I've thought of buying one but never followed through. Any of you use one? And if so do you like it? I'd use it to count steps and calc miles. Anything else worth having in a pedomoter? I see some that are $100 but that seems over kill.

They may work on a flat trail if you are walking at constant pace but any variation in pace or gradient will throw the pace count.

I was wondering about that.

Wife and I got these last spring to motivate ourselves a bit more during the week for logging steps. Seems fairly accurate during hiking as well, but probably not as good as GPS-based mileage tracking. Counts "flights of stairs" also using some sort of altimeter which is interesting. YMMV but we like them.

one that was $100 I mentioned above. I think REI has one that is around $59 and one that is around $99. What ever I get, if I get one, must be able to work on trails. So thanks for the user experience.

I too use the FitBit. I use the Zip, but after using the Zip for a few months I almost wish I'd waited for the One. The Zip has been great, with a stat-tracking website that can tell you your activity levels through the day and as a good indicator of about how "tough" a trip has been. I find its mileage estimate is fairly accurate on most varied terrain when you can keep a fairly even stride but on one very difficult mountain summit its estimate was wildly off, although the number of steps seemed spot on.

That said, the One would be even better just because it has the altitude sensor.

Edited by skomae on 11/23/2012 22:32:58 MST.

I use one of these as well. I like it as an exercise motivator, but I find the distance calculator over-generous compared to the map.

I used one on several days to see how many steps I take at work in the construction industry. I think the recomended steps for an adult is 7000 a day and I was averaging 10000 just at work.

They are good for the amount of steps you are taking but unless each step is the same as the callibrated step length you have entered then the distance will be out.

My wife and I both have the Fitbit Ultras. They are a fun little item for getting a general idea of activities, calories burned, etc. so you can stay motivated. Distance is pretty accurate for an average walking pace. However, taking mine on runs I have found it to be quite significantly off on distance. I've had 6 mile runs register just over 4 miles on the Fitbit. Regular hikes though have been pretty accurate. We've had quite a few friends and family members interested in them. We tell everyone they are great motivational tools for normal activities, but definitely not a replacement for a GPS and/or heart rate monitor for those that want to seriously track their health.

So a guy at work asks to see the apps that i have on my cell phone. He shouts at me "You're a child molester!"
What are you talking about, i said.
"You have a pedometer app on your phone!", he shouted.
Don't be stupid, i said, that isn't the same thing as pedophilia.
"So what does a pedometer app do then?", he asked.
It tells you how many paces to the nearest nursery school, said i.

I'll get my coat.

I don't have a pedometer but my sister does have a Ipod nano which does have a built in Pedometer. So if you want to hike with a pedometer and music player on a hike The Ipod Nano will do both.

hahahahahaha thank you mike for that!

tried the Striiv?

yuk yuk yuk!