Are you looking for the most accurate altimeter watches for mountaineering, hiking, skiing, skydiving or for backpacking? Here are the top 7 altimeter watches to measure the accurate altitude.
If you dedicate yourself professionally or are fond of outdoor activities, you need a watch with altimeter, barometer, compass, and important functions such as GPS with the weather forecast. So you can be informed at all times of what is happening around you. Nothing unexpected! But what are the best altimeter watches or ABC watches on the market right now? What are the most accurate watches to measure the accurate altitude?
In this comparison, we present the 7 best watches with an altimeter that will help you with your outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountaineering, skiing, paragliding. We will compare them and analyze them thoroughly so you can be sure that the altimeter watch is ideal for you.
How do Altimeter Watches work?
We try to understand on which principle the operation of the altimeter is based. The operation is based on the principle according to which the weight of an air column varies depending on how high this column is, therefore, the higher the altitude, the lower the atmosphere above us. The altimeter measures the pressure and from this, it goes back to the elevation, from here it is easy to deduce that the altimeter is only a barometer calibrated in meters.
Although, you can use your smartphone and a good altimeter app to measure the altitude. But this is not a good idea in the case of excursions of a certain level of complexity. It is always better to have a professional device at professional levels, right?
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Watches with altimeter: find your best adventure watch in this comparison
Surely you find it very useful and interesting to be able to see in detail a comparison of watches that combine several tools such as altimeter, barometer, thermometer, hygrometer, compass and heart rate monitor, in this way you will have an “all in one” on your wrist and you can guide yourself in everything with the data you need at the right time.
Most of these altimeter watches are ideal for activities such as cycling, running, hiking, mountaineering, swimming, skiing, rowing, racing, triathlon, SUP, climbing, parachuting, paragliding, marathons and many more.
Also, read our other guides on the Casio G-Shock watches, modern cuckoo watches, trekking watches, and sports watches.
Suunto Core All Altimeter Watches
The Suunto brand stands out for its exclusivity in adventure watch technology. Suunto manufactures watches with altimeter, barometer, compass that also incorporate options such as GPS and a very convenient price-quality ratio. One of its best virtues is the resistance to any type of weather of its watches, ranging from being submersible 30m to withstand temperatures below zero, there is undoubtedly no weather to stop this altimeter watch.
Among the best-selling models online is the Suunto Core All. It comes in a sober and always fashionable black color both in the case and in the strap.
The first is made of a durable composite material that makes the sports watch water resistant to 10 meters deep. Among the functions present, in addition to the barometric altimeter, a compass is offered, and a depth gauge useful for knowing the depth of the eventual immersion that is being carried out.
The altitude is shown in the clear graph. All the characters are clearly legible and the light gray color on black background helps a lot this feature. Very useful information in real-time on the evolution of the weather, with an alarm that is activated in the event of an approaching storm. Want to know more and the price with a discount? Just follow the link below.
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Casio Men’s GW9400Rangeman G-Shock
The Casio GW9400 Rangeman is one of the best watches with the altimeter on the market, robust and reliable. One of its main features is that it does not need to be recharged since it uses its own solar energy system that allows it to recharge with the sun’s energy. In addition, its most important characteristics are the resistance, durability, and reliability of the data, so it is one of the most chosen Casio watches with altimeter.
In fact, it integrates an altimeter and a barometer that displays the atmospheric pressure in hPa, in a range between 260 and 1,100. Its protective mineral crystal dial window makes it very difficult to scratch and also very resistant to extreme climates, from rain to freezing temperatures. Furthermore, it is one of the watches with the highest water resistance altimeter, up to 200 meters deep (660 feet), with a depth gauge or depth gauge. This function makes it a perfect choice for scuba diving.
In addition to this essential data, the classic digital clock functions are offered: daily alarms (up to 5) timer/stopwatch, date and time. The excellent internal battery that guarantees an autonomy of 3 years. Want to know more and the price with a discount? Just follow the link below.
