We all want to point a 4×4 down a trail to explore the Great Unknown—off-grid and unfettered. But common sense dictates that we need to know where we are and where we’re going—for safety’s sake and to get the most out of our foray. A new tool to help accomplish those tasks is the Garmin Tread 2 — Overland Edition all-terrain navigator. The company says that, compared to its predecessor, it has a larger, brighter display; faster performance; additional mapping options; and a new Great Rides feature. It also includes some surprising capabilities that enhance its appeal to off-roaders.

8-Inch Screen, IP67 Rating, And a Sturdy Mount

The Garmin Tread 2 — Overland Edition features a high-resolution, 8-inch, glove-friendly touchscreen. The unit is built to withstand extreme temperatures and has an IP67 dust/water rating. It comes with a heavy-duty suction cup and a robust, magnet-assisted locking mount to secure it to a vehicle’s dashboard

Preloaded With Off-Road Riding Areas And More

The Tread 2 features content from OpenStreetMap, U.S. Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps, and Adventure Roads and Trails. These help you stay on course, no matter where you’re at in the backcountry. The Tread 2 also helps ensure you’re following a route that matches your skill level. It comes preloaded with off-road riding areas across North America, which provide trail difficulty ratings and other details. If you’re looking for a more challenging route, Garmin Adventurous Routing offers alternate paths that include elevation changes, unpaved roads, and less-traveled terrain. High-resolution satellite imagery provides a bird’s-eye view of your route. These images can be downloaded directly to your device using built-in Wi-Fi—no need to rely on a cell signal once you’re off-grid.

Land Boundaries, Custom Routing, And Campgrounds

Being aware of land boundaries when off-roading is important, especially when exploring public lands. The Tread 2 displays clear markers for national forests, Bureau of Land Management areas, and wilderness zones. You can even view private land boundaries and landowner information for properties over four acres, which helps avoid trespassing. Additionally, custom routing takes your vehicle’s size and weight into account, helping you avoid trails that aren’t suitable for your rig. The system also offers real-time alerts for potential hazards such as sharp curves, steep grades, and more. Furthermore, the Tread 2 includes a built-in directory of over 46,000 U.S. campgrounds, making it easy to find a place to rest for the night. Finally, the Great Rides feature helps you discover off-road places to explore, rate a trail’s difficulty, and upload photos of your trek through the Tread mobile app.

Options Include Control Of Your Rig’s 12-Volt Electronics

As noted earlier, the Tread 2 has some surprising features that add to its appeal. One is its ability to enable on-screen control of a vehicle’s 12-volt electronics. By adding the optional Garmin PowerSwitch—a compact digital switch box—you can control items like light bars, differential lockers, an air compressor, and more.

The Tread 2 can also be used with a compatible Garmin GPS dog tracker to locate and monitor your dog’s location.

More Options

But wait—there are more options. You can purchase an Outdoor Maps+ plan, which provides access to enhanced TOPO maps. The Tread 2 can be paired with a compatible inReach satellite communication device for two-way texting outside of cell coverage and more. In addition, there’s a Garmin Group Ride Radio accessory that features real-time location sharing and a push-to-talk mic for voice communication.

The Bottom Line

It’s clear that Garmin put a lot of thought into its Tread 2 — Overland Edition. Its feature set makes it more than just an off-road navigator—and that’s pretty cool.