Backpacker Magazine – November 2009

Gear Review: Freestyle Nomad Watch

This durable and accurate timepiece is also a bargain.

by: Testers Ted Alvarez, Anthony Cerretani, Shannon Davis, Jonathan Dorn, George Heinrichs, Dennis Lewon, Kris Wagner

Bargain
After summiting Mts. Chapin and Chiquita and Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park–a hike with 6,000 feet of elevation change–on a day when two thunderstorms blew through, our tester declared the Nomad's barometric altimeter admirably accurate. "I calibrated it before leaving home, and it was never more than 200 feet high or low–pretty remarkable considering the low pressure systems we encountered." The supersized screen is well-organized, and a menu bar in the center shows you which way to scroll to reach the function you want. The compass was helpful for spot-checking our route, and the alarm is loud enough to wake a tent of three. Nitpick: The stiff band rubbed some wrists. $160; 2.5 oz.; freestyleusa.com.

Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter