Equipment Store

Highgear Alterra Altimeter Watch

Highgear Alterra Altimeter Watch description

The High Gear Alterra Altimeter Watch is a wrist mounted computer for tracking fun. Whether trail running, skiing, climbing or mountain biking, this High Gear watch keeps track of your progress. An altimeter with Ski Chrono function automatically calculates your total vert and speed of descent, and then saves the info so you can rub it in to your friends. For runners there is a 50 lap chronograph and split timer that remembers the fastest laps and average times. Despite its high-tech features, the Alterra Altimeter doesn't forget that it's an outdoor adventure watch. It is loaded with dual time zone functions, multiple alarms, a barometer, thermometer, and compass. The Alterra Altimeter Watch is a serious piece of equipment that provides the vital info you need to get the most out of an epic day in the mountains.

Bottom Line: The High Gear Alterra Altimeter Watch doesn't make espresso, but it can do pretty much everything else.

Had the watch for 4 weeks and never saw the weather icon change in the face of real weather variations. Watch was rebooted with great help from BC and Highgear techs over the phone but no change with weather icon. Altitude could be 800-1200 ft off true elevation even with daily calibrations. Barometer was fairly accurate. Compass has a funky display to indicate lead point; a series of vertical lines interfaced with compass-face letters. As reviews noted, thermometer is markedly affected by body temp. Its difficult to see bezel markings in the sun on graphite model (silver bezel). Although reviews suggested accuracy not to be spot-on I was expecting a bit more from the altimeter and weather icon functions. Perhaps I was still expecting too much from the watch or perhaps I had a lemon right now its on its way back to BC for a refund.

Loved the features on this watch-- unlike a couple of previous reviewers, I found it quite easy to program. It's also good looking, sturdy, all around a good value for the price. Also, as noted by a previous reviewer-- if you set the altimeter first it's an easier way to calibrate the watch. The ski features, in particular, are impressive.However, I am a small woman, and like most altimeter watches, this is a BIG timepiece. I didn't mind the weight or the look of the size of the face, but I returned it because I was unable to adjust the strap in such a way that the watch fit correctly, due to the diameter of the face.One note-- in the photo the graphite watch looks grey all over, but in fact it is a silver face on a truly black strap.