October 2025

Backpack fit for hiking starts with hipbelt at the iliac crest, snug shoulder straps, set load lifters 30–45°, and balanced weight.

To fit a hiking backpack, set torso length, seat the hipbelt on your iliac crest, snug shoulder straps, then tune load lifters and sternum strap.

You can map a hiking path with My Maps or suggest edits so trailheads and details appear on Google Maps.

You can add a hiking profile on the vívoactive 4S by creating a custom activity or installing a Connect IQ hiking app.

On a Garmin Venu, add hikes by creating a custom activity or installing a Connect IQ hiking app, then start it from Activities & Apps.

To adjust for high-elevation hikes, ascend slowly, add rest days, hydrate, eat carbs, and sleep at lower heights when you can.

For hiking shoes, aim for a snug heel and midfoot with a thumb’s-width of toe room and zero hot spots.

To add hiking on a Garmin watch, create or enable the Hiking activity, place it in your favorites, then sync your settings.

Set hiking poles so your elbow sits near 90° at rest; shorten for climbs and lengthen for descents.

On a Forerunner 245, add a hiking profile by START > Add, pick Other or copy an activity, then rename to “Hike” and sync data fields.