GARMIN inREACH Explorer Plus
Outside of owning a satellite phone, this is one of the only ways to have two-way communications with friends, family, and emergency services outside of cell service.
Its navigation functions have some flaws but it’s worth the cost just for the messaging and weather features. For a few hundred bucks, the Garmin InReach Explorer Plus could save your life. It’s a no-brainer !
Rugged and impact resistant.
Dimensions - 6.5 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches
Weight - 7.5 ozs.
Display Size - 1.4 x 1.9 inches
Colour Screen - Yes
Screen Pixels - 200 x 265
Battery type - Internal Lithium ion (Rechargeable)
Av. Battery Life - 100 hours (10 mins interval tracking) ; up to 30 days in power-save mode
Water-Resistance rating - IPX7 : Complete submersion at 1 metre for 30 mins. Easily easily withstands rain, snow and splashes
Basemap - Yes
Wireless communication - Yes
O/S Compatibility - Windows/Mac
Barometric Altimeter - Yes
Digital Compass - Yes
Topo Maps included - Yes
# Waypoints - 500
Includes USB cable and carabiner clip.
PROS :
- " Great gps with tons of features. The fact that I can communicate with friends n family with no cell service was a major selling point. Can also suspend service, so not paying a bill for something that isn't being used ".
- " Simple, yet powerful. Full connectivity to your cell for texting makes fpr a great upgrade. Having the screen for full gps usage is definitely a plus compared to the mini. I have 2 in total purchase within a year of difference. That tells you something ".
CONS :
- Expensive initial purchase,
- Largest and heaviest messenger
Summary
For those who spend a lot of time in the backcountry or on trips to remote areas, the inReach Explorer+ is a great tool for staying in touch via satellite messaging. It also has fully featured GPS functionality, weather forecasting, and an SOS button. The Explorer+ invented the two-way satellite messaging category and is absolutely still relevant.
OVERALL RATING = B++
Its navigation functions have some flaws but it’s worth the cost just for the messaging and weather features. For a few hundred bucks, the Garmin InReach Explorer Plus could save your life. It’s a no-brainer !
Rugged and impact resistant.
Dimensions - 6.5 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches
Weight - 7.5 ozs.
Display Size - 1.4 x 1.9 inches
Colour Screen - Yes
Screen Pixels - 200 x 265
Battery type - Internal Lithium ion (Rechargeable)
Av. Battery Life - 100 hours (10 mins interval tracking) ; up to 30 days in power-save mode
Water-Resistance rating - IPX7 : Complete submersion at 1 metre for 30 mins. Easily easily withstands rain, snow and splashes
Basemap - Yes
Wireless communication - Yes
O/S Compatibility - Windows/Mac
Barometric Altimeter - Yes
Digital Compass - Yes
Topo Maps included - Yes
# Waypoints - 500
Includes USB cable and carabiner clip.
PROS :
- " Great gps with tons of features. The fact that I can communicate with friends n family with no cell service was a major selling point. Can also suspend service, so not paying a bill for something that isn't being used ".
- " Simple, yet powerful. Full connectivity to your cell for texting makes fpr a great upgrade. Having the screen for full gps usage is definitely a plus compared to the mini. I have 2 in total purchase within a year of difference. That tells you something ".
CONS :
- Expensive initial purchase,
- Largest and heaviest messenger
Summary
For those who spend a lot of time in the backcountry or on trips to remote areas, the inReach Explorer+ is a great tool for staying in touch via satellite messaging. It also has fully featured GPS functionality, weather forecasting, and an SOS button. The Explorer+ invented the two-way satellite messaging category and is absolutely still relevant.
OVERALL RATING = B++
