What is the best GPS mode to use for long activities to balance accuracy and battery life

GPS Only Mode

- In GPS Only mode, the Forerunner 965 can last up to 31 hours before needing to be recharged[1][2].
- This mode provides a good balance between tracking accuracy and battery life, making it suitable for extended activities like ultra-marathons or long cycling sessions.

Multiband GPS Mode

- While multiband GPS mode offers improved accuracy by accessing multiple satellite systems, it comes at a cost to battery life[1][3].
- In multiband mode, the Forerunner 965 can only last up to 19 hours, significantly less than GPS Only mode[1][2].

UltraTrac Mode

- For the absolute longest battery life, you can switch to UltraTrac mode, which can extend runtime up to 34 hours[2].
- However, UltraTrac mode reduces GPS tracking frequency to conserve power, resulting in less accurate tracking compared to GPS Only or multiband modes[2].

Power Manager Settings

- The Forerunner 965 includes power manager settings that allow you to customize GPS accuracy and other features to optimize battery life[4].
- Enabling a battery saver mode can further extend battery life by disabling non-essential features[4].

In summary, for the best balance of accuracy and battery life during long activities, using GPS Only mode on the Garmin Forerunner 965 is recommended. This provides reliable tracking while still allowing for extended runtimes between charges.