Why Garmin Total Ascent Is Wrong: The Surprising Truth Revealed!

Garmin Total Ascent is a feature that can be found on many Garmin devices. It calculates how many feet or meters of elevation you have climbed during an activity. However, some people have found that the total ascent recorded by their Garmin device is incorrect. This article will explore the reasons why Garmin Total Ascent might be wrong and what you can do to fix it.

Why Garmin Total Ascent Wrong?

Garmin Total Ascent is Wrong:

The Garmin Total Ascent feature on the Garmin Edge cycling computer is inaccurate. The Total Ascent figure on the Edge cycling computer is not accurate. The total ascent on the Edge cycling computer is often much lower than the actual total ascent of the ride.

For example, I did a 50-mile ride and the total ascent on the Edge cycling computer was 2,000 feet. However, when I uploaded the ride to Strava, the total ascent was 4,000 feet.

The Garmin Total Ascent feature on the Edge cycling computer is inaccurate because it only measures the ascent that is gained or lost during the ride. It does not take into account the total ascent of the ride. For example, if you ride up a hill and then turn around and ride back down the same hill, the Edge cycling computer will record the ascent as zero.

The Garmin Total Ascent feature on the Edge cycling computer is inaccurate because it only measures the ascent that is gained or lost during the ride. It does not take into account the total ascent of the ride.

Why Does My Garmin Total Ascent Reading Differ From The Ascent Recorded By Strava Or Other Fitness Tracking Apps?

• 1. Garmin uses barometric pressure to calculate total ascent, while other apps may use GPS data, which can lead to discrepancies in readings.
• 2. Garmin’s readings may be more accurate, as they are based on actual elevation changes, while GPS data may be affected by factors such as satellite signal quality and terrain.
• 3. Garmin’s readings may also be affected by factors such as weather, temperature, and altitude, which can affect the accuracy of GPS data.
• 4. Garmin’s readings may also be affected by user settings, such as the type of activity being tracked and the elevation correction setting.
• 5. In general, it is best to use multiple apps and devices to track your activity and compare the data to get the most accurate picture of your progress.

How Do I Calibrate My Garmin Total Ascent Reading To Ensure Accurate Results?

How Do I Calibrate My Garmin Total Ascent Reading To Ensure Accurate Results?

Calibrating your Garmin total ascent reading can ensure more accurate results when climbing hills or mountains. This is especially important for serious hikers or runners who want to track their progress and improve their fitness.

To calibrate your Garmin total ascent reading, you will need to know the height of a hill or mountain, as well as the starting and ending points of your hike or run. You can use a GPS device or a topographic map to determine the elevation of the start and end points.

Once you have this information, you can use the Garmin Connect app or website to enter your starting and ending points, as well as the height of the hill or mountain. The app or website will then calculate the total ascent for your hike or run.

It is important to note that Garmin total ascent readings may not be completely accurate, as there can be slight variations in elevation between different GPS devices. However, calibrating your Garmin total ascent reading can help to improve the accuracy of your results.

Overall, calibrating your Garmin total ascent reading can help you to track your progress and improve your fitness when climbing hills or mountains.

Are There Any External Factors That Can Affect The Accuracy Of My Garmin Total Ascent Reading?

External factors can affect the accuracy of your Garmin total ascent reading. For example, if you are hiking in a hilly or mountainous area, the total ascent reading may be affected by GPS signal interference or multipath reception. Additionally, if you are hiking in dense vegetation or in an area with tall buildings, the total ascent reading may be affected by signal blockage. Finally, if you are hiking in extreme temperatures, the total ascent reading may be affected by the performance of the GPS unit. In general, however, Garmin total ascent readings are generally accurate and reliable.

Are There Any Settings Or Adjustments I Can Make To Improve The Accuracy Of My Garmin Total Ascent Reading?

There are a few settings you can adjust to improve your Garmin’s total ascent reading accuracy. First, make sure the device is calibrated properly. You can do this by walking or running a flat, level surface for at least 20 minutes. Next, adjust the stride length setting to match your natural stride. To do this, press the menu button, select settings, and then select activity profile. From there, select running or walking, and then select stride length. Finally, make sure the GPS signal is strong. If the signal is poor, the reading may not be as accurate.

What Are Some Alternative Fitness Tracking Devices That Give Accurate Ascent Readings?

Alternative fitness tracking devices that give accurate ascent readings include the following:

1. Garmin eTrex 20x GPS: This handheld device has a built-in altimeter that records elevation changes as you hike or climb. It also has a 2.2-inch color display and is waterproof, making it suitable for outdoor use.

2. Suunto Traverse Alpha: This GPS watch has a built-in altimeter and barometer, which it uses to calculate elevation changes. It also has a weather tracker and is waterproof, making it suitable for outdoor use.

3. Fitbit Ionic: This smartwatch has a built-in altimeter and GPS, which it uses to calculate elevation changes. It also has a heart rate monitor and is waterproof, making it suitable for outdoor use.

4. Apple Watch Series 5: This smartwatch has a built-in altimeter and GPS, which it uses to calculate elevation changes. It also has a heart rate monitor and is waterproof, making it suitable for outdoor use.

5. Polar Vantage V: This GPS watch has a built-in altimeter and barometer, which it uses to calculate elevation changes. It also has a heart rate monitor and is waterproof, making it suitable for outdoor use.

In a nutshell

In conclusion, Garmin Total Ascent can be a useful tool for tracking ascent and descent, but it can also be a source of frustration and disappointment for many users. It’s important to keep in mind that GPS data is not always 100% accurate, and to be mindful of the conditions in which you are using your device. If you’re experiencing issues with Garmin Total Ascent, it’s best to contact Garmin customer support for assistance.