Description of Highgear TerraTech Altimeter Watch:
Anyone who doesn't think an altimeter watch is a key piece of mountaineering gear has never had to navigate through a whiteout. Those who have know that the Highgear TerraTech Altimeter Watch can mean the difference between making it back to camp and an open bivy.
Thanks to a highly accurate one-meter resolution, the TerraTech Altimeter Watch increases the chances that you'll find the right descent route and not end up rapping over some gigantic face and sharing a one-butt ledge with your climbing partner. This Highgear watch also includes a barometer to help you track weather and avoid getting caught in crappy conditions to begin with.
Bottom Line: Unless you have a fondness for open bivies and frozen toes, get yourself the Highgear TerraTech Altimeter Watch.
This is a sweet deal. My friend was bragging about his $700 Tissot watch, and then I asked him, does it have an altimeter? Does it have a Barometer? What about a timer/stopwatch? Light? Thermometer? He said no to all three… It has large easy to read numbers, good durable materials. It has a light that is kind of dim, but still serves its purpose. Of course to use the thermometer, you have to take it off your wrist for a few minutes. Band is easy to adjust, and still comfortable (I have small wrists). Truth is, not many outdoors watches have all of these in one package. I have gotten all sorts of compliments on this one.
Have to say is my first altimeter watch i owned but it was put to the test on freezing temperatures for 2 days ranging from ( -17 to -5 max C it was attached to my backpack shoulder belt ) and it worked like a charm , the altimeter worked perfect the barometer had an minute difference (compared the pressure with a meteorological station reading and it was off by 1.8 mbar ) the display is great large easy to read and materials seem to be sturdy.
The compass is a great asset too just would be nice to stay bit more on then to go into standby mode after a short period .
A thumbs up for a very good price and a wide range of features .
As stated, this watch needs frequent calibration, but not as much as some people state unless you really are trekking backcountry and making some substantial altitude changes. So, that said, I would not rely on this altimeter for serious backcountry folks, but it works well for tracking downhill runs, etc. Yes, it is large, but that doesnt bother me much - it really does not feel heavy or anything. The large display is nice to see in whiteout slope conditions, especially. So my biggest complaint about the watch is the band - the plastic will begin to tear and mine eventually completely ripped off after about 6 months. Apparently one must be extra careful when taking it on and off,but I was in no way abusive with it. If the plastic band breaks, there is no chance of replacing / repairing it. So now its a pocket watch.
