Having a properly functioning GPS is essential if you’re considering going for an off-trail snowmobile ride. Regarding the normal routes and trails, you can get help with signboards, passersby, or other riders. Plus, in a designated route, there are little chances of getting lost if you follow the route itself.
However, when it comes to uncharted and unmarked areas, you need to have a GPS to know your location at all times. Should you lose track of your surroundings, you can always use the GPS to navigate back to the main route. Similarly, if something happens to your snowmobile, you can use GPS to let people know about your exact location.
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Even in demarcated and marked routes and trails, a GPS can serve the benefit of letting you know about the shortest route to your destination, the time and distance left, and so on.
Nowadays, snowmobile GPS devices come with a lot more functionality and features than providing a basic map view. Some of them allow you to record your track logs, while others allow you to measure metrics like pressure, elevation, etc.
7 Best Snowmobile GPS In 2024
In this post, we will look at seven different GPS devices you can buy in 2024. We will look at their features in detail so you can easily get an idea of which is the most suited for your particular need.
What Is The Difference Between A Normal GPS And A Snowmobile GPS?
To begin with, the main difference between a normal GPS and a snowmobile GPS is that the latter is purpose-made to be fitted and used with a snowmobile. A snowmobile GPS usually has slots and holes for mounting it on the snowmobile.
Similarly, a snowmobile GPS would also need to be equipped with the right technology that enables it to update its location rapidly. This would be so that the device can keep up with the vehicle’s speed and update itself in real time.
What Features Do Snowmobilers Need In A GPS?
Among other features, accuracy and quick response are some of the main things that snowmobilers need in a GPS. When riding off-trail, it is essential for the snowmobiler to know what their exact location is.
If the device starts to malfunction and shows its location 12 miles away from where it actually is, it can mean trouble.
Also read: Best Snowmobile Gas Cans
The precision of a GPS device depends largely on the navigation system it incorporates. For example, a device powered by GPS having GLONASS support as well as WAAS will be able to work pretty accurately. Since such a device will be able to use GPS satellites as well as GLONASS ones, the position will be relayed more precisely and quickly.
A good GPS device is also capable of detecting the position in tough areas, i.e., when the user is under thick growth or in a deep canyon, etc.
Similarly, apart from accuracy, the GPS also needs to quickly update itself to the change in location. Snowmobiles can go pretty fast, and GPS devices should be able to keep up.
It won’t be very helpful if the map icon budges erratically after a long delay.
A long battery life can also be a necessity for snowmobilers, especially people who have to go on long trips.
Should I Buy A GPS For My Snowmobile?
If you use your snowmobile for short trips and rides around well-known and well-populated areas, then you can probably make do without a GPS.
Such a device is necessary when you have to go out on longer excursions where the danger of getting lost is present.
Another thing to think about is that even if you do purchase a GPS, you don’t necessarily have to use it every time you go for a ride. You can keep it stored or powered off to save battery.
So, even if you think that a GPS is not necessary for your current snowmobile routines, you can buy and stash one away for the future. That is, of course, if you can easily afford one. These things can be pricey.
1 . Garmin Montana 680t – Best Overall
Coming up first on our list, we have the Garmin Montana 680t.
The Montana 680t has a hefty price tag, which is around $419.00 at the time of writing. But, with the price, it also provides the features that justify it.
The device provides accurate and precise position readings due to the two-fold satellite system support. In addition to tracking the GPS satellites, the Montana 680t also tracks the ones by GLONASS. (GLONASS is the Russian navigation system, much similar to GPS, which is run by the USA.)
The Garmin Montana 680t comes equipped with Hotfix Satellite Prediction, which allows the device to cut down on transmission time and provide quicker readings. To top it all off, the GPS receiver on the Montana 680t is WAAS-enabled.
A WAAS-enabled receiver can, according to Garmin, provide 5x better and more accurate results than a non-WAAS one.
The amalgam of excellent tracking features makes the Garmin Montana 680t an excellent device for snowmobilers who have to ride off-trail and in unmarked areas. The GLONASS + GPS support helps this device to pick the user’s location even under cover and in deep low-level areas like canyons.
