GARMIN OVERLANDER GPS REVIEW. 

I bought an Overlander a couple years ago, and I'm obsessed with it. It's a simple device that does what it is intended to do. No bells and whistles for the kiddies. I've gone on half a dozen cross country trips, with lots of off road camping...oops...overlanding. :)

Sold!! I'm about to buy one! I've got a Garmin traditional sat nav with hema maps loaded but it's nothing like this unit! To be able to switch between explore and drive modes that easily is superb! Thank you for sharing this Andrew! Love the quick disconnect too so you can remove it from your car easily to avoid theft and heat.

Somebody gave the flies your co-ordinates...

I picked one of these up for about $400 US, and I absolutely love it. It does much more than some of the alternatives listed on here, such as having a 3D terrain view which is amazing in mountainous terrain. It also has a wireless camera capability that is unique. I had a camera mounted under my Jeep that allowed me to check tire placement and avoid rocks with the front differential. I'm moving it to the front bumper where it has projection lines for the path of the front wheels. It also connects to my Inreach for satellite communication and safety. On top of all that, the magnetic mount is icing on the cake. You can add at least 4 cameras, maybe more. You could even use them at night to see what's going on outside your tent or inside your vehicle. The range is long and you could use it from a regular ground tent. Amazing product and backed by Garmin. They constantly update the maps and firmware, too. I ran it on the Appalachian Byway and I woulnd't trade it for Gaia or anything else. (I ran Gaia simultaneously, as a backup.) Don't knock this thing until you try it. There are other options that are better at some of the things this does, but none of them do all of the things this does as well as it does them. Andrew, check out the wireless camera. I'd love to see some of the uses you'd come up with for it! Btw, those of you with overlanding trailers, it easily has the range to run the camera anywhere on it and give you a clear picture.

I agree: I bought one with Europe, Africa and the Middle East, intending to explore the dessert between Morocco and Algeria into Mauretania, but due to covid, we have to wait for better times to come. In the meantime, it is a fantastic device, and I can use it without glasses (when you get older, your sight deteriorates). Do not attach the device to the front screen with the suction cup. It will fall off !

Andrew much better review. Now can you review something that us plebs in the suburbs can afford? Also, a huge thank you to all the commentators who suggested value for money solutions, some great ideas.

I am a long time big Garmin fan ; This device is brilliant but price is too high ; That might change but I still have my super reliable 276c as a backup and mainly use OziExplorer now on tablet. Samsung Tab S5e has full GPS systems compatibility (GPS/Galileo/Glonass & China systems) that ensures very good GPS coverage, lots of maps are available for offline use with Ozi and OziExplorer Android is just very good. I do agree anyway that this Garmin Overlander is a nice piece of equipment. Maybe one day I'll replace my 276c. But once you've started navigating on a 10' tablet ..... hard to go back to 6' devices .... Cheers

I'm amazed out how many flies that can exist in a land where it's dry and not a lot of animals per mile.

Funny that you had the same reaction, I was hesitant at first because of the price but after having used Garmin personal gps for hunting and having a motorcycle dedicated Garim on my motorcycle which survived a 200kmph accident and is now used on my Adventure bike I took the plunge I have had it a few months now a absolutely love how easy it was to learn its functions .... is it worth the price ..... let me put it this way you would be crazy not to spend the extra and get the Overlander I also have a simple Garmin Unit in my wife’s car and she is a self confessed non tech person she even found it easier to use than a smart phone, So I have 4 Garmin products and all are easy to update thru my laptop they tell you when there is new updated “ Free” maps waiting. No I am not paid or sponsored but I am fussy about what I buy and the Garmin is the best but the “Overlander” is the best thing since sliced bread

Andrew, you are making my Garmin Nuvi 200W look rather ancient. Still going strong since 2007.

Garmin love giving these to Overlanding Influencers. I have various Garmin products but this can easily be replaced by an iPad for half the price. The pricing is just way off for this.

You should have a look at the Birdseye function from the Garmin Overlander. I think this is the coolest thing from this device. You can look for interesting places from above without using a drone and the Overlander will bring you there. You even have options if you travelling offroad with a trailer.

I use my iPad with Gaia maps app for navigation. Has served me really well. Don't see the need for a Garmin.

Thanks for that, Andrew. I still have my 276c, but it's showing its age. I'm pleased to see that the Overlander is actually cheaper than when I purchased my 276c in 2005. I seem to remember it was somewhere in the $1500 range.

