Suunto X10 awarded by National Geographic Adventure magazine

The smallest and lightest wrist-mounted GPS device on the market, the X10 is the ultimate outdoor adventure tool.

The Suunto X10, the ultimate outdoor tool from the world leader in sports precision instruments, has been awarded 2009 Best of Adventure Gear by the editors of National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine. The ultimate guide to the outdoor lifestyle, National Geographic ADVENTURE utilizes a board of 34 experienced outdoor retailers to nominate and select the latest, greatest gear on the basis of innovation and consumer interest.

This elite group now includes the X10, one of the smallest and lightest wrist-mounted GPS devices on the market, the X10's upgraded GPS technology will locate your position faster and tracks better in difficult conditions, providing more reliable readings when you need it most.

Unlike bulkier, hand-held GPS units, the Suunto X10 is hands-free, so you can focus on the action instead of worrying about dropping or losing your GPS signal when the going gets tough.

The Suunto X10 is compatible with several digital mapping services, including National Geographic TOPO!, Google Earth™ and Fugawi. If you have a specific destination in mind, you can plan the route on a digital map - or select a route from National Geographic's TOPO! map system - and download it directly to your X10 unit.

While navigating a pre-planned route, the X10 shows the direction and remaining distance to the next waypoint, calculates estimated time of arrival, and shows the current speed and distance traveled. It also continuously checks the barometer pressure, so you are always one step ahead of the weather.

After your trek, connect the X10 to your PC to review your journey and visualize its altitude profiles. Suunto Track Exporter software (available free on Suunto's website) allows you to upload your adventure to Google Earth™, where you can view your path in 3D satellite imagery to share with family and fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

If spontaneous exploration is more your style, with the X10 you can blaze your own trail without fear of getting lost. Setting the X10 to Activity Mode will record your speed, distance and altitude information, along with any waypoints you define along the way.

When it's time to head home, the 'Find Home' setting guides the way back to the start point or marked 'Home' position, or the 'Track Back' function guides the user back using recorded way points. With the capacity to store up to 50 routes or 500 waypoints, the possibilities for exploration are endless!

In addition to standard time/stopwatch functions, the X10 includes an altimeter, barometer, digital compass, thermometer, and an extensive memory, as well as the usual time/stopwatch functions. Combining all of these functions into a sleek, sporty wristop computer not only enhances safety, but also adds a whole new dimension to the outdoor experience.

Available in two colors, the new Suunto X10 is also more dependable, with a battery that lasts 33 % longer than its predecessor, the X9i. The X10 comes with its own USB charger that doubles as a data link, so users can charge up through any PC. Plus, the Suunto X10 is compatible with most commercially available USB chargers and adapters, which makes powering up on the go easier than ever.

Read more about Suunto X10 at www.suunto.com/X10