Confused: does RD pod count steps or not?

Hi all,

I’ve been googling for the last couple of hours and I’m non the wiser so figured I’d ask here.
I have two use cases where my watch count my steps wildly incorrect.

Primarily when I go backpacking and using trekking poles.
I usually start an activity so I guess the RD pod can track that, but since it’s made for running, does it?, or does the watch act as a step counter still?

No clear answer anywhere or my googling skills are the worst.

When I use a treadmill I sometimes rest my arms and the watch stops counting of course. I’d assume the RD pod will count the steps here since it tracks L/R balance?, or like the previous one, the watch takes precedence for the actual counting?

Is there anyone who has solved these two “problems” in any way. I understand the original foot pod would solve both my use cases but it’s been discontinued since long and eBay prices are crazy for something really beat up and half broken. Any good options you guys can recommend?

Thanks in advance

Kris

edit: Just realized someone posted something similar yesterday.
keeping this since it’s primarily about RD pod.

Top Replies

kkarlss0n over 1 year ago +1

Looks like RD pod wont solve this then. Thanks for your help.
any recommendations for a foot pod that works with Garmin?

All Replies

0 Bitti over 1 year ago

Since the RD Pod provides cadence (number of steps per minute) in the activity, I would be really surprised if the watch didn't use it for step counting during activity as well. But I've never seen anything where Garmin would directly say this. Unfortunately I no longer have my pod so that I could try that for you (hiking with poles). Personally, I've solved the problem by either moving the poles to the rhythm of my feet (when nordic walking) or hiking with just one pole in the other hand (when backpacking).

0 tmk2 over 1 year ago

kkarlss0n said:
I guess the RD pod can track that, but since it’s made for running, does it?

It does not.

kkarlss0n said:
or does the watch act as a step counter still?

It does.

0 kkarlss0n over 1 year ago

Looks like RD pod wont solve this then. Thanks for your help.
any recommendations for a foot pod that works with Garmin?

0 kkarlss0n over 1 year ago in reply to Bitti

Thanks, yeah that’s what I did a few times as well. But still would prefer not to have to think about how I use the poles to get some kind of stats.
it’s not the end of the world but an annoyance.

thank you

0 tmk2 over 1 year ago in reply to kkarlss0n

kkarlss0n said:
any recommendations for a foot pod that works with Garmin?

Any ANT+ foot pod will work with a garmin, and some (most?) BLE foot pods as well. However, a foot pod won't count steps either. The only way to count steps is by swinging your watch rhythmically.