Garmin Overlander vs Tread GPS
Deciding which GPS is right for you: We compare the Garmin Overlander vs the Tread GPS Navigation Systems
When it comes to GPS units designed for off-road and adventure use, there's a couple of great options available, however it's not alway easy to understand the differences at face value. Over many years Garmin has become a market leader in GPS technology globally, and their offerings in the off-road adventure space are excellent. Among their most popular offerings are the Garmin Overlander and the Garmin Tread, two GPS devices tailored for outdoor enthusiasts who require off-the-beaten-path navigation support.
While we really like both of these models, and while they each serve a similar purpose, they do cater to slightly different needs. This means that selecting the right option for your specific needs becomes crucial and will depend on the type of adventuring you plan to undertake. This article delves into the key differences between the Garmin Overlander vs the Tread, helping you make an informed decision.
So, with that said, let's dig in!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction to Garmin Overlander and Tread
- Design and Build Quality
- Display and User Interface
- Mapping and Navigation Capabilities
- Off-Road Features and Performance
- Connectivity and Software Integration
- Durability and Environmental Resistance
- Battery Life and Power Options
- Pricing and Value for Money
- Use Cases: Who Should Choose the Overlander? Who Should Choose the Tread?
- Conclusion: Garmin Overlander vs. Tread – Which is Right for You?
1. A Quick Intro to our two Contenders - The Garmin Overlander and The Tread
As mentioned above, Garmin is a name synonymous with GPS technology. It was founded in the US in 1989, and over the years it's consistently developed good quality navigation and GPS devices that cater to various outdoor and off-road activities. The Garmin Overlander and Tread are two such products, designed with different sets of users in mind but sharing the same ethos: to provide reliable navigation and mapping for outdoor adventures.
The Garmin Overlander is marketed primarily towards drivers and those who travel in off-road capable vehicles across varied terrains, often in remote regions. It’s a versatile unit built to function both on and off the road, offering comprehensive navigation that combines traditional GPS functionalities with off-road capabilities.
On the other hand, the Garmin Tread is geared more towards powersport enthusiasts. It’s a rugged device designed for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides, and other off-road vehicles. While it shares some of the Overlander’s features, the Tread is a more specialised GPS, and has been specifically made for rough, off-road conditions. It also includes additional features not seen in the Overlander, to suit those environments and conditions.
2. Design and Build Quality
When comparing the Garmin Overlander vs. Tread, one of the first aspects we'll consider is their design and build quality, as these factors significantly impact usability in some of the harsher conditions we find ourselves in.
Garmin Overlander:
The Overlander comes in a robust and sleek design, with a 7-inch touchscreen display that offers easy readability even in bright sunlight. Its build is solid, designed to endure the rigours of off-road driving, yet it maintains a sophisticated appearance that wouldn’t look out of place in a modern fourby. A nice little side note is that according to Garmin, it's been built to the U.S. military standard 810 for thermal and shock resistance.
The MIL-STD-810 is a U.S. military standard that outlines a series of rigorous environmental tests to assess the durability and performance of equipment under various conditions. The standard covers a wide range of tests, including exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, shock, vibration, dust, and immersion, among others. You can read more about it here.
The Overlander is slightly larger and heavier than the Tread (and many of it's competitors too), reflecting its comprehensive feature set and suitability for vehicle-mounted use. The device is IP5X rated, meaning it’s resistant to dust, as well as extreme temperatures, which is a significant advantage (if not a requirement) when traveling through many of Australia’s dusty and hot regions.
Garmin Tread:
While the Overlander is certainly a tough device, the designers are still built it with the idea that the user will primarily be using it from inside their enclosed vehicle. The Tread, in contrast, is a more compact and rugged device that's been designed for use both inside and outside. It features a 5.5-inch glove-friendly touchscreen that is easy to operate even in challenging conditions.
