Rickpatbrown

Thanks. This is very helpful.

I don't want it to navigate, other than by knowing exact elevation. I thought altitude could be accurately determined by GPS. I am admittedly very uneducated about all this. I was under the impression that a changing barometric pressure, between calibrations, could lead to quite false readings. Maybe, I'll just get the running watch for now and figure out the altimeter thing after some more mountaineering experience. I was just hoping to kill two birds with one stone.

The GPS for running is actually more important than the climbing. Pacing is extremely important for running half and full marathons. The battery issue is something I didn't think about. Will this be for all GPS watches? I was looking at the Garmin 410REI Store Does Suunto have any better offerings? Does everyone agree with me, that a pressure sensor altimeter is unacceptable with up to 1,000 feet errors possible?

Hey there, I'm looking to get a watch for mountaineering and running. I'm a bit turned off by the inherant inaccuracy of a pressure sensor altimeter. It seems that GPS is much better. I don't think that I need anything more in a mountaineering watch than an altimeter and an alarm. I'd rather save battery life than have a compass. I would also want this watch for running. Mostly, to keep my pace. I wouldn't mind a heart rate monitor compatibility though. Does anyone have any suggestions for a rugged solution to these needs? Thanks, Ricky