Garmin inReach Explorer Plus (Functions and Features)

This is my product review of the new Garmin inReach Explorer Plus. This is part 1 of a 2 part video. Part 2 will be my field test of this GPS/Satellite unit. Garmin bought out Delorme in 2016 and they merged. This unit is an upgraded version of the Delorme inReach Explorer. I have a previous video posted on that review. [e-mail]

[@10Flat]

Excellent tutorial. I’ve had my in reach for several years and it’s never failed

[@keithsoderbeck6295]

Great intro on this device. My time and date is wrong. How do I reset it?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

It is in your settings menu. Make sure that you have the right time zone set for your location as well.

[@gregorylaughlin2556]

Relaxed presenter and very well informed. Answered many of my questions, like adding contacts (can be done with unit or online via a Garmin app).

[@Lord-Snowflake]

Great video, one of the better presenters on the Explorer.

[@ronanrogers4127]

I love the iPad you’re wearing on your wrist

[@gskr.474]

Can you tell us how to use team tracking in earthmate App?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I have not used that feature so I cannot advise.

[@gskr.474]

Ok Sir..

[@Ms.Mel.Creates]

This is a super newbie question, but does the map still work where there is no signal? For example, where Google maps doesn’t work will this unit still produce a map for navigation purposes?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Good question since many people who are not familiar with GPS units will wonder if you need a cell phone signal for it to work. Yes the map will work. The map is preloaded into this unit so even without a cell service signal it will continue to work. The GPS signal in any GPS unit will always work, anywhere in the world, since that uses the satellite system in orbit to pin-point you and not a cell signal. This unit connects to the orbiting satellites directly and with the preloaded maps you will be able to navigate using it. Make sure that the maps are current and updated and that can be done online when you update the unit.

[@Ms.Mel.Creates]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker thank you so much for the reply!! Very much appreciated :)

[@IanLester]

Great video, this is exactly what I needed before making such a big purchase.

[@maritvandenbrink6395]

Thanks for your review. My only concern is how effective is this unit in bush? Needing a clear view of the sky could mean it is of no use in bush but what are the alternatives?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I understand your concern about using this unit with a clear view of the sky. I will say that I have used this unit in various terrains with little issues. The problem I have encountered has been with the orbiting satellites causing a delay in sending and receiving messages. That issue is a result of their orbiting position relative to where you are on earth. Thanks for commenting and watching.

[@WASRT001]

I understand it doesn't get reception inside buildings. I wonder how well it will work inside a tent as far as reception? How about inside a vehicle on the dashboard for example?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Most GPS ‘s have difficulty getting reception inside a building. GPS’s need a clear view of the sky for proper reception. I have used this GPS in my house with it getting reception, but I was close to a window in my house. As for vehicles, I have had no problem with it connecting when it was on my dashboard. In my tent I have had no issues with the GPS connecting, but where you place your tent and it having a clear view of the sky play a big factor. If you are in a rock Canyon you may have difficulty getting reception if you do not have a clear view of the sky.

[@SavageVoyageur]

WASRT in in my house right now on the top floor and getting service.

[@546268]

So here's the deal, I need a navigation system for off road for an upcoming 12 month trip with the family, but I also need an emergency beacon system, and would like to go geocashing with my little girl, so, Do I go for this with a separate vehicle on road satnav and GPS SOS like spot, or a GPSMAP® 276Cx to cover on and off road navigation and geocashing with a SPOT, or do I go for a inReach Explorer®+ and standard on road satnav? All opinions gratefully received!

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I have used the inReach Explorer Plus in some remote areas with no issues. Satelite coverage with any unit depends on the orbiting satellites position relative to where you are. I would tell you that the inReach Explorer Plus has both the GPS features to include a topo map (24K) and communication capabilities which is texting. You can send and receive text messages on this unit and you have an SOS button in case an emergency arises. You can also choose to have certain individuals track you on your journey. I think the the Garmin inReach Explorer Plus is all you need unless you also want have a satellite phone to have conversations with others. My field test video on this unit, if you have not watched it, will show you its use in the field.

[@UhYeahWhateverDude]

Great review man. But I was kinda waiting for the task, condition, standards... :p

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

The military is showing, LOL, Thanks for commenting

[@09keller]

Great review! After a year now is this Garmin a good investment? Thanks for you work on these videos!

