The Persisting Attraction of a Compact, Car-Mounted Navigation System

Discover the latest car news, reviews, and features straight to your inbox. Oh, and don't forget to check our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Two decades ago, smartphones were yet to become the norm, and built-in navigation was a rarity. Many of us were printing directions from MapQuest and reading them like rally notes as we navigated through new cities. This created a frenzy for compact GPS units on par with iPhones, but these devices eventually faded with the rise of smartphones in everyone's pockets. However, dedicated GPS units still have their place, particularly for off-road expeditions where they can truly unleash your grand adventures!

Recently, Garmin unveiled the Tread 2—an enhanced version of their portable off-road GPS tablet. Yes, you heard it right; portable GPS isn't a thing of the past! Despite its obsolescence in everyday road trips, when built for endurance and equipped with the right features, it can be an incredible ally for off-road journeys.

The Tread 2 comes in various versions: a compact Powersports one and bulky Baja racing models. The exciting new releases are the Overland and SxS models, featuring suction cups for truck-mounting or a clamp for roll-cage installation, respectively. Moving away from its petite 5.5-inch predecessor, the Tread 2 boasts an 8.0-inch display that's larger and stronger. In addition, the Tread 2 boasts an IP67 protection rating (water and dustproof), while the original had just an IPX7 rating (waterproof only).

Compared to the GPS devices for the rich kids of 2004, the Tread 2 is leaps and bounds ahead. You can link it to the Tread app to plot and download routes, plan your route based on weather and vehicle specifications, use it as a short-range communicator between vehicles, and even track your furry friends if they're rocking Garmin collars.

However, this off-road companion doesn't come cheap, with Garmin listing the Tread 2 Overland and SxS models at a hefty $999.99 each. I haven't had the pleasure of testing the device personally, but, if it lived up to my expectations, I'd say it's a fantastic piece of technology for off-road enthusiasts.

The convenience of keeping my smartphone for photography or securing it in a waterproof case is enticing. My phone, despite its durability with the OEM wireless charging case, might not make it through a Baja trip baking on the dashboard of my truck. Mounting it on the roll bar of my Polaris Ranger is a recipe for disaster—mud, dust, and water. And don't even get me started on its extremely limited GPS capabilities in remote areas.

With the Tread 2, you no longer have to worry about finding cell service or the complications of a smartphone's fragility in extreme conditions. It's rugged, adaptable to various off-road vehicles, and offers features that smartphones simply can't in backcountry environments.

While it's true that dedicated GPS units don't hold the same appeal as they did at the turn of the millennium, there's still a strong argument for investing in technology like the Tread 2 for serious off-roading enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for more exciting gear recommendations and adventure tips. And hey, if you have some hot tips on the latest adventures and tech, send us a note at tips@our website!

Footnotes:[1] Garmin Tread 2 Datasheet - https://www.garmin.com/support/common/pdfs/Garmin_Tread_Series_UP_SM_T705828_EN.pdf[2] Garmin Tread 2 Product Page - https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/products/outdoor-recreation/portable-navigation/pnd-tabs/202067[3] Garmin Tread 2 Overland Video - https://youtu.be/Jq6UxMKMfc8[4] Garmin Tread 2 Overland Product Page - https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/products/outdoor-recreation/portable-navigation/pnd-tabs/202063[5] Garmin Tread 2 SxS Product Page - https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/products/outdoor-recreation/portable-navigation/pnd-tabs/202143

Enrichment Data (18%):

Glove-Friendly Touchscreen: The Tread 2 is equipped with a glove-friendly touchscreen, making it practical for off-road use in all weather conditions.
IP67 Dust and Water Resistance: The device is built to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, and water, making it suitable for harsh outdoor environments where smartphones often fail.
Preloaded, Detailed Maps: The Tread 2 comes preloaded with OpenStreetMap, U.S. Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps, Adventure Roads and Trails, and City Navigator maps for street routes. It also supports high-definition digital elevation maps for off-road navigation.
Satellite Imagery and Overhead Views: Users can access preloaded satellite imagery for high-resolution overhead views of terrain and routes, aiding navigation in remote areas.
Customizable Vehicle Profiles: The Tread 2 allows users to input vehicle dimensions and weight, offering tailored routing based on the specific needs of a truck, motorcycle, or side-by-side vehicle.
Real-Time Alerts: The device provides alerts for hazards such as sharp curves and speed changes, enhancing safety on unfamiliar routes.
Group Ride and Social Features: The Tread 2 supports group ride functionality, enabling users to share routes and see fellow riders' locations in real time via the companion app.
Heavy-Duty Mounting: Both editions (Overland and SxS) feature robust mounting hardware designed to withstand high vibration and shocks common in off-road conditions.
No Phone Dependency: The Tread 2 operates independently of a smartphone, ensuring reliable navigation even in areas with no cellular service.

For off-road enthusiasts, the latest technology like the Garmin Tread 2 offers a rugged and adaptable GPS solution, providing features that smartphones often fail to deliver in challenging terrains.
During off-road expeditions, the convenience of a portable, waterproof, and dust-resistant GPS device like the Tread 2 can be invaluable, alleviating the potential fragility issues that smartphones face in extreme conditions.