The Tread’s build quality is superior in terms of durability, with an IPX7 water-resistance rating, which means it can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. This makes it particularly well-suited for ATVs and other open vehicles that might encounter water or mud.
Verdict:
- Garmin Overlander is ideal if you need a larger screen and a device that’s more vehicle-oriented.
- Garmin Tread is better for users who require a more compact, rugged device designed to withstand the elements and rougher use.
3. Display and User Interface
When selecting a GPS, the display and user interface are critical, especially for off-road use where visibility and ease of use can be impacted by environmental factors. Getting the user interface right on a GPS is not as easy as one might think. Garmin however have got it pretty close to perfect across both these devices.
Garmin Overlander:
The Overlander’s 7-inch display is its standout feature, providing a larger viewing area which is particularly beneficial for complex navigation where you need to see more of the map at once.
The Overlander's display is bright, responsive, and works well in both bright sunlight and low-light conditions. The user interface is intuitive, with large icons and easy-to-navigate menus which really help to make it simple to use while driving. It also supports multi-touch gestures, allowing for easy zooming and panning of maps.
Garmin Tread:
The Tread, with its smaller 5.5-inch display, is designed for use in more confined spaces where a larger screen might be impractical. But, despite it's smaller size, the display remains highly legible, with excellent brightness and contrast.
The user interface of the Tread is also very user-friendly, although it is optimised for quick, glove-friendly operation. Again, because this device is designed for the off-road sport enthusiast, the screen and interface are particularly useful in environments where stopping to remove gloves or make fine adjustments isn’t practical.
Verdict:
- Garmin Overlander is the better choice if screen size and detail visibility are your priorities.
- Garmin Tread is more suitable if you need a compact device with a user interface optimised for rugged, on-the-go use.
4. Mapping and Navigation Capabilities
Both devices excel in mapping and navigation, but they are tailored to different types of off-roading activity.
Garmin Overlander:
One of the features we really like about The Overlander is it's dual-purpose GPS. Aside from it's off-road capabilities, it also comes preloaded with detailed street maps for Australia and New Zealand, as well as topographic maps for off-road navigation. This really extends it's usability off the tracks which is really handy. It supports turn-by-turn directions on roads and detailed guidance off-road, making it highly versatile.
Another of the Overlander’s key features we love is its integration with the Garmin Explore app, allowing users to plan and manage routes, waypoints, and tracks across multiple devices. Additionally, it includes heaps of preloaded points of interest (POIs) that have been tailored for overlanding, such as campsites, national parks, and service stations.
Garmin Tread:
The Tread, while also featuring preloaded topographic maps and street maps for Australia and New Zealand, really shines in its off-road capabilities. It includes high-detail public and private land boundaries, which are particularly useful for off-road enthusiasts navigating through varying terrains.
The Tread’s maps are heavily optimised for off-road vehicle use, with specialised routing that takes into account trail difficulty and vehicle size. It also includes Group Ride Radio, allowing you to track up to 20 riders without needing cellular coverage, a feature that’s invaluable for group adventures in remote areas.
Verdict:
- Garmin Overlander is ideal for those who need a balance of on-road and off-road navigation with a focus on off-roading.
- Garmin Tread is the better choice for those who focus heavily on off-road adventures and sport activities, particularly in group settings.
5. Off-Road Features and Performance
For off-road explorers, it goes without saying that the off-road performance of a GPS is a crucial factor. Here’s how the Overlander and Tread compare in this regard.
Garmin Overlander:
The Overlander is primarily built for off-road exploration and travel, providing a robust set of tools for navigating the less explored areas of the country. It also includes 4x4 routing, which suggests routes that are suitable for off-road vehicles based on map data and the terrain type.
The device also supports waypoint marking, track recording, and route planning tailored for overland travel. Its built-in compass, altimeter, and barometer are also a great addition and offer additional data points that can be critical when traveling in remote areas.
