Watch advice

Hi all

I am thinking that I may derive benefits from a watch like the Suunto x10 for my BC trips.

Is there anything better? Can be a watch or advice to get 2-3 separate devices too (e.g. a gps, regular compass, separate barometer, altimeter, etc.)

One thing that worries me about the x10 is that the low temp limit is -20C and I have been out skiing in colder temps (when I was younger but I may still want to do it)

What are people on this board using?

Cheers
Ivo

-20C is -4F which is actually pretty damn cold for the PNW. Stevens Pass ski area reports their coldest day was -6F and when you consider the watch would be covered by your gloves/layers i wouldnt worry to much about it.

Now if you were in Montana or Colorado you might worry on the temp side a bit more.

As per the Suunto x10 Kyle Miller has a nice review of it at www.whereiskylemiller.com/archives/447
I know if you look at some of his Trip Reports on the TGR site he has some maps and crap that he got from the gps side of it. He might be worth contacting if you really have questions about that particular watch

Oh, great - thanks for the tip. I met Kyle @ Crystal fest, can shoot him a pm

I do have questions for the x10 but also wanted to see what's a good setup according to experienced members here, doesn't have to be this particular watch / piece. I may be leaning a bit towards a normal compass (expect it's more dependable?)

Cheers
Ivo

Depends on your priorities. If you want a an ABC (Altitude/Barometer/Compass) watch that will track vertical gains, I'd strongly suggest Suunto. Have owned the Observer, and X6HR, currently use a T6C for tracking vert and heart rate during exercise. (the X6HR is for sale by the way, pm me for more info).

I've also been using the Garmin Forerunner series for quite some time. It's good for tracking to way points, etc.

Negatives are: Condensed antenna doesn't track well through heavy trees. This is really the biggest limiting factor for me since most of my trips are in western Washington, Oregon, and BC. The watch-based GPS's have integrated rechargeable batteries that works best for day trips. Overnighters and multi-day tours will leave you powerless. Also, don't expect a watch-based GPS to perform mapping functions either. (I recommend the Garmin Oregon series for that. It has a much better antenna and the touch-screen feature makes inputting waypoints a breeze).

I have been using a high gear altis ti for the past year that I have been happy with, smae features as the suuntos for a lot less money. I got mine from campmor
www.campmor.com/high-gear-altis-ti-altim...10944&ci_sku=85330WC

The digital compass can get confused easily so i always bring a real compass too but the altitude tracking works well.