Ever gotten lost on an ATV trail, wishing you had a trusty guide? We’ve all been there! The thrill of kicking up dust and exploring new paths is amazing, but a wrong turn can quickly turn adventure into frustration. Choosing the right GPS for your ATV trail riding can feel like navigating a maze itself. So many features, so many brands – it’s tough to know where to start.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! This post cuts through the confusion. We’ll break down exactly what you need to look for in an ATV GPS. You’ll learn about the must-have features that make trail riding safer and more fun. Get ready to discover how the perfect GPS can unlock new adventures and give you the confidence to explore further than ever before.
Let’s dive in and find the GPS that will be your ultimate off-road companion!
Our Top 5 Gps For Atv Trail Riding Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Garmin Tread Powersport Off-Road Navigator | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin Montana 700 | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Magellan TN7881SGLUC TR7 Trail and Street GPS Navigator with A Camera | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin eTrex 32x | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Gps For Atv Trail Riding Detailed Reviews
1. Garmin Tread Powersport Off-Road Navigator
Rating: 9.3/10
Embark on your next adventure with the Garmin Tread Powersport Off-Road Navigator. This tough device is built for the trails, with a bright 5.5-inch touchscreen that’s easy to use even with gloves on. It’s also water-resistant, so rain won’t stop your fun.
What We Like:
- Super tough and water-resistant (IPX7) for any weather.
- Comes with detailed maps of North and Central America, including public and private land info.
- You can download free satellite images to see the terrain clearly.
- The mount keeps it secure on your powersport vehicle.
- Connects to inReach devices to keep you in touch anywhere (sold separately).
- The Tread app lets you sync your routes and share them easily.
- Find campsites with built-in info from iOverlander and Ultimate Public Campgrounds.
- Includes helpful sensors like an altimeter, barometer, and compass.
- Works with other Garmin accessories like cameras and power switches (sold separately).
What Could Be Improved:
- Some key features like inReach communication and dog tracking require separate purchases and subscriptions.
- Connecting to live weather requires a compatible smartphone and Wi-Fi.
The Garmin Tread is a powerful navigation tool for serious off-road explorers. It offers detailed mapping and useful features to enhance your adventures.
2. Garmin Montana 700
Rating: 8.7/10
The Garmin Montana 700 is a tough GPS device built for adventure. It has a big, bright screen that you can use even with gloves on. This GPS is great for finding your way on roads and trails. It also has maps already loaded onto it.
What We Like:
- It’s built tough and can handle drops, heat, and water.
- The 5-inch screen is easy to see, even in bright sunlight.
- You can use it with GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for accurate directions.
- It has a compass and a barometer to help you know your altitude.
- You can connect it to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for extra features.
- It works with the Garmin Explore app to save and plan your trips.
What Could Be Improved:
- The device can be a bit pricey.
- Some users might find the menu system takes a little getting used to.
This GPS is a solid companion for anyone who loves the outdoors. It offers reliable navigation and useful features for your adventures.
3. Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x
Rating: 8.7/10
The Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x is a tough GPS navigator that’s ready for any adventure. Its bright screen makes it easy to see maps and directions, even in the sun. This device comes with helpful maps already loaded, so you can start exploring trails and roads right away. It uses two satellite systems, GPS and GLONASS, to help you stay on track, even when you’re deep in the woods or in tricky spots. With plenty of space for more maps, you can plan many trips without worry. It runs on regular AA batteries and lasts a long time on a single charge, so you won’t be caught without power.
What We Like:
- The 2.2-inch color display is easy to read in bright sunlight.
- It comes with preloaded TopoActive maps that show roads and trails for hiking and cycling.
- Using both GPS and GLONASS helps you get a signal in more places.
- You can store lots of maps with 8 GB of memory and a micro SD card slot.
- The battery lasts up to 25 hours, so it keeps going on long outings.
- It’s built tough and can handle rough conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The screen size, while clear, is not the largest available.
- Some users might want more advanced features for very technical navigation.
This Garmin eTrex 22x is a dependable tool for anyone who loves the outdoors. It offers solid navigation and is built to last, making it a great companion for your explorations.
4. Magellan TN7881SGLUC TR7 Trail and Street GPS Navigator with A Camera
Rating: 9.1/10
The Magellan TN7881SGLUC TR7 Trail and Street GPS Navigator with a Camera is your ultimate adventure buddy. It guides you on both roads and off-road trails. You can easily control it with its bright touchscreen. This device is packed with features for every explorer.
What We Like:
- It offers turn-by-turn navigation for both streets and trails.
- It comes preloaded with over 100,000 trails for ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles.
- You can record your tracks and share them with others through a community database.
- Finding trails is easy with advanced search options.
- It includes millions of points of interest, like gas stations and restaurants.
- The touchscreen makes it simple to use while you’re on the go.
What Could Be Improved:
- The community publishing feature might require a good internet connection to upload tracks.
- While it has many trails, some very specific or new routes might not be included yet.
This Magellan GPS is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to explore. It combines street smarts with trail expertise, making every journey more enjoyable and organized.
5. Garmin eTrex 32x
Rating: 9.4/10
The Garmin eTrex 32x is a tough GPS device that helps you find your way. It’s built to handle your outdoor adventures, whether you’re hiking, biking, or exploring new places. Its clear screen shows you maps and your location, so you always know where you are.
What We Like:
- The bright 2.2-inch color screen is easy to read, even in the sun.
