Watch/Compass/Thermometer/etc

On my Suunto Observer I use the altimeter frequently, even more than the time since I use it to pin point locations. I use the compass on occasion, and the thermometer rarely… since it has to be off my wrist for awhile to measure accurately.

I occasionally use the rate of climb (or decent) function as a game with myself to maintain a reasonably high rate. I have to be in just the right mood for it, though.

The functions that I use the most are the altimeter and the temperature (at night). Occasionally the alarm. ( for example when I want to watch the sunrise)
Mine is the Casio Pro-Trek, I like it because it is powered by a solar panel. On my last trip the altitude of mine and two different Suunto was always within 10 meters, often within 5 or the same. The Casio has 5m increments, the Suunto 1m. Having to take the watch off to measure the temperature is a bit of a pain but I mostly I use it at night to predict the lowest temperature.
The compass also gets used, but I normally have a separate hand held version.
Franco

Are there any watches that will record the low temp. for the night?

I am looking for a watch that can do that as well as log elevation change for the day and have a altimeter/barometer.

I have a Casio and a Suunto. The only useless feature is the thermometer. Since the device is on my wrist the temperature is always wrong. I tried to calibrate it but the microclimate changes with clothing. All other features I use regularly.
If I were to do it again I would only buy the Suunto. Accuracy is the same for all practical purposes IME, but the Suunto is more intuitive.

In case you were tempted toward a watch alternative, the Highgear Altitech2 is a bit of a disappointment. I'd wanted something other than a watch for altimeter, thermo, and alarm/time; the compass is a backup at best. But I found the device design to be bulky and the controls unwieldy. Feature navigation is marginally intuitive. The alarm chime is faint. Additionally (an unfortunate addition) it's attached to a weighty carabiner that's over 1/2oz.

Maybe Santa will drop me a Suunto.

-Michael

Avoid them ;) Seriously, I know some people love having everything in there watch, but I don't. Why?

I rather have a separate compass that
(1) I can lay flat on the map and get an exact line-up
(2) Doesn't depend on batteries to function

I would rather than a thermometer from my wrist to increase it's accuracy. If you don't care about seeing the temp on the trip the ibuttons are great. Otherwise there are a variety of recording devices.

I don't like the swing weight of the do everything watches. I know it sounds weird, but after wearing a heavier watch for a few days my wrist starts to hurt. My cheapo digital watch is ~.5oz.