If you are a hiker or mountaineer, you will need a quality altimeter or altitude watch to take along on your next backcountry adventure. Altimeter watches are built to handle those extremes that you encounter out in the wilderness. There are a lot of extra features, like larger screens and glove friendly buttons, that will make them easy to get all the essential information that you will need on your next hike. Here are a few tips on what to look for when you are shopping, and a few helpful reviews to help you start your search for the best watch with an altimeter.
Summary: Top 5 Best Altimeter Watches for the Money
| Image | Model | Pros | Cons | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [easyazon_image align="right" height="250" identifier="B00RY1YWSO" locale="US" src="https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/41OZfobseJL.jpg" tag="astraightar0d-20" width="250"] | [easyazon_link identifier="B00RY1YWSO" locale="US" tag="astraightar0d-20"]Garmin Fenix 3 GPS Watch [/easyazon_link] | • A do-all multi-sport ABC and GPS watch • Nice construction, and beautiful screen • Color is sharp and vivid | • Sapphire edition with the metal band is heavy • GPS is not always accurate • Has a problem if you are in trees, or make a turn | 4.8 |
| [easyazon_image align="right" height="250" identifier="B00M0NIUUC" locale="US" src="https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/418XjJ8uRyL.jpg" tag="astraightar0d-20" width="180"] | [easyazon_link identifier="B00M0NIUUC" locale="US" tag="astraightar0d-20"]Suunto Ambit3 Peak Sapphire [/easyazon_link] | • Outstanding functionality and build • Surprisingly long battery life • Great backup navigational aid | • Feature set more closely aligned with triathletes • The Movescount.com website is not very useful • GPS accuracy is not always perfect, even after a reset | 4.5 |
| [easyazon_image align="right" height="250" identifier="B00JQ2R58S" locale="US" src="https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/51Lc5MfZwRL.jpg" tag="astraightar0d-20" width="190"] | [easyazon_link identifier="B00JQ2R58S" locale="US" tag="astraightar0d-20"]Casio PRW-6000Y-1ACR Pro Trek Analog-Digital Watch [/easyazon_link] | • Great looks, and a premium fit and finish • Backlight works really well • Negative display is really nice, and it can be seen from different angles | • Pricey for lacking GPS functionality • Barometer is not accurate • Glow in the dark tips on the hands are faily small | 4.2 |
| [easyazon_image align="right" height="250" identifier="B014PNZKC0" locale="US" src="https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/41p5aFNznjL.jpg" tag="astraightar0d-20" width="180"] | [easyazon_link identifier="B014PNZKC0" locale="US" tag="astraightar0d-20"]Suunto Traverse GPS Multifunction Watch [/easyazon_link] | • Focused outdoorsperson design • The buttons are intuitive, very easy to navigate • The step counter and sleep metrics are great | • Pricey for the functionality • GPS accuracy is not always high • Recovery advisor not always accurate | 4.1 |
| [easyazon_image align="right" height="250" identifier="B0053EXBQ8" locale="US" src="https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/516Q2BAQZI4L.jpg" tag="astraightar0d-20" width="180"] | [easyazon_link identifier="B0053EXBQ8" locale="US" tag="astraightar0d-20"]Timex Men's T2N729 Intelligent Quartz Watch [/easyazon_link] | • A heavy and solid watch with a nice design • It lights up beautifully • This is a must have for true watch collectors | • The strap is too long • Altimeter is hard to read • The hands of the watch have a bad contrast | 4.7 |
Everything You Need to Know about Altimeter Watches
Altimeter Watch Types
You will find that there are two main types of altimeter watches. The traditional kind is either solar or battery powered, and they have more basic features. The other kind is the GPS watch that has rechargeable batteries, plus it can have a ton of features. The GPS watch is usually pretty powerful, but it has limits due to their battery power.
Traditional: Traditional altimeter watches will offer the basic features like the barometer, altimeter, and usually a compass. It should also have either a built-in solar panel or a basic watch battery. The solar panel will usually help the watch last long period of time between battery changes.
