GPS watches

A GPS watch can add an extra perspective on mountain navigation – and help to keep you fit. Alex Roddie tests eight of the top devices

WWHY SPEND MORE to 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 have I 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.