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Garmin Fenix 3 HR
The Garmin Fenix 3 HR is a watch with all the functions and sensors that a hiker may want, but it is also a multisport device that closely monitors each exercise.
It is one of the best mountain watches because, in addition to including the classic ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, and compass), it integrates GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope and even a sensor to measure the pulse in the wrist.
This together with the possibility of installing Garmin IQ applications, make it a clock that can be customized and used for virtually any activity: hiking, running, swimming, cycling, etc.
Of course, he is also a master of connectivity that integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to synchronize data and notifications with the phone, load maps or any smartwatch function that comes to mind.
Although, despite not being compatible with the Russian satellite network (GLONASS), the Ambit also has navigation and tracking functions thanks to its high-performance GPS antenna.
It is among the best mountain watches with ABC sensors for its functions as altimeter, barometer, and compass, but we are also facing a Bluetooth device capable of connecting with the Suunto Movescount application to analyze and plan each route. Want to know more and the price with a discount? Just follow the link below.
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Garmin Fenix 5 – The best sports altimeter watch
Finally, one of the best-valued altimeter watches among its buyers, the Garmin Fenix 5. A watch prepared for any outdoor challenge, incorporating incredible functions with unbeatable power.
The Fenix 5 is basically a high-resolution color smartwatch designed to work in extreme conditions. As his little brother, it is an elegant watch that can be dressed perfectly on a day-to-day basis, but when he is taken for a walk he has even more professional mountain functions, such as the three-axis compass.
It also has all the sensors available and for having: altimeter, barometer, thermometer, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, GPS compatible with GLONASS and pulse sensor on the wrist.
It is a high-end multisport watch, so it measures anything in almost any sport: swimming, running, cycling, skiing, golf and a long, etc. And what you don’t have can be extended with Garmin IQ applications.
It also has absolute connectivity (Bluetooth and WiFi) and shows any notification that is on your smartphone. Even, you can read emails if necessary. Want to know more and the price with a discount? Just follow the link below.
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SUUNTO Ambit3 Peak
Suunto Ambit3 Peak is one of the best GPS altimeter watchs on the market. Because of the precision of the altimeter, it is an excellent watch to know its altitude and to follow its unevenness. The Ambit3 Peak offers a plethora of useful features for those seeking a precise altimeter or wanting to track their physical activity.
The Ambit3 Peak is an ABC watch (Altimeter / Barometer / Compass) with a thermometer. It combines GPS data and barometric altitude to accurately calculate altitude progression. It displays information on the altitude profile of the routes in real-time. The altitude graph is quite easy to use.
This altimeter watch has a fast and accurate GPS thanks to its SiRFstarV GPS chip. You can import GPX touring routes from a computer on the watch. It is possible to create routes in Suunto Movescount with topographic maps. The watch can then navigate and view the altitude profile of a route.
When calibrated correctly, the altimeter of the Ambit3 Peak is quite accurate. Accuracy can increase by using the FusedAlti function that allows automatic correction using GPS. In addition to providing barometric pressure and altitude, this watch features adjustable profiles. You can choose to display a barometric or altitude profile. If you are hiking uphill or downhill, the watch automatically displays the altitude profile. In addition to a profile that records information every 15 minutes, it also displays a graph of the last 24 hours. Want to know more and the price with a discount? Just follow the link below.
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Suunto Traverse Altimeter Watch
The next guest of our list is a watch designed exclusively for the mountain. This is the Suunto Traverse, a modern and elegant design watch that hides many mountain and hiking functions.
Among its main features, we can find a high-quality GPS, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, digital compass, distance, and speed tracking and even a flashlight mode.
With such a large number of sensors, the Traverse can even track weather trends and alert us when the storm is approaching. Features that make it one of the best mountain and hiking watches.
Although undoubtedly the highlight of this watch is its GPS, capable of connecting to the GLONASS satellite network for greater accuracy and showing us the route to follow on the screen even with points of interest.
It also has Bluetooth and is compatible with the Suunto Movescount application. So you can connect with your smartphone to receive notifications, plan routes, transfer data and of course view and share all the details of each excursion. Want to know more and the price with a discount? Just follow the link below.
