The Garmin Tread brings everything users love about off-grid navigation and communication into a single device. That’s great for some, but not all.
Most people use GPS in some way, shape, or form these days, especially when traveling. There are many GPS choices, from the ubiquitous Google Maps to subscription-based mobile apps like onX Offroad, and standalone units like those from Garmin.
Speaking of, Garmin is a well-known name in the GPS industry and was — and arguably still is — one of the most used pieces of standalone GPS hardware around. But with nearly every mobile phone coming with some sort of mapping app, why would people still choose a standalone unit?
Garmin is doubling down on the fact that travelers, overlanders, and off-roaders are going to buy the latest generation of its off-road GPS units, this time called Tread Overland Edition.
The first version, simply called the Overlander, had a 7-inch display, preloaded on- and off-road maps, and the ability to pair with a separate Garmin inReach satellite communicator. The new Tread Overland Edition — comes in multiple sizes, has different features and, most importantly, has an inReach built-in.
The fact that the Tread has the integrated inReach means there’s no need to pair a separate satellite device. And like a standalone inReach, the Tread has the all-important SOS button built in for emergencies, too. Like any other inReach, you’ll need a subscription for its satellite services.
But for those who venture into the backcountry without cell service, an inReach can literally be a lifesaver.
Garmin Tread Overland Edition GPS
![Garmin Tread Overland Edition pairing inReach Garmin Tread Overland Edition pairing inReach](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/05/Garmin-Tread-Overland-Edition-pairing-inReach.jpg)
Why a Standalone GPS?
With today’s vast array of mobile mapping apps, we wanted to know why someone would opt for this unit versus just using a smartphone, so we reached out to Garmin for comment.
![Garmin Tread Overland Edition side view Garmin Tread Overland Edition side view](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/05/Garmin-Tread-Overland-Edition-side-view.jpg)
Multiple Sizes, Lots of Features
Big, Bright Display
![Garmin Tread Overland Edition elevation gain Garmin Tread Overland Edition elevation gain](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/05/Garmin-Tread-Overland-Edition-elevation-gain.jpg)
![Garmin Tread Overland Edition live forecast Garmin Tread Overland Edition live forecast](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/05/Garmin-Tread-Overland-Edition-live-forecast-700x467.jpg)
Still a Learning Curve
![mitsubishi delica space gear mitsubishi delica space gear](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/09/mitsubishi-delica-space-gear-700x467.jpg)
Hardware Gripes
![Garmin Tread Overland Edition plug Garmin Tread Overland Edition plug](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/05/Garmin-Tread-Overland-Edition-plug.jpg)
Big Features With a Big Price
![Garmin Tread Overland Edition inReach message Garmin Tread Overland Edition inReach message](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/05/Garmin-Tread-Overland-Edition-inReach-message.jpg)