Garmin Tread:
The Tread takes off-road capabilities to a whole new level with its focus on powersports. It provides enhanced off-road navigation with features like public land boundaries, trails, and unpaved road data, which are crucial for ATV and side-by-side riders.
The Tread’s performance is optimised for quick, rugged use, with the ability to withstand vibrations, shocks, and water exposure that are common in off-road environments. Additionally, the Tread also features a built-in altimeter, barometer, and pitch/roll gauges that provide real-time data critical for safe off-roading.
Verdict:
- Garmin Overlander excels in providing comprehensive off-road features suitable for overland travel in a variety of vehicles.
- Garmin Tread is unmatched for powersports enthusiasts who require specialised off-road features and rugged performance.
6. Connectivity and Software Integration
In the modern age of digital technology, it's imperative that the devices we rely are include reliable connectivity and that the software integration is as important as the hardware itself.
Garmin Overlander:
The Overlander includes excellent connectivity features and amongst a wide range of tech, it comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ANT+ support. As mentioned earlier, it also integrates seamlessly with the Garmin Explore mobile app, allowing for detailed trip planning and sharing of routes and waypoints. This is really helpful, especially when traveling in groups.
The device also supports voice-activated navigation, making it easier to use without taking your hands off the wheel. Additionally, it can connect to inReach satellite communicators, providing two-way messaging, SOS alerts, and location sharing when out of cellular range (subscription required).
Garmin Tread:
The Tread also offers great connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ANT+ support. It is designed to work with the Garmin Tread app, which provides similar planning and tracking features as the Overlander’s Garmin Explore app but is more tailored for group riding and powersports.
One of the standout features of the Tread, which sets it apart from both the Overlander and a lot of other competition, is its compatibility with the Group Ride Radio. This feature enables seamless communication between riders in remote areas which can be hugely helpful. It also integrates with inReach devices for satellite communication (also requiring a subscription).
Verdict:
- Garmin Overlander is better suited for overlanders who need a broad range of connectivity options and integration with satellite communicators.
- Garmin Tread is ideal for off-road group adventures, with specialised communication features for group coordination.
7. Durability and Environmental Resistance
It's easy to forget how rough it can get out in the bush. The dirt gets onto and into everything, so it goes without saying that the GPS you'll be using needs to be able to handle itself in these conditoins.
Garmin Overlander:
While the Overlander is built to be rugged, it is more focused on durability in a vehicle-mounted setting. It is dust-resistant and can handle the bumps and jolts of off-road driving, but it's not designed to be as fully rugged as the Tread in terms of water resistance or drop protection.
Garmin Tread:
The Tread is easily the more rugged of the two units, and comes with an IPX7 water resistance rating, meaning it can handle submersion in water. It’s also designed to endure more severe vibrations and shocks, making it perfect for powersports where the device will likely be exposed to rough handling, mud, and water.
Verdict:
- Garmin Overlander offers sufficient durability for vehicle-based exploration but might fall short in extremely rugged conditions.
- Garmin Tread is the superior choice for environments where water, mud, and severe bumps, knocks and vibrations are expected.
8. Battery Life and Power Options
Battery life... one can never have enough. A solid, long-lasting battery makes all the difference in pretty much any portable device, and it's no different in a GPS. A good battery can make or break a GPS unit, especially in remote areas where recharging isn’t always an option.
Garmin Overlander:
The Overlander is designed primarily for vehicle-mounted use, meaning it typically draws power directly from the vehicle. However, it does come with a built-in rechargeable battery, offering up to 3 hours of use when disconnected from a power source. This is plenty for brief periods of use outside the vehicle. You can work on the device in your house or in the campsite, planning your next trip without worrying about plugging it in. Because it's not meant to be a ultra-portable unit it will probably not be enough for extended hikes or off-vehicle use.
Garmin Tread:
The Tread, designed for powersports, also relies heavily on vehicle power but offers a rechargeable battery life of up to 6 hours when used independently. This makes it more versatile for off-vehicle use, where access to power might be limited. This can be especially useful during an event where you may not have in-vehicle charging available but know that you'll easily be done within 5-6 hours.
