Garmin InReach Explorer+ Review

[@Xhizorsization]

I'm a mineral prospector/canoe tripper and definitely don't stick to the trail. Family wanted me to get something to keep their minds at ease. The mapping and tracking is golden, thanks for a solid review. Stay gorgeous.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Glad the review was helpful!

[@dchatman757]

What a great job Sarah! Very clear, detail enough to be familiar with the device. You have a good knowledge & navigate the device naturally & in a way that’s easy to follow & very practical. Thank you so much! You helped me make my choice. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. You’re a good teacher & your video work is excellent!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you David, I appreciate that!

[@jahtjl]

Wanted this device for an upcoming trip and kept going back and forth between the explorer and explorer+. I've watched quite a few reviews and read countless write ups, your review made it a no brainer + $50 off at REI...win win!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Yes, I heard they are having a sale now! Glad I could help with the decision

[@stefman4444]

This is how reviews should be done! You sold me on this unit. Thanks so much! Great review. :)

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@kyle_wagner_music]

very useful review - and good to see an example of the tracking ability since that's important for those of us wanting to make sure our adventurous loved ones are safe! :)

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you Kyle!

[@lindaselover2536]

I wish that I had seen this sooner! I had purchased the same model at a great sale price, but returned it with in the 90 days. I thought that the learning curve would be too steep - as I had no one to show me how to use it. I knew that I would not be hiking this past winter, and I thought that by this coming summer, they might have a new model out. Now I wish that I had kept it! Thanks for the quick review and lesson.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Ah sorry to hear that Linda. Maybe you'll see another sale soon. I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@hawkeye613]

Nice review. Using the device to show how to use the device was very practical! - Thanks!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Glad you thought so, thanks for watching Brad!

[@trailheart1863]

Thanks for showing us the practical use and information of your inreach. Very helpful.

[@vrman4600]

only 3 videos ? you are good reviewer! do more :)

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you for the feedback! I plan to if I can get around to it between work and family :)

[@kimnimbus1291]

Great review and thank you for taking the time to make this video 👍🙏❤️

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks Kim!

[@ZackWolf]

Excellent review, thanks Sarah.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you Zach!

[@ZackWolf]

@@sarahschulberg7694 I just bought it. I'll let you know how it works next weekend! EDIT: Ah crap I should have used your affiliate link...

[@sarahschulberg7694]

@@ZackWolf No worries, hope you like it!

[@MrDaveB123]

Thanks, you helped me make my decision. I myself wanted the mapping and not have to use a mini with a crappy map app and a phone. The messages are not a a big deal but the sos is definitely needed . This unit has exactly what I was looking for

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Great, I'm glad the video helped! I agree, I definitely didn't want to have to bring my phone along for good mapping

[@shellyn.790]

Thank you! Your video is the first honest review and I'm happy you actively presented how it works. You made my decision easy. :)

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Glad it was helpful!

[@spoonvalleyracing]

Thank you for the review, very good. For me I liked to see how fast the device responded to input on the buttons and how fast the menus worked, great info. Thanks!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you liked it!

[@kellybalkom7149]

One of the best reviews out there!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Wow thanks so much Kelly!

[@brenthall9288]

Very helpful video! Thank you. I bought an inreach explorer+ this evening.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you Brent, I'm happy it was helpful!

[@sqeakyj07]

Excellent job, you helped sell me on it, I’m going on a hunting trip this will give me wife comfort checking in.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Glad I could help. It will definitely provide some comfort for loved ones back at home!

[@pamleroy3994]

great review thank-you for taking the time to make this video

[@sarahschulberg7694]

My pleasure!

[@johnvidal806]

I love the review, you did an amazing job. I am confused now, I planned on the mini due to weight but now I think I like this one.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you John! It's a tough decision for sure

[@unsung4189]

Good Job. Ill be on the AT in April and purchased one of for the trip. I have been putting off playing with it because I assumed I had to have a subscription. Frustrating that the MFG cant put out a tutorial without trying to sell you something else. There are several youtube infos on the Garmin but I got the most out of yours ... thanks!!!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

I'm so glad it was helpful. Have a great trip in April!

[@Alpenglow_hikes]

Excellent review! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@jimnelson1789]

Good video, you should have shown the buttons you used when you were showing your tracking. This would have nice to see the map and the key functions. I am going to get this for my hunts I live in Alaska and this looks like the smart thing to have. Thank You for the video

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you for the feedback, I'll be sure to include that in future videos!

[@anah2904]

Thank you for the very informative review.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Nice review. I have been looking into one of these. Nice channel. Subscribed. ✌️

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@UsnRoberts]

Perfect review. Thank you.

[@stephaniescott5990]

Great, efficient review, I'm totally sold; thanks!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks so much Stephanie!

[@Tommyboytomsters]

Thank you very clear and good review.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks for watching!

[@tankogenonrcgroups9750]

Sarah Schulberg question I can still send text messages with the + as with the mini on my phone via Bluetooth, right ? Like bind it with Bluetooth and use the earth mate app??

[@sarahschulberg7694]

@@tankogenonrcgroups9750 Yes you can pair your phone with the earthmate app according to the manual/website. I have not confirmed myself yet because I typically just bring the Garmin now. I would expect any fees would be similar to the mini. Something I will try when I have some time!

[@LokeshThakur]

nice review, have you ever tried this for regular navigation in your car? or for biking? im looking for something versatile not only for hiking and wanted to know if this would do well.

