A little advice - harsh environment

[chadamorrill]

So just want a little advice here. I'm headed to Africa in two weeks to build a footbridge across an area that floods during rainy season. The work is all manual labor: pulling/dragging/lifting 5 cables for the suspended bridge, hand-winching the cables to proper tension/sag, moving rocks to fill in the abutments before pouring cement, dragging foot boards, installing decking, installing fencing and hog tying to the cables. Start to finish, the bridge will take 14-15 days. It's going to be unlike anything I've ever done, and it's going to be incredible. I can't wait.

But...

I currently wear an Apple Watch Ultra, and no question, I'm definitely taking it with and plan to wear it at all times. However, my brain has decided that it wants to question if the watch will stay safe throughout all this work... and now I can't stop thinking about it. Should I buy a throw away watch just for the trip (and if it survives, give it to my kid when I get back; he's got a 4 right now)? Or should I assume that I'll be taking the same precautions I normally do, and just need to tell my brain to shut up?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jetsam]

So just want a little advice here. I'm headed to Africa in two weeks to build a footbridge across an area that floods during rainy season. The work is all manual labor: pulling/dragging/lifting 5 cables for the suspended bridge, hand-winching the cables to proper tension/sag, moving rocks to fill in the abutments before pouring cement, dragging foot boards, installing decking, installing fencing and hog tying to the cables. Start to finish, the bridge will take 14-15 days. It's going to be unlike anything I've ever done, and it's going to be incredible. I can't wait.

But...

I currently wear an Apple Watch Ultra, and no question, I'm definitely taking it with and plan to wear it at all times. However, my brain has decided that it wants to question if the watch will stay safe throughout all this work... and now I can't stop thinking about it. Should I buy a throw away watch just for the trip (and if it survives, give it to my kid when I get back; he's got a 4 right now)? Or should I assume that I'll be taking the same precautions I normally do, and just need to tell my brain to shut up?

Thanks in advance.

What about buying a case for your Ultra? I'm not a big proponent of cases in general, but I think in this situation it's the least objectionable solution.

 

[Saturn007]

Here's the no-cost solution.

Take your son's Watch 4 with you and leave the Ultra with him.

At least, it's a no-cost solution until you return home, and he won't give you back your Ultra or wants one of his own!

 

[Howard2k]

Unless you're actually using the Ultra as a hammer during the assembly of the bridge, I'm sure it will be totally fine.

If you're really not sure, buy a $25 Casio, or a $125 G-Shock and use that instead.

 

[BenGoren]

If your Ultra gets damaged, it’ll be the least of your worries as you adjust to life as an amputee.

Apple Watch Ultra Stands Up to Major Abuse in Latest Durability Test

Inspired by "the most extreme activities," the Apple Watch Ultra features a rugged design with a titanium case and a flat display with a...

www.macrumors.com

(The case could get some minor nicks and scratches. Wear them with pride, use them as an excuse to tell about the time you worked on a crew building bridges in Africa.)

b&

 

[WozzaTT]

Firstly - that’s amazing what you’re going to be doing. Well done 😊.

As for the watch, you may well get the bezel marked up a bit but I’m sure the screen will be fine.

How about taking out AppleCare for a bit of peace of mind? Might seem like overkill for a couple of weeks but it’s dirt cheap.

 

[nnc]

Swap with your son now and buy yourself a new watch when you return. And/or wear a wrist sweatband over the watch. Safe travels!

 

[NoBoMac]

Put me in the "get a case" camp.

What good is a second/used Watch when it gets damaged and not able to get to Apple for weeks? Worst case scenario, on day one?

Agree with the comment that should be ok unless using it as a hammer, but as pointed out, could get scuffed up on the bezel. Happened to me with my first Watch: went canyoneering and scuffed up the Watch, did not think of taking it off, and minutes later, banged it on something and destroyed the display.

 

[Jack Burton]

My vote: get a case. The best way to use a piece of equipment, IMO, is to use it to death.

Perhaps get a backup non-smart rugged watch in case this one goes down on the trip.

 

[chadamorrill]

See, this is why I asked the question!! I was so bent on finding the perfect deal for an old/used watch, I literally wasn't even thinking a case for my Ultra, not to mention the sweatband trick (I remember reading that advice a long time ago, in fact!).

I have a Spigen rugged armor pro and EZ fit glass on order that should do it. Appreciate y'all.

 

[akidokraja]

Or just buy used Garmin 6 for around $200. You won’t need to recharge it for an entire trip. There will be no cellular roaming most likely so AW will be less useful.