Verdict:
- Garmin Overlander is best suited for users who can rely on vehicle power but need limited battery life for occasional off-vehicle use.
- Garmin Tread is better for those who might need to rely on battery power for longer periods, especially in rugged environments.
9. Pricing and Value for Money
Price is always a factor when investing in a specialised piece of gear like a GPS unit. And while there's plenty of cheap options on the market, the cheapest usually comes with it's own hidden costs elsewhere.
Garmin Overlander:
In the GPS market, the Overlander is positioned at a higher price point, reflecting its comprehensive feature set, larger screen, and dual-purpose design for on-road and off-road use. For off-road enthusiasts and those who need both types of navigation capabilities, it offers excellent value for money, especially considering its versatility, wide array of features, and the inclusion of topographic maps.
Garmin Tread:
The Tread is priced similarly, albeit a bit higher, but focuses more on off-road and powersports capabilities. Its specialised features, such as Group Ride Radio and enhanced durability, justify the price for those who need a dedicated off-road GPS. While it may not offer as much versatility for on-road use as the Overlander, it’s an excellent investment for its intended purpose.
Verdict:
- Garmin Overlander provides great value for those needing both on-road and off-road navigation capabilities.
- Garmin Tread is worth the investment for powersports enthusiasts who require specialized off-road features.
10. Use Cases: Who Should Choose the Overlander? Who Should Choose the Tread?
Choosing between the Garmin Overlander and Tread ultimately depends on your specific needs and the type of off-roading and traveling you plan to do.
Who Should Choose the Garmin Overlander?
- Off-Road and Camping Enthusiasts: If you frequently embark on long journeys that take you across varied terrain, the Overlander is designed with you in mind. Its balance of on-road and off-road navigation, coupled with a large screen and comprehensive feature set, makes it ideal for extended trips through Australia’s diverse landscapes.
- SUV and 4x4 Enthusiasts: Those who drive SUVs or 4x4 vehicles on both highways and unpaved roads will benefit from the Overlander’s dual-purpose design. It’s perfect for those who need a GPS unit that can handle both urban navigation and remote off-road trails.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: If your adventures often involve both driving and hiking, the Overlander’s integration with the Garmin Explore app and its waypoint management make it a versatile tool for planning and executing multi-faceted trips.
Who Should Choose the Garmin Tread?
- Powersports Enthusiasts: If you ride ATVs, side-by-sides, or dirt bikes, the Tread is specifically designed for your needs. Its rugged build, specialised off-road maps, and features like Group Ride Radio make it the perfect device for navigating tough terrain.
- Group Riders: The Tread’s Group Ride Radio and real-time tracking features are invaluable for group adventures in remote areas. If you frequently ride with others, this feature alone could be the deciding factor.
- Extreme Off-Roaders: For those who tackle the most challenging off-road conditions, including deep water crossings and mud, the Tread’s superior durability and water resistance make it a no-brainer.
11. Conclusion: Garmin Overlander vs. Tread – Which is Right for You?
In the Garmin Overlander vs. Tread debate, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both devices excel in their respective areas, and the best choice depends on your specific needs. Thankfully the two devices are different enough in their purpose to make the choice fairly easy.
- Choose the Garmin Overlander if you need a versatile GPS unit that can handle both on-road and off-road navigation, with a focus on off-road travel, and extended vehicle-based adventures.
- Opt for the Garmin Tread if your adventures take you into extreme off-road conditions where rugged durability and specialised off-road features are paramount.
Overall, we can honestly say that both devices offer excellent value and reliability, making them trusted pieces of equipment whether you’re navigating the outback with your family or tackling the toughest trails with your mates.
If you'd like to discuss your GPS options further, feel free to get in touch here. We'd be happy to have a chat and your requirements further.