Best Off-Road GPS

‍If you don’t want to get lost on your next off-road adventure, our guide to the best off-road GPS systems will help you easily navigate any terrain.

The best off-road GPS are Garmin GPSMAP 66i, Magellan TR7 Trail and Street GPS Navigator, Garmin Montana 700i, Lowrance HOOK2-5, and TomTom Rider 550. These GPS devices offer rugged durability, advanced features, and reliable navigation for off-road adventures.

As an expert in off-road navigation, I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing various GPS devices to help outdoor enthusiasts find the best tools for their adventures. I understand the challenges that come with navigating rough terrain and the importance of reliable GPS technology. With my in-depth knowledge and experience, I’ll provide valuable insights and recommendations to help you make informed decisions and get the most out of your off-road experiences.

‍Best Off-Road Gps

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you know that getting off the beaten path is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.

But exploring the great outdoors can be challenging without the right equipment, and getting lost in the wilderness is no fun. That's where these best off-road GPS devices come in - they can help you navigate rugged terrain, keep track of your exact location, and find your way back to civilization.

Let’s look at the best off-road GPS devices on the market today, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and embark on your next adventure confidently.

1. Garmin GPSMAP 66i

This Garmin 66i is a top-of-the-line hand-held off-road GPS gadget designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts and off-road adventures.

Specifications

This Garmin Zumo XT unit has a 3-inch display, built-in InReach Global satellite communication, and a rugged design that can withstand harsh environments. It includes a barometric altimeter, Garmin Explore, a 3-axis compass, and wireless connectivity features.

Performance

With its high-reactive off-road GPS receiver and fast processing power, the GPSMAP 66i provides accurate location information even in challenging conditions. It also offers extensive mapping capabilities, supporting multiple map types and formats.

What Sets it Apart

The built-in InReach satellite communication sets the GPSMAP 66i apart from other handheld off-road GPS devices. This feature allows two-way messaging, SOS alerts, and weather updates, keeping you connected and safe during off-road adventures, making it the best GPS.

Recent Updates

Updates to the GPSMAP 66i include improved satellite communication and mapping capabilities, as well as enhanced battery life options. These improvements make this Garmin device an even more versatile and reliable GPS unit for an off-road adventure.

Benefits

• Accurate location information in challenging conditions
• Built-in InReach satellite communication for safety and connectivity
• Extensive mapping of private land capabilities and Garmin to explore
• Rugged design that can withstand harsh environments

Drawbacks

• Higher price point compared to other devices
• May have a steeper learning curve for new users on private land

Who Should Use it

The Garmin tread GPSMAP 66i is best suited GPS unit for outdoor enthusiasts, off-road adventurers, and anyone in need of reliable off-road navigation apps and communication features in remote areas.

Its combination of performance, safety, and accuracy makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of users.

Where to Buy it

The Garmin Zumo XT can be purchased directly from Garmin's website, as well as from authorized retailers and online platforms such as Switchback Travel.

2. Magellan TRX7 CS Trail and Street GPS Navigator

The Magellan TR7 Trail and GPS Navigator is a versatile and rugged device that comes preloaded with over 115,000 off-road trails and street maps for the US, Canada, and Mexico. Its large 7-inch touchscreen display and intuitive interface make it easy to use, and its IP67 water resistance rating ensures it can handle tough outdoor conditions.

While its battery life is shorter than some other off-road GPS devices on the market, the TR7's affordable price and extensive map library make it an excellent choice for off-road adventurers on a budget.

Specifications

The Magellan TR7 Trail and Street GPS Navigator is a versatile device with both streets,  public land boundaries, national parks, hill shading, and trail tech voyager mapping capabilities. It comes with over 100,000 preloaded 4WD, ATV, motorcycle, and snowmobile open trails cell service.

Performance

Users have praised the TR7 for its ease of use, clarity of topographical maps, and accuracy in both on-road and off-road settings for land boundaries. The offline maps functionality enables cell service navigation in remote areas.

