered mineral glass. Such a sports watch will be a reliable assistant for rock climbers, snowboarders, cyclists, skydivers and other extreme sportsmen.
Time battery life . The vast majority of manufacturers equip wrist sports watches with rechargeable rechargeable batteries. Depending on the capacity of the power cell, the sports watch can operate in active training mode from several hours to several days.