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Altimeter timepieces read temperature and barometric pressure to calculate altitude, which comes in handy when a GPS receiver adds too much bulk. The more options, the better: stopwatch, barometric-trend display, digital compass, clock, and multiple altitude logs and alarms.
SPLURGE
Suunto Titanium Observer
More than just a pretty face, the Titanium Observer includes an altitude alarm and readout, stopwatch with up to 99 total split and lap times, thermometer, barometric-trend display, and compass (which allows for half-degree declination adjustments). In storm-swept camps, set the altitude readout to ignore fluctuating barometric pressure. A log stores ascent and descent rates, number of ski runs, and elapsed time.
$499, www.suuntousa.com.
BEST BUY
Nike ACGAscent Compass
The versatile, highly functional Ascent Compass covers the same bases as the Suunto and goes the extra mile with a temperature alarm, weather forecaster, and autolight that shines when any button is pushed. In one innovative mode, you can start the stopwatch at the top of a ski run and it turns off automatically at the bottom. Store altitudes for up to 20 destinations and review your highest altitude and total ascent.
$199, www.niketown.com.
OVERRATED
Swiss Army StarTech 3000
The StarTech 3000 will dazzle you with its classy looks, quality build, and analog clock, but it will disappoint you with its paltry feature set. The altimeter lacks a compass and an alarm function and log. The StarTech's barometer displays the current absolute-pressure value but omits a trend display, forcing you to keep a written record if you want to track weather patterns.
$275, www.swissarmy.com.
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