The Great Outdoors - UK (2021-08)

80 The Great OutdoorsAugust 2021

GPS WATCHES

A GPS watch can add an extra perspectiveon mountain navigation –

and help to keep you fit. Alex Roddie tests eight of the top devices

W

WHY SPEND MOREto get a watch with GPS

in it when a £5 digital watch will tell the

time? Or, for those used to smartphone

navigation, what can a GPS watch do

better? If you want to record your walk for

future analysis, this is the best way to do it.

Ever tried to record a walk on your phone,

only to curse when it runs out of battery

after a few hours? GPS watches offer much

better battery life than your phone in GPS

mode. And yes, they even tell the time!

Handheld GPS devices have existed for

many years, and the cheapest model will

record your walk, navigate a saved route,

and give a grid ref and elevation. Where

they differ is that a GPS watch will easily

communicate with your phone (most

handhelds don’t), can be used for fitness

tracking, and has a built-in rechargeable

battery (most handhelds still run on

AAs). This makes some models ideal as a

navigation sidekick for mountain walking.

Where I think the GPS watch excels is

in the quick check: how far haveI walked?

Is this the summit? Am I on course? Where’s

the next steep gradient? How far to the car?

Although you can do this with a smartphone

• or by pacing/timing with a map and
  compass – having all this info ‘glanceable’
  on your watch can be very convenient.
  GPS watches need skill and experience
  to use safely. Whilst some are capable of
  replacing a traditional GPS, others are best
  thought of as basic walk trackers to use
  alongside other techniques. Never rely
  solely on one for navigation.

Gear comparative review