Garmin Overlander GPS Review

The Rogue Overland Crew takes you through a review of the Garmin Overlander GPS navigation device. Call it overlanding, car camping, van life, or adventure travel....... whatever you call it, this piece of gear is a simple solution for navigation. We tested this GPS unit over six months, thousands of miles, and many types of terrain. In this video we give you the information you need to decide if this is the overland navigation device for you.
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[@XxxFrontier_Overland6494]

I’ve been wanting another Garmin for awhile now and I think I would definitely be willing to try this one out. Thanks for the awesome review! 👍🏼

[@RogueOverland]

Glad we could help!

[@OverlandTrax]

Nice video, keep them coming 👍

[@RogueOverland]

Cheers!

[@marksjunction69]

I've been a huge Garmin fan for years now, in fact I would say it saved my life one night on a frozen lake where track back was the only way you could see for the blizzard. I agree with many reviews that this unit needs to have the inreach functionality built in and better trail map layer. Nothing beats Gaia except maybe Backcountry GPS maps, which only produce for Garmin devices, yet Garmin does not sponsor them on their website. I feel the unit should have a better dust and waterproof rating considering the areas we ride. Topo and trail information is the starting point for an overlander unit, which they have completely missed the mark on off road trail information.....it is barely there and you need to supplement with yet another purchase. Make it all in one Garmin if you want to charge over $1000.00 CAD with tax for this unit!!!!!!! It is really getting old having to buy 3 or 4 different devices when it could be built into one.

[@RogueOverland]

Good points.

[@mauri7306]

I like the warning in the angle that’s a cool feature

[@RogueOverland]

Agreed! Thanks for watching.

[@erikaslt]

Let me ask you. Does this come preloaded with the whole USA Topo map? If so. That’s where it shines. Because on tablet and phone you need a lot of memory. I personally don’t wanna kee downloading maps and locations. I want to have the whole topo USA in my hands and go where ever whenever and know I have map. Rather then worrying about if I downloaded or if I have enough space.

[@DirtShy]

Thank you for your honesty. This unit is a lot of money for what you get, I do hope for much needed upgrades for the real overlander.

[@RogueOverland]

No problem. Thanks for watching!

[@russsherwood5978]

right now i,m using paper maps and a compass, j,m getting closer to 60 then 30 so its time to get a more modern system to make sure i can still get back safely,, i do mostly overland driveing not much high way,, so this looks like it might work well for me,, keep exploreing,, be strong, be safe, and be blessed

[@75cachacha]

Hola como has instalado el soporte del GPS

[@physicalstarfighter2131]

I've seen enough thanks for the review I'm buying a IPad mini it sounds like the best solution out there for the overlander plus you can do way more with it.

[@RogueOverland]

Definitely more versatile. Thanks for the feedback!

[@BarryHansenK7BWH]

What will you do when your iPad no longer has an internet connection? That's the main concern that stops me from looking at a web-based approach. The Cascade range around the Pacific NW will frequently not have coverage. Secondarily, accessing map tiles on the iPad will consume data from my cellphone data plan.

[@immortalalhammadi]

@@BarryHansenK7BWH download the places you want at home

[@bodhi7945]

I saw another review that mentioned the unit was missing a lot of trails depending on the view you are using. Did you also find that to be the case?

[@RogueOverland]

Yes, there are many trails in it but we have run into some trails that were not on it. Thank you for watching!

[@JKTrail]

I'm waiting for the Overlander to support the hunt view maps. Since it has a micro-sd slot I'm thinking a software fix would take care of that. Since the hunt view maps show land ownership, it's not only handy for hunting, but tells you if you can probably camp there, or should keep moving. I currently use a Garmin RV 770 for highway navigation; looks like the same features as the drive function, and Garmin Montana 610t, with the state hunt view maps, for off road. It would be nice to have one unit.

[@RogueOverland]

Good point. Thanks for the comment!

[@jdm8577]

Gaia GPS has a private land overlay map that even tells you the name of the person that owns it.

