Garmin Adds New Long-Awaited Activity to Sports Watches
Garmin Expands “Rucking” Activity Tracking Beyond Military Watches
OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Garmin, known for its fitness trackers and GPS watches, is extending its “rucking” activity profile to a wider range of its devices. Rucking, or weighted walking, was initially a feature reserved for its military-focused watches.
The Garmin Tactix 8, a high-end watch geared toward military use launched in February, included the rucking profile alongside features like ballistic analysis and a Kill Switch mode. The military version of the Garmin Instinct 3, released recently, also incorporates this training profile.
What is Rucking?
rucking involves walking with added weight, typically several kilograms. Garmin watches equipped with the rucking profile allow users to input the weight they are carrying, which the watch then factors into its fitness metrics.
Without specifying the weight during a standard walking activity,the watch might miscalculate VO2 max,estimating a lower value due to the slower pace or higher heart rate associated with carrying extra weight.
Rucking for the General Public
initially, it was speculated that Garmin would limit the rucking profile to its Tactix and Instinct 3 Tactical Edition watches.However, according to The Desfit videographer, Garmin plans to roll out the feature to othre watches via a software update expected around the summer of 2025.
Although the weighted load profile is highlighted as a function of the 3 tactical instinct, this profile will be added to instinct 3 thanks to a software update during the next quarterly update, around the summer of 2025
Garmin Rumors reports that the Fenix 8 Amoled and Fenix 8 Solar,which share a base with the Tactix 8,already support rucking for users enrolled in Garmin’s beta update program.
This expansion suggests Garmin is responding to user demand for an activity that, while originating in the military, is gaining popularity among the general public, even those without military-specific devices.
Garmin Expands “Rucking” Activity Tracking: What You Need to Know
What is rucking?
What does “rucking” actually involve?
Rucking is essentially walking or hiking with a weighted pack. The added weight, typically several kilograms, increases the workout’s intensity.
How do Garmin watches with a rucking profile work?
Garmin watches with the rucking profile allow you to input the weight you’re carrying.The watch then factors this weight into its fitness metrics, providing a more accurate assessment of your workout.
why is entering the weight notable?
Without specifying the weight, standard walking activities might miscalculate metrics like VO2 max. This is because carrying extra weight affects pace and heart rate, potentially leading to a lower estimated value.
Which Garmin Watches Support Rucking?
Which Garmin watches currently feature rucking?
According to the provided information, the Garmin Tactix 8, a high-end watch, and the military version of the Garmin Instinct 3 currently support rucking. Also, the Fenix 8 Amoled and Fenix 8 Solar already support rucking, but only for users enrolled in Garmin’s beta update program.
Will rucking be available on more Garmin devices?
Yes, Garmin plans to roll out the rucking feature to more watches via a software update, expected around the summer of 2025, according to the Desfit videographer.
Rucking for the General Public: Expanding Beyond Military Use
Why is Garmin expanding rucking to more devices?
Garmin is responding to user demand for rucking, which is gaining popularity among the general public. The activity’s appeal extends beyond its military origins.
What does this expansion mean for users?
it means more Garmin users will be able to track thier rucking activities accurately, gaining valuable insights into their workouts and fitness progress.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary of what we’ve covered:
Rucking Definition: Walking with a weighted pack to enhance your workout.
Garmin Implementation: Allows tracking weight for accurate fitness metric calculations.
Expanding Availability: The feature is becoming available on more Garmin devices.
user Demand: Garmin is meeting the growing popularity of rucking.
Comparing Garmin’s Rucking Watches
| Watch Model | Rucking Support | Additional Notes |
| ————————- | —————- | ——————————————————————————————————– |
| Garmin Tactix 8 | Yes | High-end, military-focused watch, includes ballistic analysis and a Kill Switch mode. |
| Garmin Instinct 3 (Military) | Yes | Military version incorporates the rucking profile.|
| Fenix 8 Amoled | Beta program Users | Shares a base with the tactix 8. |
| Fenix 8 Solar | Beta Program Users | Shares a base with the Tactix 8. |
| Regular Instinct 3 | Planned (Summer 2025) | Planned via a software update. |