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Absolutely, I have used this unit in various expeditions in remote and rugged wilderness areas with little issues. There will be times when the satellites are orbiting and you may encounter a lag time sending and receiving a message but that is common with all satellite communicators. Since I am a solo backpacker this unit is invaluable for my safety. I posted a rescue article on my website, (theamericanbackpacker.tv/rescue-story/), where a friend of mine used his unit to save a women who was involved in a serious crash in a remote area in Idaho. I hope not to never use it for my rescue but it gives me peace of mind that it will if needed. The tracking feature allows my family to track me on my journeys which gives them peace of mind as well. It is definitely worth the small investment for your safety. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@09keller]

The American Backpacker OK thank you very much

[@bigdog4574]

Not a replacement for ACR personal locator beacon. Like the review, Garmin is a good thing to have, but you should also carry a dedicated PLB.

[@thedoorider]

This works much better than any ACR I have looked at. With the inReach you can have 2 way communication with SAR folks. Every ACR / PLB I have seen only tells SAR folks something is wrong & where you are.

[@mokahusky8244]

@Scott/@thedoorider: The InReach uses a completely different network than a PLB (Iridium vs COSPAS-SARSAT). Going into the details is a bit too much for a KZbin comment, but the short version is that a PLB is much more likely to be able to locate you in a worst case scenario. PLBs provide three independent ways for rescuers locate you from the signal, provide a stronger signal, and have a way of working even if the GPS receiver can't get a location fix. With InReach, there's no redundancy -- if GPS fails for any reason (e.g. tree cover, or you put the device in a backpack while it's trying to send), they'll never find you. This isn't a hypothetical, folks have died because of GPS failure on these types of devices. The case I'm familiar with was with a different device (SPOT), but the same limitation applies here. On top of that, you always run the risk of forgetting to pay your bill (emergency functions don't work if the service lapses), or the battery dying because you were using it for nav or non-emergency comms. Since a PLB is only for emergency use, the battery will always be full -- as long as it's properly maintained. And because PLB distress signals go directly to the Air Force, you're guaranteed that somebody will come. Don't get me wrong. I think the InReach is a *great* device. Two-way communication with rescuers is a valuable benefit. But it's not in the same class as a PLB, and you should still carry a PLB as backup.

[@mokahusky8244]

@Scott: Wow. Talk about a run-on sentence. Anyway... The problem's not GPS system availability... as you correctly note, GPS coverage is global. The problem is that GPS signals are surprisingly weak (they're actually below the noise floor), and it doesn't take much to block them. Canyon walls, putting the receiver at the bottom of your backpack... all of these can and have caused GPS errors. Yes, dense trees too. There have been documented cases of beacons (both PLBs and commercial SENDs) sending totally wrong or missing GPS coordinates to SAR teams. Again, this is way more technical than we get into in a KZbin comment... your handheld GPS unit is going to perform (surprisingly) a bit better than an emergency beacon, because it's presumably had the luxury of ample power-on time under open sky to download a full GPS almanac and ephemeris data, because the engineers have gone to great lengths to smooth over the occasional gap in the data (it's easier if you're moving), and (I suspect) because a recreational nav unit is happy to extrapolate a position from a weak signal that would not be of high enough quality for life-critical applications. Even if your signal isn't totally blocked, obstructions can reduce the accuracy of the fix and cause PDOP error. For a couple real-world examples, see: - doi.org/10.5721/EuJRS20134636 (academic study on the effect of trees on GPS) - forums.geocaching.com/GC/index.php?/topic/194521-is-losing-signal-common-under-trees/ - en.discussions.tomtom.com/spark-and-spark-3-runner-2-and-runner-3-473/losing-gps-under-trees-1004416 This is merely what I found in 60 seconds of searching. Of course, MOST of the time you're not going to have a problem. Even if the GPS signal is weak, you've got a good chance your beacon is going to be able to pull out a location. But it's enough of a possibility that it has happened (on rare occasions). Yes, both systems are satellite based. But Inreach is using Iridium SBD (basically text messages) as the sole means of signalling. It basically sends your subscriber ID, GPS coordinates, and any freeform text as a text message. If the GPS data is wrong or unavilable, they don't have anything else to go with. Just what's inside that text message. PLBs also send your subscriber ID and GPS coordinates (no freeform text, of course -- that's the big downside to a PLB). HOWEVER, if that fails, the satellites can triangulate your position by measuring Doppler shift as they drift overhead. It takes longer, but they'll find you. And if that's not enough, it also emits an old-fashioned homing signal on 121.5 (the aviation distress frequency), which means that planes overhead will hear you, and which can be tracked using the ADF unit on search aircraft. Neither of these backup options are available on Iridium units. As for power, there is a big difference. A PLB transmits at 5 watts. An InReach can only transmit at 1.6 watts. (And a SPOT only transmits at 0.4 watts). Since you wanted a concrete example, here's a test conducted at Zion NP showing cases where a PLB frequently failed to pick up GPS coordinates, causing the system to have to fall back on Doppler shift triangulation: www.backcountrychronicles.com/plb-slot-canyon-test/ I can't find the reference anymore, but I also recall reading (1) a situation where a tracker sent SAR teams 3 or 4 different locations, on different mountains, leading them on a wild goose chase and (2) a boating accident where a SPOT device sent a distress message with an empty GPS location, causing a fatality. Again, I'm not questioning the value of two-way communication with rescuers. (That's also why I carry an amateur radio!) I think the InReach is a great device, and undoubtedly one of the best option out there! The work the Delorme/Garmin folks have done is amazing. I'm just saying... there *are* limitations to these devices, you should be aware of them, and you shouldn't rely on them 100%. You're welcome to do whatever you want, of course. :)