[@JKTrail]

@@jdm8577 One of many layers that you can use depending on need.

[@roncua6900]

I like the mount that attached to the vent , where did you get that ?

[@RogueOverland]

hondogarage.com/

[@kingstonsean]

$799 in sale in Canada. I have a Galaxy Note 9 (similar size) in an Otter Box with Gaia GPS. I don't see anything in this Garmin that makes a difference. Maybe if it was $199.

[@marievardaman2591]

Love the all in one "Plug and Play" but prefer the maps and data available GAIA GPS displayed on an iPad Pro 11inch...

[@RogueOverland]

Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@abysss56]

How do you load satellite imagery for Gaia? Can I display 2 previous tracks at the same time?

[@dustoffer9870]

I really wish I could get on board with this device but I’m just not seeing $700 worth of features here. For $700 I can get a tablet, Garmin inreach mini and run Gaia.

[@RogueOverland]

That's a solid point and something people should definitely way the pros/cons on when shopping for their navigation setup. Thanks for the comment!

[@rat704]

lot of trails in Texas, no signal whatsoever... so tablets are useless if you are using it for finding off road.. I do agree that $700 is too much. I hope they update the trail maps a lot ..

[@dustoffer9870]

Changsu Lee I've spent a lot of time in Texas and getting a GPS signal to my iPad using something like an inreach or a bad elf has never been a problem.

[@Tydy_Owl]

@@rat704 Most people use the GPS signal only for offroad navigation. They work great if you get a decent one and do the research.

[@mattg8787]

@@rat704 i also live in texas and haven't found any trails up around waco . have you looked into getting a weboost

[@kellydrolet4740]

Good review guys! Just pondering whether to buy this or not. As an android base unit I was hoping I could upload the Avenza app onto it as this allows me to upload PDG spatial referenced files and track myself on these. Doesn't appear to support uploading any apps?

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks! We don’t recall an option to add apps to the Garmin.

[@SethKimble]

Way late to the party but this unit does permit side loading apps. There are limitations around the Google services for certain logins but overall you can install, albeit manually, many apps from the store. I've personally added things like All Trails, Gaia, Repeater Book, and even Netflix and Hulu.

[@immortalalhammadi]

Hello, I like the screen size and resolution. I would like to use it for the desert. However, they can't make clear trails in the desert as dunes change with time so what we do is to determine the next point and find our own route while driving. What we do is getting the bearing of the next point and rely on the compass showing us the direction using the bearing. I have few questions please. 1- Does it show the direction of the next point on the compass (like the 276cx) ? 2- Can I put the compass with the direction running on the same screen of the map while offroading (like the 276cx) ?

[@OverlandCitrus]

I have the Garmin Overlander I like it does have a few kinks LOL. I have it set to track up but sometimes in offroad maps it does not track up ?

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@brunoonraedt6478]

many off-road streets are not on it

[@rgwaldron719]

How do you mount the ram mount to your A/C vent ?

[@jditch86]

There is a maker for this mount that is on Etsy. Highly recommend it, but we only use lighter weight arms/devices. It’s a good buy!

[@eto2352]

When is the $700 Garmin cassette player and laser disc player coming out? I want to complete my late 90's dead tech interior restoration.

[@RogueOverland]

😂. Thanks for watching!

[@ADPX24]

Does it have fire service roads all mapped, or will it just show you driving in a blue or green screen?

[@RogueOverland]

It does have some maps already on it.

[@peTeMelster]

Does the 890 and 1090 offer anything better than the Overlander? It seems the Overlander has both on and off road maps, while the 890 and 1090 only have on road maps? So doesn't the Overlander have better specs since it offers both?

[@RogueOverland]

We aren’t familiar with the 890 and 1090 but if they only offer on road maps then the Overlander would appear to be more beneficial for someone off roading. Thanks for the comment!

[@Tilburger72]

Thanks for your video. Are you still using the overlander after 3 years?