During your ride, you can use the Montana 680t to get useful information about your trip, such as your vehicle speed, distance and time until the destination, and so on.
This device also comes preinstalled with TOPO US 100k maps that can help you complete your excursions easily, thanks to the elaborate routing, labeling, and other topographic details.
During your ride, you can change the device’s orientation to landscape and portrait as per your need and requirement. The portrait orientation can be useful during straight-line riding when maximum frontal coverage is required.
The Montana 680t features a barometer/altimeter to help you determine your exact elevation and pressure. This is yet another useful feature that can help you during snowmobile rides.
As we mentioned earlier, the battery is an important feature that you have to look out for when buying a GPS for your snowmobile. It will not be very pleasant to run out of GPS juice in the middle of nowhere. With the Garmin Montana 680t, this problem is minimized.
This device can work for up to 16 hours on the included lithium-ion battery and up to 22 hours on AA batteries.
Before wrapping up this product, we’d also like to talk about the form factor. Although the bulky and large form of the Montana 680t can be counted as a con, it does provide the benefit of added durability.
Compared to thin and sleek GPS devices, the 680t will be less likely to get bent or broken in case of an accident.
Why Is The Garmin Montana 680t Best For Long Snowmobile Trips?
The Garmin Montana 680t is excellent for long snowmobile trips thanks to the big battery life and the preinstalled TOPO US 100k maps. Due to the large battery, you will not have to make stops to recharge the device, and you will be able to keep it mounted to your ride for longer periods of time.
On the other hand, the preinstalled maps also make it great for longer trips since they save you the trouble of downloading the maps from different regions as you go along.
2 . Trail Tech Voyager Pro – Runner Up
Looks-wise, the Trail Tech Voyager Pro is more tech than the Montana 680t. Instead of featuring a single touchscreen, the Tech Voyager Pro comes with buttons at the side to improve the user experience. You can use the arrows and the selection buttons at the sides to navigate through the device and easily select menus/options etc.
The Voyager Pro comes with North American maps preinstalled in it. If you want to use the map of another region, you will have to download them yourself. Like the Montana 680t, the maps on the Voyager Pro also come with topographic details such as lines, shading to denote hills, and so on.
Buddy Tracking is one of the major and distinct features of the Trail Tech Voyager Pro. With this feature, you can keep track of your friends by tagging their devices. Their positions will show up on your map and will be updated in real-time. This feature allows you to track up to 20 people at the same time.
The Buddy Tracking feature can be highly useful if you are on an excursion in some off-trail areas. You can set a central point, i.e., your camp or vehicle, to help you and your friends know where to get back together. All the people added in the Buddy Tracking mode have their own icon colors along with their names. This can help you find where each and every person is without any confusion.
Another excellent feature that you can enjoy with the Voyager Pro is Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect the GPS to your cellphone (or any other Bluetooth device) and listen to audio files. You can also use the GPS to attend calls, view messages, and go through your contacts.
With this feature, you can bring your phone’s necessary functions to the GPS. If you happen to get an important call during your ride, you can simply take care of it without stopping and extracting your phone from some deep pocket in your gear.
Other than the above, the Voyager Pro also provides other useful information, such as your vehicle’s speed and atmospheric temperature. Considering the features and perks that you can get with this device, it competes closely with the Montana 680t for the number one position. The main aspect that weighs in favor of the Montana is its satellite tracking.
While the Montana 680t uses GPS and GLONASS satellites, the Voyager Pro only relies on the former. Although this does not necessarily mean that the readings provided by the Voyager Pro will be shaky and inaccurate, it can convince many people to go for the Montana 680t instead.
3 . Garmin eTrex 22x – Budget Pick
For the third product on our list, we are back with another Garmin device. Although the Garmin eTrex 22x is not as impressive (or pricey) as the Garmin Montana 680t, it is still a great GPS that you can buy for your snowmobile.
It has impressive satellite support, a range of useful features, good battery life, and a reasonable price tag.
