KRobi
New member
I am asking for altimeter advice from the forum. I was (am?) looking for an altimeter. I prefer one on the wrist, which doubles as a watch. To that end, I purchased a High Gear Alti XT. I have been using it around the house and the altimeter function seems to be off consistently. I have set it using the current barometric pressure from NOAA, and using our elevation (400'). After both type of settings if we leave to go for a walk etc., by the time we are back we have either had a seismic uplift which results in our house gaining substantial elevation, or we have fallen into a crevasse and lost it.
I contacted High Gear and got little help, and when I just went to their website it says in a nice way we are no longer in business. I can return it to REI,
but after reading the old (2009) reports on altimeters on this site, I wonder if they all will be unreliable? With technology changing as much as it has in the last 5 years I am hoping that it has improved and another type/brand of altimeter will be more accurate. Updating the barometric pressure works, but is impractical at the trailhead or if the weather improves/declines during a hike.
What I would like is the following features (but I am not inflexible on other ideas that may work better)
1. Wrist model
2. BIG NUMBERS, so I don't need my reading glasses.
3. Compass, other features that might be handy. (always carry a "regular" compass this would be for quick reference)
I can purchase a GPS but we already have one which my wife carries, and having two seems redundant. I just want something to keep me informed on bush whacks etc. so I know about where we are without asking those I am with.
Thoughts?
It is also possible I am not setting it right, so if you have one and advice on this front I am open to help.
Ken
I contacted High Gear and got little help, and when I just went to their website it says in a nice way we are no longer in business. I can return it to REI,
but after reading the old (2009) reports on altimeters on this site, I wonder if they all will be unreliable? With technology changing as much as it has in the last 5 years I am hoping that it has improved and another type/brand of altimeter will be more accurate. Updating the barometric pressure works, but is impractical at the trailhead or if the weather improves/declines during a hike.
What I would like is the following features (but I am not inflexible on other ideas that may work better)
1. Wrist model
2. BIG NUMBERS, so I don't need my reading glasses.
3. Compass, other features that might be handy. (always carry a "regular" compass this would be for quick reference)
I can purchase a GPS but we already have one which my wife carries, and having two seems redundant. I just want something to keep me informed on bush whacks etc. so I know about where we are without asking those I am with.
Thoughts?
It is also possible I am not setting it right, so if you have one and advice on this front I am open to help.
Ken
