Skydiving after dark adds an extra layer of excitement---and a lot of responsibility. Visibility diminishes, orientation can be confusing, and relying on visual cues alone becomes risky. That's where a reliable, portable altimeter steps in. Modern devices blend precision, durability, and night‑friendly features to keep you aware of your altitude, free‑fall time, and canopy deployment at every stage of the jump.
Below is a curated selection of the top portable altimeters that excel in night skydiving scenarios, followed by a quick buying guide to help you choose the perfect companion for your nocturnal flights.
AltiTrak X‑2 NightVision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 2‑inch OLED with adjustable back‑light; red‑mode for night vision preservation |
| Battery | 800 mAh rechargeable lithium‑ion, up to 150 hours of standby |
| Altitude Accuracy | ±30 ft (±9 m) up to 18,000 ft |
| Night‑Specific Alerts | Dual‑tone vibration + flashing red LED at 4,500 ft (reserve) and 3,000 ft (deployment) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 → smartphone app for post‑jump analysis |
| Durability | IP68 waterproof, shock‑rated to 30 g |
| Price | Approx. $289 |
Why it shines at night: The red‑mode back‑light preserves your dark‑adapted eyes, while the flashing LED gives a quick visual cue without overwhelming the surrounding darkness.
SkyPulse Pro 3
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.5‑inch high‑contrast LCD with automatic brightness sensor |
| Battery | Replaceable AA (up to 200 hours) and optional solar strip for extended missions |
| Altitude Accuracy | ±25 ft (±8 m) up to 20,000 ft |
| Night‑Specific Alerts | Haptic pulse patterns (soft for 5,000 ft, hard for 3,500 ft) + low‑intensity amber LED |
| GPS Integration | Real‑time track logging; "night‑mode" disables GPS radio for reduced interference |
| Durability | MIL‑STD‑810G tested, anti‑scratch sapphire glass |
| Price | Approx. $235 |
Why it shines at night: The amber LED is less likely to cause glare, and the distinct haptic patterns give you tactile confirmation even when you can't see the screen.
NightGlide 2.0 by AltimeterTech
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 2.2‑inch monochrome e‑ink with optional night‑vision overlay |
| Battery | 1000 mAh Li‑Po, up to 300 hours continuous operation |
| Altitude Accuracy | ±35 ft (±11 m) up to 25,000 ft |
| Night‑Specific Alerts | Dual‑frequency vibration + ultrasonic "chirp" audible through jump suit (adjustable volume) |
| Special Feature | Integrated barometric pressure sensor for rapid altitude changes, ideal for steep free‑fall maneuvers |
| Durability | Shock‑absorbing silicone housing, fully sealed against dust and moisture |
| Price | Approx. $325 |
Why it shines at night: The e‑ink display never back‑lights, eliminating any chance of night‑vision "washout." The ultrasonic alert can be heard through the helmet without disturbing fellow jumpers.
PulseLite Solo
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1‑inch OLED with programmable color zones (red, green, blue) |
| Battery | Rechargeable 600 mAh, 120 hours standby, fast‑charge 30 min |
| Altitude Accuracy | ±40 ft (±12 m) up to 18,000 ft |
| Night‑Specific Alerts | "Strobe‑pulse" -- bright red strobe combined with vibration at 2,500 ft (final approach) |
| Ease of Use | One‑button operation, auto‑calibration on power‑up |
| Durability | Rubbery outer shell, rated to 25 g impact |
| Price | Approx. $199 |
Why it shines at night: The strobe‑pulse is visible from a distance, helping spotters locate you on landing, while the compact size makes it a perfect backup for night jumps.
AeroGuard Elite
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 2‑inch high‑resolution TFT, night‑mode grayscale |
| Battery | Dual‑cell 800 mAh, hot‑swap capability (no power loss) |
| Altitude Accuracy | ±20 ft (±6 m) up to 22,000 ft |
| Night‑Specific Alerts | Triple‑layer vibration + low‑frequency beep (through headset) |
| Additional Sensors | Temperature, air‑speed, and GPS altitude correction |
| Durability | CNC‑machined aluminum frame, IP69K water‑jet protection |
| Price | Approx. $410 |
Why it shines at night: The combination of haptic, auditory, and visual alerts ensures redundancy---critical when darkness can mask a single cue.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Night‑Ready Altimeter
| Criterion | Why It Matters for Night Jumps |
|---|---|
| Red or Low‑Intensity Back‑Light | Preserves dark‑adaptation; avoids blinding yourself or teammates. |
| Vibration/Haptic Alerts | Provides a tactile cue when you can't see the display. |
| Battery Life & Replaceability | Night sessions often involve longer prep and post‑flight debriefing; a dead battery in the dark is unacceptable. |
| Water & Shock Resistance | Night jumps can involve low‑temperature or damp environments; the device must survive the impact of deployment. |
| Redundant Alert Modes | Combining vibration, auditory, and visual alerts creates a safety net. |
| Size & Mounting Options | A compact unit is less likely to snag on rigging; multiple mounting points (belt, wrist, harness) give flexibility. |
| Ease of Calibration | Quick auto‑calibration reduces pre‑jump setup time, especially when operating in low‑light conditions. |
| Connectivity (Optional) | Bluetooth sync for post‑jump analysis is handy, but ensure it doesn't interfere with other equipment or cause distractions during the jump. |
Final Thoughts
Night skydiving isn't just a thrill---it's a disciplined sport that demands extra situational awareness. The right portable altimeter can be the difference between a smooth, adrenaline‑pumping descent and a potentially hazardous misstep.
- For the tech‑savvy jumper who loves data and smartphone integration, the AltiTrak X‑2 NightVision offers a sleek balance of features and night‑friendly illumination.
- If you prefer redundancy with both tactile and auditory cues, the NightGlide 2.0 or AeroGuard Elite deliver layered alerts that keep you informed even if one channel fails.
- Budget‑conscious pilots will appreciate the PulseLite Solo for its effective strobe‑pulse alert and pocket‑friendly price.
Whichever model you choose, make sure it meets the core night‑flight requirements: low‑intensity or red lighting, strong vibration feedback, and robust battery life. Pair it with a disciplined pre‑jump checklist, and you'll be ready to own the night sky---safely and confidently.
Happy jumping, and may the darkness be as exhilarating as it is safe!