Lightweight alarms that Won’t Turn Off until pressed?

I have a Timex Expedition women's watch (it's not huge like the men's version) and while the alarm only lasts 20 seconds, if you don't turn it off it goes into a snooze function where the alarm will go off again in 10 or so minutes. If you miss the second alarm, it stays off–so if you would need a third reminder this watch isn't for you.

Thanks Zack!

Anyone else have input?

Some electronic kitchen timers do what you are looking for. They have both the countdown and alarm feature and won't turn off until shut off.

Generally they are encased in bulky/heavy plastic cases but the actual electronics are tiny, especially if they are powered by a watch battery. With a little bit of ingenuity, you can remove the electronics and use it without the plastic.

I use the Invisible Clock II on the trail and set it for about 4:45 am each morning. I put it on 8 vibrations per alarm, and have two alarms set, 10 minutes apart. I put the clock in my titanium coffee mug/cooking pot (dual purpose mug). In 60 days of trail use, it has woken me up on the first alarm 98% of the time, only 1-2 times did I go back to sleep and need the 2nd alarm. It awakens you so intensely, that you don't feel like going back to sleep. It is immensely more intense than any other alarm clock I've ever used, at home or on the trail. The secret though is vibration mode in the coffee mug. Much more intense and effective than the beep sounds.

Hi Roleigh,

I've read of your use w/ the coffee mug in previous posts. However, do you feel it would be enough when encased in a 25 degree down bag + huge down parka w/ hood, + beanie + balaclava + mad bomber hat? In situations like that, I have a feeling that placing the clock inside the hat would still end up being better? Maybe having it vibrate inside my hat would still be very effective. I'd have to test that out I suppose.

In cases where I'll only have my 25 degree bag, or with just a beanie + balaclava outside (when using a quilt), I could see it being loud enough when outside in the mug.

Of course, the only metal pot I carry is a Heiniken Keg :)

Hi Joe,

Thanks very much for the idea. I'm probably looking for something easier than this, but if it comes down to it in the future, and I'm desperate enough, I'll certainly consider it!

What about your digital camera? My Olympus is LOUD and the screen comes on bright white. If it wakes me up it must work.

Don't think my Canon has an alarm. My main negative for using a camera alarm is draining the batteries. Also, I still doubt it would be loud enough using my winter setup … many hats + down mummy hood + parka. Don't really want to sleep with my camera in my bag.

Another thing I forgot to mention about the Timex Expedition–it has 3 alarms, so you could set it for 5:00, 5:01, 5:02…you get the idea. That plus the snooze function would make it pretty hard to sleep through the beeping. Seems easier and more multi-use than wearing a watch and carrying an alarm clock.

Hey Zack,

Thanks for the additional info. The Invisible Clock II will actually do that as well, but with 12 alarms!