Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    Register

    Tailgate Industries
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2024-2025
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2023-2024
        • Gear of the Year Archives
      • Best New Summer Gear
        • Best New Summer Gear 2023
        • Best New Summer Gear 2024
        • Best New Summer Gear 2022
        • Best New Summer Gear 2021
        • Best New Summer Gear 2020
      • Holiday Gift Guide
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2024
          • Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Base Layers
          • MSR Explore Revo Snowshoes
          • Fieldsheer Backcountry Heated Jacket
          • Fieldsheer Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks
          • MEC Hut Booties and Slippers
          • Arc’teryx Kopec GTX Shoe
          • Arc’teryx Kragg Insulated Approach Shoes
          • Gregory Verte 18 Backpack
          • Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boot
          • MEC Northern Light Vest
          • Montec-Scope-Ski-Goggles
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Airshell Hoody
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Alloy Crew
          • Arcade Atlas Belt
          • Dynafit Ridge Dynastretch Jacket
          • Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones
          • Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear
          • Bootdoc Foot Warmer
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
          • DPS LastBag
          • DPS PHANTOM Glide At-Home Kit
          • DPS Mission Quiver Roller
          • Dragon Amped sunglasses
          • Dragon DX3 Plus OTG photochromic goggle
          • Fuse Lenses Anclote Flashback
          • Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire Watch
          • Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30
          • Hotronic Boot Dryer
          • MEC Aluminum Pot Set
          • Gnara Go There Pants
          • Grundens Shackleton 2.0 Duffel
          • Jones Deeper 19L Backpack
          • Le Bent Core Midweight Crew base layer
          • Leatherman ARC
          • Montane Nordes Hooded Softshell Jacket and Pants
          • Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
          • Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
          • Montec Fawk Ski Jacket
          • Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 Skins
          • Rab Glaceon Pro Down Jacket
          • Rab Khroma Converge GORE-TEX Ski Jacket & Pants
          • Smith Squad MAG Goggles
          • Stellar Guide Aerogel Hybrid Hood 2.0
          • Stellar Ultralight Down Hood 2.0
          • Arms of Andes Alpaca Half Zip & Wool Leggings
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 70L Duffel Bag
          • Giro Taggert Mips Helmet
          • Loonr Hi Flyer Boots
          • Paka Mountain Crew
          • Roll Recovery SUPERPLUSH Classic Shoes
          • Smartwool Smartloft Hooded Jacket and Pants
          • Ortovox Switchback 32 Ski Touring Backpack
          • Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack
          • Giro Sagen Ski Goggle
          • Icebreaker Ski+ Over the Calf Socks
          • MEC-Fireside-Fleece-Snap-Pullover
          • Montec Roast Mittens
          • Mountain-Hardware-Sunblocker-Hoody
          • MSR Titan Kettle 900 ml
          • Tailgate-Industries-The Gondom-Goggle-Cover
          • Wild Country Rope Tarp
          • Bootdoc Race Merino PFI 50 Socks
          • Remind Soles Destin Impact Insoles
          • Kari Traa Rose Baselayer Half Zip Top and Pants
          • Le Bent Midweight Quarter Zip
          • Ombraz Dolomite Sunglasses
          • Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody
          • Ortovox Merino Thermovent Base Layer
          • Smartwool Intraknit Merino Tech Half Zip
          • Suunto Wing Bone Conduction headphones
          • Sweet Protection Adapter Mips Helmet
          • Sweet Protection Connor Rig Reflect Goggles
          • Zeal Optics Selkirk Glacier Glasses
          • Norrona more flex1 Pants
          • Norrona Octa Zip Hood
          • Norrona Lyngen Alpha100 Zip Hood
          • MEC Deluxe Pillow
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2023
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2022
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2021
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2019
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2018
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2017
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2016
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Backcountry Store Offline
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
      • Holiday Gift Guide
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Backcountry Store Offline
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    Newsletter Signup

    TOP VIDEOS

      HOTTEST REVIEWS


      Hagan Boost 99 POW Skis Garmin inReach Plus Scarpa 4-Quattro Pro 130+ Top Ski Reviews Ortovox Ravine Jacket Scarpa Maestrale RS Boots

      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      Search
      • Home
      • »
      • Highgear Axio Max Altimter Watch

      Highgear Axio Max Altimter Watch

      Highgear Axio Max Altimter WatchHighgear’s AXIO Max wrist watch is a simple, functional and affordable timepiece that has all the basic functions a backcountry skier could want. It features an altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer and chronograph in a relatively light and intuitive design. And after several months of abuse, it’s proven it’s up to the task of backcountry travel.

