As discussed in Hiking 101: Pedometers, there are several types of pedometers: ones that can be worn clipped to your waist, others that can be attached to a backpack, and the relatively new shoe pedometer devices.
A pedometer watch is convenient. Glance down at your wrist, and find out how many miles you’ve traveled and how many calories you’ve burned. Some watches are also are heart rate monitor pedometer devices!
There’s no need to unclip a pedometer from your belt! And of course, you don’t have to worry about a clipped pedometer from falling off while you’re jogging or running.
What to Look for in a Pedometer Watch
- Water Resistant? I have yet to find one that isn’t water resistant, but double check the specs before you buy.
- Features. All of the tips from Hiking 101: Pedometers apply!
- Advanced Features. Almost every pedometer watch on the market does far more than a basic pedometer…many track calories burned, your heart rate, tell the time, and have chronograph functionality.
- Cost. A decent pedometer watch will generally cost more than a basic pedometer, but they are far less expensive than outdoor GPS units.
What is the Best Pedometer Watch?:
Tech 4 O 2010 Accelerator: This is a great women’s pedometer watch because it has good functionality: it measures distance, calories burned, speed, and actual exercise time. It is water resistant, and is one of the more accurate pedometer watches on the market. The men’s version has a back lit display feature, and is slightly larger with a bigger face. |
Check out this article on the features of a Heart Rate Monitor Pedometer. Many of the pedometers that can measure your heart rate are all in the pedometer watch style.
I’m looking for a pedometer watch – I only want one that tells time and lets me know about how many miles I’ve hiked. I don’t want a pacer that’s beeping all the time. I don’t want any other functions.
Can you suggest an INEXPENSIVE pedometer WATCH that doesn’t beep and doesn’t have a lot of features?
Thanks
Hi all,
I’ve had a really difficult time trying to find something that does what I want and does it well. We have limited shopping options where I live, and I like to see this sort of thing before I actually buy it. Most watches I’ve tried do way more than I want them to (and so the price is quite high) and not the most accurate. I wanted a basic clock, a fairly accurate measure of the distance I’ve covered in either miles or kms with a longer battery life expectancy. Something I can take on a 2-week trip without worrying about charging it. I’ve found all of this in the FitBit Zip. It’s perfect. So far the step counter seems quite accurate with my stride length. I’ve not yet verified the distance measurement but I assume they base that on the step counter so it should be just as good. Just wanted to mention it as an alternative. $59 Canadian. Not great though for anyone with low vision as it is small and not backlit.
Hi Roseann,
Great question. If you have an iPhone, there are a few free apps, as well as a couple of paid apps ($0.99) that are good pedometers. Because the iPhone has a fairly large screen, it would be easy for you to read the results. Alternatively, the Omron HJ 112 has a fairly large display.
I am 65 with Rp(poor vision).I have had 4 pedometers and they all have their failings.I need one with a large,easy readable disply that is not complicated.Just need the basics:steps,distance calories burned and time.Any suggestions?
Hi Shelley,
The Tech4o Women’s Accelerator can measure in either miles or km. Whichever you prefer. Happy trails!
Hi. Can anyone comment on the unit of distance measurement by the Tech4o? Can you select between miles or km? Thanks!
Nice blog!
Hi just wanted to say I like the Nike shoe pedometer a lot. Works great for me.
I like the Tech4o watch pedometers. I have had one for 2 years and love it.
I do enjoy the way you explained how great these are for hiking! thanks!