[Cdt-l] Suunto: thermometer recommendations for backpacking?

[Bob]

"One man's meat is another man's poison"

Terrapin's " Suunto multi-purpose wrist gadget" seems to have let him down.
But my decade-old Suunto Vector has been a marvelous reliable companion over
many miles.  I've loved it.  His must be a later, more complicated version
than my more simple Vector, e.g., he mentions pedometer.  I have changed
batteries in mine many times over the years and the thermometer, altimeter,
barometer, compass and alarms have been excellent.  I did replace the wrist
band (easily done) a couple years ago.  I was just wondering the other day
when I might start having problems with it, because I will want to get
another Suunto when it finally fails me.  My only real complaint about the
Vector I have is that the backlight feature has never been QUITE as bright
as my aging eyes would like.

>"(I also recall some unkind WWII era barbs about men with large watches);"

This made me smilingly recall waiting for the ferry in Vancouver. I had
mistakenly left my credit card on the counter in a store and, seconds later,
the attractive young saleswoman rushed outside, caught me, and smiled, "You
left your card behind, Mr. Big Watch."  

Dr Bob


-----Original Message-----
From: cdt-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:cdt-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Mike Beaty
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 9:52 AM
To: cdt-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [Cdt-l] Suunto: thermometer recommendations for backpacking?

"You don't need a Weatherman to tell which way the wind blows" -
Subterranean Homesick Blues

For what it's worth, I previously used a Suunto multi-purpose wrist gadget
and would not recommend it for use as a thermometer.

I experienced several issues:  led light failure in first months (REI
cheerfully replaced the watch free of charge); large face and squarish
corners frequently catch straps when removing pack, straining and breaking
the watch band pins (I also recall some unkind WWII era barbs about men with
large watches); thermometer failure after three years, displaying only the
max. reading of 123F.

I was never satisfied with its pedometer results, running or hiking...even
Ley Miles are more consistent.  The compass was dysfunctional and easily
perturbed.  The altimeter was simply silly and cludgy to calibrate, etc.

My favorite function, and most informative after the time and date, was the
barometer graph...which frequently brought Ben Franklin to mind (WTF?).

I'm sorry, but for US $150+, this device should perform and last longer.

Watching my water bottle,
Terrapin
Boise 

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