- It comes with TopoActive maps that show you roads and trails for hiking and biking.
- It uses both GPS and GLONASS satellites to track you, making it more accurate in tricky spots.
- You get 8GB of space for more maps, and a slot for a microSD card if you need even more.
- The 32x model has a compass and a barometric altimeter to help you measure altitude and weather changes.
- It runs for a long time, up to 25 hours, on just two AA batteries.
What Could Be Improved:
- The screen size, while clear, is not the largest available.
- Some users might prefer a rechargeable battery instead of disposable AA batteries.
The Garmin eTrex 32x is a reliable companion for anyone who loves the outdoors. It gives you the tools you need to explore confidently and safely.
Choosing the Right GPS for Your ATV Adventures
Riding your ATV on trails is a fantastic way to explore the outdoors. But getting lost can quickly turn a fun trip into a frustrating one. That’s where a good GPS device comes in. It’s your trusty co-pilot, guiding you safely and efficiently through the wilderness.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an ATV GPS, keep these important features in mind:
- Screen Size and Brightness: You need a screen that’s easy to see, even in bright sunlight. A larger screen makes it easier to read maps and track your progress. Look for a bright, clear display.
- Durability and Waterproofing: ATVs can get dirty and wet. Your GPS needs to be tough. It should be able to handle bumps, dust, and rain. Look for devices with high IP ratings, meaning they’re well-protected against water and dust.
- Battery Life: Long rides mean you need a GPS that can keep up. Check the battery life. Some devices have rechargeable batteries, while others use AA batteries. Consider how long you’ll be out riding.
- Mapping Capabilities: The best ATVs GPS units come with pre-loaded maps of trails. You might also want the ability to download new maps or create your own routes. Look for detailed trail maps that show elevation and points of interest.
- Ease of Use: A complicated GPS can be a hassle. You want a device that’s simple to operate, even with gloves on. Buttons should be easy to press, and the menu should be straightforward.
- GPS Accuracy: You need a device that locks onto satellites quickly and provides accurate location data. This helps you stay on the right path.
Important Materials
The materials used in an ATV GPS are crucial for its performance and longevity.
- Rugged Casing: Most good ATV GPS units have a tough plastic or rubber casing. This protects the internal electronics from shocks and vibrations.
- Scratch-Resistant Screen: A screen that resists scratches is a big plus. This keeps your display clear and readable over time.
- Waterproof Seals: Look for devices with rubber seals around buttons and ports. These help keep water and dust out.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an ATV GPS better or worse.
- Screen Quality: A high-resolution, bright screen makes a huge difference. A dim or pixelated screen is frustrating.
- Map Detail: Detailed maps with clear trail markers are essential. Vague or outdated maps can lead you astray.
- User Interface: An intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface makes using the GPS a pleasure. A confusing menu system can ruin your ride.
- Build Quality: A well-built GPS feels solid and durable. Cheaply made devices might break easily.
- Battery Performance: A GPS that holds a charge for a long time is much better than one that dies quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a GPS on your ATV enhances your riding experience in many ways.
- Navigation: The most obvious use is finding your way. You can follow pre-planned routes or discover new trails.
- Safety: Knowing where you are is important for safety. You can share your location with others or easily find your way back if you get lost.
- Exploration: A GPS allows you to explore off-the-beaten-path areas with confidence. You can mark interesting spots and revisit them later.
- Recording Rides: Many GPS devices can record your tracks. This lets you review your rides, share them with friends, or retrace your steps.
- Finding Amenities: Some GPS units can help you find gas stations, campgrounds, or other useful places along your route.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for in an ATV GPS?
A: You should look for a bright, easy-to-read screen, a durable and waterproof design, good battery life, detailed mapping capabilities, and a user-friendly interface.
Q: Are ATV GPS units difficult to use?
A: Most modern ATV GPS units are designed to be user-friendly. Look for devices with simple menus and easy-to-press buttons, especially if you’ll be wearing gloves.
Q: Do I need a GPS with pre-loaded maps?
A: It’s very helpful to have pre-loaded trail maps. This saves you the trouble of downloading them. However, some users prefer to download custom maps or create their own routes.
Q: How important is waterproofing for an ATV GPS?
A: Waterproofing is very important. You’ll likely encounter mud, dust, and rain on your ATV rides, so a device that can withstand these conditions is essential.
Q: Can I use a car GPS for ATV trail riding?
A: While you *can* use a car GPS, it’s not ideal. Car GPS units are not built for rugged off-road use and often lack detailed trail maps.
Q: How do I update the maps on my ATV GPS?
A: Map updates are usually done through a computer. You’ll typically connect your GPS to your computer and use software provided by the manufacturer to download new maps.
Q: What’s the difference between a handheld GPS and a mounted GPS for an ATV?
A: Handheld GPS units are portable and can be used for hiking or other activities. Mounted GPS units are permanently attached to your ATV for easy viewing while riding.
Q: How accurate are ATV GPS devices?
A: ATV GPS devices are generally very accurate, often within a few feet of your actual location, thanks to satellite technology.
Q: Can I use my smartphone as an ATV GPS?
A: You can use GPS apps on your smartphone, but they aren’t as durable or easy to use in rugged conditions as a dedicated ATV GPS. Also, relying on your phone can drain its battery quickly.
Q: Where can I find good trail maps for my ATV GPS?
A: Many GPS manufacturers offer their own map databases. You can also find maps from online sources, trail riding communities, and government land management agencies.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.