GPS: The Global Position System watch is able to obtain signals from either GLONASS or GPS satellites. Depending on how powerful the watch is, its abilities can differ a lot. Some GPS watches will have a lot of advanced features on top of the features you will find in the traditional altimeter watch. They are ideal for tracking vertical gains and losses, as well as the trends in the weather, and they can sometimes even provide you with a fitness log of your activities. Some can be connected with a website, and you can link them to your smartphone to record your fitness data. The phone app allows you to upload virtual paces, programs, and games to enhance your fitness training. It can also give you navigational information about your trips like distance, time, and pace, so you actually use your watch for navigation. The big negative about these watches is the short battery life and their big price tag.
How Altimeter Function Works
Altimeters on watches work by calculating the altitude which is a huge technology advancement for your average watch. How does a watch figure out ways to measure your altitude? It does it in one of two ways. The first way is by using air pressure, and the second way is by using GPS.
Air Pressure: Your altimeter watch will come equipped with a few sensors that are used to gauge the ambient air pressure. When you move higher up into the atmosphere, your atmospheric air pressure will decrease. You can calculate the air pressure by measuring the decrease in air pressure plus a reference to sea level ambient air pressure.
When the weather changes, the altitude can also change. even if you haven’t moved a step. This makes it important to have your watch calibrated before you begin any trips, and then again during your trip. When you do have weather changes, make sure to keep manually calibrating the altimeter by either using your map at known sites or when you come to trail elevation markers. If you are somewhere else in the world, it is a good idea to calibrate the sea level air pressure reference to that area. This can change depending on where you are in the world.
GPS: Global Positioning System is made up of a network of 32 orbiting satellites. You can triangulate your position when your watch gets a signal from three of these satellites. You will get an even more accurate position data when you pick up even more satellites. This can be used to determine your altitude based on your previous logged data. You do have to be careful as the readings are not always accurate, which is why a lot of watches use both air pressure and GPS to calculate your altitude.
Calibration of Altimeter Watches
You will have a lot of opportunities to make sure your watch is calibrated on your trip. You can do this manually, and it should be done regularly to guarantee that you have accurate readings on your trip. Calibration should be done whenever possible, so depending on your adventures, you should make plans to do it frequently.
If you are backpacking, it is possible to calibrate your watch by using the contours of your paper map. It is also a good time to calibrate if you are on a known summit with a known altitude, or if you run across a sign with a known altitude. Remember, if you do not calibrate your altitude at least on a daily basis, you will find that your altimeter reading is off from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand feet.
Altimeter Watch Reviews – Top 5 Models
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00RY1YWSO” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Garmin Fenix 3 GPS Watch Review[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”250″ identifier=”B00RY1YWSO” locale=”US” src=”https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/41OZfobseJL.jpg” tag=”astraightar0d-20″ width=”250″]The Garmin Fenix 3 GPS Watch is the top of the line ABC option, and it packs almost every feature in the ABC line. It has excellent accuracy and reception with its GLONASS satellite and GPS compatibility. Various “sport” modes are set for capturing your distance, speed, and vertical drop when you are biking, hiking, running, swimming, and skiing. The navigation mapping is helpful for navigating and tracking, but it does not have elevation contour lines. For a durable but classy look, the new Sapphire edition is a great choice, and it includes a metal band along with the Sapphire glass.
Pros:
• A do-all multi-sport ABC and GPS watch
• Nice construction, and beautiful screen
• Color is sharp and vivid
Cons:
• Sapphire edition with the metal band is heavy
• GPS is not always accurate
• Has a problem if you are in trees, or make a turn
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00RY1YWSO” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]>>Check price and more reviews<<[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00M0NIUUC” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Suunto Ambit3 Peak Sapphire Review[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”250″ identifier=”B00M0NIUUC” locale=”US” src=”https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/418XjJ8uRyL.jpg” tag=”astraightar0d-20″ width=”180″]The functionality of the Suunto Ambit3 Peak Sapphire model is truly impressive, and it makes the high price tag definitely worth it. The casing is super tough and scratch resistant, and there is no need to worry about a cheap plastic face on this altimeter watch. Plus the wide-ranging features of the Suunto Core can receive precise elevation data, track your location, and graph descents and ascents. And Suunto’s Movescount.com uploads all of this information, and it allows you to customize your features. Plus, if there is a major change in the barometric pressure, Movescount.com will trigger a storm alert. The Ambit Sapphire is an idea for multi-sport athletes who need a watch that switches from running, swimming, and biking modes, as well as require a basic navigation feature. An optional wireless heart rate monitor chest strap is also available. And if you prefer regular glass face, you can get the Ambit3 Peak without the sapphire glass, which will make the price $100 less.