[@MrWill-rc9ps]

Great content. You seem like an intelligent and reasonable dude. What are you doing on the Internet? JK. Thanks for the quality comment.

[@tylerh4877]

@@mokahusky8244 you carry a GPS unit, a plb, AND a radio? That's a lot of gadgets...

[@juandemin2930]

Hello, could you tell me please if, without an active subscription, is it possible to have full GPS and route functions like in any other no-satellite GPS? Also if you can add maps and routes from MapSource as well.... My idea is to use this mainly as a GPS and occasionally, if needed, as a Satellite communication device... Thank you!!!!

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Once you have activated the unit you can use the GPS capabilities without a subscription. When my unit is in suspend mode, (no subscription), I can use the GPS capabilities.

[@pitbull62]

couple of questions for you if you dont mind. so if you never download a 'map' this unit is not really useable? or if you select a map and download it to the unit and once you step out of the boundaries of that map, you just get a white screen? i mostly want to use this for hiking perhaps a couple of waypoints but im assuming for hiking one would mostly use the breadcrumb method. but it would be nice to see a topo of where you are hiking.

[@johnneal6483]

how can you track another delorme se unit if we got two units. We will be elk hunting and tend to separate from one another.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I am not sure with the Delorme SE since I have not used that particular unit. I would tell you that you should be able to send the other unit a message and that individual would be able to see the coordinates, (Lat/Lon) and track to you. The Delorme SE does not have a Topo map so you would have to have another GPS to input those coordinates and track to them. The new Garmin inReach Explorer Plus has the Topo map and I believe, but not 100 percent sure, that when you send the other inReach Explorer Plus a message that person can click on the link in that message and you can see where it was sent from. You would see it on the Topo map. I say that with a caveat, since I have not tried it and I only have one Garmin inReach Explorer Plus. I did speak with the Garmin Tech support and they told me that with the new unit that is possible. Again, I have not tried it but since you asked the question I am curious on whether that can be done.

[@louierich175]

very good review

[@alaskauncut4383]

So is the battery rechargeble or does the unit get trashed after the battery dies. Im confused : /

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

The battery is rechargeable. If you are going to be in the field for an extended period of time have a solar panel or battery back with you to recharge it.

[@robertwaite9742]

It was my understanding that the units had Iridium and GPS. Iridium handles the communication aspect and GPS handles the location services. Is this not correct?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

The Iridium satellite system does handle the data transfer.. Is your question about the GPS and whether the iridium handles the service location? The unit will not function as a stand alone GPS unless you have a subscription which is linked to the Iridium satellite system.

