Explore a stronger version of yourself
The PRO TREK PRW-50YFE accompanied me as I journeyed over mountains and across seas
Hiking holds different meanings for everyone. For me, it’s a pure passion, and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the happiness it brings. Reflecting on it, during the 2013 HK Little Horse Mountain hike, I encountered a unique outdoor landscape. The gentle breeze, the rolling hills, and the blue sky merging seamlessly with the deep blue sea made me realize I had fallen in love with hiking. It’s been about six or seven years since I started hiking, and I try to go to one or two places for hikes every year. Due to work commitments, I didn’t hike in Hong Kong for two years, but checking the weather for those days showed it would be perfect, so I set off with my partner.
In Hong Kong, there are four classic hiking routes: the MacLehose Trail, the Wilson Trail, the Lantau Trail, and the Hong Kong Trail. This time, I chose the Wilson Trail, which is closest to the Futian Port, and the most scenic section from Hok Tau to Pat Sin Leng to Tai Mei Tuk.
After finalizing the hike, the next step was to prepare the necessary gear: clothing, hydration, and other essentials for the trek.
For outdoor hiking, timely data feedback, sun protection, and waterproofing are key concerns. During the hike, some areas can experience sudden rain, especially in the rainy season. As for sun protection, it’s straightforward — prolonged exposure to the sun during outdoor activities can be very damaging to the skin. Therefore, I opted for waterproof outerwear, shorts, short-sleeved shirts, long socks, and hiking shoes. For those who are more sensitive to the sun, long sleeves and pants are recommended. A scarf or hat can also help maximize sun protection and guard against insect bites.
During long hikes, it’s essential to have gear that provides real-time terrain information and remains comfortable to wear for extended periods. The Casio PRO TREK PRW-50YFE I chose perfectly met these requirements. First, it offers timely data feedback. Second, unlike many other outdoor watches, it eliminates charging worries. It fits my outdoor needs flawlessly.
The gear I prepared in advance proved my assumptions right. After over seven hours of trekking through the wilderness, enduring direct sunlight and navigating through dense shrubs, I was grateful for my equipment choices.
Here, let me share some essential hiking knowledge. First, know your altitude. As everyone knows, oxygen becomes thinner at higher altitudes, so understanding your current elevation helps in managing your energy levels.
Second, pay attention to changes in air pressure. As mentioned earlier, waterproofing and sun protection are crucial. Knowing air pressure trends can help you anticipate weather changes, allowing you to dress appropriately and reduce unnecessary strain on your body.
What makes the PRO TREK PRW-50YFE stand out for me is that it sheds the bulkiness of many outdoor watches while featuring the third-generation Triple Sensor. It quickly provides vital outdoor data such as altitude, temperature, direction, and air pressure. Additionally, the comfort of wearing the PRO TREK PRW-50YFE is remarkable.
Getting back to the hike, what I enjoyed most was the tranquility and openness, far removed from the noise and crowds of everyday life. There was only nature before my eyes and a completely relaxed state of mind. At the start of the hike, my body felt strong. But as the hours under the sun dragged on and my body lost fluids, fatigue began to set in. Hiking poles became especially useful in the second half of the trek, helping to alleviate some of the physical burden.
At around 600 meters altitude, we found a spot to rest and allow my partner and me to recover, as we had been hiking continuously for nearly three hours. I’d like to share a personal insight: the most rewarding part of mountain hiking is that although climbing is exhausting, looking back after some time, you realize your perseverance and hard work have paid off. The beautiful scenery beneath your feet is all yours to take in.
I almost forgot to mention — staying hydrated during hiking or mountaineering is extremely important. I hadn’t anticipated the intensity of this hike and only brought about one liter of water, which I finished halfway through. Fortunately, at my lowest point, a running group I passed by gave me two bottles of water. I’m still very grateful to them.
After replenishing my body’s needed fluids, we pushed on to complete the remaining part of the route. So, it’s essential to emphasize how important it is to prepare gear and energy supplies in advance.
When we reached two-thirds of the hike, the weather started to turn cloudy. Checking the air pressure reading on my PRO TREK PRW-50YFE, I noticed the numbers were trending downward. That told me the weather would soon change, so I picked up my pace.
After a bumpy finish to the hike, although the two bottles of water helped relieve my fatigue, it wasn’t until I reached the convenience store at the foot of the mountain and guzzled drinks from the fridge that I finally felt fully hydrated.
In the end, it took seven hours to complete the Wilson Trail hike in Hong Kong. Coming down the mountain, I noticed my girlfriend’s skin was sunburned. So, I want to remind everyone: preparation before a trip must be thorough, or you might find yourself in a tough spot during the hike. I’m also grateful to have a partner who was willing to hike with me, to explore these unique landscapes and journey over mountains and across seas with me.
Finally, I’d like to recommend the PRO TREK PRW-50YFE once again — it’s truly fantastic. It also features replaceable elastic watch bands that are easy to swap, highly stretchable, lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear. I use the elastic band in summer or during sports, while the soft polyurethane band is suitable for autumn, winter, or casual settings. Moreover, the industrial fashion design of the PRO TREK PRW-50YFE pairs effortlessly with both types of bands, making it suitable for all occasions.
Looking back, the watch provided substantial help throughout my hike. Beyond timely data feedback and customizable straps, I was also delighted by the luminous coating on the dial, which ensured excellent visibility at night.
Compared to previous PRO TREK models, this watch has a slightly smaller dial size, balancing comfort and practicality. Especially during outdoor activities, it doesn’t hinder wrist movement and suits both men and women.
In an era where products are becoming increasingly homogenized, it’s rare to find one that meets diverse needs comprehensively. But the PRO TREK PRW-50YFE is just such an exceptional product.