What Sets it Apart

The TR7 stands out from other best GPS for its ability to provide turn-by-turn navigation for new trails and streets, catering to a variety of off-road maps enthusiasts. Additionally, a version with a rear-facing trail tech voyager camera is available, offering added functionality dedicated device for capturing adventures on camera.

Recent Updates

Magellan continuously updates their device with new download maps, offline maps, other features, and software enhancements, ensuring that the TR7 remains the best GPS and is useful for both new and experienced users.

Benefits

• Extensive preloaded trail info covering various off-road activities
• Offline mapping capabilities for navigation in remote areas
• Versatile device, suitable for a range of users from casual off-roaders to serious enthusiasts
• Good for group ride radio as it enables downloadable birdseye satellite imagery

Drawbacks

• Higher price points compared to some competitors
• A relatively smaller screen size for some users
• Occasional software glitches reported by users

Who Should Use it

This off-road GPS device is ideal for off-road enthusiasts who want a reliable and versatile navigation system that can handle both street and trail tech voyager routes. Its features make it suitable for a variety of recreational activities, including 4WD, ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobile trail navigation.

Where to Get it

The Magellan TRX7 CS Trail and Street GPS is available for purchase on Amazon and the official Magellan website.

3. Garmin Montana 700i

As a top choice for off-roading enthusiasts, the Garmin Montana 700i offers versatility and powerful features.

Specifications

The Garmin Montana 700i boasts a 5-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen display, preloaded satellite imagery, topographical maps, and City Navigator maps. The device also integrates inReach technology for two-way messaging and SOS capabilities.

Performance

With a high-sensitivity GPS system and GLONASS support, the Montana 700i ensures strong radio signals and accurate buddy tracking. The handheld off-road GPS device performs well in various off-roading conditions, such as dense forest service roads and rugged terrains.

What Sets it Apart

Besides its robust GPS capabilities, the Montana 700i stands out with its inReach technology, allowing users to stay connected, send messages, and share their location during off-road adventures. The intuitive interface and customizable data fields make the device user-friendly and adaptable to specific needs.

Recent Updates

The Montana 700i is an upgraded version of the Montana 600 series, featuring improvements in connectivity, mapping, and Wx weather technology. Additionally, the device is now more shock-resistant and water-resistant (IPX7 rating) compared to its predecessor.

Benefits

• Large, easy-to-read touchscreen display than other GPS units
• Connectivity through inReach technology
• TopoActive and City Navigator topo maps for off-roading and on-road navigation
• Durable build for harsh environments

Drawbacks

• Expensive price point when compared to some other best off-road GPS units
• Potentially steep learning curve for first-time off-road GPS users

Who Should Use it

The Garmin Montana 700i is an ideal choice for off-roading enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and travelers who require accurate maps, buddy tracking, and emergency communication features when venturing into remote locations.

Where to Get it

You can purchase the Garmin tread directly from the Garmin website, as well as from various third-party retailers, such as Amazon and outdoor specialty stores.

4. Lowrance HOOK2-5

The Lowrance HOOK2-5 is a popular GPS device among off-roading enthusiasts. It features a 5-inch screen and offers C-MAP and US Inland mapping options, making it a great choice for those who like to fish or boat in addition to off-roading exploration.

While the battery life requires external power, the device is lightweight and offers IPX7 water resistance. With its user-friendly interface and reliable navigation, the Lowrance HOOK2-5 is a top pick for those seeking a versatile and dependable GPS device.

Specifications

Lowrance HOOK2-5 Baja is a reliable off-road GPS designed specifically for off-road enthusiasts. It features a 5-inch SolarMAX display with high resolution, providing clear images.

Some notable specs include a built-in GPS antenna, a microSD card slot for map storage space, and compatibility with various map and chart providers such as Navionics, C-MAP, and Insight Genesis for photo waypoints.

