The world of off-road exploration is one that's based around the principle of getting lost in the woods. Yes, you start on a trailhead, and with a heading, but a fork in the road leading to somewhere you've never been is one that's an enthralling lure for those who love getting dirty and finding somewhere new. And, routinely, it leads to beautiful spots you didn't even know existed.
Yet, getting lost only goes so far before you want to return to civilization, though I personally don't really get the appeal of coming back...
At that point, however, you'll want to know which trail to take, which leads to a massive river crossing only Arctic trucks can wade, logging roads strewn with freshly cut trunks, or into the middle of mountain lion territory and you just ate a delicious and smelly steak for lunch. You want to know how to get the hell out of Dodge, which is where a backcountry GPS comes into play.
And one of the best around, Garmin's Tread 2, just got major updates across its Overland and SXS Editions that'll ensure they retain the title.
The headlines for the updated Tread 2 Overland and Tread 2 SXS are that it has a bigger screen (8-inches), is brighter, loads faster, works with gloves, is IP67 dust and water-resistant, and has a host of new features that off-roads both those in trucks and SUVs, as well as side-by-sides, will love to use to get out into the woods or off into the desert and get lost.
According to Garmin, the Tread 2 Editions come with "Off-road mapping with content from OpenStreetMap, U.S. Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps, and Adventure Roads and Trails2; preloaded off-road riding areas throughout North America, shows trail difficulty ratings and more; Garmin Adventurous Routing with alternate routing options for more hilly, unpaved and thrilling routes; satellite imagery; public land boundaries for national forests, Bureau of Land Management and wilderness areas and view private land boundaries and landowner information for parcels greater than four acres; route planning;" and a campground directory to find yourself a place to sleep.
Likewise, it can be paired with your inReach devices, the brand's Outdoor Maps+ subscription, can be wired to control your aftermarket accessories like lights and winches, a radio comms function, and can even be paired with your Garmin dog collars to know where you pooch is when they're traveling with you.
"Tread 2 navigators give you the freedom to explore more confidently with peace of mind, thanks to the
additional mapping options. You can use the Great Rides tool to find and bookmark new routes, then
share pictures with other riders using the Tread app," says Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing.
As for price, Garmin's asking $999.99 for the Tread 2 Overland and SXS Editions, which is a hefty chunk of change for sure. However, based on my experience with Garmin's products over the years, it's a I'd rather have it and not need it than not I need it and not have it situation. But if you're looking to go further using the best kit around, this seems like the perfect addition to your overlanding rig.
