Garmin accuracy on trails

Running Shoes/Running Gear Other

10 years ago 01/16/2014 1:26pm EST

I've never run with a Garmin watch because I've never really needed one. I have numerous measured loops that start at my home and work, I do all of my speedwork on the track, and I run all of my long runs on a marked rail-trail. However, I recently started doing a run or two a week on a single-track trail in a large regional park, and I've been thinking about picking one up to make sure that my distance is correct.

How accurate are Garmin watches on winding, tree-covered trails? Would the Garmin be any more accurate that a guesstimate using time and pace?

10 years ago 01/16/2014 1:33pm EST

re: Rolo Tomassi

my garmin (910xt) seems to do great on the trails. the altimeter fluctuates quite a bit, but that happens on roads as well. there is no comparison to "guesstimates", the GPS functions as you would hope on tree-covered, windy, hilly trails.

10 years ago 01/16/2014 2:09pm EST

re: Rolo Tomassi

Rolo Tomassi wrote:How accurate are Garmin watches on winding, tree-covered trails? Would the Garmin be any more accurate that a guesstimate using time and pace?

How would you know for sure? Unless someone has measured the trail with a wheel, what would you compare it to that was definitely more accurate?

In my case, comparing my Garmin distances to measuring out distance on Google maps - neither of which methods is probably all that accurate - the Garmin and map distances match up pretty closely. I would go with either of those measurements over my guesstimates based on time on any kind of non-uniform trail because when you are going up and down hills, winding around, and running at various paces depending on terrain it's hard to judge distances accurately.

10 years ago 01/16/2014 2:17pm EST

re: Chequaloot

It's easy to get a feel for the accuracy of your Garmin by overlaying it on google earth and seeing how closely the recorded path hugs the trails you ran.

On roads, Garmins are within a percentage or two (provided you're not running next to skyscrapers. On trails with dense canopy and hills, you're probably lucky to get within 5%. Sometimes my maps will show a straight line from where I entered a densely wooded area to the point where I exit a few miles later. If you're in a new area it's worth wearing, but if you're on familiar trails, guestimating is as good.

10 years ago 01/16/2014 2:47pm EST

re: dR Trollingwood

Look at the pace per mile, too. If you're running slower than you usually do then the watch may be off.

The time is always right, if the mileage is off so is the pace per mile.

Garmin is more accurate than Nike.

I once had my Nike register a distance and an average pace per mile.

10 years ago 01/16/2014 4:25pm EST

re: runn

runn wrote:
Look at the pace per mile, too. If you're running slower than you usually do then the watch may be off.
The time is always right, if the mileage is off so is the pace per mile.
Garmin is more accurate than Nike.
I once had my Nike register a distance and an average pace per mile.

You are right. I've had nike and garmin- garmin is better

10 years ago 01/16/2014 4:39pm EST

re: runn

runn wrote:
Look at the pace per mile, too. If you're running slower than you usually do then the watch may be off.
The time is always right, if the mileage is off so is the pace per mile.
Garmin is more accurate than Nike.
I once had my Nike register a distance and an average pace per mile.

Yeah because people are sooooooo good at nailing pace. Lots of folks with Garmins will tell you how much they slowed down once they got one.

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