The Pathfinder watch offers the perfect trifecta by combining simplicity, practicality, and ruggedness into one high-performing package. Watches today are available in a plethora of styles. From the ubiquitous “smart” watch to gold and diamond-enhanced versions that lean far into the jewelry category to disposable versions that depict popular characters and IPs of today. 

What is often overlooked is the watch as a useful piece of gear for the outdoorsman. One that doesn’t sacrifice good old-fashioned durability and reliability for the sake of fashion or design. That’s precisely what 5.11 Tactical sent to me for my in-depth review. Was it just a generic timepiece with a pseudo-outdoorsy skin or a viable wrist-worn helper when you’re deep outdoors? 

Pathfinder Watch: Out of the Box

The Pathfinder from 5.11 Tactical came to me for review. Upon opening the packaging, I noticed I had received the black-band version. Two other band options are available: Kangaroo and black camo. My watch exhibited a camo pattern on the face with large, easy-to-read numbers painted glossy black. The watch was simple and streamlined, with only one noticeable control button on the right side of the unit. 

It is analog-based, with an hour, minute, and secondhand painting in black and white colors that offer a distinct contrast against the grey and green camo background. The numbers and hands were easy to identify and read, even at a glance. The nylon band, too, was simple in design and structure. It featured a traditional buckle with numerous pin holes for precise sizing without the need for professional adjustments.  

Problem Free Fit

I quickly attached the Pathfinder to my wrist. The numerous pin holes allowed me the perfect fit; they were tight enough and definitely not too loose. The band was smooth against my skin and didn’t exhibit any ruffled stitches that could bite into my skin over time. 

There were no visible frayed threads that, if left unchecked, would affect the band’s look and function. The watch’s main body had a solid yet bulk-free feel, not weighing me down as some outdoor-centric watches can do. It stayed in place as I shook my arm, about to simulate regular movements and actions that I would have throughout my typical day, and it felt pretty comfortable. 

Ease of use and Functionality

511 describes the watch as both utilitarian and reliable in the field, and I was beginning to experience just that. The watch was easy to read in the daytime. With its phosphorescent quarter marks, there was also no problem identifying the time during nighttime or low-light conditions. Splashes of water and even submerged in water, the watch continued to function without issue. 

The nylon strap was noticeably durable and didn’t exhibit weak fibers or any tendency to rip or tear, even with my constant tugging and stretching to test its resiliency and overall toughness under some mock stress. 

Setting the time upon first use was simple and quick, with everything controlled by the one function button on the right side of the unit. I pulled the crown (exterior control button) outward from the casing and adjusted the needed time by turning the hand clockwise until set to the proper time. An equally simple push inward locked the hands, and that was it. Simple, fast, and efficient. No other adjustments were needed, and my watch was ready for action. 

It must be noted for anyone performing this function that the watch’s water-resistant properties are only fully engaged once the crown is locked back into the housing. Anytime you pull the crown outward to adjust the time,  keep all moisture away from the watch if needed. It can incur water damage. However, these few instances of vulnerability will be pretty rare, and complete protection from water is typically the norm. 

Low Visibility

I was tested to make out some digits in the watch’s face when using the watch in low lighting. With some focus and the proper angle, yes, they were readable, but it was a bit of a challenge. I believe either a light-up feature or better quality or quantity of glowing accents would do the trick to take this watch from exceptionally great to excellent. However, this minor gripe wasn’t a game changer, with the Pathfinder standing tall as a top contender when I choose what I watch daily. 

Final Thoughts of the Pathfinder Watch

The Pathfinder watch doesn’t get bogged down with useless features, too many buttons, or elaborate clasps that often fail. Instead, it does what it intends to do and does it very well. It holds up to nature’s worst while providing accurate and reliable performance. 

With its multiple band options and military-like face aesthetic, this watch is perfect for a night out in town or any urban weekend activity. If you like a lean, streamlined design, simple operation, and reliability above and beyond the norm, you’re definitely on the right path!