Going on treks is one of my favourite things and for this I always wanted to track my climbing data. For this, obviously on a tracker we do need an altimeter or barometer.
Recently, I purchased the Fitbit Air tracking band and many of you asked me whether the Fitbit Air has an internal altimeter or barometer.
Contents
Does Fitbit Air Have an Altimeter to Track Floors?
Well, Fitbit Air does not have any internal altimeter or barometer, so you cannot track data while climbing upstairs or even track floors climbed data.
Can you track floors on Fitbit Air?
Yes, you heard me right. So if you are climbing stairs, then your phone can actually track it. I mean, if the phone is in your pocket, it still counts the floors climbed in the Google Health app.
So for example, yesterday I went for a trek and in the Google Health app, at the bottom of the Health section, it recorded the floors I had climbed. But obviously, since my phone was in my pocket, the data is coming from the phone only.
Previously i have used many trackers and here is my opinion:
- Apple Watch: this device comes with a dedicated barometric altimeter, so it gives you more consistent and gradual elevation.
- Garmin devices: for hiking I generally consider gold standard for elevation tracking.
- Fitbit Charge 6: Fitbit Air and Fitbit Charge 6 share similar performance for basic floor counting on stairs.
- Fitbit Air: I personally think that this device is more reliable for stairs than a gradual elevation like hills or treks.
Read this Also: Fitbit Air Vs Apple Watch
Does It Record Elevation During Exercise?
It basically only records altitude when you are tracking exercise, so it does not have any option or feature to record elevation independently.
But again, it gives you data from your phone, so you cannot use it without a phone. If the phone is not in your pocket, then tracking elevation during exercise will not be possible for you.
The device is pocket friendly and very compact, so an altimeter and barometer have not been included in it.
Is this good enough for hiking and treks?
For casual trekking, this is a good tracker, but if you are serious about hiking and want to use it for precise elevation data or to track personal records, then I think you should go with a dedicated hiking watch like a Garmin instead.
Conclusion
I personally believe the Fitbit Air should have come with an altimeter or barometer because tracking floor data and elevation stats is very essential nowadays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where can you see floor count data?
The floor count data you can check on the Google Health app, under daily activity view, alongside steps and distance.
Q2. Does Fitbit Ace’s floor counter work the same as Fitbit Charge 6?
Yes, both devices share similar performance for basic floor counting on stairs.
Q3. Is Fitbit Ace good for serious hiking elevation tracking?
I don’t think so, it is suitable for serious hiking elevation, but it is good for ideal technical hiking data.
