GPS Watch + Logging Software?

[KevinAce]

I did a search on the forums here and didn't turn much up. A friend of mine just showed me a watch of his that has GPS and subsequently records his entire hike: location, altitude, temperatures, milage, etc.

I thought it'd be fantastic to log every hike I do with all of the details (I do this with my SCUBA dives and love having all that information stored).

Is there software out there to download the data from a watch? What watch/system is best? Sorry for such a general question but I couldn't find much out there on my own. You guys are the pros so I'd love to hear some recommendations!

[Tobit]

There are very few GPS Watches on the market. I believe Suunto and Garmin are the only ones at the moment. The Suunto X9i (http://www.suunto.com/suunto/Worlds/outdoor/main/Product.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673986181&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302757908&bmUID=1205543546465) is a very impressive unit, although very expensive, and does the things you are asking.

[10-K]

I did a search on the forums here and didn't turn much up. A friend of mine just showed me a watch of his that has GPS and subsequently records his entire hike: location, altitude, temperatures, milage, etc.

I thought it'd be fantastic to log every hike I do with all of the details (I do this with my SCUBA dives and love having all that information stored).

Is there software out there to download the data from a watch? What watch/system is best? Sorry for such a general question but I couldn't find much out there on my own. You guys are the pros so I'd love to hear some recommendations!

I use a Garmin Forerunner 205 to record my runs - https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=348&tab=forerunner205 . It's more of a GPS that tells time than a watch with GPS functionality. It is pretty cool though... You can download the data via USB and use Google Earth to view the tracks though I haven't personally done this. Doesn't do temperature, but does altitude.

[Wolf - 23000]

I've have used both Suunto and Garmin brands. I broke my Suunto first after just my normal physical activities before switching to my current Garmin Forerunner 305. The problem that I don't like about either watch is the battary life spam. Both watches have a very short life span when using the GPS. Suunto can last 18 hours and Garmin 10 hours. On a simple day hikes it is not a problem but on a long distance trip, I don't see either watch as really worth it.

Wolf

[KevinAce]

Ya he has the Suunto X9Mi. I didn't know the battery life was so bad on those things. For an extra $100, you can get a solar powered charger. I wonder if it's gimmicky or can actually keep it running well?

http://www.suuntowatches.com/Solio-Hybrid-Charger-for-X9iX9Mi.pro