Gear Review: Casio Pathfinder Solar-Powered Watch

Sand mucks it up. Large case gets snagged with gear, straps, and cams. Can't get banged up. Not good for rough operations, too nice. Doesn't reflect so I'm not a bullseye or announces our presence.
Good civilian watch. Not good for rough deployment.

I love my pathfinder, my wife purchased this watch for me almost 3 years ago for a Scout trip in New Mexico. Since that time it has been my constant companion to oceans, mountains and just daily work days. It has never failed me. I truly believe it is the best watch that I have ever owned. It is an expensive watch, but good deals can be had on the internet.

I saw a couple people referencing this as a good pre-deployment present, but didn't know if it could withstand the heat or conditions of Iraq/Afghanistan. I have been in country for over 6 months and I have yet to have one problem with my Pathfinder. It has reached about 137 here in the summer. It is a great watch and I wouldn't want anything else. The Solar ring will always keep it charged and it will never die.

what other countries does the atomic timekeeping feature on this watch NOT work in besides central america as one reader commented above? also can you then manually readjust the time?? any info. or help would be much appreciated. thank you.

@armywife: In my experience (albeit all secondhand through friends who have been over in the Middle East), most civilian equipment can't handle the conditions in Afghanistan. There are a lot of Mil Spec watches available, but I can't speak to their performance from personal experience. I can say, however, that I would probably lean towards *not* sending this watch overseas without confirming that it could handle the conditions. - WMR

I wore my Pathfinder up Mt. Shasta two days ago and there was a small spot of condensation on the inside of the lens which made it very difficult to read. I've had my Pathfinder for over two years and this was the first time it's been anything but perfect. I use it as my primary altimeter and back-up compass while adventure racing and it's been very dependable.

I was wondering if this watch would survive on a soldier's wrist. It sounds like a great predeployment (Afganistan) gift. I'm not sure about the temps in Afgan, but Iraq reached 145 temps in summer - what the extreme temps didn't destroy, the sandstorms did. I would appreciate any advice on military grade gear.

I have a slightly older version of this series, but the solar power is an improvement over the three-battery thickness of the pre-solar Pathfinders. The really like the watch; it's tough (my is pretty scraped and dented, now that I look at it) and reliable for the outdoors.

However, I point out:

As mentioned, the thermometer is not very accurate if the watch is on your wrist, or under layers of clothing. If you wear the watch 24 hours a day, as I tend to do, it's not overly useful.

The atomic timekeeping feature is geeky fun, but the FM signal could not reach me during my Central American work, nor does it work in Atlantic Canada, so it's moot.

After having two Pathfinders over the years, I find that I usually use the watch for gee-whiz readings, relying on dedicated instruments (compass, altimeter) for more detailed work.

I bought one of these before a 2008 New Mexico Scout hiking trip and echo the comments above. It is tough, the solar battery keeps everything charged as long as the watch isn't stored in a drawer, and the atomic clock check means I never doubt if the watch is right. It is a superb watch. The barometer graph has helped prepare me for a few thunderstorms as well.

I bought one of these before a 2008 New Mexico Scout hiking trip and echo the comments above. It is tough, the solar battery keeps everything charged as long as the watch isn't stored in a drawer, and the atomic clock check means I never doubt if the watch is right. It is a superb watch. The barometer graph has helped prepare me for a few thunderstorms as well.

Thank you for the thorough article on this solar watch. As luck would have, I was in the market for a new hiking watch, and with all the brands out there I was without a clue where to begin. You not only outlined your personal experience with this watch, but where you found it ½ off. After reading your article last night I immediately went to the REI Outlet online and bought one; thank you!!

Moose