Check out this Garmin inReach Explorer Review and see why I think it’s the BEST satellite messenger on the market.
Garmin inReach Explorer Features
- Map Display (without being Synced to your Smartphone)
- Waypoints
- Tracking
- 2-way Messaging
- Built-in Altimeter
- Built-in Accelerometer
- Built-in Barometer
- SOS Button
- Global, Pole to Pole Coverage
- No Need to Sync with Your Smartphone
- Weather Forecasts
- Can Sync with Smartphone for Greater Convenience
- Flexible Subscription Plans with Month to Month Options
Explore Map on Website
One thing I love about the Garmin inReach satellite messengers is the Explore Map on your own home page. It’s easy to look up a trail, create your own route, place waypoints along your trail and then export it to your Garmin inReach Explorer+. This way, you can see your route on the trail and informative waypoints, like, the trailhead, a great campsite, photo ops and much more.
Importing and exporting your route can be a little tricky but I have a good instructional video at HikingEmergencyBeacon.com, if you would like to learn more.
Map Display Built-in
The Garmin inReach Mini is the only satellite messenger on the market, that I am aware of, that has a built-in topo map display, altimeter, accelerometer and barometer, plus you can message and do everything from the device without having to sync it to your smartphone. That’s why the Garmin inReach Explorer+ ranks the highest on my list with a 5 out of 5 ranking.
The Garmin inReach Mini comes in at a close second but with a 4.5 out of 5 ranking.
Earthmate Map on the Smartphone
You may consider syncing your smartphone to the Garmin Explorer+ an inconvenience, however, using the Earthmate app makes viewing the maps and adding waypoints much easier.
I only recommend that you carry a Portable Charger with you to make sure your smartphone doesn’t run out of battery life.
2-Way Messaging
You can message on the Garmin inReach Explorer+ or when it’s synced with your smartphone. Take a look at the two methods side by side. I’ll tell you now that it’s much easier when you use your smartphone.
My guess is that it’s 10 to 20 times faster to type out a message using the Earthmate App versus using the Garmin inReach Explorer+ device.
Global, Pole to Pole Satellite Coverage
Garmin uses the Iridium Satellite Network which gives them global, pole to pole coverage. You can go to their website and see the current satellites covering the globe.
Weather
You can get weather from either the Garmin Explorer+ itself or also through the Earthmate app on your smartphone. First, here is an example of what you see if you use the Earthmate app on your smartphone.
Now, here’s some images of how the weather will look on the Garmin inReach Explorer+. This first image shows several weather forecasts I have previously asked for.
This next image shows the forecast I just requested and how far I am away from the location I requested it from.
Here is an image of the Earthmate weather per day of the week. It’s not detailed but it gives you a good idea at a quick glance.
This image shows more detail, hour by hour.
This last image gives you the most detail with chance of precipitation, cloud coverage, wind speed, wind gusts, pressure, wind chill and more.
Flexible Subscription Plans
There are several subscription plans to choose from, from annual plans to flexible monthly plans. Here is a snap shot of the plans so you can begin your research.
Final Thoughts
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is a little bulky for me but with all the built-in functions, I’m not complaining…at least more than what I just did.
This is my favorite satellite messenger and one I can’t highly recommend enough.
Check out the YouTube video below of the Garmin inReach Explorer+ Review.
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
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Garmin inReach Explorer
Pros
- 2-Way Messaging
- Built-In Navigation
- Pre-Downloaded TOPO Maps
- Global Satellite Network
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Size & Weight
- Initial Purchase Price