Best Navigation Equipment
Is is not about the destination, bladibla. You know what they say. Unfortunatly it is true. So how do you get there following the best trails? How do you make sure you stay of track? Your track and not somebody elses?
You need decent naviagion equipment to get you from a to b on a daily basis. No matter if you are overlanding domestically and decide to go offroad do a beautifull camping spot or you are traveling on a different continent where you cannot even read the roadsigns because they are in a different script. Trust me, you need at least something.
Best GPS device for in the car
US$ 700 / € 699
After a lot of research I’ve settled on the Garmin Overlander as the best dedicated GPS device for in the car while overlanding. If you really want a dedicated GPS device this machine has the best functions for overlanding on the market today such as topo maps and a direct connection with iOverlander for a wealth of points of interests for campsites, embassies and border crossings.
The benefits of having a dedicated GPS device is that you don’t have to overheat your other mobile devices, the maps are downloaded on the device, so no internet required and the screens are better readable in the sunshine.
If you want to read more about the different options read this article. There are more options on the market for a more reasonable price. Especially when you are not based in Europe.
Best GPS device for adventure motorcycling/atv riding
US$ 599.99 / € 699.99
I’ve never used a dedicated GPS while overlanding but now that the Garmin Montana 700i is out I’m hooked. It is a GPS and satellite emergency communicator (subscription required) in one and the Garmin Inreach Mini already costs you half of this device (which I’ve always had while traveling).
The device is shock, vibration, water and heat resistant, the latter being the biggest difference with riding with a phone as navigation. As well as the screen being readable in direct sunlight.
If you are looking for alternative device make sure it has topographic maps, because without it you can’t do any proper offroad riding.
Best GPS device for cycling
US$ 599 / € 550
I have to admit that Garmin is the King for offroad GPS devices and if you want to go off the main road while cycle touring you have got to get the Edge 1030 Plus. It is a dedicated cycle navigation device that has the longest battery life of all the Garmin devices, 24 hours, crucial for those long grinding days.
Besides that it has all the ABC sensors onboard that give you the information you need while on the road.
Best tablet for overland navigation + accessories
US$600 / €729
The best tablet for overlanding is the one you already have. If you are in the market for an upgrade or never owned a tablet before (like me) then an iPad mini with cellular is the best option out there. Especially if you already own an iPhone. The screen size is much bigger than the average dedicate GPS device but not too big and so it won’t vibrate excessively on bumpy roads.
I prefer to wrap the iPad in a protective case because I am too clumsy to keep it intact and protect it with an anti-glare screen protector.
If you are not an apple fan then the Vanquisher Touch is the next best option.
Best app for overland navigating
If you decide to navigate with a tablet or with your phone you will do so with an app. For regular routes following the road Google Maps is king. I find that the routing times are the most accurate.
For offroading the best free option is maps.me because it has topo maps installed and works with osm maps (which many paid versions also base their routes on). I’ve used it in the remotest sections of Africa and did not get lost.
For specialised maps from your region there are paid apps that will have various different topo layers. For example the best app for North America has layers for BLM land.
Best for North America
Best for Australia and New Zealand
For more information about the apps read this article.
Best compass for navigating
US$ 9.99
Safety is your number one priority on any overlanding trip, we take the precautions to stay safe and a compass is part of that. Learn how to use one before you leave because having it and then not knowing how to use it is stupid. This Turn On Sport Compass is great value for money and comes with a mirror built in for signalling search and rescue in the case you do get lost. Check out the best safety gear resources for more essential safety equipment.
Best paper maps
A compass is useless without a map, check out the best map resources.