Gear Guide 2012: Highgear Axio HR Altimeter Watch

Track elevation, weather, and workout intensity with this powerful watch, which is also svelte enough for everyday wear. On trail, the Axio HR logs vertical speed and predicts weather changes; the built-in barometer accurately forecast increasing clouds in Chile’s central Andes.

Three altimeter presets speed calibration at your most-used trailheads. For serious training, pair it with the included chest strap, and it monitors your heart rate and stores up to 10 workouts (so you can compare performance and track fitness gains). Caveat: The sensitive side buttons get pushed inadvertently when scrambling or skiing, so testers attached the watch to a pack strap instead of a wrist. $190; 4.6 oz.; highgear.com