Best watch for backpacking

[fredmugs]

I have an Armitron watch that is $15, maybe $20, at Target. Tells time, lights up, has dual time zones, water resistant, and has an alarm. All the other functionality you want I would get from a different device.

[daddytwosticks]

I use an old Timex Expedition Indiglo watch (sans band) carabineered to my pack chest strap. Always visible and helps greatly with dead reconning. Can't wear a wrist watch while using hiking poles. The straps hang up on the wrist watch.

[Theosus]

I use an old Timex Expedition Indiglo watch (sans band) carabineered to my pack chest strap. Always visible and helps greatly with dead reconning. Can't wear a wrist watch while using hiking poles. The straps hang up on the wrist watch.

I like that idea. I hate wearing a watch. I haven't worn one in five years, I use my phone to tell time, but it would be nice to have something easy to get to.

[RedBeerd]

watches are like sunglasses to me. I think I need em so i buy em. Then I dont use them..cause well, I dont need em. But i do think the casio g-shock is cool start at like $50 and the more features you want the steeper the price but it will last forever.

[Kerosene]

I still use my ancient Timex Indiglo digital watch for backpacking and other outdoor endeavors. I can't even remember when I bought it, but it has to be at least 15 years and still going strong.

[Ktaadn]

I am looking for a good tough waterproof watch for hiking. I am looking for one that has altitude, miles traveled, thermometer, ....gps, compass would be a plus. Where should I look for the best watches? What do you use?......I am looking to speed around $300

I wear a Casio Pathfinder PAW 1300. It doesn't have GPS, but just about everything else. It is solar powered and receives a signal from an atomic clock. It has taken plenty of abuse over the years too.

[ChinMusic]

I wear a Casio Pathfinder PAW 1300. It doesn't have GPS, but just about everything else. It is solar powered and receives a signal from an atomic clock. It has taken plenty of abuse over the years too.

For the OP's question, this would be my second choice. It looks excellent and I love the solar part. The atomic clock part I have managed to live without for 50 years but do like cool gizmos. The reason that I have this watch at #2 is my belief that the Suunto has better altitude info. The OP may not know it yet but he does NOT want GPS on his watch. GPS is too taxing on the batteries for backpacking. For dayhiking it's prob OK.

The OP asked for a good watch in the 300-under range. He didn't ask if he needed one. I know that I could function just fine with a simple watch, or with none at all. I just like cool things. They make my experience more enjoyable. YMMV

[Alligator]

from what I have seen GPS watches are in constant need of being recharged. Am I wrong?

I have a Garmin w/GPS that is only good for a day, less than that really. I use it more for trail running and road biking.

I have a Suunto Vector though that has been good for quite a few years now, that has a thermometer, altimeter, barometer. It is a bit of a battery hog, but on a much longer scale, months vs. a day. I generally just open the back and loosen the battery between trips and that saves the battery.

[Slo-go'en]

from what I have seen GPS watches are in constant need of being recharged. Am I wrong?

I belive you are quite right. I imagine those need to be recharged pretty much daily.

[Mever]

Get you a Suanto Observer for about $250. The altimeter on mine is always accurate to about 250 ft and makes a good check point for third dimension on a topo. The associated barometer is a better weather predictor than the local news. Compass good back up. Leather band wears out but I forgive it. Ill replace my band with cloth next time (3rd)-. Great hikers watch. I love mine.

[Miami Joe]

If it doesn't say Bear Grylls on the watchband it's complete crap and you will die a horrible, lonely death.

[fins1838]

Backpacker Pro; horrible reviews! Was gonna try it but after reading the reviews I said "not".

[kayaker4ever]

Save weight, leave your watch at home. If you really need to know the time ask someone else.

[max patch]

Timex Ironman with Indiglo approx $30 at WalMart.

[House of Payne]

The thru is not a business trip, well not to most folks. The watch's function is simple, time, alarm clock and in some cases for shallow reef diving. The maps and guides will take care of the rest.

[Wise Old Owl]

Backpacker Pro; horrible reviews! Was gonna try it but after reading the reviews I said "not".

Well its not bad - yea there were a few hickups but I got thru - where were the good reviews and which app?

[Sarcasm the elf]

Well its not bad - yea there were a few hickups but I got thru - where were the good reviews and which app?

Wise Old Owl, I had assumed you would have recommended this:

http://www.amazon.com/Jewelry-Geneva.../dp/B0052TCPIE

[Sarcasm the elf]

If it doesn't say Bear Grylls on the watchband it's complete crap and you will die a horrible, lonely death.

Sound advice! The same can be said for knives.

[Sarcasm the elf]

I am looking for a good tough waterproof watch for hiking. I am looking for one that has altitude, miles traveled, thermometer, ....gps, compass would be a plus. Where should I look for the best watches? What do you use?......I am looking to speed around $300

Okay, now that I've read the actual opening post, just wondering, why do you want these features? Not a loaded question, but why are these your preferences? Are these things that you have a strong interest in knowing, or just extra bonuses?

I ask because, as a section hiker I've found that I prefer to use the cheapest waterproof Casio watch I can find along with a good set of maps on my section hikes and find that these are cheap, reliable, and don't need new batteries ever couple of days. My hiking buddy often brings his garmin Colorado with us when we section hike, the extra data is fun to know but I personally don't see the value in spending the extra money or dealing with the need for new batteries ever day or two to have the same ability.

Again, there's no right or wrong, it's just a matter of personal preference and I thought I'd ask you a few more questions.

[ChinMusic]

My reason for getting the Suunto Core is that I like toys.