Pros:
• Outstanding functionality and build
• Surprisingly long battery life
• Great backup navigational aid
Cons:
• Feature set more closely aligned with triathletes
• The Movescount.com website is not very useful
• GPS accuracy is not always perfect, even after a reset
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00M0NIUUC” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]>>Check price and more reviews<<[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00JQ2R58S” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Casio PRW-6000Y-1ACR Pro Trek Analog-Digital Watch Review[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”250″ identifier=”B00JQ2R58S” locale=”US” src=”https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/51Lc5MfZwRL.jpg” tag=”astraightar0d-20″ width=”190″]This Casio Altimeter watch review focuses on the Casio Men’s PRW-6000Y-1A Pro Trek. Casio’s Men’s PRW-6000Y-1ACR Pro Trek Black Analog-Digital Sport Watch not only continues the Pro Trek line tradition of durable, long lasting performance, but it has also made a lot of improvement in the looks department. You will see a very classy watch that has gotten rid of the plastic and has replaced it with a white on black modern face, plus a carbon fiber inserted stylish band. It also has a wide range of features including a compass, barometer, thermometer, and altimeter, plus a very precise time function, and a stopwatch. Solar power will also give you peace of mind so that you can always wear it without worrying about having to replace the battery.
Pros:
• Great looks, and a premium fit and finish
• Backlight works really well
• Negative display is really nice, and it can be seen from different angles
Cons:
• Pricey for lacking GPS functionality
• Barometer is not accurate
• Glow in the dark tips on the hands are faily small
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00JQ2R58S” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]>>Check price and more reviews<<[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_link identifier=”B014PNZKC0″ locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Suunto Traverse GPS Multifunction Watch Review[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”250″ identifier=”B014PNZKC0″ locale=”US” src=”https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/41p5aFNznjL.jpg” tag=”astraightar0d-20″ width=”180″]In term of cost and functions, the Suunto Traverse falls just below the Suunto Ambit 3. The Traverse has many similar internal features as the Ambit, but it is lighter weight and has a little lower profile design. The Traverse is directed towards a smaller and narrower market, and it does not track the data for bikers, runners, or swimmers. It does have tracking and navigation functions, and you can also use it with the Movescount website to plan your hiking route, which can be downloaded to your watch. It has a basic map line, and it is pretty accurate and helpful in guiding you on your adventure. It is not currently compatible with GLONASS satellite, but that software update is coming soon. The Traverse is a great option for those that want a simpler and more focused design at a better price.
Pros:
• Focused outdoorsperson design
• The buttons are intuitive, very easy to navigate
• The step counter and sleep metrics are great
Cons:
• Pricey for the functionality
• GPS accuracy is not always high
• Recovery advisor not always accurate
[easyazon_link identifier=”B014PNZKC0″ locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]>>Check price and more reviews<<[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_link identifier=”B0053EXBQ8″ locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Timex Men’s T2N729 Intelligent Quartz Watch Review[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”250″ identifier=”B0053EXBQ8″ locale=”US” src=”https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/516Q2BAQZI4L.jpg” tag=”astraightar0d-20″ width=”180″]This Timex Altimeter Watch Review focuses on the Timex Men’s T2N729 Intelligent Quartz Adventure Series Altimeter Watch. The Timex T2N729 features the Timex Indiglo® Night-Light which is one their most successful features. The Indiglo backlight system evenly lights up the surface of Timex watch dials, so that the dial can be read easily no matter what your light setting. The Timex Altimeter watch has an altimeter range of -120 to 7600 meters or -400 to 25,000 feet, and it has both a minimum and maximum altitude recall feature with easy calibration. It is water resistant to 330 feet (100 M), and it can be worn for both swimming and snorkeling, but it is not suitable for diving. The Timex Altimeter has a bold style that makes a statement, plus the Intelligent Quartz™ technology offers you a completely functioning altimeter function that is perfect for gadget lovers as well as avid climbers.
