Over the past couple of months, the most popular question we’ve received is “what GPS devices can be used for both on-road and off-road navigation?” The question is typically prompted by a few new devices labeled as “crossover” GPS devices. Lots of people are looking for one GPS device which “does it all”. Here are our thoughts on the topic.
GPS and Bicycles
The hybrid GPS debate has many parallels with purchasing a bicycle. You can purchase a mountain bike, a road bike, or hybrid bikes. The mountain bikes are great for off-road use due to the wider tires and the gears are suited for slower speeds. However on the road the wide tires are noisy and the deep treads create additional friction which will slow you down. A road bike works wonders on the road, but can be scary (and dangerous!) to ride off-road since the tires don’t have as much traction and the drivetrain is geared towards higher speeds.
Therefore, may people are attracted to hybrid bicycles which offer a wider tire like a mountain bike, but a smoother tread like a road bike. For some people, this can work fine. However for many enthusiasts it doesn’t work well. A hybrid bike doesn’t perform as well on the road as a road bike and doesn’t perform as well off-road as a mountain bike. As a result, some people are left feeling like they have a bike that isn’t good at anything.
Enter hybrid GPS devices. Just like bicycles, hybrid GPS devices come from one of two angles. Sometimes the device is primarily a handheld, outdoor based GPS device which can also have road maps installed. Other devices are primarily road navigators which can also have topographic (topo) maps installed on them. Here are a few factors you should consider...
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