GPS for ATVs 101

Your phone's GPS is all good and fine if you just need to make it to the closest gas station, but it’s nothing more than a fancy brick when you try to use it for trail navigation. Whether it’s the lack of service, maps that completely neglect the actual trail system, or just a dead battery leaving you stranded, that app can’t stand up to a dedicated GPS system. When you like to push things into unknown territory, it’s ATV GPS time. 

Why ATV GPS Systems Are (Built) Different

Simply put, off-road GPS units are intentionally designed for the type of riding you do. They come with topographic maps, meaning you can actually get an accurate reading on both the trail and the actual elevation you’ll be up against. Even more importantly, they can take all manner of hard hits and abuse, from moisture and vibration to even resisting shocks. They don’t need cell service to work, pulling signals straight from satellites, so you’ll get your maps even when you’re in the middle of nowhere. One really solid example of an ATV GPS is the Tread SXS Edition Navigator by Garmin. It’s got a big-old (glove-friendly!) touchscreen, all the maps you need loaded in, and you can even mark and share waypoints on it.

Need to Track Where You’ve Been?

Figuring out where you are isn’t the only thing you can use a GPS for. If you want to take the same route back to home base that you took out, “breadcrumbs” are a helpful feature to watch for. This is huge whenever you’re venturing into territory that is foreign to you, or when you have to deal with a really circuitous trail system with lots of turns and obscured areas. Also, if you’ve got waypoints capability, you can mark campsites, water sources, or whatever else you need before you leave or as you encounter them. The Garmin Tread 2 Overland Edition by SuperATV takes this even one level further with group tracking so the whole convoy can be up to speed.

Mounting and Durability Matter

Even the fanciest and most durable ATV GPS system isn’t going to do you a whole lot of good if it’s really hard for you to access mid-ride, now is it? This is reason number 154 why you need an ATV-specific unit, as these come with flexible and super rugged mounts that will clamp onto your handlebars and stay put no matter what goes down. The ATV Garmin Tread Base Edition by Rugged Radios comes ready to mount and ride, with all the core features you need without overwhelming you with stuff you won't use. Clean interface, solid build quality, and it just works.

Value Is Still King

Yes, it’s an extra initial cost, but if you’re relying on your phone alone, you’ll actually end up paying more in the end, whether that manifests as time lost or equipment damaged (or worse) while stranded. If you ride anywhere beyond your backyard, a good GPS system pays for itself the first time it helps you find your way back or discover a killer new trail you'd never have found otherwise.