Pros:
• A heavy and solid watch with a nice design
• It lights up beautifully
• This is a must have for true watch collectors
Cons:
• The strap is too long
• Altimeter is hard to read
• The hands of the watch have a bad contrast
[easyazon_link identifier=”B0053EXBQ8″ locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]>>Check price and more reviews<<[/easyazon_link]
Guide to Choosing the Best Altimeter Watch
Whether you are looking for the best mountaineering watch, digital altimeter watch, or just the best altimeter watch for the money, here are some basic features to look for while you are shopping.
Altimeter
There are a couple of features to think about when it comes to altimeter readings.
Altitude Profiles: These are graphs that need to be easy to see and to use when you are out on the trail. Some graphs also only show very basic information. This is an important feature, so you need to consider what information you will need, and make sure it is easy to read on the watch display.
Data Logging: All of these watches will show you data that includes total ascent, total descent, altitude changes, and an altitude graph. Depending on the watch, the data may be analyzed more than others. Some watches can sync this information up to an app, and maintain all your data for you.
Barometer
The quality of the barometric graph, and whether you can manually change the sea level pressure, are important features to consider when looking at watches. Depending on your preferences, some watches have graphs that look nicer than others, while some will allow you to plot different intervals.
Compass
You want to make sure that the watch you are considering has a reliable compass, some aren’t. Some watches come with tilt compensation technology, so it is not necessary to make your wrist horizontal to get a good reading. Most are pretty reliable for finding directions, and for finding general points of reference.
Time Keeper and Alarm
Most all watches will include a timekeeper of some sort, plus a stopwatch, alarm, and countdown timer. These features can vary to having five alarms instead of just one, or as well as variations in alarm sound, length, and volume.
GPS
Some watches are more accurate than others when it comes to their GPS. Since some are better than other, you really need to do your research and read reviews to figure out which will be the most reliable when you are out on the trail.
Ease of Use and Interface
It is important to consider the button size and how functional the features on the watch are, especially when you are wearing a set of gloves. Take a few minutes to set the calibration, or set the time function to see how well you can operate the buttons. You don’t want to find out that the buttons are difficult to work when you are out on a hike and need to use the navigational feature.
Altimeter Accuracy
The accuracy of the altimeter is a very important feature when you are shopping for your watch. The first thing you should consider is the interval that the watch is using. Next, you need to research how accurate the watch is based on calibration and then compared to known altitudes on hikes. It is also important to find out if the watch you are interested in provides accurate readings from daily calibrations. A little research and reading a few reviews should give you a good idea of how the watch you are considering will work on the trail.Display Quality
Your display quality should be easy to see in the day or night. You also want to see if you can change the background color setting, and make sure the display is easy to in all weather conditions. A larger watch face with different font color and mineralized glass composition is the best.
Comfort and Fit
When you are shopping for your new altimeter watch, fit and comfort are an important feature to consider. You want to make sure that you choose a breathable wristband with an ergonomic fit. Slimmer watches also tend to have a more comfortable fit on your wrist.
Temperature Sensors
Temperature sensors are also a nice feature, but most watch will provide inaccurate temperature readings when they are worn on your wrist. They can vary greatly in their reading depending on if you are wearing it, or carrying it in your backpack. These sensors tend to be a lot more accurate when they are not worn next to your skin, or were near a metal surface. They work a lot better when they are attached to a jacket, or secured to a plastic backpack strap. Your skin produces heat that throws the sensors off, as does any metal.
Conclusion
Editors‘ opinion: The clear winner of the best altimeter watch roundup is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00RY1YWSO” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Garmin Fenix 3 GPS Watch[/easyazon_link]. It has superb reception and accuracy, and it is compatible with both GPS and GLONASS satellite. It has awesome “sport” modes that will record your speed, distance, and vertical drop whether you are out hiking, swimming, running, skiing, or biking. It has a great durable and classy look, and it is available in the new [easyazon_link identifier=”B00RY1YYXW” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Sapphire edition[/easyazon_link].