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hiking setup

9639628
6 months ago

What's the best setup to track distance, speed, and elevation on a hike?

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  • +1 5 months ago

    Hello

    For best accuracy results you will want a clear view of the sky. You will also wan to use the following settings: 

    • Satellites: All +Multi-band
    • 3D Speed: On
    • 3D Distance: On
    • Auto Pause: Off
    • Data Recording: Every Second
    • Climb Pro: On

    Also before starting the activity, be sure to manually calibrate the Altimeter, for best elevation results. Also I would recommend once you select the activity, wait 2-3 minutes before starting the activity, to allow the watch to capture the best GPS signal. 

  • 0 5 months ago in reply to Garmin-Laurie

    Hey , why does Garmin ship all devices with data recording set to smart recording by default if you and other people consistently recommend changing it to every second on this forum? Would it be prudent for Garmin to change the default mode to every second to reduce potential accuracy issues and the associated support costs? 

    The only advantage smart recording has is reduced storage, but considering that modern devices have gigabytes of storage, that's hardly a factor. The support article also mentions that smart recording consumes less battery, but I haven't noticed any difference at all. I wonder if smart recording is needed at all on a modern device like Fenix?

  • 0 5 months ago in reply to silentvoyager

    Such a good comment. There’s no place for smart recording in 2024. Or at the very least it should not be the default setting that all devices are shipped in. 

  • 0 5 months ago in reply to silentvoyager
    silentvoyager said:
    why does Garmin ship all devices with data recording set to smart recording by default if you and other people consistently recommend changing it to every second on this forum?

    Battery life and GPS accuracy will always be a trade off. So you have very low battery usage solutions, such as Ultra-Track. Or high lever battery usage options, like All+Multiband and Every Second Recording. For default settings, will be a mid range battery drain. So Auto Select and Smart Recording. This allows you to use as is, or adjust as needed. Rather than use this the first time, and think immediately there is a battery problem. 

  • 0 5 months ago in reply to Garmin-Laurie

    But Smart Recording does not affect the battery life, at least not in a measurable way. It is not one of the settings that can be adjusted in the power manager.

    I run 100 mile ultramarathons, which obviously makes me a target user for saving battery, and yet I keep smart recording turned off.