So I work with intelematics and tested the Garmin fleet™ 770 which is similar to what you have, one of my bug bears is the screen is not very responsive to the finger then notice you taping the same thing a few times, it seems they use the same hardware just different colours and software, They are coming with a new Garmin fleet device next year, hopefully with a better tactic/haptic screen. The mount is the same as in your video but I find it flips/folds down after a few bumps but if you use the ram mount it's solid! the windscreen mounted one is weak the weight of the device makes it tilt by itself. You can use it as a road camera type thing as well which is great.

Glad to see the Rolex back in action

Finally a decent honest review now I might grab one thanks.

How beautiful is that Lochada track! Love it out there around Rothsay, especially when the wildflowers are out.

One more thing. Garmin's customer service is outstanding. I asked them to update the firmware to flip the image on the wireless camera for forward use. I spoke directly to the gentleman who oversees the Overlander product line. He made no promises, but by the next firmware update, a few weeks later, it was there! Also, this thing interfaces somehow with my Garmin Fenix 5x watch. Not sure how or what I can do with that yet, but it shows up on the Overlander. I love the stuff this company does. They have so much potential to do more for overlanding, with their aviation and maritime engineering capacity. I'd love to see what else they could apply to our favorite pastime. And this unit has the open architecture (as an Android tablet) to adapt, too.

I've had one of these for about a year and agree with his assessment. It is simple and intuitive to use.

I love it when you get so excited about kit

It has a very short battery life and if discharged too much will not be able to boot up again. I bought one but to be honest it's big and very ordinary for the price. I bought it after seeing Andrew's review....I'm now wondering with all due respect, whether Andrew paid for his or was given it by the supplier. If I could swap mine out I would.

Hi Andrew first of all thank you for reviewing this item I will seriously consider purchasing this gps . Let me tell you I fully respect your opinion dont let those with shallow minds dictate your reviews well done!!

The problem I have comparing a satellite navigation system with cell phone nav apps (eg Gaia) is the roaming charges for a cell phone. $13/day to get data is a bit much, and when cell phone coverage becomes a bit flakey, then a unit like this shines. Thanks for the review.

Thank you so much from California. I’m ordering one in the morning.

this needs Garmin inReach to be worthwhile, otherwise a tablet seems like a better option.

One thing it is lacking is an electronic fly repeller.

Nice thing but its 6x the price of my road one. Ouch! I'll be keeping on top of my map reading in the meantime.

Also on topo you can touch the map and create a way point the screen will change and give you options touch the small triangle and the gps will navigate to the way point

Literally every tablet, or phone for that matter, can run Google maps and a topo map in split screen mode at the same time or switching between the two. I just don't see the value of this when you get the added benefits of a tablet. The tablet also has internet capabilities and can stand in as a backup phone if needed.

I too love my old 276C. Bought to use on a motorbike, a very sturdy unit indeed. I much prefer the map presentation on it to the dumbed down multi coloured mainstream maps, which have thick lines everywhere to depict roads. You'd have to use one to appreciate the vast difference that I'm ranting about. I also much prefer the 276C to google maps

Hi Andrew . are those flies flying frantically around you - phuck that is frustrating - EISH !!!

I love this review, can you do a review on memory maps and explor oz traveller please 🙏

One good thing that came out of the first gulf war was that the satellites were all tuned up and have remained that way. GPS in the bush may be a luxury but a luxury that can save your bacon. Water is still the most important thing thought.

Mate when your in one of the navigation pages touch the small icon in the top right corner and it will change between maps

Hi Andrew I've had mine for about a year I haven't used enough still getting used to it. How have you found the track recorder. Is it good for navigating back to where you came from. Also I made a bracket that is mounted off one of the screws on the handle on the pillar that you pull yourself up into the 4by works well brings the screen up close too you ease of operation don't trust those windscreen suction cups. I could have bought a ram mount but this worked great. Enjoy your videos Andrew cheers

Nice review. What I always want to know is can you see it in bright daylight with or with out sunglasses. My navman is unreadable in bright light.

8:30 Nakamichi Tape deck, that would have sounded fantastic!

I watched the review then read the comments and I agree with them We have a 7inch android tablet with cellular and will use it instead of this Garman that's over priced 1 dimensional product. The review was useful in this respect.

My biggest problems with the Garmin Overlander are: No ability to layer maps, straight line when creating routes instead of autorouting to existing trails/roads, and the way to import/export routes. Those and the price is still a little steep for what is basically an Android tablet with locked/proprietary app features. That said, I still wouldn't mind having one to play around with and compare to GAIA GPS, but would only do so if Garmin had a half-price sale.

