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Outdoor watches

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Ryno
Posts: 31125 - Karma: 336
I've been looking into getting an outdoor purpose watch, something for running, camping, trips, etc. Online there is lots to look at and its spread real thin all over the place....so NS, what sort of outdoor (read: tough) watches are you guys rocking? What are features you need or think are overhyped?
Mar 27 2012 12:10PM
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benk
Posts: 1342 - Karma: 988
girlfriend got me a casio pathfinder, metal band. has altimeter which is nice for touring and very accurate. has a compass and thermometer which I don't use but is nice to have. Also is solar powered with a battery back up
Mar 27 2012 12:32PM
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Ryno
Posts: 31125 - Karma: 336
how accurate are electric compasses on watches?
Mar 27 2012 12:35PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
Iv been looking into something like this as well. Would love an altimeter for tours.
Mar 27 2012 12:36PM
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BenWest
Posts: 470 - Karma: 89
I got a Pulsar for my birthday 6 years ago, everyone thinks its some fancy ass watch (its gold coloured) but this thing has survived a ton. its been constantly under water, bashed by metal shovels, covered in dirt... somehow its still ticking. I don't really know the model, but it says V732-X153 A4 on the bottom...
Mar 27 2012 12:40PM
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Che~
Posts: 2108 - Karma: 296
http://www.suunto.com/us/en/products/Outdoor_Sports_Instruments/suunto-vector/Suunto-Vector-black

Suunto makes the best shit. I have had my Vector for 4 years now, works like the day I got it
Mar 27 2012 12:43PM
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janetSkis
Posts: 112 - Karma: 14
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Mar 27 2012 12:46PM
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PopsicleStand
Posts: 6890 - Karma: 147
I'm thinking the suunto myself. I have one of those real "hardcore" kinda buddies back in CO that swears by it.
Mar 27 2012 2:39PM
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Dhane
Posts: 3866 - Karma: 1,722
i dont wanna be that guy but g-shocks arent bad. i found this watch at the bottom of an 18 foot pool a year ago and it runs like new. ive smashed it into steel doors at work and have been hiking in -10 degree weather with it. its a tank, but for all the fancy features like altimeter and other things it lacks. it has your standard calender and stopwatch plus some other assorted features but bottom line is the thing is burly. it never leaves my wrist. since i picked it up for free, im pretty biased but given the chance i would buy a smaller g-shock in a second. since its so bulletproof i dont think ill need to anytime soon.
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Mar 27 2012 2:44PM
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PopsicleStand
Posts: 6890 - Karma: 147
the suunto core btw
Mar 27 2012 2:44PM
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benk
Posts: 1342 - Karma: 988
it seems to be pretty accurate, I honestly have never used or relied on it. even at that I hardly ever use a real compass, it's only in my bag for emergencies. A good altimeter and solar powered is something I would look for.
Mar 27 2012 3:07PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
after having used a suunto vector, with altimeter and compas for several years, i've gone back to basics with a nite watch mx10 S
saphire glass = scratch resistant and built in gaseous tritium light source illumination ...

its a slick design but does whatever i need of my watch, no more, no less ....

for the people recommending stuff with altimeters and built in compass, thats all fun and games but you seriously don't need any of that in the mountains, i've been doing a lot of different things in the mountains from guiding to skiing, rockclimbing, canyoning, alpinism, etc. and i haven't once had to use my altimeter/compas on my suunto, i only found it bulky and a nice gadget, but in the end, i think im better off now with a bombproof watch that doesn't sit in my way ...

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Mar 27 2012 4:15PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
^^correction, i have the mx10 201, i don't have the stainless steel bracelet, but a simple plastic one
Mar 27 2012 4:17PM
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Flying~Squirrel
Posts: 6494 - Karma: 192
i never wear a watch, but whenever im off the grid i wear a compass on my wrist. one thing that is really important to me for that, and would be important if i wore a watch, is that it be low profile so it doesnt get in the way, and very easy to read. i tend to shy away from things with fancy backgrounds, multiple screens, or lots of different gradations embeded on the face because it makes it harder to read the primary function.
for example, this is the compass i wear:
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and this is one i would not wear:
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Mar 27 2012 4:28PM
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Ryno
Posts: 31125 - Karma: 336
interesting points! having me consider it now. I tried on the suunto and it was a big SOB on my wrist. not good
Mar 27 2012 8:09PM
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Fun_dip
Posts: 2623 - Karma: 913
Freestyle watches and Vestal. Some are more surfing oriented, but still waterproof and they have a nice range of features. If you just want a basic watch I'd recommend the Shark Freestyle which can generally be found for ~$50
Mar 27 2012 8:20PM
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