[@RogueOverland]

👍 Yes, we still cycle it through now and again.

[@unknowndirection458]

I ordered one, from amazon, I hope it works in Kuwait

[@nasseral-momen1463]

If it doesn't have the maps upload them. It should work in kuwait with the maps

[@mo-reesespieces9066]

I would like to see a comparison between Garmin RV vs Garmin Overlander

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks for the input. We will see what we can do.

[@reddiesteady9989]

I think this is brilliant would love to try it out im my truck and in the freelander but looking online and its 600 on sale. This is not something everyone will be able to afford and will end up buying something in the mean time. Its a real shame they don't make things that a family man on a middle wage could afford

[@RogueOverland]

Good point. Thanks for watching!

[@lmychajluk]

IPX rating for water aside, would you trust that magnetic mount on the handlebars of a motorcycle?

[@RogueOverland]

We wouldn’t trust the magnet in a motorcycle. Not sure on the rating but it’s probably on their website. Thanks for watching.

[@lmychajluk]

@@RogueOverland Thanks. What I meant by the IPX rating was that there is none. It's only dust rated, not water.

[@trondslna159]

Garmin should update the software to give the user the ability to calibrate the barometric pressure to indicate the correct barometric altitude. At least here in Europe my unit is constantly off by 24MB (0,71 inHg), possibly because the unit was calibrated at the factory. This means the barometric altitude is showing approx 30m (100ft) high under current conditions. The ability to input current barometric pressure is common in other GPS's.

[@RogueOverland]

Agreed. Thanks for watching.

[@wadeduvall7026]

Just wondering if there have been any updates in the year since this came out!

[@RogueOverland]

Not that we know of. Thanks for watching!

[@Joshua82PDX]

Yes there has. Search "Garmin Overlander Updates", it should pull up a link for the past updates, and the fixes on each version.

[@travelingman21000]

I bought my Garmin Overland last Feb. 2021 and still can't get it to download from a SD micro card, good video you have done.

[@RogueOverland]

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully their tech support can help you out. Thanks for watching!

[@travelingman21000]

@@RogueOverland Here it's almost a year later and no one from tech support has ever called me back, I always get leave a message. I'll never buy any of their other product because of no customer support!

[@Reverend1776]

How is the battery life? Do you need to have it plugged in most the time?

[@OverlandCitrus]

I find the battery life goes fast when tracking other wise not that bad

[@RogueOverland]

We agree with @overland Citrus. When mounted in the truck we just keep the mount plugged in to power.

[@OneManTrail]

iPad running Gaia paired to an InReach mini. I don’t think a better combo exists. I used the Overlander and was very disappointed compared to Gaia on an IOS device.

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks for the feedback. We are also big fans of Gaia.

[@jaredwhite489]

So why pick this over day a Montana 750 i?

[@RogueOverland]

We aren’t familiar with the Montana so we couldn’t comment on a comparison.

[@Cezalandiric.]

Do you need to use internet connection for gps?

[@RogueOverland]

No you don’t. Thanks for watching!

[@mykalbee]

I'm not sure I could justify the cost and its just that simple. I'm sure it's a great unit but I'd rather put those funds elsewhere.

[@RogueOverland]

That's definitely a factor that should be considered when looking at this device. Thanks for watching!

[@bigj5119]

Looks cool except the 700 dollar price bummer

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@johnburnett1974]

Have they made any improvements to the garmin overland gps since you made this video

[@RogueOverland]

Not sure off hand. Your best bet would be to contact Garmin or check their website. Thanks for watching!

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

I use a Garmin 62s handheld, Gaia on my iPad and iPhone and the stock Jeep navigation. I really like my 62s best. The Gaia is only good if you have preselected the area that you want to travel in, so don't take off from the house and then decide to try a trail all to find out that you didn't upload the route area because it won't work. The stock navigation is ok for main trails that have FS numbers. But for actual trails it does not show them. I would love the new Garmin Overlander with satellight feature.

