Exploring the Coros Nomad Adventure Watch: A Trail Test Review
Coros’ Nomad is marketed as a “go-anywhere, do-anything” adventure watch. With features like GPS, offline maps, and activity tracking that ranges from yoga to bouldering, this device also includes an “Adventure Journal” to help users document their outdoor experiences.
While it may lack some high-end features found in more expensive competitors like Garmin, the Nomad is primarily designed for campers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a versatile alternative to the all-purpose Apple Watch. When my colleague Victoria Song highlighted the Nomad, I decided to test it personally by taking it on the Tahoe Rim Trail.
The Growing Market of Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor recreation continues to thrive, with an increasing number of participants earning over $100,000 per year, as reported by the Outdoor Industry Association. Hiking tops the charts as the most popular activity. Despite this booming market, one has to wonder: why aren’t hikers and trail runners demanding more innovative features from their devices?
The Passionate Gearheads
Backpackers, especially the weight-obsessed thru-hikers, are known for their discerning taste in gear. During my time on the Appalachian Trail, I found that discussions often revolved around the latest and greatest gadgets. There exists an opportunity in the market for a well-designed device that could easily outpace the pricey Garmin smartwatches, which often start at over $399.
Photo by Liz Lopatto / The Verge
Performance and Shortcomings on the Trail
After spending a month training and using the Coros Nomad during my hike, I can say that while it has a strong price point at $349, it indeed seems designed more for casual users than hardcore outdoors enthusiasts.
One of the standout features is its impressive battery life. I wore it non-stop during an 11-day trip on the Tahoe Rim Trail, and it only required a recharge after six days of continuous tracking, adding up to over 40 hours of activity. Contrast that with my prior experience with the Apple Watch Series 6, which pales in comparison.
However, the app’s layout highlights its focus on road running rather than hiking or trail activities. For instance, while there are running fitness tests, none cater to trail running dynamics, which include more agility and balance rather than just pacing.
Disappointing Training Features
The training calendar is another point of frustration; it lacked the functionality to log hikes, and the auto-pause feature only works for running, which is puzzling for hikers who frequently pause during their treks.
Photo by Liz Lopatto / The Verge
Safety Features and Connectivity Concerns
While the Nomad offers impressive hardware, it doesn’t meet the expectations set by its marketing, particularly regarding its emergency features. Its SOS alerts require cellular connectivity, making them ineffective in isolated wilderness areas — a significant drawback for a watch positioned as an outdoor safety tool.
It’s worth mentioning that I faced extreme weather conditions on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The Nomad’s integration with Apple’s Weatherkit API relies on mobile service for weather alerts, limiting its effectiveness. In contrast, system-independent devices like the Garmin InReach Mini were able to provide timely weather updates.
Yes, I did find those clouds menacing. Liz Lopatto / The Verge
Conclusions and Future Prospects
I found that the Coros Nomad excels in certain areas, such as battery life and durability, providing an affordable alternative to competitors while also emphasizing some innovative features like the Adventure Journal. However, various design flaws, particularly in the software and connectivity capabilities, detract from its potential as an essential outdoor tool.
Ultimately, the perfect outdoor watch has yet to be created. The Nomad offers a promising foundation, but there are significant areas for improvement, particularly around functionality tailored to the needs of hikers and backpackers. Enhancing training programs, introducing a dedicated rucking mode, and increasing compatibility with offline features would truly elevate this device.
For those exploring the outdoors and seeking a reliable companion, the Coros Nomad is worth considering, but be aware of its limitations. As outdoor technology continues to advance, it’s exciting to imagine what the future has in store.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
