Plus, the X6HRT doesn't stop when the workout is over. It also stores data on training duration; average, minimum, and maximum heart rates; cumulative ascent and descent; and the highest and lowest altitudes in the training session. The chronometer, meanwhile, records altitude and heart rate profiles in two-, 10-, and 60-second intervals and boasts a virtually unlimited capacity for split/lap times. As a result, it's easy to make a complete post-performance assessment. The assessment is even more useful when uploaded to Suunto's Activity Manager (SAM) PC software, which sets up a training diary and analyzes your altitude and heart-rate profiles for each route. You can also create your own activity reports by adding photos and text to the profiles.

Safety is also a huge wilderness concern, which is where the barometer and compass come into play. The barometer lets you gauge the weather conditions during long hikes and camping trips, so you aren't caught unaware by a surprise snow or rainstorm. It performs its task by gauging such variables as the sea-level pressure, absolute pressure, and temperature while also compiling a weather trend graph. When a storm is approaching, the X6HRT lets you know by sounding an audible alarm (the device also includes an altitude alarm and an alarm that sounds when you ascend too rapidly).

The compass contributes through its bearing and declination settings (via a graphic compass rose) that keep you from losing your way in unfamiliar territory. Add in a clinometer--which measures the slope angle of a path in degrees or percentage--and an optimized display that delivers superior readability and you have an unbeatable tool for outdoor exploration and training.

Additional features include a built-in stopwatch/interval timer and calendar, water-resistance to 330 feet, a PC interface, and user-replaceable batteries for both the monitor and the transmitter belt. The monitor, which weighs 0.19 pounds and comes in a sleek titanium housing, is backed by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.

The X6HRT offers an altimeter, barometer, timer, chronograph, compass, and thermometer.

Key Features:

• Altimeter
• Barometer
• Timer
• Chronograph
• Thermometer
• Digital Compass
• Declination Adjustable
• Low Battery Indicator
• PC Compatible
• Waterproof to 330 feet (100 meters)
• Backlight/ Electroluminescent
• Alarms: Altitude, weather, heart rate, three time alarms
• Battery Type: 3V lithium CR2032
• Battery Life: 12 months in time/weather mode
• Warranty: Two years

About Suunto
Suunto was founded in 1936 by outdoors man and a keen orienteering enthusiast, Tuomas Vohlonen, who had long been bothered by a problem: the inaccuracy of traditional dry compasses and their lack of steady needle operation. Being an engineer with an inventive turn of mind, he discovered and patented the production method for a much steadier needle, better readings, and a new level of accuracy.

By 1950 the company was exporting compasses to over 50 countries around the world, including Canada and the United States. In 1952, Helsinki was hosting the Olympic Games, and the torches carried to light the Olympic flame were Suunto products. The next step was improving the stability and accuracy of marine compasses. The first marine compass, the Suunto K-12, was launched onto the market in 1953. In 1957, Suunto started manufacturing hypsometers, which measure the height of trees.

In the 1960s, the compass range grew further and Suunto introduced its first diving compass--initiated by the divers themselves. A British sports diver attached a Suunto compass to his wrist and found that the device also worked underwater. Thanks to his feedback and initiatives, the new business category was found. Suunto's exports and business grew steadily and Suunto then focused on combining its strength in precision mechanics with new skills in electronics. Accuracy, reliability, and ruggedness have been Suunto's key values from the very beginning of the company history.

Today, Suunto is a leading designer and manufacturer of sports instruments for training, diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing, and golf. True to its roots, Suunto is today the world's biggest compass manufacturer. Prized for their design, accuracy and dependability, Suunto sports instruments combine the aesthetics and functionality of watches with sport-specific computers that help athletes at all levels analyze and improve performance. Headquartered in Vantaa, Finland, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide and distributes its products to nearly 60 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Helsinki-based Amer Sports Corporation with the sister brands Wilson, Salomon, Atomic, Precor, and Mavic.