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks for the input!

[@Jason_P]

At $399-$449 this would be an instant-buy. At $499 I would still strongly consider it. There is no way I would spend $700 for this.

[@RogueOverland]

Thank you for the comment. It seems to be a consistent opinion that the price point is too high on this prodict, we cannot argue with that.

[@KRACK999]

If it came with inreach built in I think the price would be more justified.

[@hawkeye284]

User interface (downloading maps, transferring files) has always been my biggest gripe about Garmin products. It's clunky and feels like it was designed in 2006 before the advent of smartphones. The user/customer shouldn't have to be faced with a steep learning curve in that area. They need to recruit some Silicon Valley talent to streamline the process and make it more user-friendly.

[@RogueOverland]

Well said. Thanks for the input.

[@kikezurek34]

Can you use it as a regular gps

[@MikesDIY]

Yes, that's about the only thing that works well on this. You could also get a Garmin Drive for under $100. I've had my Overlander for a couple of months and it is the single most regrettable purchase I've ever made. I recommend using a phone and/or tablet instead. You can setup Google maps to keep offline maps for all of the areas you could go to. Then get Gaia with a premium membership. If you search for discount codes, you can get it for $128 for 5 years. You can also search for trial codes and get 3-6 months free. I would recommend carrying a second device. For me it's an older inReach (nom-mini). The thing I like about inReach is it has its own basic maps and you can text message via satellite. The maps aren't great, but it's a good backup.

[@RogueOverland]

Yes.

[@horshamelec7026]

In Aus it's $999. The quality is what you'd expect from Garmin but a few things I didn't like. There are several options for finding exactly the same location, you don't need Hema's, Garmin's way and whatever the other way was, it only needs the one. There are several tracks in the Grampians that are not on this unit and some that are not named, Google maps is far more detailed than this unit. There are also many campgrounds that I know of in our area that are not listed on this unit. Paper maps and also Google maps have them. Love Garmin products but this is extremely disappointing for $1000.

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks for the input. It is hard to beat google maps.

[@brunoonraedt6478]

many off-road streets are not on it

[@RogueOverland]

True. Thanks for the comment.

[@jockwar]

Great info better than Garmin do 👍😎

[@RogueOverland]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephencrandellsr4915]

Will it work when your out of phone range does it use satellites?

[@RogueOverland]

Yes! Thanks for watching.

[@techies_gaming8091]

is it warterproof?

[@RogueOverland]

Water resistant as we recall. Thanks for watching!

[@WX4GPS]

no way to store waypoints?

[@RogueOverland]

You can add them ahead of time through your garmin website and then upload the file to Overlander.

[@jcoats5529]

Sounds pretty lousy to me. How much for that thing?

[@zuhairal-balushi9912]

$700

[@jcoats5529]

@@zuhairal-balushi9912 wow...no thanks

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback. $700 MSRP.

[@owenreid6246]

Doesn't it have I- overlander?

[@trondslna159]

Yes, it does. After the latest SW update, I-Overlander does not have a dedicated app-button anymore, but the it is still there. Open the Drive function and tap the magnifying glass and then scroll down the resulting search page. You will see the app-button for I-Overlander close to the bottom of the page.

[@MarcoKouzoukas]

@@trondslna159 I have to disagree. I had I-Overlander on the Overlander when I bought the unit. It was removed completely with an update. I followed your directions and still do not see it. This is one of the worst electronic device purchases I have ever made and I would not recommend it. The software is clunky and the unit hardly does what it's supposed to. There are much better alternatives out there. And the price I paid for this paperweight is ridiculous.

[@OneManTrail]

Marco Kouzoukas plus, Garmin has already stated they will only update the iOverlander data quarterly. Big miss.

[@RogueOverland]

Yes it does. Thanks for watching!

[@johanlundkvist5363]

Would have got one asap if they where water resistant or waterproof. What an mistake it's an adventure tool to be trusted in ALL conditions.

