The hiking watches have a unique position in the field of watches for sports. Modern models are built to ensure that they can endure heavy loads, high temperatures, and also be resilient to shock and drops. This means that they will not fail during heavy rain, accidentally striking stones, or getting discharged in the wrong manner. The watch should remain “tenacious” in every sense of the word: waterproof, shockproof, and doesn’t require charging at least twice per day.
Watches were previously worn when hiking to keep track of the time and wake up to an alarm. Today, they can replace multiple gadgets at once, helping to navigate, forecast the weather, and display when sunrise is, it’s an actual onboard computer for the tourist. We can determine the functions that are available in the latest watches and decide those that are helpful in tourism. Although smartwatches can serve numerous functions, they are not as effective as watches for hiking. When choosing an outdoor watch, it is important to be attentive to certain aspects, to ensure that they don’t fall short during the toughest times. Here we will discuss some of the most important things to consider when selecting the best hiking watches. Let’s get started.
Resistance to impact
Shockproof models are made to protect the delicate components of the movement as well as the dial from damage. In a hectic lifestyle traveling, sports, and other activities and travel, the possibility of extreme events is inevitable and the watch’s case has to withstand the impact of shock and vibrations. It is built with a strong structure it performs differently than mechanical and quartz watches.
A protective cover that protects the dial is the reason for this. It is made from sapphire, mineral, or polymer glass. It is made of polymer (or organic glass) is found in the majority of budget models. It’s very sturdy, however, scratches can rapidly appear and the glass begins to cloud. Mineral glass is utilized in the majority of watches today as it is scratch-resistant and nearly impossible to break. Scratches are simple to remove in the workshop. Sapphire crystals do not scratch or break in any way. It is probably the costliest coating substance however, it’s supported by its long-lasting properties.
Resistance to water
Drops of water when they come in contact with the watch may instantly disable the mechanism. It is best to buy an item that is waterproof up to 10 bar at 100 meters of depth. These watches can be able to withstand rain, and wash in the shower and are ideal for diving and swimming to depths of 3-5 meters.
There’s a nuance here the amount in meters does not indicate the depth to that you can dive with the watch. It refers to the depth that the watch can stand up to the same pressure of water in tests conducted by labs. In reality, however, watches that have a resistance to water of 30 meters or 3 at advising the maximum level of resistance for walking in rain. They are ideal for hiking and mountain excursions However, for water sports, it is recommended to select an item with a water resistance of 50 meters or 5 atm. Water resistance of 100 meters or over is sufficient for diving.
Chargers for power
In remote locations and remote locations, it’s difficult to make time to wind the watch manually or for the replace of batteries. The majority of travel and hiking watches can be used for multiple purposes. But the lighting and accessories consume the most power. We suggest choosing an accessory powered by solar energy – it can be charged by any light source. A short time in the sun will be enough for the device to function for longer than a day.
Watches with rechargeable batteries will last shorter. Depending on the type of watch and the mode of operation the time of operation on one charge can range from 10 hours to a month. The most efficient way to drain the battery is through the use of GPS. Also, the more frequently you use satellites, the faster the battery will run out. If you write an endlessly detailed track, your watch could be completely discharged within 10 hours. So, if you decide to embark on an adventure in a place where there are no outlets in the houses. Also, you are planning to use an electronic watch that has GPS make sure you bring a solar or charger battery.
Utilized functions
A timepiece for hiking can help you get through the day. Also, lighten the burden of your backpack by storing multiple devices into one bag. The most modern brands of the world have generously stocked products with various complications. We decide which features of a sports watch are useful for the trial.
1. Compass
Its present in almost all sports watches, however, it can be fitted equipped with tilt compensation (it could be referred to as”3D compass “3D compass”), or is it not. A watch equipped with no tilt compensation should be held horizontally while the 3D compass displays the right value, regardless of the hand position in the hands. Ovik Mkrtchyan
2. Barometer
It monitors atmospheric pressure, produces a graph of the changes, and helps forecast the weather for the following day. The basic principle is if the pressure decreases it is more likely to rain when it increases it improves the weather If the weather is even it is unlikely that the weather will change. Ovik Mkrtchyan
3. A Storm warning
If there is a sudden plunge of pressure on the part of the wearer. It alerts you in the event of an approaching storm. This is a vital characteristic for travel that is autonomous – even if there’s no signal between you. Also, the environment, a warning will advise you to seek shelter and to wait for severe weather.
4. Thermometer
The range of temperatures measured will differ for different watches models. For instance, Garmin, which is one of the top models for hiking, has an operating temperature that ranges from -20 dig C to +60 degrees C. This must be considered if you are planning an excursion in winter or hiking in the mountains. Another thing to remember is that to ensure that the thermometer read accurately the watch should be taken off from the wrist and then waited for a few minutes.
5. Navigation
The people who enjoy hiking trails, trail running and the great outdoors will require an effective GPS watch that can provide top navigation features as well as a long battery lifespan designed for long-term adventures.
Do you require a navigator on your wrist for travel? The answer isn’t all easy. On one hand, the capability to keep track of a trail and see it all with a single motion of your wrist looks appealing – you do not need to carry many gadgets with you for a hike. The navigator is always in your pocket. However, indeed, the operation of GPS inside your watch is extremely draining the battery, meaning you’ll need to carry the charger along and you will not gain in size. In a serious, self-contained hike, a GPS navigator with a big screen. Also, precise maps are significantly more reliable and easy to use. It is essential to have at least one such navigator for each group. Or at a minimum, and a compass-equipped map.
But, your watch’s GPS function is an extremely useful and convenient feature. Garmin offers a massive collection of topographic maps as well as pre-designed routes which can be downloaded ahead of time and utilized as a security net along your route. Ski tourists utilize the GPS within their watches to remember the lift’s elevations and not lower than the minimum.
This guideline will assist you to choose the best hiker’s watch for long-term usage. Be aware that common smartwatches cannot replace the need for a watch worn by hikers.
