Words: Patric Fransko
Anyone serious about spending time off the beaten path needs a way to navigate. There are a variety of systems available, but we selected a Garmin Tread Base because it handles the navigation duties superbly and does a lot more. Follow along to see if this Garmin Tread might be just what you are looking for.
A Bit About Garmin
This company lives to design products to make your outside adventures as great as possible.
According to their website:
“We make products that are engineered on the inside for life on the outside. We do this so our customers can make the most of the time they spend pursuing their passions.
With over 19,000 associates in 35 countries around the world, we bring GPS navigation and wearable technology to the automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor and fitness markets. We think every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.“
Why Did We Choose The Garmin Tread Base?
The Garmin Tread Base 5.5” is a versatile GPS navigation device tailored for off-road and adventure enthusiasts.
Here are some key reasons why you might want to consider this model:
Durability: The Tread Base is built to withstand rugged environments, making it ideal for off-road adventures. It’s designed to resist dust, water, and impacts, ensuring reliability in challenging conditions.
Compact Size: The 5.5” screen strikes a balance between being large enough for easy readability and compact enough to fit comfortably in various vehicle setups, including ATVs and motorcycles.
Detailed Mapping: It comes with detailed topographic maps, including public land boundaries and trail information, which are crucial for off-road navigation. This helps users stay on track and discover new routes.
Battery Life: The device has a robust battery life suitable for long trips, providing continuous navigation without frequent recharging.
Customizable Data Fields: Users can customize the data fields on the display to show critical information like speed, altitude, and heading, tailored to their specific needs.
Navigation Features: It offers turn-by-turn directions and route planning, helping users easily navigate both on and off-road.
Waypoints and Routes: Users can create, save, and follow waypoints and routes, especially useful for planning complex off-road adventures.
Trail Ratings: Their growing trail database now includes difficulty ratings for off-road riding areas, where available, across the U.S.
Weather and Environmental Alerts: Integrated weather alerts and environmental data (like temperature and barometric pressure) help users prepare for changing conditions.
Compatibility with Other Devices: It can sync with 
various Garmin accessories and devices, enhancing functionality. We appreciate the ability to control a Garmin PowerSwitch from the Tread. it can pair with our Garmin inReach Mini for satellite communication and SOS features.
User-Friendly Interface: The touchscreen interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even with gloves on, which is a significant advantage during off-road activities.
Trip Computer: The built-in trip computer provides useful statistics like distance traveled, trip time, and average speed, which can be useful for tracking performance and planning.
Mounting Options: It offers flexible mounting options, making it easy to install on different vehicles and adapt to various setups.
These features collectively make the Garmin Tread Base 5.5” a robust choice for adventurers looking for reliable navigation in rugged conditions. You can check out all the detail and specs by clicking HERE.
MSRP: Starting at $599.99
