Imagine this: you’re deep in the wilderness, the sun is setting, and the trail ahead is unmarked. You need to know where you’re going. That’s where a good Overland GPS comes in. But with so many choices out there, it’s tough to pick the perfect one for your adventures.
Choosing the wrong GPS can lead to frustration and getting lost. You want a device that’s tough, easy to use, and has reliable maps. You might be wondering which features are most important or what brands you can trust. It’s a lot to think about, and we get it!
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a great Overland GPS and guide you through the selection process. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for, so you can confidently choose a GPS that will be your trusted companion on every journey. Let’s dive in and find the best GPS for your next overland trip!
Our Top 5 Overland Gps Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Overland Gps Detailed Reviews
1. Garmin Tread Overland
Rating: 8.9/10
The Garmin Tread Overland is your ultimate adventure buddy. It’s a tough navigator that can handle any terrain you throw at it. With its bright screen, you can see everything clearly, even in direct sunlight. This device is built to last and will guide you on any off-road journey.
What We Like:
- Super rugged and weather-resistant, so it can handle dust and water.
- Features an 8-inch ultrabright display that’s easy to see.
- Offers turn-by-turn trail navigation for unpaved roads and trails.
- Includes preloaded topographic maps and satellite imagery for North and South America.
- Built-in inReach technology lets you send messages and call for help using satellites.
- Comes with iOverlander and Ultimate Public Campgrounds data for finding campsites without needing cell service.
- You can connect it to your smartphone using the Tread app to share your location and plan routes.
- Has helpful sensors like an altimeter, barometer, and compass to guide you.
What Could Be Improved:
- Map data might have limitations for some road and trail suggestions.
- Vehicle profile routing may not account for all vehicle characteristics in every suggestion.
- inReach technology requires an active subscription and some places might limit satellite communication devices.
- Group Ride Mobile tracking needs the Tread app on all phones and an active cell signal.
- Group tracking and push-to-talk mic need a connection to vehicle power.
This navigator is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves exploring. It provides reliable guidance and essential communication for your adventures.
2. Garmin Tread® 2 – Overland Edition
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to explore beyond the pavement? The Garmin Tread® 2 – Overland Edition is your ultimate off-the-grid adventure companion. This tough 8-inch navigator is built to handle anything the wild throws at it, keeping you on track even when you’re miles from anywhere.
What We Like:
- Its big 8-inch touchscreen is super bright and easy to use, even with gloves on.
- It’s tough! It can handle extreme temperatures and is waterproof, so it’s great for any adventure.
- You get awesome trail navigation with lots of map options, including OpenStreetMap and U.S. Forest Service maps.
- It comes with detailed topographic maps of North and South America, showing elevation, campgrounds, and private land.
- You can download satellite images directly to the device for a bird’s-eye view of your route.
- The Tread smartphone app lets you plan trips and sync them to your navigator.
- You can track your friends’ locations with the group ride feature, which is a cool safety addition.
- It includes a strong mount designed to stay put even on bumpy rides.
- The preloaded campground directory helps you find places to stay.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some map data might have limits for certain roads and trails, so always pay attention to signs.
- Accessing premium map content like burn zones requires a subscription.
- Group tracking needs active cell service and Bluetooth on everyone’s phones.
The Garmin Tread® 2 – Overland Edition is a robust navigator built for serious off-road exploration. It offers detailed maps and useful features to help you discover new trails and stay connected.
3. Magellan TN7881SGLUC TR7 Trail and Street GPS Navigator with A Camera
Rating: 9.5/10
The Magellan TN7881SGLUC TR7 Trail and Street GPS Navigator with a Camera is your ultimate adventure buddy. It guides you on both well-traveled roads and rugged off-road paths. You can easily control it with its responsive touchscreen.
What We Like:
- It offers turn-by-turn navigation for both streets and trails, making sure you never get lost.
- A huge library of over 100,000 trails for 4WD, ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles is preloaded, giving you tons of options.
