Escape 203

 

Page Type Gear Review
Object Title Escape 203
Manufacturer Suunto
Page By lutjebroek
Page Type Nov 10, 2002 / Nov 10, 2002
Object ID 549
Hits 6015
Vote
ESCAPE 203 HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC ALTIMETER-BAROMETER



Escape203 is the first model in Suunto’s category of hand-held electronics. The Escape203 features an altimeter and a barometer with various memory functions. The Escape203’s accuracy and good usability in all conditions makes it an ideal companion for climbers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts as well as for professionals.



The altimeter of the Escape203 shows you your current altitude, vertical gain or loss from the start of a hike or climb, as well as your vertical ascent and descent rate in ft/h (m/h). Up to 20 altitude points can be stored into the memory for later reviewing. The one-logbook memory stores total vertical ascent/descent for the log, as well as the maximum and minimum altitudes reached during the activity. The unit also stores the accumulated vertical ascent/descent over a longer period of time. The altitude range extends up to 29 500 ft (9 000 m). The resolution is adjustable by the user to either 3ft (1 m) or 10 ft (5 m).



The Escape203 barometer keeps you ahead of the storm and shows the current absolute and sea level pressures, temperature as well as the barometric trend for the last 6 hours. The Escape203 features also a pressure alarm. In activated state the alarm will alert the user to pressure changes of 4 mbar/0.10 inHg over a period of 3 hours. A special feature of the Escape203 is a “locking mechanism” that keeps the altitude from changing when the unit is used for weather monitoring purposes only. Similarly, when the device is used as altimeter, the seal level pressure stays constant and the barometric changes only affect the altitude and absolute pressure reading. The resolution of the barometer is 1 mbar/0.05 inHg.



The barometer memory automatically stores the barometric pressure and temperature history for the last 24 hours, as well as the maximum and minimum values during this time. It also stores the maximum and minimum pressure and temperature values over time, which makes it valuable for estimating the barometric trend.



In addition, the Escape203 has a time mode with normal watch functions such as current time with 12/24 hour format, weekday and date.



The luminous display and user-replaceable battery makes the Escape203 suitable even for harsh conditions. Its operating with three buttons is easy even when wearing gloves. The unit is water resistant and temperature compensated. Neck lanyard comes as standard.



From the Suunto website.

Reviews


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Dean - Nov 12, 2002 7:39 am - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
Wow, after reading the above description, I'd better re-read the manual as I'm not using many of its features. I've been happy with it just to tell me the basic info, of altitude, barometric pressure and time (yes, it even tells the time allowing one to leave the wristwatch at home) It also has a lanyard capability allowing me to wear it comfortably around my neck. I give it 4 stars as I wish it just a little smaller in size although it is true, you can work the buttons with gloves on. I was fortunate enough to find it on sale for $99 at REI last year.

Update: Aug 24, 2004
I've been really happy with this altimeter and now have been using it for well over 2 years. I use mine on every trip and its accuracy has been very satisfying. I use a GPS alot but normally don't keep it turned on due to battery drain. This altimeter fills the bill nicely.

afdove - Mar 6, 2003 6:23 am - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
very nice piece of equipment but what it doesn't have is an alarm. if it did have one i think i'd carry it with me all the time.



afdove

Troll - Jan 15, 2008 6:41 am - Voted 5/5

Great gear!
Great device with a lot of functions. And even more accurate "total ascent/descent" then my GPS Garmin GPSMAP 60CS. Because of GPS I do not use it very much now, but it is great gear. Recommended.

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