Last Updated: June 28, 2022 (Refresh Now)
Garmin inReach Explorer Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation
Last Updated: June 28, 2022 (Refresh Now)
7.5
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
408
Old Reviews
264
Unverified
80
Spam Test
!
Yes
GPS
Review Analysis - 64 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Usage
26hiking, backpacking, sos button, setup, set
+88%
-12%
" ... It gives my wife much greater peace of mind when I am out backpacking deep in the backcountry of the Cascade or Olympic Mountains here in Washington state. ... I used it on a 5-day backpacking trip without having to recharge. ... "
" ... Every random dirt road and hiking trail I’ve come upon is on this thing! ... "
" ... I purchased three of these for family and a brother out west who hikes/hunts/bikes remotely also bought one . ... "
" ... I'm a pilot / airplane owner who flies a lot for business and pleasure. ... "
" ... Setup was not hard. ... "
" ... The set up was quite easy, just follow the directions, and so far I'm very pleased with my new device. ... "
" ... Safety in my hiking. ... "
" ... Have already used it for hiking still getting familiar with it will use it for hunting ... "
Connectivity
17messages, text, inreach, earthmate app, satellite
+82%
-18%
" ... They can Message us and we can message them via satellite even when out of cell phone coverage. ... "
" ... I just used this for four months in the central Rocky Mts. ... "
" ... I used my phone via Bluetooth to perform most messaging and was worth it vs small keys. ... "
" ... The unit to iPhone and laptop interface is a snap to use and very intuitive. ... With the inReach you are able to send a text message which attaches your location to phone or e-mail addresses. ... "
" ... I can reliably communicate with the device to anyone I choose. ... Also, if you have a smartphone downloading the Earthmate app will allow you to use your smartphone as you navigation device and text from your smartphone. ... "
" ... Using the available "EarthMate" app you can easily pair the device via bluetooth with your smart phone or tablet which enables you to use your phone to access and use the device features. ... This makes it especially easy to send text messages since you can now use the keyboard on your phone rather than having to manually find and click on individual letters on the device to send a text. ... "
" ... Its very easy to send messages to phones and computers, and the tracking feature is excellent. ... "
" ... If you plan to use it for offroading recommned using the bluetooth and Garmin Earthmate app on your tablet. ... "
GPS
15garmin, maps, topo, inreach, texts
+100%
" ... Having a GPS beacon for emergencies and texts is peace of mind that is absolutely worth the price for this unit. ... "
" ... I use the Garmin Explorer+ primarily for the tracking and communication capabilities. ... "
" ... This gps is everything you need to find your way while backpacking. ... "
" ... The most advanced gps made. ... "
" ... -- Allows you to view your exact route once you are home or have Earthmate synced with the GPS. ... -- How often the GPS sends your current location, elevation, speed, and heading to the MapShare page. ... Garmin does state that SOS use is unlimited with the subscription. ... "
" ... Our kids insisted that they have something to keep track of us, so this "InReach Garmin GPS" was a perfect fit. ... "
" ... Using the GPS alone is cumbersome but the smart phone app allows many more things and easier texting. ... "
" ... GPS texting works very well. ... "
Software
13maps, earthmate app, inreach, smart phone, navigation
+77%
-23%
" ... BUT, you have to use the app on your smart phone to make operations easier. ... Using the GPS alone is cumbersome but the smart phone app allows many more things and easier texting. ... "
" ... Both devices are able to communicate with the Garmin Earthmate app via Bluetooth to exchange information or provide enhanced user interfaces. ... You could also send trip data to Garmin's MapShare web service which an optional password. ... - On the inReach website, you can set up Waypoints and Tracks to help with navigation ... - Only 1 Earthmate app/Smartphone can be connected to inReach at a time ... "
" ... Loading and using maps is also easy to follow-have an issue go to the videos on the Garmin wensite. ... "
" ... I am especially happy with the preloaded maps and the cell phone app ... both provide excellent maps for planning and navigation. ... "
" ... As I use the device I will update here. ... "
" ... Interface is ready enough to navigate. ... "
" ... I use other tools for my primary navigation but it is nice to have the redundancy of the onboard maps on the device. ... "
" ... Also, if you have a smartphone downloading the Earthmate app will allow you to use your smartphone as you navigation device and text from your smartphone. ... "
Battery
10battery life, messages, trip, charge, screen
+90%
-10%
" ... Battery has a long life span. ... "
" ... Battery life is better than expected if it is just tracking. ... With the screen on and using it the battery will be noticeably less. ... "
" ... If you want a highly precise track of travel your battery will only last a couple days. ... "
" ... Works well and very long battery life. ... "
" ... A great thing about this device is the battery life. ... I used it on a 5-day backpacking trip without having to recharge. ... "
" ... When turned off, the battery lasts forever. ... I just turn the inreach on to send check in messages that I'm safe, and save the battery life. ... "
