Overlanding as we know it today wouldn't have been possible without the introduction of cars like the Mercedes G-Class or Land Rover's Series I. Subsequently, overlanding depends not only on the driver's boldness and ability to navigate in rough terrain, but also a lot on the gear at his/her disposal. Thankfully, advances in modern tech can make overlanding a lot more accessible and safe, which is exactly what Garmin wants to offer with the Overlander GPS navigation.

What is the Garmin Overlander GPS?

You can think of it as the Chuck Norris of GSP devices. Garmin doesn't say precisely how tough its Overlander is, but mentions it is "tough and dependable" and "designed to withstand the elements." That aside, it can be used both on- and off-road.

When roaming on asphalt roads, the device will provide turn-by-turn directions just as any other similar gizmo. That's where it shines, according to Garmin, thanks to a suite of functions.

Garmin Overlander GPS Features

For starters, Garmin's Overlander stands out from a feature that allows you to sync routes, waypoints, and tracks. These can be configured as you please on your PC, laptop or smartphone and then sent to the device via Bluetooth, but you'll need the Garmin Explore app (which is free to download for both iOS and Android devices). Mounting the GPS inside your vehicle is done through a powered arm that uses magnets and a suction cup for extra hold.

Garmin even threw a two-way text messaging service into the mix, but you'll have to pair the Overlander with the Garmin inReach Mini satellite communicator, meaning you'll need to be prepared to let go of another $349.99. It can even send SOS distress signals, so you might want to consider it for your most extreme encounters with geography and Mother Nature.

Now, for when the trail gets really rough, Garmin's thingamajig can display two pitch and roll gauges. It also packs a barometer and an altimeter, while additional maps can be downloaded and stored on the device's 64 GB internal memory.

The new Garmin Overlander is listed with a $699.99 price tag on the Garmin website. However, you can't order one right now, but at the time of writing, the company said orders should kick off in about 5 to 8 weeks, which is either towards the end of June or mid-July. Either way, the product's box also includes a vehicle suction cup mount, RAM ball adapter, vehicle power cable, and USB cable. Also available on Amazon.

Garmin Overlander GPS Navigator Full Specs