by Tony Berwald

When looking for an altimeter watch it is important to understand the limitations and expectations for the watch you are buying. The easiest way to do this is to define what an altimeter is. At the most basic level, an altimeter is simply a device that measures your altitude. Usually this is relative to sea level, but some watches allow you to set a different base point. The altimeter watch is becoming a more universal piece of gear and can be found online or at most outdoor retailers.

There are many altimeter watch manufacturers, including Nike, Suunto, High Gear, and Timex. There also are some smaller ones with great quality and some smaller ones with marginal quality. In my opinion and for the sake of brevity we’ll mention two of the largest and best ones – Suunto and High Gear. Buy from either of these companies for a variety of features and prices – their watches run anywhere from $50 to $1000. These manufacturers also offer the best return and refund policies, important as you discover all of the uses for your altimeter watch.

An altimeter is simply a barometer with some math behind it to spit out altitude. Oversimplified, the watch measures barometric pressure and gives altitude. As you get higher, air density decreases, causing lower barometric pressure. Conversely, as you descend, air pressure increases. Other factors like changing weather also affect barometric pressure, so it is important to recalibrate often, especially at the beginning of your time outside and as weather changes.

Are you a skier, mountain biker, skydiver, or hiker? If so, an altimeter watch may be for you. Knowing your elevation can be critical for each of these activities – especially as a safety precaution.

An altimeter watch is a critical piece of gear for most outdoor enthusiasts. I hope this article has provided you with enough information to begin your altimeter watch research.
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If you want to find more Altimeter Watch information, then visit Tony Berwald’s site on how to choose the best Altimeter Watch for your needs.

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