[@jthode1]

The unit will operate as a GPS without an active subscription. The communication part uses the Iridium system and that requires a subscription and the GPS uses GPS satellites. Here is more info from Garmin, Feb, they were working on an update. : We are working on an update that will allow users to activate their inReach and then put it into a suspended state which will not require an Iridium data plan. The inReach owner will be able to use the device as a handheld GPS, pair with the Earthmate app, and sync with the Explore site. This plan came along late in the development process so it won’t be available for a couple of weeks. Since the last firmware update from 28 April 2017 the inReach SE+ in GPS log mode even without an active satellite subscription. Of course it won’t send any satellite messages or position updates via satellite, but the GPS log (log interval up to 1 sec) can be displayed on the Earthmate App while on the trail, and can be uploaded to the public map site on MapShare once Earthmate has an Internet connection.

[@purduerose]

in your opinion what is the best GPS for navigation? is the tracking map accurate at 10 minute intervals or does it update more often and only update to others every 10 minutes?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Garmin in my opinion is the leader when it comes to GPS systems. They have various types of GPS units to meet a variety of needs for any outdoor adventurer. The inReach Explorer Plus is an excellent Navigational unit with the ability to share certain navigational information with family and friends. I like this unit because it serves a dual purpose. You are able to navigate with it and it keep others informed of where you are anywhere in the world. This unit can serve as a standalone unit once it is activated for navigation purposes. The 10 min track is accurate and you can adjust the log interval as well. This unit needs to be activated with a subscription initially for use as a stand alone GPS but you can put it in a suspend mode when not in use. That would be the only draw back I see. If you are looking for just a simple GPS unit for navigation without having to get a subscription try looking at the Garmin Etrex series. They are good stand alone handheld GPS unit to use as well. If you need further information please let me know. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ffffffffffffffff523]

Any thoughts on the best screen protector for the Explorer+ ?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

You can get a generic one at Walmart and cut it out to size or Amazon sells them for the Garmin inReach Explorer Plus for $11.99. I bought the one I put on my unit from Amazon.

[@david.chappers]

looking forward to part 2. Any thoughts on how iridium system is for speed and accuracy compared to gps/glonass. Hows the quality of maps outside north America? Thanks

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I just got back from my field test of the unit. I will be posting the video in a few days. The Iridium system worked very well in reference to the GPS function of the unit. Same as the Navstar. The quality of the maps are excellent. The maps are 24K topo. You will be very happy with the quality and exactness of the terrain features. The maps are specific to North America and there is a worldwide base map downloaded to the unit. As for the quality outside North America I am not sure. I believe you can download maps outside North America. Stayed tuned for my part 2 review, (Field Test), I am sure you will enjoy it.

[@clairesorenson4363]

How's the quality of the North America maps compared to, say, the Garmin 64st? Can you plan trips for national park backcountry trails using this device -- how about planning path/waypoints on a computer then transferring to the handheld device?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

The quality of the maps are excellent. As for waypoints and routes you can create them on the Garmin inReach Explorer website and upload them to the unit.

[@rafabcarvalho]

Hi mate, Would this work in the middle of the ocean by any chance? Would it be able to send GPS coordinates and messages? Thank you!

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Absolutely, this unit will work in the middle of the Ocean.

[@SavGaEckmann]

Hello Andy, I have a couple of backpacking friends that use the Garmin GPS units that most people use for Geocaching. How compatible are the EXPLORER + and these simpler units in terms of sharing GPS tracks and that sort of thing? Thank you, Kyle

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I believe there are about 11 Garmin units that you can share tracks with via direct unit to unit transfer. Unfortunately you cannot directly share tracks from the iReach Explorer Plus directly with these GPS units. It is possible in the future that this may happen as a software update but I cannot guarantee that. The inReach will pair up with your cell phone for added convenience but its design is more of a stand alone. Thank you for watching.

[@BLASKO283]

Great vid, I gave you a Thumbs up. What watch are you wearing if you don't mind? Its nice!

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Thank You. The watch I am wearing in this video is the Garmin Epix. Great GPS watch. I also have the Garmin Fenix 5X, GPS watch. I did reviews and field tests on both watches.

[@MartinFerenec]

Can I pair the Explorer+ with the Fenix 5X?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

No you cannot currently pair it with the Garmin Fenix 5X.

