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SawatchFactory
300
Jul 20, 2017
Have one, love it. At $195, this is a sweet bargain. If you guys have any questions about the watch, fire away and I'll try to answer them.
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typeronin
101
Jul 20, 2017
SawatchFactoryIs this useful for hiking? I saw it has a GPS function but assumed that's it's just for keeping track of your run rather than navigation. I guess a barometer is useful for weather but most phones have that built in now.
SawatchFactory
300
Jul 20, 2017
typeroninI've used it while hiking and backpacking, but not to guide me. You can upload GPX files and waypoints and use it to navigate. Personally, I like to rely on paper for navigation. Nat Geo Trails Illustrated maps don't run out of batteries or stop working if they get too hot, cold, or wet. ;)
DannyMilks
4557
Jul 20, 2017
typeroninI find this type of watch very useful for hiking and absolutely vital for mountaineering. I do agree with Dave that a map is still essential. However, simply using the altimeter helps with determining location on a trail in the mountains. The altimeter and compass are useful for map reading and off-trail hiking. The barometer is helpful for weather. Add of course then you have the GPS function. Finally, having it all accessible on your hand is what makes it most useful. A map, compass and GPS unit that stay in your pack are as useful as if you'd left them at home. If you can regularly check your watch easily while hiking, then you're less likely to go off course or at least you'll learn of your navigation error earlier. I think it's the same as a camera - the one in your hand is a million times better than the one in your pack.
SawatchFactory
300
Aug 16, 2017
DannyMilksTotally agree that it's nice to have altitude to double check your location. For example, if you know that the trail goes over a pass that peaks at 12,000', you can get an idea of how much further you have to climb before you get to the top. I use it as a cycling computer, too. It pairs up with the Suunto HR strap and works with any BT power meter, which makes it a great training tool.
It's also fun to track your total vert. For example, I've climbed 92,785 feet this year, as of today. That's more than three Everests from sea level. I think that's pretty neat!
waywardson
95
Aug 17, 2017
SawatchFactoryMe and a mate have this watch. Mostly it's great and finds satellites quickly even when indoors on a cloudy day. Occasionally however, for seemingly no reason at all, it will hang on the searching for satellites screen (yes, while I'm standing in the middle of a large open treeless area with completely clear skies). One time while my mate was having this issue with his watch (legit was unable to find satellites for at least an hour) mine was connecting instantly, we were right next to each other, what the heck?!?!