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Garmin Vivoactive 3: a connected altimeter watch
This is another best Altimeter watch on the market, even if its connected features are quite limited.
It accepts iOS and Android operating systems. With the ANT + protocol and Bluetooth, it is compatible with external sensors such as Varia products. The main goal of the brand being the autonomy, the screen is easily legible even in full sun, but it lacks a bit of contrast.
It is a watch equipped with numerous sensors: GPS and Glonass, barometric altimeter, compass, accelerometer, thermometer, and heart rate sensor.
Its interface is tactile and is ideal for everyday activities and sports activities. Its cardio sensor is powerful and ensures a good reliability of the measured data. Those who wear it 24 hours a day can find, with the Garmin Connect app, their heart rate when they are at rest, the duration of their sleep, the number of calories burned or their level of stress.
On the sporting side, it offers the monitoring of fifteen different sports, such as running, walking, swimming or skiing or bodybuilding. Each sport profile offers a wide range of personalization possibilities, such as the choice of data that you want to display on its four screens. An alarm dedicated to the heart rate makes it possible to avoid going beyond the bounds of reasonableness. Only downside, the disconnection of the heart rate monitor underwater.
As for GPS, it is very responsive and its routes are well identified with few errors. Want to know more and the price with a discount? Just follow the link below.
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Casio Men’s SGW-1000-1ACR
Looking for an all-terrain watch? You will not have a hard time finding it in the market place. However, if you want a model that is both elegant, durable and versatile, know that the Casio SGW 1000 will meet all your expectations. It stands out from its counterparts by its beautiful design, but also by its versatility. Imagine that with this gadget, you will not have to worry about controlling your physical activity, including Trekking in the mountains.
This watch has several features including the altimeter, the barometer, the compass and the thermometer. On the other hand, its case is robust so that even at 100 meters in the water, it remains functional. It is powered by a CR1616 battery provided for purchase. It will certainly cost enough money to have it, but it will not work at all complicated. Want to know more and the price with a discount? Just follow the link below.
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Advantages of altimeter watches
There are innumerable advantages that a clock device with altimeter, barometer, thermometer, hygrometer, compass and other functions such as those presented in these reviews can give you, from helping you with the statistics of your activities, to giving you professional measurements for your most extreme adventure.
- The design of these watches is very compact. It is one of the most important features, since they allow you to concentrate on your wrist, a very complete instrument for your adventures.
- Robustness and resistance: all the altimeter watch models that we present here, have official certifications and meet all the standards that guarantee their resistance to both extreme climates, such as water, dust, scratches, etc.
- Easy-to-get accessories: both the fastening straps, such as crystals and other accessories and the batteries are easy to obtain as they are internationally recognized brands, which gives you extra confidence when buying.
- Easy to clean: because all models are water-resistant, some even submersible up to 100 meters, can be easily washed to be ready for your next adventure.
My guide to buying the best outdoor sports watches with altimeter 2019
A shopping guide is a set of criteria and rules that you must consider before investing in the purchase of a trekking watch. While some basic criteria remain the same, there are other things to consider.
Below, I listed the main criteria that must be met. While some have built-in or native heart rate monitors, others have a storm alert system based on barometric pressure to show.
Characteristics
As I mentioned before, the three main and fundamental characteristics of any great hiking watch are the altimeters, the barometer and the compass, the trio to form the initials ABC and that is why hiking watches are also called ABC watches.
If you invest a little more money, you will also find more information about altitude changes and other things like this.
We will now discuss the simplest features that should not be missed.
Altimeter
The ‘A’ of ABC is your altimeter. The work of the altimeter is quite simple: it measures the atmospheric pressure around you and informs you of the altitude at which you are.
Sometimes, the humble altimeter can be much more reliable and accurate than a GPS simply because the GPS may not receive a good signal once the man or woman is in a cave or other place. In the bush too, GPS systems do not work very reliably.
In fact, some of the best watches can easily track altitudes, rank them according to a version of your choice, and then download the complete sequence into a database where they can be used to plot streets and other vital data.