Like the Montana 680t, the eTrex 22x also has GPS and GLONASS satellite support. This device can pick up your position easily, even in unfavorable locations such as under cover, i.e., in forests or near tall buildings.
The GPS (Global Positioning System) has a total of 31 satellites, whereas GLONASS has a system comprising more than 24 satellites. A device that uses both satellite systems can be much more reliable than a device that only uses one.
One of the features in which the eTrex 22x outperforms the much-pricier Montana 680t is the map quality. With the Montana 680t, the preinstalled maps are TOPO US 100k.
These maps are not routable and can be used for navigation simply by…perusal. On the other hand, the eTrex 22x comes preinstalled with TOPO Active maps, which happen to be routable. These maps also show points of interest such as parks, shops, accommodations, etc.
The eTrex 22x also shows useful information such as elevation, speed, trip time, etc. This device uses two AA batteries to provide a total battery life of 25 hours.
Before wrapping up this product, we would like to mention one particular feature that can be counted as a pro and a con, although the brand regards it only as the former. And that is the small screen size.
As far as the small screen size is concerned, it makes the device easy to carry and handle. Even if you want to park your snowmobile for some time and move on foot, you can hold the GPS in your hand easily.
But while that is the good part of it, the downside is the probable and possible squinting you will have to do. 2.2” is not that big. It could get even more difficult to spot the map when you are raging and bumping along the trail on a snowmobile at 100MPH.
4 . Garmin Overlander – Premium Pick
To begin with, the Garmin Overlander comes with a big and hefty price tag. But once you check out all its features, the $700 seems fairly reasonable.
To start off, the Garmin Overlander is significantly sleeker and more aesthetic than the bulky-looking Montana 680t and the eTrex 22x. Thanks to the 7” screen size, the thing looks more like a standard tablet or a phone than a GPS. The UI is also a lot better than the clunky 1990-ish look on the Montana 680t.
You get the standard in-screen navigation buttons as most Android phones and tablets when using the device. You also get the same style of battery, time, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi display at the top corner.
Moving on from the appearance of the Garmin Overlander, another outstanding feature you can enjoy with this device is the three-fold satellite support. In the Montana 680t and eTrex 22x, there is support for GPS and GLONASS, which are the American and Russian satellite systems.
But with Overlander, you also get Galileo support, the satellite system owned by the European Union.
Thanks to this satellite support, you can accurately track your location and get better results compared to devices that only have GPS. You will be able to get your readings in places like forests and woods and even in deep canyons.
Moving on, the actual navigation system you get with Overlander is also excellent. The device comes preinstalled with topographic maps for North and South America (and more can be downloaded with the Garmin Explore app).
Once you set your destination using the navigation system, you get turn-by-turn directions with a detailed view of your vehicle and the surrounding areas. You can also see useful information, such as your vehicle’s speed and the estimated arrival time.
Another outstanding feature, which we did not see in any of the other products mentioned above, is that the routing on the nav system is done in accordance with the height, length, and weight of your vehicle.
In other words, the system will recommend suitable routes according to the vehicle you are driving. On a snowmobile, the routes you will get will differ from those provided to, say, a truck driver.
The Garmin Overland can be easily set up using RAM mounts. It also has a magnetic back along with a suction cup that you can use for your mounting arrangement.
One apparent downside you will have to deal with when using the Garmin Overland is the short battery life. This device comes preinstalled with a lithium-ion battery and has a total battery life of up to 3 hours. Considering some of the other devices on this list, this much battery life can be a little disappointing for some users.
5 . Garmin Montana 610
And we’re back with another Garmin device.
The Garmin Montana 610 is, in a lot of its features, similar to the 680t. It has an almost identical form with the same 4-inch screen and bulky body.
However, there are some things in which the Montana 610 performs better than its successor, the 680t. And there are also some things in which it falls a little short.
To begin with, the Garmin Montana 610 comes preinstalled with TOPO US 24K maps, which are better than the 100K maps that come with the 680t. For one, you can get more details, i.e., contour lines with 24K. The 24K maps are also routable, which the 100K maps lack.
