Do I Need a Watch for Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a backpacking adventure, you might wonder if you need a watch. The answer depends on the type of trip and your level of preparedness.

While it isn’t essential to wear a watch, having one can make your trip much more enjoyable.

A watch can help you stay on track and manage your time. If you’re taking long hikes, a watch can help you keep an eye on the time so that you don’t miss important landmarks or attractions.

It also helps to know when it’s time to start heading back so that you don’t get stuck in the dark. A watch can also be useful for keeping track of how long it takes to reach certain destinations, so that you can plan your route accordingly.

A watch is also helpful if you plan to camp out during your trip. Knowing what time it is can help ensure that all campers are up early enough to break camp and move on before the day gets too hot. It also helps prevent getting lost by keeping track of where the sun is in the sky throughout the day.

When choosing a watch for backpacking, consider features such as waterproofing, battery life, lighted dials, shock resistance, and compass orientation.

Waterproofing: Waterproof watches are beneficial because they protect against water damage from swimming or unexpected rain showers.

Battery Life: Look for watches with long-lasting batteries so that they won’t die out when you need them most.

Lighted Dials: Lighted dials are helpful for seeing the time during low-light situations.

Shock Resistance: Shock-resistant watches are ideal for those who may accidentally drop their watches while hiking or climbing.

Compass Orientation: Watches with compass orientation are great for helping backpacking travelers stay on course during their adventures.

Overall, whether or not to bring a watch along on a backpacking trip comes down to personal preference; however, if you want to be able easily tell the time and stay on schedule during your journey, then investing in a quality hiking watch is worth considering.

Conclusion: Do I Need a Watch For Backpacking?

For most backpacking trips, wearing a watch provides convenience and peace of mind. It helps keep track of time throughout the day and ensures that travelers stay on course while exploring outdoors. When selecting a watch for backpacking trips consider features such as waterproofing, battery life, lighted dials, shock resistance, and compass orientation.