I will look at one next time in a shop… thanks, Andrew

'Android Tablet' and 'Maps Me' plus a few other apps.....but I still have paper maps and a compass Question is... would you buy it with your own cash?

Please let us know if, as you say it’s not sponsored by the makers/suppliers, do you get the product free or do you purchase these? If they supply these “demo” models of various product, do you return to the supplier after the review.? I think it’s important we know this detail so the transparency is complete. It is a significant distinction I feel. It would certainly impact my level of interest in the reviews.

i have the garmin montana while not so easy to read whilst moving i find it serves me well

Ram Mount have rubber fastner for tablet. So you can fasten rubber around the navigating thing. It have ball fastner already in the box.

$700 usd, I'd rather get lost. 🌎

Holy moly Flies!

Its great Madala Andrew but the price tag ouch! Great review!

Looks awesome.. Can you set it to 'avoid flies' like a normal nav can be set to 'avoid highways'?

Does it matter where I were to purchase the Garmin Overlander from. I.e. different maps downloaded onto it from different sellers ?

On the latest Hema you can make the location icon whatever colour you want...

Because of THIS review i got one. I look at the reviews on things before i buy them but the honesty and excitement in this video won me over. I have zero regrets it is a great unit! I am wondering can i add On X offroad app on it the way you have added Himma app? I appreciate your response in advance Sir

Was gonna make a comment on the addedvalue/price ratio but I see that what needs to be said has been said in the comments below :) Garmin really does need to up their game if they wish to stay in the market that they helped create.

At $900AUD, you need to convince me how this is better than a stand alone tablet with a GPS chip. Just crazy money.

Nothing to do with this video ..but it could be nice if u can do a video about salisbury and rover axel vs dana . Thanks for teachin so much knowledge

The Garmin Magnetic mount has been around on various models for a few years now. It would need to be a rough road to dislodge it!

thank you very much

The mount is a very good mount, but it does come off after suffering a few big hot-cold cycles.

Yes, Andrew, it is fantastic but, it is a $1,000 whereas the VMS HN7 is $260 with VMS and Ozi Explorer maps. Okay if you get sent one or you can afford it but when on a budget...

I use Memory Map with free topo maps and paid hema maps on my Android phone and tablet.

I feel with mobile phones, tablets, andriod auto or Apple car play you can do just as well with free apps like Gaia maps.

I'll stick with my iPad mini for the price of this thing. I can also use it for RU-vid/Netflix/emails/weather and anything else. If Garmin included inreach functionality with this thing for $1000, then it would be worth it.

thank you sir

hi love you channel , can i load other maps onto the garmin overlander as the hema maps seems to be missing many tracks .. thanks David

Beautiful Rolex

Love this device, great review, thanks

I enjoy your Vids from SA and always wanted to visit Australia. Sorry but you can keep the fly ridded place. Give me Namibia and Botswana any time, not to mention SA. Now I can see why Paul Marsh came back to SA.

How about an iPad with maps downloaded and paired with an inreach mini?

I have try to use a phone and a tablet to find some paths and sometimes it is quite confusing. But I own this one, and it is quite diferent despite it is based on android. This has a compass and a good antena and you can know were to go, not like the phone, and I don´t know why it doesn´t tell me the direction i´m walking as a GPS do. Perhaps it is because has some good antena and is more acurate for walking (driving do ok), were the phone (Samsung S40) have failed. This is more easy to use. I like it and it is what I´m using.

I use the phone or tablet and also a 4 year old Garmin and while both work the Garmin is more consistent as the Phone tries to take wacky shortcuts constantly and it’s annoying and has gotten us lost two many times

Also my overlander don’t achieve unblock the maps. Why?

thank you for detail video on GPS

Love these series of videos Andrew!

700 bucks is a lot. do you really think it's 650 dollars worth better than using your mobile phone? and does it show offroad tracks in the poi or are you required to know the tracks locations via other sources. I've found often well known 4x4 only tracks aren't available for search on these devices. cheers for any input.

Hmmm... small point really but since you mentioned it, on the Hema HN7 there are 8 different pointer colours to choose from. Don’t know if this is on the HX1. I do like the ability, on the Garmin, to have Drive and Explore running simultaneously. Not possible on the HN7.

ive had Garmin in the past, and yes the battery needs changing a year or two later..... So i dont have much faith in this battery ... Looks like a great unit though

I've had a Garmin 276c since new. I was very disappointed when they stopped the updates, but it's very handy on older roads, it's so versatile. I use Google Maps on my Samsung galaxy note 8 which is automatically updated. Is the Overlander also updateable for the long term?

