Heart Rate is Inaccurate While Hiking

[bkloppenburg]

I’ve noticed that my heart rate tracker can’t seem to keep up when I do strenuous hiking. It has no problem when I bike or run, but for some reason any time I hike, when I can feel my heart is pumping faster than with any other activities I do, it consistently gives me low numbers. I just gunned it up about 800 ft elevation gained in .8 miles and averaged only 106 bpm, as opposed to my last biking session where I averaged 160 bpm, and I could feel that my heart was working harder on the hike. I’ve tried putting the tracker on different spots on my arm and it’s always the same. I haven’t had any other problems with it, but once I start hiking it just doesn’t work. Anyone else experience this or have solutions? 

[MakMak]

Hi, @bkloppenburg! I'm wondering if you might be sweating more and that could mess up the sensor? Have you tried wiping down your arm and the sensor quickly during the hike?

[bkloppenburg]

Well I’m also sweating equally as much when biking and running and there’s no problem there. The only thing I can think of is the wrist is moving  up and down extra, but I would think it would be able to account for that.

[deersnot]

same! it’s incredibly frustrating especially when i’m trying to get an accurate report on how many calories i’m burning! hopefully someone has a solution for this.