WATCH this… Nike Oregon Alti or Nike Ascent

this was just talked about –see this thread
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/583/index.html

I suppose my main questions are around what the big differences are between the two watches… from what I see from the manuals I could find they both have a temp/alti/bar function as well as alarms, etc. However in the aforementioned thread, there is some discussion that says that the Oregon does not include a thermometer? hmmm..

I also couldn’t find documentation that outlines the differences in how the cumulative ascent or descent is displayed as well as the comparisons of the alarm volume (as those are the main reasons for me getting one of these watches) Any info on these two questions specifically is appreciated!

Also consider the High Gear Altitech II. This is a carabiner type watch (I think that it offers more features than either of the Nike Watches). 10 are available on eBay for $104.95 each including shipping from Hardbooter.com. 2d 23h 31 hours left on the sale. The info for the listing is: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5198337293&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

… carabiner style, but I want to have the convenience of wearing it on my wrist especially for the times I’m biking too…

The Alti does have a thermometer but like all watches w/temp. function, it will give inaccurate readings while worn on your wrist due to proximity to body heat. You need to take it off ffor several minutes to 1/2 hour (depending on watch) to get a more accurate reading.
Alti is supposed to be a more current watch than the Ascent. One big advantage is that the battery on the alti is user replaceable (although this voids the warranty!). Ascent is not–big bucks for a techie.
Both watches weigh about the same. Alti has bigger face but bodies are somewhat similar in bulk.
I have heard that the Alti has more extensive logging functions than the Ascent but don’t know exactly which ones.
Hope this helps.

Also consider the size and thickness of any of these watches that has been suggested in the previous discussion. They arre all very large and they are all somewhere around 1/2″ to around 3/4″ thick; this can certainly get in the way and be a nuisance when wearing long sleeve clothing. As has been pointed out about using the thermometer on any of the wristwatch type altimeters the watch must be removed for some time for accurate measurements. So here the carabiner type watch has the edge.

I am sure that something could be done to strap the High Gear Altitech II to the handle bars of your bicycle. There is a bubble level on the Altitech II to make compass readings more accurate and easier than either of the Nike watches.

But here is something else to consider and that is the weight of most of these watches which is generally between 2 to 3 ounces. What is unbelievable is that this weight is approaching the weight of one of my new Stix Pro Hiking poles each of which weigh about 2.8 oz (specifications indicated 2.7 oz).

Richard, the 2 Nike watches being talked about do not have a compass function. Hence no bubble.
Digital compasses are not known for precise bearing accuracy but are good for a general idea.
Certainly good enough for bike activities.

I feel that if I go for the Carabiner type device, then I might as well get more for the ounce and consider something like a Brunton ADC Pro… decisions, decisions… I hate not being an impulse buyer sometimes…

Matthew,

That is exactly what I did. I ordered a Brunton ADC Pro. Spoke with Brunton today. They indicate a 1 year warranty even though their website indicates 2. Check their website for the instructions at: http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=262.

I purchased my Brunton ADC Pro from EverestGear.com at http://store.everestgear.com/355365.html. It is on sale right now for $199.99 plus shipping of $10.95. Mine was shipped today and I should have it Tuesday, May 31 (coming from wharehouse in Utah).

I know that Mark Verber has one and that he likes it a lot. You can check his small review at http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/gear/reviews/bruton-adc.html.

Mark is always very helpful and giving regarding his insight and I am sure that he would add his if you have additional questions.

Just my opinion, but I just got the Oregon Alti in the mail, was tipped off to the good deal by this site. My immediate and lasting impression is that it’s very heavy, and bulky. I can’t imagine wearing it on my wrist while backpacking. And seems to go against the whole light/simple backpacking aesthetic. Is weight just the price you pay for these things? I have a Suunto Observer on the way, we’ll see how the weight/bulk feels, but I”m starting to think I’ve made it this far without one, maybe I should pput that $300 toward a plane ticket, or gas or something… Or a chi-chi new sleeping bag. The list goes on, opportunity cost is about the only thing I remember from college.