" ... Battery lasts decent enough for this two day trip and 5 minute beacon interval. ... "
" ... - Longer battery life ... -- Better suited for longer treks lasting more than 1-3 days ... You are given 3 Preset Messages (which includes your current location) that you can send an unlimited amount of at no extra charge. ... Any charges between you and other parties that GEOS puts you in touch with (ie. ... "
Reliability
9messages, message, unit, suspended, subscription
+78%
-22%
" ... I use mine every week end. ... "
" ... It took a beating and worked great. ... "
" ... Worked when it needed to in life or death situation for me! ... "
" ... Always works and reliable. ... "
" ... Edit: One month into ownership, based on near daily use, this is an amazing device. ... "
" ... -- Better suited for longer treks lasting more than 1-3 days ... You are allowed 4 per month ... "
Marketplace
7unit, returned, described, defective, back
+57%
-43%
" ... Item arrived quickly and in perfect condition. ... "
" ... I highly recommend this seller and this product! ... "
" ... Works as described ... "
" ... Worked as advertised. ... "
Features
6inreach feature, sos functionality, features, user friendly, thankfully
+100%
" ... It has a myriad of features that work well and is very user friendly to operate. ... My feeling is that the device is worth it just for the SOS feature alone, but the communication abilities and other features just make it even that much better. ... "
" ... I purchase the unit mainly for its inReach feature. ... Now why I wanted the inReach feature. ... NOTE: The inReach feature requires a annual subscription and there are several levels to choose based upon how you plan to use your inReach. ... "
" ... Never needed the SOS functionality of it but have complete faith that it will do what it is designed to do. ... "
" ... Bought this for the SOS function because I hike alone from time to time. ... "
" ... Haven't had to try the SOS feature (thankfully). ... "
" ... - Better satellite lock ... I have not tried the SOS functionality, though I did briefly push it to see what would happen. ... ), however, are for the person the SOS was activated for. ... "
Price
5worth the money, peace, monthly, worth every penny, worth
+100%
" ... Defiantly worth the money. ... "
" ... Cost of plan is not bad either. ... "
" ... It is costly upfront, and for the monthly service, but it is a price worth paying to have the peace of mind it brings me. ... "
" ... This is worth every penny not only for the unit but the iridium contract is affordable. ... "
" ... - Lower, monthly cost ... "
Notifications
5text, send, preset messages, texts, message
+60%
-40%
" ... You can link the gps to you phone to send texts or use preset messages. ... "
" ... I’m driving all across the country (US) and haven’t had a single problem sending/receiving messages. ... "
" ... - 10 Custom text messages. ... "
Body
5protector, weight, one, case, sleeve
+100%
" ... I ordered a screen protector for it and am glad I did. ... The screen protector came back shattered but the screen is perfect once the protector was removed and a new one installed. ... "
" ... I have not used the item yet but I did activate the yearly subscription, and love the size and weight feels feather light, perfect for my mountain biking adventures. ... "
" ... Scratched up but still works perfectly. ... "
" ... This fits the bill perfectly. ... "
" ... I am an avid hiker, camper, wilderness backpacker, and traveler. ... - Lighter in weight ... - Purchase a tempered glass screen protector (bought one by Tusita) ... - Purchase a case or sleeve for additional protection (bought a silicone sleeve by Tusita) ... "
Network
4coverage, satellite, iridium satellite network, iridium satellite, globalstar
+100%
" ... Signal was perfect and texting back home was awesome. ... "
" ... I love this but I wish the signal was a bit stronger. ... I use this out in the mountains in my car and I know how signals work and how being in a car can limit signal based on its construction but i also know they can make the signal better with such little material in the way :) even a car mount with exsternal antenna would be helpful. ... "
" ... They can Message us and we can message them via satellite even when out of cell phone coverage. ... "
" ... IRIDIUM SATELLITE COVERAGE ... By far, the Iridium satellite network covers the globe better than competing Globalstar (which the SPOT satellite messenger uses). ... "
Display
4sunlight, map display, bright, battery
+75%
-25%
" ... With the screen on and using it the battery will be noticeably less. ... "
" ... It is very user friendly, and I like the illuminated color screen that is easy to read. ... "
" ... Unit is durable, screen is bright enough for use in direct sunlight. ... "
Performance
3lag, delay
+67%
-33%
" ... It took a beating and worked great. ... "
" ... WE have tested it out and although there is a little lag in the sending/receiving of texts it is reliable and does work. ... "
Marketplace / Marketplace
3described, advertised
+100%
" ... I highly recommend this seller and this product! ... "
" ... Works as described ... "
" ... Worked as advertised. ... "
Calling
3voice, messages, emergency
+100%
" ... I’m driving all across the country (US) and haven’t had a single problem sending/receiving messages. ... "
" ... You do not need voice, the text only (160 characters per message) feature is fine. ... "
" ... -Excellent for walking/back country driving ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
GPS: Yes
Recommendations
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