Holiday Gift Guide: Men’s Action Watches

November 3, 2016

by Peter Reese
Holiday Gift Guide: Men’s Action Watches

Not only based upon their functionality, some watches earn their place on your wrist. Even as smartphones clamor to take over your entire life, from health monitoring to appointment setting. To wit, three options to give your phone a break – or keep it (and you) out of harm’s way.

Garmin epix GPS

Garmin epix GPS Watch $516.45 - $525.25

At 3oz and 2” across, this model makes the most of the real estate on your arm. And grabs hold of surrounding terrain to map and navigate via a fingertip-managed color screen. Perhaps most critically, Active Junky favors Epix’s ability to find, lock and even correct position quickly thanks to the EXO antenna and HotFit application (overcoming a major flaw in many competitive models). Personalized to fit one or more activities centered on cycling, hiking, running and swimming, it takes some time to capitalize on all the functions. Weather functions are simply the start and testers appreciated the thorough waypoint system. Battery life is exceptional in a fast-charging, well-balanced watch that’s water resistant to 100m. So much to say but we’re off for ice climbing on Mount Baker.

Best For: Fitness training, backcountry travel and international expeditions where navigation and weather data are lifelines.

Casio Protrek Triple Sensor

Casio Protrek Triple Sensor Digital Watch

Active Junky loved the under-$200 option Casio enables with the ProTrek. Convincing features intelligently packaged in a big-buttoned, gloves-on model put testers in the hunt for important data within moments. At about 3oz and packing about 6-months battery life in a wrist-friendly design, the most central functions are a quick press away; altimeter, compass, thermometer, alarm, barometer and stopwatch. Testers favored the bottom-center light activation, workable display size and flexible band. Know that ProTrek’s conservatively rated for operation down to 14-degrees, so polar and high-altitude pursuits are not within range. But for the remaining 99.95% of life, this highly water-resistant watch should more than suffice. While not the latest edition, this one is a top choice for true (North) value.

Best For: Weekend wear and extended hike or paddle trips, international travel

Dakota Light Angler

Dakota Light Angler Watch

Of course, the brand (being responsible and well-respected) can’t guarantee a boat-load of results. Therefore, Active Junky testers are out to hook anglers and hikers with this aluminum-encased wrist watch that owned paddling, fishing and travel scenarios throughout Vancouver Island, Canada. With new vintage face designs on the way for next year, this current 43mm model represents the convergence of Old School, almost pocket-watch vibes along with a water-beating build. Easy strap adjustment and a lack of odor and grit build-up sealed the deal for a superior under-$100 value. With comfort and straight-up function, the hours fly by. All as beaded nymphs and float planes pierce the sky above the vibrant Campbell River.

Best For: Casual, fishing and weekend outdoor recreation

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