Performance

The HOOK2-5 Baja has been praised for its ease of use, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced users. It offers various view options, such as topo and satellite messaging, allowing users to customize the topo maps based on their preferences.

Its high-resolution display ensures enhanced readability even under direct sunlight, ensuring optimal performance and navigation accuracy regardless of weather conditions.

What Sets it Apart

One of the key features that set the Lowrance HOOK2-5 Baja apart from other off-road GPS devices is its user-friendly interface. It offers a simple navigation menu and quick access keys to essential functions, making it easy for users to operate the device with minimal effort.

Moreover, its compatibility with various topographic maps and chart providers adds to its versatility, making it suitable for different off-road adventures and custom routing.

Recent Updates

Lowrance regularly updates its devices to enhance performance and user experience. For instance, the HOOK2 series underwent a software update in 2021, making the multiple devices even more efficient and reliable. Users can stay informed of any software updates by visiting the Lowrance website's update section.

Benefits

• Easy to use and suitable for both beginners and experienced off-roaders.
• High-resolution display ensures enhanced readability even in sunlight than other GPS units.
• Versatility due to compatibility with various topographic maps and chart providers.
• Availability of regular software updates to maintain optimal performance.

Drawbacks

• Some users might find the 5-inch display size not large enough for their liking.
• The device may require a protective case when used in rugged environments.

Who Should Use it

The Lowrance HOOK2-5 Baja is an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts who appreciate simple and user-friendly devices. It is suitable for a wide range of off-road adventures, from casual weekend trail info to more intense expeditions requiring accurate navigation capabilities.

Where to Get it

You can purchase the Lowrance HOOK2-5 Baja GPS at various online stores such as Amazon and eBay. Additionally, off-road specialty shops and retailers like Rugged Routes and TackleDirect are also reliable sources for purchasing the device.

5. TomTom Rider 550

This TomTom Rider 550 is a top choice among off-road GPS devices due to its exceptional performance, user-friendly features, and rugged design with detailed South America and Avenza maps.

Specifications

The Rider 550 comes with a 4.3-inch touch screen that's glove-friendly, automatically starts recording, and is responsive even in the rain. It has an IPX7 waterproof rating, 16GB internal storage, a quad helix antenna, and a great battery life of up to 6 hours.

Performance

With its fast quad-core processor, this GPS device offers instantaneous route planning and smooth, precise navigation. It features Wi-Fi updates, eliminating the need for a computer connection to keep your google maps up-to-date. The Rider 550 also supports voice-guided navigation via Bluetooth and has excellent cell signal reception.

What Sets it Apart

One of the significant factors that set the TomTom Rider 550 apart is its curated road trips feature. With a few taps, users can access and download pre-designed routes, showcasing the best motorcycle journeys worldwide. Additionally, it allows the customization of routes according to your preferences, facilitating adventure for off-road enthusiasts.

Recent Updates

TomTom constantly updates the Rider 550, ensuring that users are equipped with the latest download maps option, traffic information, and speed camera alerts. The most recent updates also include improvements in the user interface, stability, and performance.

Benefits

• Easy-to-use, glove-friendly touch screen
• Access to pre-designed curated routes and trip planning
• Bluetooth voice-guided navigation GPS unit
• Wi-Fi updates for maps and software of contour lines
• Excellent cell signal reception and views birdseye maps
• Weather-proof design like other GPS units

Drawbacks

• May require additional maps or hardware for some motorcycle models
• Price may be higher than comparable off-road GPS devices

Who Should Use it

The Rider 550 is an excellent choice for motorcycle and off-road enthusiasts seeking a reliable, feature-rich GPS device that offers curated routes, easy updates, and customization options. It's an ideal companion for those who love exploring extreme terrains and embarking on thrilling adventures.

Where to Buy it

You can purchase the TomTom Rider 550 directly from the TomTom website or through various online retailers such as Adventure Motorcycle and NoobNorm.