Choosing a GPS for your Snowmobile

Picking a Garmin GPS for your sled can be difficult, both because of the potentially harsh conditions it needs to survive and because of the sheer size of Garmin's product line. Here's a quick guide to the models that we think are most suitable.

The key question is whether you have a convenient 12V DC outlet that you can use to power it. If you do, then you can mount a GPS on your handlebars or dashboard, power it from the outlet, and not worry about battery life. Also, since you can keep the screen and backlight turned on all the time, these will keep the GPS much warmer. A recommended model for this setup is the Garmin nuvi 500 ($299.99), which not only works with our SledGPS maps but also comes with full street and topographic maps built in. Use it in the truck on the way to the trail head, and use it year-round for travel and adventure. The zumo series of motorcycle oriented units are also good choices.

If you will be using it off batteries then the life of those batteries, particularly in the cold, needs to be considered. The nuvi 500 mentioned above remains a good choice BUT will only get around 4 hours use per charge, so you'd need to switch it off part of the day or take spare batteries. (It uses a special Garmin battery, but is easy to swap with a spare.) A better option is the Garmin Oregon 300 ($379.99), which can get a couple of days use out of a pair of rechargeable NiMh AA batteries. The Oregon is an "outdoors" GPS unit, waterproof and rugged, but has a large touchscreen and a very easy to use, and either be kept in a pocket or mounted.

A lower cost alternative to the Oregon is the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx, an older unit with a smaller screen, but available for just $199.99. You also may want to consider the Garmin Rino series (model 130 and above), which combine a GPS with a radio. Not only can you talk to other members of your group, but the Rino can show on the map screen where they are!

Finally, so long as you can keep it warm and dry (in a pocket), any of Garmin's nuvi series of vehicle navigators work great with SledGPS maps. Except for the nuvi 500 mentioned above, the nuvi models are not rugged or waterproof, but if you look after them just like you would a cellphone they will be ok. Battery life can be a problem--only 2-3 hours--but these nuvi models are great for using in the car too, and start from just $159.99 (nuvi 205).

To mount your GPS we recommend RAM Mounts and Touratech.

The nuvi 500, Oregon 300, and Legend HCx can be purchased when you buy your SledGPS map. Just press Buy Now next to the map set you wish to buy and the GPS options will be shown on the next page.

Montjoux, Mountain Dynamics Team Leader

Relates to:

Articles Archive

sledgps.com is a trademark of Mountain Dynamics Inc