Backpacker Magazine – May 2008

Field Notes: The Latest Word from Our Testers

The green truth behind bamboo, a hyper-efficient cookpot, and a bargain three-person tent.

by: The Backpacker Editors

Tech4o Traileader | Under Armour Cold Gear Base 2.0 | Crazy Creek Backpacker Lite AIR | Bridgedale Ventum Light Hiker | Primus EtaPower 1.7L Pot | High Sierra Explorer 55 | ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 3 | Green Scene

TECH4O TRAILEADER WATCH
An altimeter watch that comes with an airbag? Well, not exactly. But the Tech4o does use the same electronic sensors as the now-ubiquitous safety device found in cars to measure speed and distance. "It proved accurate to within a tenth of a mile on long dayhikes," said our tester, who carried a GPS as a control. You lose some accuracy if your stride changes significantly, like on a steep summit bid, but that's a negligible tradeoff considering the price. Other features beyond the usual alarms and timers: barometric graph, ascent/descent calculator, and an electronic compass with declination and reverse bearing settings for expert routefinding. The big screen is easy to read and displays a wealth of data, but it makes the watch a bit bulky. $139. (800) 235-2607; tech4o.com.

Tech4o Traileader | Under Armour Cold Gear Base 2.0 | Crazy Creek Backpacker Lite AIR | Bridgedale Ventum Light Hiker | Primus EtaPower 1.7L Pot | High Sierra Explorer 55 | ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 3 | Green Scene