Garmin Overlander GPS, any good?

[travelrover]

Happy New Year all!

I'm looking for any experiences, feedback, comments on the Garmin Overlander GPS? Looks like I need to upgrade my nuvi 2979 as it just doesn't have the map detail that is available in the newer units now, or at least I am unable to find it and the technology is a good ten years old. The Garmin Overlander on paper at least, seems to cover what I need.

Also I understand that Hema maps (.GPX/.GPS) are compatible with Garmin GPS units. Has anyone had any experience here with the Hema offroad/topo maps on a newer vehicle mounted Garmin device?

Cheers - Simon

[Toxic_Avenger]

Can't add anything useful other than that I've been looking at one of these myself.

[travelrover]

..they are on special at Johnny Appleseed for another week or so at $749.

[austastar]

Hi,
I looked at the Overlander a year or so ago but decided it was trying to be all things and not doing it very well.
I ended up with the RV model for driving and an Oregon for hiking.
Not all that happy with the maps, I bought the Oztoppo maps.
OZtopo V9 - Australian Topographical Maps for Garmin GPS units (downlo — GPSOZ (https://shop.gpsoz.com.au/products/oztopo-v9-australian-topographical-maps-for-garmin-gps-units-download)
The map is loaded via ssd card (locked and must be in the gps to read) It does also have a USB stick to install it on as many Windows devices as wanted and runs with the free download of Base camp very nicely.
This gives the same map for planning on the PC as can be used while driving with the gps.
Hema on an Android tablet is easier to use but I had problems with it stopping with over heating and problems with running out of storage on a 16Gb Samsung tablet. Hema plus can download detailed State maps if you buy the subscription.
Lots of options, - none perfect!
Cheers

[travelrover]

The reviews of Overlander seemed to be a bit of a mixed bag but it all depends on your point of view and what you need. For me it seems to tick all the key boxes but as you say trying to be all things… many of which I would likely never use.
I have been using Garmin for many years and am familiar with the operation and the complimenting apps Drive, Smart link explore etc and base camp.

There is certainly an overheating issue with a few devices reported.

[2eZero]

I have a Garmin Overlander. I've had it since August 2022.

It did have the 'explore' option built in where you could synchronise it with the online planning system of explore.garmin.com

It still has it on the device, but it is now listed as incompatible with the app and online website.

They have done this so that you chose to upgrade to the latest, the 'Tread Overlander' which is $1300 compared to the original Overlander that was $700.

I am quite annoyed that now in 2023 I have had the use of this expensive device drastically reduced as they have revoked the permissions from various systems. I can still see all my data online. I can even modify it online and it will sync to the device 'explore' app on the Garmin Overlander but it won't do as it did before; which is then navigate to the place you plotted in the 'explore' app.

Which is a nuicance.

There are benefits. It is an android device, so I have managed to side load various apps. It doesn't have a play store, but if you have the APK files you can install and use those. It is a rugged little tablet, and I do have it RAM mounted in my truck. Despite it not being compatible I'll still continue to use it as it has navigation use around the country (I'm in the UK) and beyond Europe as the maps are loaded.

I also have Memory Map installed, for UK Ordnance Survey mapping.