Wristband compass & thermometer -- How accurate?

I am thinking about buying something like this: Wristband Compass & Thermometer.

I'd like to replace the tiny versions that have been banging around on my keychain for a few years.

I thought equally tiny versions worn around one's wrist might suffice.

Any thoughts?

-- Craig

I wonder how much the thermometer would be affected by body heat, or some cover by clothing.

I have a thermometer built in to my Timex Helix watch. When worn it seems to run 10-12 degrees F. over ambiant temperature.

Regards, Vince

My thoughts exactly. But it could still be useful, I should think.

-- Craig

I suppose the question should be rephrased 'accurate enough for what?' I've found a button compass great for getting myself fixed on a roadmap or in a unfamiliar nieghborhood. If you need to know where ' thataway' is they're fine: better than all the sunshadow sticks and fondling trees for moss tricks we're supposed to remember along with our name and address every morning. The thermometer is questionable. I like to see the mercury in a tube. Even tiny ones give a dramatic visual template of relative temperature. If it's huddled at the bottom shivering I know I should be huddled up somewhere too.

Accurate enough to do the things for which you normally use a button compass on your keychain. That's the honest answer. My button compass on my keychain is looking like roadkill.

I thought if I could wear one on my wrist, rather than carry it on my keychain, it might last longer and make my keychain lighter in the process.

That's my logic and I'm sticking to it. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

I have used several of the dial thermometers, and they vary. Even off the body, and on the ground. If you check them at the stores you can see various temperature readings. But they are within =/- 5% usually. You would probably do better with as air conditioning thermometer, and cut the stem off if you are looking for accuracy.

The compass in my tissot is supprisingly accurate, the thermometer is too, but it needs to stay off your wrist for 20 minutes or so to give an accurate reading.

Your post brings up a hidden epidemic among hikers. I've observed countless people packing a big old Rambo knife, canteen etc. that gives them a decided list to starboard. Then they walk in a subtle arc to the right and then blame that poor old button compass in the knife's hollow compartment for getting themselves lost. Like Bugs said "hmm, I must have taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />"

I have a Casio watch with compass, barometer and termometer, and the instructions say that to get an accurate temperature reading it must be removed from you wrist for 20 minutes.
In practice it doesn't need to be off for that long, but temp is not something that I use it for anyway.

I thought along those lines and got the Silva(Brunton) compass that slides over the wristband of a watch. I didn't try one already on a wristband like the one you are looking at.
I eventually settled on the Suunto clipper and have it clipped to the little money pocket inside the right pocket of all my pants/jeans.
When needed it can be clipped to the watch band or sleeve of my shirt etc.
It is a good quality button sized compass.
It might be another idea worth looking at.

Actually, Bugs would say, "I KNEW I shoulda take that left twoin at Albuquerque."

That line always kills me.

Reminds me of family vacations in the 1970s, when we were all young kids, and dad would haul 20 pounds worth of maps from the glove compartment. Not one map would solve his problem, and he would never admit to being lost, but he'd "let" me refold them for him (badly) afterward.

-- Craig (I flunked map re-folding)

I tried a wristband compass and found it too obtrusive.

Just out of interest, do you see the thermometer as survival equipment? If so, how?

Yes, because we often underestimate how cold it is and how quickly the temperature may be dropping.

-- Craig

I purchased the Helix with the idea that the thermometer and barometer would give me some rudimentary short-term weather forcasting tools. The problem is that I'm not sure I trust it beyond: "hmm, seems to be getting colder out here," which I really don't need a thermometer for anyway. One of these days I'm going to check them against some I know to be accurate. If they come up reasonably close then they could prove useful.

Regards, Vince

Obtrusive in what way?

I took my Casio Sea Pathfinder Watch to the closest Bureau of Meteorology 3 days after I got it. (South Australian Government Dept.)
I wasn't worried about the temp because I dont use it that much, but the Barometer was spot on with their measurements.
I hung around for a while for a chat and to let the watch settle for a while to make sure.
Now its the refference to adjust all my friends barometers.

It stuck out and got in the way.

i have been wearing my suunto watchband compass, just about everyday now for almost a year. i mtn. bike 3 days a week. the thing works great for giving you general direction. it might be me, but i always have to know where i am and where i am going..i got it at REI. best $10 i ever spent...mtnfolk mike