[@RogueOverland]

That's a good point. Thanks for the comment!

[@Justthemow]

Isn’t this completely pointless now every phone sold has a built in gps or at least 10 you can get for free

[@RogueOverland]

We wouldn't say pointless but when considering your navigation needs/setup, a phone app should be on your list of options (in our opinion).

[@thelightworshipper9687]

Everything is doable with your smartphone

[@RogueOverland]

Truth. Thanks for watching!

[@MariusvanWyk]

Where I am going there is no internet, so either a tablet or cell phone is pretty useless. Therefore the Garmin has my attention.

[@RogueOverland]

Works fine offline! That being said a cell phone app will also work if you download the maps/tracks ahead of time. Thanks for watching.

[@mominagha]

You look like the Vlogger Bald and Bankrupt

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks for commenting.

[@mojavered.]

Map, compass, and brain.

[@RogueOverland]

Always! We have those as a backup but the GPS units/apps are nice. Thank you for watching.

[@ArtofHunter]

This item is a joke imo. It's vastly overpriced and has gimmics. It's a Android tablet running old Android OS with Garmins overlay and it comes stuck with preloaded apps all of which can be downloaded to your phone/tablet. It uses a rather clunky proprietary charging system and even at it's huge $700 price tag doesn't have built in In-Reach functionality and instead you have to buy one to pair with it. I have an older Ipad GPS Mini 4 128GB and I use GaiaGPS primarily which works for 90% of what I want offroad. If I want street nav then the "free" Apple Maps or Google Maps works better than this. You can get an IPad or Samsung Tab and get all the apps this has and GPS functionality for a fraction of this and ability of so much more. Only way I can see this hitting the market better is if it was priced right and didn't have the "Overland" tax. I would say around $399 it would sell well or at least put in the In-Reach features inside the device standalone.

[@BrandonBaecker]

I agree with you on the price and features but wondering about something. I'm using Gaia and Google Maps but one of the features of the Garmin is that it has iOverlander and Ultimate Public Campgrounds databases built-in. Haven't found an easy solution for getting iOverlander data offline. What are you using to help find campsites beyond just exploring forest service roads?

[@RogueOverland]

Good point on the In-Reach, we would also like to see this build into the Overlander. We do find the charging system to be pretty amazing. Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@biagrauser]

I have a phone I have a phone! Your phone works off cellular locating technology, which means when you're in BF where ever you could lose your navigation. GPS/Garmin uses the Global Positioning System, which is all those little things that the military put up in space so they can find people and kill them. Now GPS is line of sight so if you are in downtown Manhattan you will want your phone but when you are in downtown nowhere you'll want the Garmin.

[@MikesDIY]

Most smartphones have GPS. They don't use cellular signals for positioning. I have a Garmin Overlander and still prefer to use Gaia on my phone. Most of my off-road adventures are in areas with no cell service. The GPS accuracy on my Android Pixel is almost as good as my dedicated Garmin devices. Every iPhone and most other smartphones made in the last 5-8 years has actual GPS receivers.

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@ooaqici82qb4ip]

mine died after 1 day... 💩 💩 💩

[@RogueOverland]

Bummer. Hopefully garmin helped you out.

[@brpmanmann1255]

Save your money. a phone will do the same as a Overlander

[@RogueOverland]

Phones can do a lot for sure. In many cases we have found the phone works perfectly, sometimes it’s nice to not have your phone also be your GPS. Definitely need to look at your needs before choosing the best option. Thanks for the feedback!

[@rafetjameel4476]

7 inch screen only !!! bulky with short live battery, not bright enough, finicky , not responsive , not helpful when you need it the most in the middle of no where trying to find your way, software slow , small memory , poor screen resolution Not worth it !!!

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks for the input. Cannot say we disagree with some of your points.

[@quintusvandermerwe4138]

Very disappointed in the Overlander. It is a piece of .....you know what. A lot of money is wasted.

[@RogueOverland]

Thanks for the feedback on your experience with it.