      I’ve had several older altimeter watches and always felt like I had a bread loaf on my wrist. Not so with the AXIO Max. It’s relatively compact and light design is comfortable and unobtrusive. It fits neatly under my clothes and gloves – a must in my book if you’re planning to wear this type of watch for extended periods of time.

      The 5-button layout of the Highgear AXIO (featuring adjust, recall/+, view/-, mode and light button) is easy to activate, even with gloves on. My only gripe is the buttons may be a bit too easy to activate as when it was in dual time mode it inadvertently switched from one time to another, confusing me more than once. The AXIO is made of a robust mineral glass display, steel case for durability, a comfortable rubber band with metal buckle, and is water proof to 50 meters.

      The Swiss-made barometer/temperature sensor worked well throughout the test period with the requisite, regular calibration. Note that for accurate temperature readings the AXIO max must be off the body. As for altitude, with the calibration set I found it to be accurate (claimed within 1 meter/1 foot). Given altitude is based on barometric pressure, you need to reset elevation when you have the opportunity as pressure can change throughout the day. The total accumulated trip altitude and max altitude were also nice features.
      With elevation/barometer set, the 12-hour forecast feature worked reasonably well and seemed to predict weather trends accurately.

      The Highgear AXIO Max’s digital compass also worked nicely but for the best accuracy it does require calibration, which can be a bit fiddly. I find the compass good for a quick bearing, but not my choice for taking precision bearings.

      Features:

      - Swiss air pressure/temperature sensor
      - 1 meter or 1 foot local altitude resolution
      - Mercury Inches and Millibar/Hectopascal Barometer Display
      - Working range: -2303 feet to 30045 feet (-702m to 9158m)
      -12-hour weather forecast icon
      - Sea-level and absolute barometer display
      - Digital Thermometer
      - User option for Fahrenheit or Celsius, meters or feet, and quick reference between the two at a button’s push
      - 10-Run Memory
      - Starting Altitude Record
      - Accumulated Altitude Record
      - Maximum Altitude Record
      - Total Exercise Time Record
      - 12/24 Hour Time Display
      - Time/Day/Date
      - Dual Time Zone
      - 2 Daily Alarms
      - 1 Rest Alarm
      - 1 Hydration Alarm
      - 2 Altitude Alarms
      - Durable Steel Case
      - Mineral Glass Lens
      - 50 m Water Resistant
      - EL Backlight
      - User Replaceable Battery

      Altimeter
      Highgear Axio Max Altimter Watch



      Chronograph
      Highgear Axio Max Altimter Watch


      Compass
      Highgear Axio Max Altimter Watch


      Time with date
      Highgear Axio Max Altimter Watch


      Adjust, light and mode buttons
      Highgear Axio Max Altimter Watch

      Recall and view buttons
      Highgear Axio Max Altimter Watch


      Simple and functional
      Highgear Axio Max Altimter Watch

      Verdict:

      The Highgear AXIO Max is available at a number of online retailers for around $150, which is about $100 less than other brand models with similar features. The Max is no longer in production, but a nearly identical model is being produced by Highgear (the Axio HR) with a heart rate monitor for $190 US – still a great value with the additional heart monitor function.
      I wear the Highgear AXIO Max daily and find it unobtrusive, if not attractive, durable and with simple yet effective functionality. There’s no denying the usefulness of an altimeter in the backcountry, especially as an additional tool for location and route finding when things get dicey.
      Overall, the HIghgear Axio Max is a comfortable, effective altimeter watch at a great price.

      SPECS:

      Price: $150-$170 US
      Colour: Black
      Weight: 454g / 16oz

      PROS:

      - Comfortable and light
      - Accurate
      - Uncomplicated design
      - Durable
      - Affordable

      CONS:

      - Buttons can be inadvertently pushed
      - Proprietary band is durable, but replacement from company was required after some use
      - Not flashy, but that could be a good thing

      Rating: 8/10

      Ease of use       1.5/2
      Features           1/2
      Quality             1.5/2
      Size / Weight    2/2
      Price                 2/2

      buy backcountry skiing gear


      This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

      Back to the rest of the reviews.


      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy

      Copyright © 2023-24 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.