This information provides a complete and informative summary of your trekking.
Barometer
These dimensions have different implications: if it can determine if a storm has been prepared (when the reading is too low and too fast), the unit can also display when heavy rain falls.
In this way, a barometer is of paramount importance in case you go hiking in a far enough place where you are not too sure of the weather conditions.
Compass
As almost all hikers and hikers understand, a compass is probably the main tool used. What differs from one version to another is the type of compass used.
There are two main types of compasses: 2D and 3D. If 2D compasses only work if the wristwatch is perfectly flat, it is also true that a 3D compass works in most directions. In this respect, remember that a 3D compass is much more accurate than its 2D compass.
Most of today’s watches are equipped with compasses. For more accurate and reliable assessments, a typical compass should be worn and worn by the most experienced activists.
Thermometer
Be aware that even though a thermometer is really an important consideration, not all thermometers give you the right information.
The simple truth that watches are constantly in contact with your skin means that your body temperature could interfere with the operation of the thermometer. It is nevertheless an additional feature that can be taken into account.
GPS
The GPS or Global Positioning System is today an indispensable tool.
Some high-end bike watches even have an EXO outdoor antenna to capture the GLONASS and other navigation positioning systems. In this way, users will benefit. However, an additional technical GPS unit is essential for each trip.
Using an on-board GPS service will also help you pinpoint your space, speed and current location.
Wireless
Most modern devices are interconnected and many hikers also tend to stay connected while on the move.
Therefore, if a watch has Wi-Fi connectivity, this will be a great new feature. Wi-Fi connectivity also allows you to connect your trekking watch to your PC. This feature also allows you to exchange data between your computer and the watch you are wearing.
In addition to the data, you can also use the larger monitor to better chart your way by downloading the watch information. You can then calculate the distance, altitude and path that can be used as a guide for your trip.
Watertightness
Water resistance is something that is shared with many hiking watches. Perhaps the only difference between most watches is the water resistance of this unit.
In the end, there are some watches on the list that are only 50 meters waterproof while others have a water resistance of 200 meters.
Design and style
Although most of these watches can also be useful for the day, there is, as always, a first of his peers and each user must decide on his version independently.
Most of these watches fit well in your dress instances, but if the dial is too big, it will not look too subtle, that’s for sure. Decide which one to buy based on your needs and the size of your wrist. This is especially true for women.
If style and design are important to you, choose a watch that contains plastic. If I recommend a watch that you can wear on the runway for your office party, buy one of the models created by Suunto.
Ladies, I suggest you consult the Garmin Fenix range. Some survival mode hiking watches are not always stylish because they are designed for durability and robustness in terms of aesthetics.
Budget
This is perhaps the most important factor to consider for many modern customers. In general, the budget is between 150 $ and 600 $. Before paying, you must remember the qualities of the watch. Keep in mind that when a watch comes with a GPS, the cost increases dramatically.
Ideally, before starting the campaign, you should familiarize yourself with physical maps and a compass. So you do not have to spend too much money on a trekking watch. The GPS service can also be worth investing every penny you invest in according to technological accuracy.
I give you a brief point of reference on which you can expect in each price range:
- $ 70- $ 200: The watches in these price ranges are basic no-frills watches for hikers.
- $ 200- $ 500: Some watches in this price range will also be equipped with a GPS. They tend to be more elegant and powerful than most previous price ranges. That’s why these watches can be worn for any occasion: from paths to conference rooms.
- 500 $ and more: At this level, the majority of trekking watches are mainly GPS wrist computers. You will have access to downloadable paths and customizable GPS tracking, among other purposes. This is the perfect range for marathon runners, triathletes and serious adventure sports enthusiasts.
Conclusions on these altitude measurement instruments
In conclusion, an altimeter watch is a great portable device. It will give you the advantage of carrying on your wrist all the information you need to make your adventures incredible. In addition, here we have provided you with very valuable information about the best brands and models that currently exist. Ahead! Buy with the confidence that only adventurers have.
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