- You can record your own tracks and share them with others, building a community-powered database of routes.
- Its advanced trail searching helps you find exactly what you’re looking for, with millions of points of interest included.
- The touchscreen is easy to use, even with gloves on.
What Could Be Improved:
- The camera quality might not be professional-grade, but it’s good for capturing memories on the go.
- While it’s durable, some users might prefer a more rugged build for extreme conditions.
This GPS navigator is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves exploring. It combines street smarts with off-road expertise, making every journey more exciting and less stressful.
4. Garmin Tread 2 Overland Off-Road GPS Navigator Bundle – 8″ All-Terrain Navigator with Ultrabright Display
Rating: 9.4/10
The Garmin Tread 2 Overland Off-Road GPS Navigator Bundle is your ultimate co-pilot for any adventure. It’s built tough to handle rough trails and extreme weather. The big, bright screen is easy to see, even in sunlight, and you can use it with gloves. This navigator comes with everything you need to get going, including a handy portable charger.
What We Like:
- Built tough for any terrain, from desert heat to freezing cold.
- The 8-inch screen is super bright and easy to read, even with dirty gloves on.
- Get custom routes made just for your vehicle’s size and weight.
- See detailed satellite images to plan your adventures better.
- Share your location and talk to your friends on the trail, even without cell service.
- The included 5000mAh charger keeps you powered up on the go.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setup might take a little time for some users.
- While it’s rugged, dropping it from very high places might still cause damage.
This bundle offers serious navigation for off-road explorers. It’s a reliable tool that helps you explore with confidence and stay connected.
5. Garmin Tread 2 Overland Edition – 8″ All-Terrain GPS Navigator for Off-The-Grid Travels with Turn-by-Turn Trail Navigation
Rating: 9.3/10
Ready to explore beyond the pavement? The Garmin Tread 2 Overland Edition is your ultimate off-grid adventure companion. This rugged 8-inch navigator is built tough to handle extreme conditions, offering detailed trail navigation, stunning satellite maps, and essential weather updates. Plus, with the included Wearable4U Power Pack, you’ll have the juice to keep going, no matter how far you roam.
What We Like:
- The bright, glove-friendly 8-inch touchscreen is easy to see and use, even in harsh weather.
- Turn-by-turn trail navigation guides you on unpaved roads and trails using various map sources.
- Downloadable satellite imagery gives you a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings for better planning.
- The built-in directory of over 46,000 campgrounds makes finding a place to rest easy.
- Group Ride features let you track and communicate with friends, even without cell service (with optional accessories).
- The included Wearable4U Power Pack ensures you have backup power for your device.
- Sensors like an altimeter, barometer, compass, and pitch/roll gauges provide crucial off-road data.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some trail route suggestions might have limitations; always follow posted signs and road conditions.
- Accessing premium map content requires a subscription to Outdoor Maps+.
- Group tracking and voice communication require additional accessories like the Group Ride Radio and push-to-talk mic.
This Garmin Tread 2 bundle is a powerful tool for any serious off-road enthusiast. It equips you with the navigation and communication capabilities needed to conquer the wild.
Choosing Your Overland GPS: Navigate the Wild with Confidence
Planning an overland adventure means you need to know where you’re going. A good GPS (Global Positioning System) is your trusty co-pilot, guiding you through uncharted territories and keeping you on track. This guide will help you pick the best GPS for your off-road expeditions.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing an overland GPS, several features are super important.
1. Accuracy and Reliability
You need a GPS that’s always accurate. Look for devices that use multiple satellite systems, like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. This gives you a stronger signal, even in tough spots like canyons or under thick tree cover.
2. Durability and Ruggedness
Overlanding means bumps, dust, and maybe even water. Your GPS needs to be tough. Check for IP ratings (like IP67 or IP68) which tell you how well it handles dust and water. A rugged casing is also a big plus.
3. Battery Life and Power Options
Long trips mean you need power. Some GPS units have rechargeable batteries, while others use AA batteries. Consider if you can easily swap batteries or charge it from your vehicle’s power source. Long battery life is essential when you’re far from civilization.
