Wildly inaccurate step counts when using trekking poles!

I'm wearing a fenix 6X on one wrist and a fitbit something or other on the other wrist. Did a 10-mile hike with trekking poles. Garmin says I did about 7000 steps (hah!) and the fitbit says I did 20,000+ steps (much more accurate). If the fitbit can still read the steps while holding poles, the Garmin should be able to as well. I bet if they tried, they could get it to work.

jim_m_58 said:

Footpods don't count steps.  Only the watch does.

I was under the impression that the watch calculated steps during day to day movement, but while recording an activity, if a foot pod or Running Dynamics pod was paired, then the Fenix uses that to derive applicable metrics during the recording of the activity such as a run or a hike. My Fenix 5X has the annoying habit of 'alerting that I have reached my daily walking goal while driving home in the car over a bumpy road.

Edit: Having just read the latest comments on DCRainmakers blog, apparently the Running Dynamics Pod is prone to the same issues as the watch.

It would be an easy fix....simple bit of coding.  I've been asking for this feature since I had my Fenix 3 years ago.  I've go the Fenix 5x now and still no resolution.  It really sucks to buy a $700 watch to use in long distance hiking (with hiking poles) and outdoor use in general, and there is no way to get an accurate step count!  I was even told years ago by a Garmin rep after calling to ask about the issue, that I could fix the problem by adding the foot pod sensor.  I spent $80 on that and it did absolutely nothing for me!

I found a Connect IQ data field named "Polesteps" that fixes the issue by allowing application of a raising factor. It isn't precise, but it is sure better than the wrong count with poles. 

Wow I'll have to check that out!  Thanks!

I'm brand new to Garmin, just got my Vivoactive 3 last Tuesday. I tried Googling "data fields" and I can't figure out how to do this. I have Polesteps added to Garmin Connect on my phone but don't see it anywhere on my Garmin.

I’ve just had exactly the same thing. Tried out my new Black Diamond poles and thought I’d use both. Had such fun on the downhills, I was practically running. Checked my mile time - 25 minutes....! No way. That’s a huge shame if there is no way to accurately record distance when using both poles. 

Ah that’s a helpful tip regarding the pocket, I’ll give that a go

Can I just ask one question - typically I only use 1 walking pole, and typically in my right hand. But sometimes use my left hand. My Fenix5 is on my left hand. Does that mean I’ll have been under-counting distance I’ll have done with the pole in my left hand?