[@1Skeeler1]

What about now? Can you pair the inreach explorer + with a fenix plus?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

I do not have the Fenix Plus so I cannot say for certain. I have the Fenix 5X and it does not pair with it.

[@1Skeeler1]

@@TheAmericanBackpacker sorry. Didn't mean to suggest you had the plus. Was only wondering if your were familiar with its formatting.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

No problem, I wish I could give you a definite answer but if you call Garmin tech support they will be able to give you the right info. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@alexeymartushev1711]

What languages does it have? Russian?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

None to my knowledge.

[@rezaetemad591]

I just bought it based on your awesome review... but I have a big problem ... when I hit the navigate bottom, instead of routes it shows me a straight line ! do you know how I can fix this or what I am dong wrong ?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Hello, Try setting up a route on your computer using the Garmin Basemap program. Upload it to your unit and that should allow you to follow the route. I usually set up a route before going on any of my expeditions. Once in the field use the route to track back to my original starting point. I hope this helps. Let me know if you need further. Thank you for watching.

[@rezaetemad591]

I've tried that but the baseman does not recognize my devise ...I believe it says no garmin detected or something like that !

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Go to inReach.garmin.com and go to the map tab. On that tab you will see new route. Try that and it should upload to your Explorer.

[@rezaetemad591]

ok I just talked to someone from Garmin and they told me this devise does not have the turn to turn navigation ....so it basically hast the top map and has the sms capabilities ...if you wanna use it as a navigation you have to draw the line prior to the journey and then see if you are following the lines or not !! I'll give it another shot in my next adventures to see if this will work for me if not ...REI has no question policy and return .... thank you so much for your help.

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Turn by turn navigation usually is for street maps and some Garmin topo maps and units will guide you if you are on a main trail. If you set up a route before you head out you should be able to guide yourself on that particular route. If you are in the wilderness and you go off your route to some other location to do some exploration you should be able to utilize that track, which is left as a breadcrumb trail on your topo map to get back to where you started from.

[@rezaetemad591]

24k?! or 100 K??????

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

24K Delorme.

[@546268]

will it work in a vehicle or would you need a separate aerial?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

Yes it will work in a vehicle. Placement is a key on it working properly. Keep it by the front dash and you should have no problems. I will always activate the unit in my vehicle as II am traveling to a Wilderness area. I have had no problems.

[@dennisboyd_pcp]

I've heard that even though Garmin bought the company, we can't use our Garmin compatible maps (like Backroad maps)? Is there an SD slot like the Garmin GPS units or are you stuck forever with default maps (that generally only cover major US areas?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

There is no SD slot in this unit. You use the default maps which are on the unit. They are Delorme maps (24k) I believe. The maps are pretty good. I used them on my field test in the Ocala National Forest which I posted that video on my channel. You can update the maps through the computer on the web site (inreach.garmin.com). Overall, the unit is a great upgrade from the previous version. If you need further info let me know, Thanks for commenting and watching.

[@dennisboyd_pcp]

Thanks for the update. I've been waiting to hear how the new units work and sent the "spot" I got for christmas back in hopes this would be better in all ways. I know our Garmin maps blow all others away, esp for here in Northwestern Ontario where most maps only show barren areas and hoped that since Garmin bought the company they would have put their regular features in as well. Hmm... now to decide... wait and see if they fully migrate or make the jump now and hope they don't later on :) Appreciate all the info you've given us :) Oh... I didn't see you mention using the texting feature in either of these videos... have you tried syncing it with a phone? I've heard that texting is still painful but when synced up you can actually send and reply fairly quick?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

You will be very happy with this unit. I had the Spot and this unit is so much better when you match them up side by side and what each offers. I did speak about the texting feature which is a main reason I use this unit. That with its along with the tracking feature allows family and friends to track and message you while on your adventure. You can sync it with your cell phone an use it that way. I usually do not since I try to save my phones battery. Using he unit as an independent messenger works very well and if you have never used it before you can try both ways and see which works good for you. Thanks again, Andy

[@HDeverythingSD]

Does the SOS require a paid subscription or not? Is it possible to use it to navigate like google maps?

[@TheAmericanBackpacker]

The SOS does require a paid subscription. Once the unit is activated you can navigate from it.