4. Mapping Capabilities
The maps are the heart of your GPS. Look for devices that come with pre-loaded topographic maps. You should also be able to download custom maps, like satellite imagery or detailed trail maps, for the areas you plan to explore. The ability to zoom and pan smoothly is also helpful.
5. User Interface and Ease of Use
You don’t want to be fumbling with complicated menus when you’re driving. A simple, intuitive interface makes it easy to find what you need quickly. Touchscreens can be nice, but physical buttons can be easier to use with gloves on.
6. Connectivity and Data Transfer
Some GPS units can connect to your smartphone or other devices. This lets you share routes, download new maps, and even send emergency messages. A USB port for transferring data is also very useful.
Important Materials
The materials used in your GPS affect its durability.
- Rugged Casing: Most good overland GPS units have a tough plastic or rubberized casing. This protects the internal components from drops and impacts.
- Water-Resistant Seals: Look for devices with good seals around buttons and ports to keep water and dust out.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a GPS better or worse for overlanding.
- Improves Quality:
- High-Resolution Screen: A clear, bright screen makes maps easier to read in sunlight.
- Pre-loaded Detailed Maps: Having good maps right out of the box saves you time and effort.
- Long Battery Life: This is crucial for extended trips.
- Ability to Add Custom Maps: This lets you tailor your navigation to specific needs.
- Reduces Quality:
- Poor Signal Reception: A GPS that struggles to get a signal is useless off-road.
- Slow Processing Speed: A laggy interface makes navigation frustrating.
- Limited Map Storage: If you can’t store enough maps, you’ll be stuck.
- Fragile Construction: A GPS that can’t handle the rigors of overlanding will break easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an overland GPS is all about making your adventures safer and more enjoyable.
- Navigation: The most obvious use is finding your way. You can plan routes, follow pre-made tracks, and see your exact location on detailed maps.
- Off-Road Trails: Many GPS units are great for finding and following specific off-road trails. You can download GPX files of popular routes.
- Backcountry Exploration: If you’re heading into remote areas, a GPS is essential for staying found and ensuring you can return safely.
- Emergency Preparedness: Some advanced GPS devices have SOS features that can send your location to emergency services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for in an overland GPS?
A: You should look for accuracy, durability, good battery life, excellent mapping capabilities, and an easy-to-use interface.
Q: Can I use my smartphone as an overland GPS?
A: While smartphones have GPS, dedicated overland GPS units are usually more rugged, have better battery life, and offer more specialized mapping features for off-road use.
Q: How important is water resistance for an overland GPS?
A: Very important. Overlanding can involve rain, mud, and river crossings, so a good water-resistance rating (like IP67) is highly recommended.
Q: Do I need to buy maps separately?
A: Some GPS units come with detailed maps pre-loaded. However, you may want to buy additional maps for specific regions or download custom maps for your routes.
Q: How long should the battery life be for an overland trip?
A: Aim for a GPS that can last at least 12-24 hours on a single charge, or one that can be easily recharged from your vehicle.
Q: What does an IP rating mean?
A: An IP rating tells you how well a device is protected against dust and water. For example, IP67 means it’s dust-tight and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Q: Can I save routes on an overland GPS?
A: Yes, most overland GPS units allow you to save current tracks, create new routes, and store waypoints.
Q: Are touchscreens better than physical buttons for overland GPS units?
A: It depends on your preference. Touchscreens are often easier to navigate, but physical buttons can be more reliable and easier to use when wearing gloves or in wet conditions.
Q: Can I download custom maps from the internet?
A: Many overland GPS units allow you to download custom maps, such as satellite imagery or specific trail maps, from your computer.
Q: What is GLONASS and Galileo?
A: GLONASS is Russia’s satellite navigation system, and Galileo is the European Union’s system. Using these alongside GPS provides more accurate positioning, especially in challenging environments.
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.