What devices would help me track my outdoor activities and fitness?

Question

I recently moved to CO and I want to buy a device to help me track various activities such as hiking, trail running, snowboarding, etc. Along with the general "outdoor activities", I also want to use it for going to the gym as well for basic fitness tracking.

While fitness/outdoors is my primary concern, I'd like it to also look stylish and not too bulky.

What do you actually need it for? We'll need more info to help you make a good decision here — , Sep 21 '16 at 13:24
Hi Eric, and welcome to TGO.SE. This question is a bit confusing as it stands... it might be too broad (give me all the input you can think of), or it could be a duplicate of "How to select a good GPS receiver?", or it could be flagged as a shopping question. As Liam pointed out, we need more information to see how we can help. — Roflo, Sep 21 '16 at 14:08
Like beeing said, it's too broad, opinion based and a shopping request. I vote to close. — Wills, Sep 21 '16 at 14:55
I apologize if you believe it's too broad as I have fairly broad criteria since I'm wanting to use it for multiple items. Trailing running and general hiking are my top 2 criteria. So elevation/distance are key for that. Outside of hiking, I want to use it for general running on tracking calories to miles to time and as well as basic in gym use. On a side note, I like the idea of the maps within the Fenix 2 as I plan to start doing a lot more backpacking and off trail hiking. — Eric, Sep 21 '16 at 15:45
This has to be opinion based, I'm afraid. Even your comment re the Fenix 3 being "obviously" the best is an opinion. As it happens, I disagree. It might not even be the best for £250, and there are some much better above that. — Rory Alsop, Sep 21 '16 at 17:10
@gerrit Activity tracker counts steps, calories and distance; vibration alert motivates you to move when you've been sitting too long; sleep mode monitors your quality of rest — James Jenkins, Sep 21 '16 at 17:29
@JamesJenkins Sounds like it does a whole lot more than a GPS. — gerrit, Sep 21 '16 at 17:31
@Rory - You are correct. Based off what I've read the Fenix 3 and Suunto Vertical are some of the higher rated ones for around the $500 US mark. I am trying to stay lower than that which is why I'm looking at previous years models and was just curious about people's experience using those products. — Eric, Sep 21 '16 at 18:44
I wonder if this question is looking for a product recommendation? — Willeke, Mar 24 '18 at 12:19

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Sep 21 '16 at 16:07

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Why don't you get an inexpensive smart phone instead? For less then $100 (currently some are less than $30) you can get a smart phone at tracfone.com that will do all of that and more. Pair it with a fit bit and still be around $100

answered Sep 21 '16 at 16:07

James Jenkins

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Smartphones are not suitable for backpacking due to limited battery life, in particular if the GPS is switched on all the time, which you want if you want to have a track log. – gerrit Sep 21 '16 at 17:19
@gerrit Is the battery life of a GPS watch better then smartphone? – James Jenkins Sep 21 '16 at 17:25
GPS watch, I don't know. But my handheld Garmin lasts 70+ hours with ultimate lithium batteries. – gerrit Sep 21 '16 at 17:30
@gerrit, needs differ of course, but I've use my smart phone and GPS software to log a track on 4-7 day backpacking trips. I do pause the tracking while I'm in camp, and I do bring along an extra battery which weighs 4oz. On the other hand, I can also use it to listen to music in the evening, and it is a backup light source. – Charles E. Grant Sep 21 '16 at 19:47
@CharlesE.Grant Hmm, ok. I thought smartphones typically lasted only a day on a battery. Maybe it's less bad than I thought (I used six lithium AA batteries on my recent 17-day backpacking trip). – gerrit Sep 21 '16 at 19:53
@gerrit, I think the key is to put the smart phone in 'airplane' mode. The GPS still functions, but it stops the phone from fruitlessly looking for a cell connection. There are also several settings in my GPS software to minimize battery use. – Charles E. Grant Sep 21 '16 at 19:58
@CharlesE.Grant you might want post your comment here as an answer to this question http://outdoors.stackexchange.com/questions/13980/when-considering-gps-battery-life-where-are-the-best-options – James Jenkins Sep 21 '16 at 21:36

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 27 '18 at 19:07

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I would recommend a notebook and a pencil. Excellent battery life, works well in all weather, backup options somewhat limited though.

answered Mar 27 '18 at 19:07

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What devices would help me track my outdoor activities and fitness?

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