Good review thanks.

Is the newer hema 4x4 explorer app available on the overlander??

Hi Andrew very much enjoy your video,s and tips you do a great job you make it all sound interesting. I am wanting to buy an off road navigator. My question since this video would you still recommend the overlander. Any cons. Thank you regards Mark

I'm all for technology however the biggest failure of all sat navs is having the most up to date maps of the area you are going into and also having the ability to load maps across devices and the capacity to logs the trails you take and having a capacity of external antenna.. for sat link.. my experince with sat or geo logged service and surface data may rely on gps transponders supported from a mobile phone tower and not gps sats in geo stationary orbit..

Hi Andrew Great video do the maps come with it or do you need to download them. Thanks.

I agree completely. I used Gaia on my phone and iPad (riding on my motorbike as well as in the rigs) it would ping me sometimes, I don't know why, but roughly 50 miles from where I really was. I lost all faith in it after a couple times of this as well as downloading copious amounts of maps only to get places and notice that I am now outside of the region I wanted to download. I too, as a pilot absolutely love the Overlander, it is as easy to use as a 530, makes sense and everything I want or need is there. In the states we use iOverlander for places to camp, when remote if you don't have data or predownloaded the location you're boned on if you can or cannot camp at this spot. With the Garmin Overlander that app is installed and shows those areas on both presentation screens. Driving along, using turn by turn? Yep, there it is, locations to camp that you can touch, has a little bio just like the app. So good. For navigation on motorcycles I use onX Offroad, it is really good for what I do.

I think the old USB mini connector is a real downside at this point. Something this new should be USB-C. it's far superior, and it is getting legitimately hard to find the older replacement cables at this point.

Got burned with the Magellan TRX7 and it's poor map database and went to an iPad Air using GAIA (which overheats in high temperatures while charging). That's the default in the US. But that still means an expensive iPad with maps that have to be downloaded well ahead of time on the computer. It doesn't encourage wandering and you are definitely wrestling with the tech. This looks like a better Magellan concept, with pre-installed maps and no need to prep, unless you want. to. Garmin maps are very good. The nav system in my Jeep is Garmin and it often got me out of situations when the TRX7 wasn't doing the trick. I might try the Garmin if I need to switch out the iPad.

Totally agree love it

So Andrew, I’m seeing all these comments on iPad/Tablet users. I understand the reason why people would do this, depending on the (areas travelled, how often,etc) We really like to go off down a track and get lost 😀 It’s just so part of the adventure. I did download Hema 4WD maps to my iPhone and it kept losing signal, I’m guessing the iPad/tables would too. I pick up a second hand HN7 (clunky) but wouldn’t go anywhere without it now. Then was given a HX1 (not loving it) but haven’t used it enough yet (due to COVID) Adding extra devices to pick up signal seems a bit messy to me. I guess where I’m going is how much does it cost to keep the maps up dated and how often would they need updating. Is the battery replaceable by user? Thanks for the review 😊

I find myself wanting to swat my t.v.

Just buy rugged Android phone/tablet and install offline topo maps (OsmAnd for example). Cheaper and much more reliable. Separate GPS device in 2020 is a stupidest idea i can think of. Price for this is just absurd. Also miniusb and microusb (different for base and device?!) ports in 2020?

Can you get satellite maps for Australia now on the Overlander? Or is it still just for US?

Great video thank you

Hi Andrew, we love your videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences with all, some of your tips and recommendations have been extremely useful and we are very grateful for that. My wife has a question for you: what is the name of the song in the intro? Thanks!

I remember having a seperate device for gps navigation. Ah the 00’s

I love mine too. Even better when paired with the in reach mini and the backup camera.

why is the hot water shower review no longer available? you dident recomand it any more? thx

It ticked all the boxes for me as I don't want to depend on my phone and need a standalone device.

Would love one! But at the price it’s completely out of reach. Overlanding needs to stop becoming such a high price tag lifestyle especially considering it’s roots and what it’s basic true purpose is...to get out there!

I use quad lock on the back

Question please, what is the best advantage of using standalone navigation devices over say Google maps from a phone or tablet? Thanks for the video 🙂

Awesome videos ASPW. Think it will work on a off road motorbike if you use the RAM mount.