‘Routable’ in the context of maps means that you can set a route between two points to navigate between them. Doing this can help you find the exact distance and time left between your destinations.
Like the 680t, the Montana 610 also has GPS and GLONASS support, due to which it can work better than devices with just GPS. You can reliably track your location even in tough locations such as under heavy cover, near tall buildings, etc.
Similarly, the Montana 610 also provides barometric and altimetric details, i.e., the atmospheric pressure and elevation of the user.
The Montana 610 has a 3-axis compass that can provide accurate readings even when not help straight or steady. You can get your coordinates during your bumpy snowmobile rides without trouble.
And last but not least, the 610 performs just as well as the 680t when it comes to battery life. The included lithium-ion battery can enjoy 16 hours on a single charge. This can rid you of the need to stop and plug in the device every now and then. This is, incidentally, a big benefit you can get over Garmin Overlander (the product that we discussed at number 4).
6 . Garmin Zumo XT
If you are looking for a device that is not as expensive as the Garmin Overlander but provides better features and user experience than the eTrex 22x or the Voyager Pro (both discussed on this list), the Garmin Zumo XT is a great choice that you can go for.
The Zumo XT comes with useful features such as dual satellite system support, a large screen, a bright display, a glove-friendly touch, etc. It also comes preinstalled with topographic maps.
You can switch between street maps, topography, or BirdsEye Satellite Imagery during your ride.
The Zumo XT has a 5.5” display. Although this is smaller than the one on the Garmin Overlander, it is much bigger than the eTrex 22x and the Montana 680t/610. Like the Overlander, the Garmin Zumo XT also comes with three-fold satellite system support, i.e., GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo.
This device can also provide useful features and functions by connecting to your smartphone. You can take calls, get real-life traffic and weather updates (this requires the Garmin Drive app), and much more.
7 . Trail Tech 912-503 Voyager Stealth
While we don’t like to paint any product with a bad color right at the start, we do have to say that the Trail Tech 912-503 GPS has a pretty outdated and retro design…even compared to the Montana devices.
With this GPS, you don’t get to use a touchscreen or enjoy the bright, colorful visuals on its display. The Voyager Stealth has a B/W display that shows black readings and details on a standard LCD screen.
You have to navigate through the various menus using the buttons at the side of the device.
Apart from the above, the rest of the features provided by this device are fine (not too special). The maps show trails and tracks, but they lack other topographic details.
You can use the device to get readings on temperature and altitude. The Voyager Stealth also offers a trail-logging feature that you can use to record your trip’s details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Snowmobile GPS Devices Help You Navigate And Find The Best Trails?
In addition to this, some GPS devices come with special features that allow them to point out the best trails and tracks in the area.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Snowmobile GPS Compared To Other Navigation Methods?
The disadvantage of using a GPS is that you have to take care of charging it properly and/or put cells in prior to your ride. In other words, the general downsides that are concomitant to all electronics also apply to GPS devices.
What Are The Best Ways To Maintain And Care For A Snowmobile GPS?
You should also take care to keep your GPS charged at all times. If your device uses cells, then make sure to keep a stock of new ones handy. Last but not least, you should clean the GPS after every trip and keep it safely stored when not in use.
How Do Snowmobile GPS Devices Perform In Different Weather Conditions?
Final Thoughts
Whenever you want to take your snowmobile for a ride, always make sure to have a functioning GPS with you. Without a GPS, the danger of getting lost or losing your way is ever-present.
Once you install a GPS on your snowmobile, you can easily find directions and track your position. This can help you avoid all sorts of trouble. Even if you happen to lose your way, you can use the GPS to find the trail again.
If you’re looking to buy a GPS for your snowmobile, you can get started with the products we’ve listed above. But, before making your purchase, you should always check whether your contemplated product is suitable for your particular need or not.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for in our list, you can always look for some products on your own.
And after you do find a GPS, always make sure to use it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It is highly inadvisable to try and use a GPS for any purpose other than what it is made to provide.
During your snowmobile rides, you should also take care of not venturing on trails and tracks that are out of bounds. While your device may point out such a route to you, you should make sure you’re good to go on it.
