Exploring in the Desert with the Casio Pro Trek PRG-340SC Watch

Casio nailed it in this offering of the Pro Trek PRG-340SC Tough Solar Watch.  Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or a budding explorer of the world at large, this watch definitely has you covered.  This watch is designed to get outdoors and amongst it while having a fine instrument such as this one to back you up.  Its outdoor look inspired by stone and sand melt into colorful patterns and miscellaneous textures producing a cool aesthetic.

Pro Trek Model Highlights

Sporting a dual layer LCD screen producing a clean and easily readable display along with environmentally sourced responsible materials.  Playing in concert with those factors is the Dura Soft band comprised of re-purposed resin scraps left over from the manufacturing side of things.  Keeping in brand with the Pro Trek model of reducing environmental impacts by reusing resin scraps makes one feel good about supporting this product.  Integral parts for the case include rotating bezel along with a case back that are made of bio-based resin.  By using organic materials this is yet another example of Casio’s commitment to reducing environmental impact which is critical for our 7th generation and beyond, 

Watch Features

This Casio Watch boasts The Triple Sensor with features such as a compass bearing, barometric pressure, temperature and altitude measuring capability.  Outstanding visibility and details of the compass graphics are guaranteed via the Dual layer LCD screen.  Weighing only 60 grams and showcasing a screen big enough to be capable and not oversized for people looking for something more sleek.  Having not worn a watch in years, I found this last detail to be optimal but one of the only drawbacks for the more particular watch consumer is that the screen display could be slightly larger.  To each their own as far as that detail is concerned, clearly a factor though. 

Weather Ready

With a 100 meter water resistance most could say, its waterproof.  The altimeter measures from -2300 ft to 32,800 ft which is quite an impressive range.  The log can hold up to 30 records of altitude measurements with the option of an auto log data, trek log data and relative altitude readings. 

The barometer is a great feature and I loved the 42 hour graph which was quite useful on the trip I was testing this on in New Zealand.  In a place with rapidly changing weather, this particular feature was very helpful in forecasting weather for days that we were relatively off grid.  The compass works flawlessly and I found to be very intuitive. 

This watch measures and displays directions making use of a graphic direction pointer as one of 16 points with a range of 0 degrees to 359 degrees capable of making a 60 second no drop measurement.  The units can be changed from ft. to meters and also Fahrenheit to Celsius which is quite useful for a multitude of reasons. 

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Robust Outdoor Functionality (Triple Sensor & Weather Ready): The watch boasts a comprehensive Triple Sensor (compass, barometer, altimeter, thermometer) which proved invaluable for forecasting weather in rapidly changing environments like New Zealand. Its 100-meter water resistance and impressive altimeter range make it highly suitable for various outdoor activities.

• Environmentally Responsible Design: Casio utilizes bio-based resins for the case and a Dura Soft band made from repurposed resin scraps, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

• Dual Layer LCD & Ease of Use (Generally): The dual-layer LCD provides a clean, easily readable display, particularly for compass graphics. Despite a comment about the manual, the watch itself is described as intuitive and performs flawlessly in the field.

Cons:

• Instruction Manual Complexity: The guide for the watch, while precise, is noted as not being the easiest to follow and requires patience to find answers.

• Screen Size (Subjective): While the reviewer found the screen size optimal for sleekness, it’s mentioned as a potential drawback for “more particular watch consumers” who might prefer a slightly larger display.

• Price: Although not explicitly stated as a “con” by the reviewer, the price of $280.00 is provided, which could be a consideration for some buyers.

Overall Impression

In summary, the Casio Pro Trek PRG-340SC-5 Watch ($280.00) was one of the best pieces of gear I have tested in a while.  Mike again anticipated a need for me on a long far afield style of a trip and this instrument was more than up to the task.  Being off grid at certain points in the trip was refreshing and welcomed with the presence of this watch.  It took a lot of the guessing out of things and performed flawlessly.  I appreciated the dual time feature to know what time it was back at “home” while being half way across the world in the South Island of New Zealand. 

The guide for the watch is extremely precise and has all the answers.  That being said, it is not the easiest to follow and takes patience in order to ascertain the answers you’re sometimes looking for.  Other than that, the watch puts you ahead of the game providing a flawless platform to excel in the field of nature or whatever pursuit you choose. 

I would recommend this product 8/10 with a couple points coming off on account of the guidebook and smaller screen that may deter some folks.  My optics really prefer the size of the screen but I feel it is something worth disclosing and thinking about when potentially purchasing this outstanding product.

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