[@artfulxpressions]

So thankful that I found your channel and this video. I do a lot of hiking trips spur of the moment, so I don't PLAN and really wanted to be able to use the trip info and could not figure out how to get trip info. The manual doesn't really explain and I almost was going to return it. I still have to use Tracking to get trip info..... right? Thanks so much.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Glad it was helpful to you! Yes for detailed trip info I believe that would be the only way.

[@CoolInOlympia]

Good review!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you!

[@lukewilson4780]

Thanks Sarah. Great review.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks Luke!

[@graywolfoverland1377]

Great review.....thanks finally a real review

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks so much Clive!

[@Whiskey6Radio]

Great video. After doing a little research and watching your video I actually went with the Inreach Mini. I would like to just say you have a minor error. On your diagram showing all the units you show the Inreach min doesn’t get weather. It does actually. You can get both basic and premium weather. Have a great day and happy hiking

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you, glad the video was useful. My table does state that the Mini gets weather. I think you might be looking at the altimeter row instead of the weather row? All of the Garmins have weather capability. Let me know if I'm not looking in the right spot though! What was your deciding factor to getting the Mini?

[@Whiskey6Radio]

Sarah Schulberg you know what I did mix the 2 rows up. Oops lol. Anyways deciding factor was the weight and size. You can go wrong with 3.5 ozs. I’m also a Ham Radio operator. So I always carry my trusty HT in the backcountry

[@sarahschulberg7694]

@@Whiskey6Radio No worries, I checked that chart many times so I was surprised to see this comment. :) It definitely was hard for me to pass up the weight and size of the mini but that's the only sort of device I carry.

[@renanfariamunizandrade4623]

Best review that i see of this gear

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you Renan, I appreciate your comment!

[@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!!!!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Hi Juan, I haven't tried this myself because I've always had a subscription, but this is the response I got from Garmin when I asked them: "You can still receive GPS coordinates from the Navstar satellites . You can then use some of the tracking functions but many functions you cannot such as the SOS." Not a lot of detail but I will test this out next time I pause my subscription. You may be able to get more details reaching out to Garmin.

[@juandemin2930]

Thank you Sarah!!!! Thanks for taking the time for this.. It is not so clear wit Garmin... probably without subscription this GPS has less functions than an e-trex 30.... bad thing!!!

[@user-nd9re8vr6l]

so the explorer is the best one, mapping is very important to me

[@sarahschulberg7694]

That is my opinion, yes!

[@mat-ventures]

Merci for the detailed review! And by the way, beautiful view and pretty smile! ;)

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks for watching!

[@earloutdoors3286]

Excellent review, thanks!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you!

[@hiltoncriss]

Nice review! Thanks

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks for watching!

[@AlexO7O4]

This is very helpful thanks

[@tracykooken2606]

well done !! for me there is nothing like a good visual aid !!! standing in REI while they quickly rattle of stuff doe's nada for me. thanks. 1 question..... how do u load maps or at least a route u want?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you Tracy! I agree, I need to see visuals. The Explorer+ comes preloaded with various maps depending on your region. So far I haven't had to upload any maps for the US but the Garmin website provides instructions for how to upload more if needed. You can also setup routes and waypoints from the Garmin website in advance, but I haven't tested that out yet. Garmin has a KZbin video on this feature: "inReach: Planning a Trip Using the Explore Portal".

[@epiedra99]

Super video! I understand this Garmin shouldn’t be used as the primary navigation tool because of its limited functions? Thanks!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks! I would say that's up to your personal preference. Before purchasing the Garmin I carried maps or guidebooks (and still do) but I have found the Garmin's GPS, trail maps, and compass to be really useful.

[@Z3R0GT.]

Great video and very helpful! Thank you!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks for watching!

[@mollasima3251]

Thank you!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

You're welcome!

[@Jenksz]

Hey! Great review - thanks for taking the time to make the video. I had a question about the companion app that you can sync with the garmin on your mobile phone? It seems like that can be used for easier mapping and tracking as well as texting because it uses your phones interface with the Garmins connectivity. Can you comment on this? Also - one more question! You highlighted the route on your computer in advance of your trek and your husband followed you in the browser. Can you use the garmin(or companion app) to guide you along that trail or to different way points you set? Thanks!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you! I use the Garmin alone without the companion phone app, but I believe that is all correct if you prefer to use your cell phone interface. I prefer to carry less weight so I wouldn't bring both - but it's something I'll have to try for a day hike. The route I showed in the browser was from waypoints created while I hiked, or what my husband could see from the browser live (not made in advance). You can setup routes and waypoints from the Garmin website in advance, but I haven't tested that out yet. Garmin has a KZbin video on this feature: "inReach: Planning a Trip Using the Explore Portal".

[@jMoik]

Greatly appreciate your very helpful review. Do you know if it is possible to download maps of Baja?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks for the feedback. That should be possible though I have not checked myself. Here's a support article from Garmin: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=WEcKUBmQyk4t2c3c2eD5WA

[@vitale6633]

Great Review - Thank You!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Glad you liked it!

[@AiSaikooTaku]

muy buen video muchas gracias por los subtítulos.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you!

[@kcapkcans]

great review, my only question is on the screenshot of the tracking (3:28) there were two paths (one blue w black outline, one blue w orange outline), were these out and back routes, or trail vs tracked?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

That is correct, these were out and back tracks

[@kcapkcans]

@@sarahschulberg7694 thanks

[@markcamou3477]

Thanks for the info. Not sure about getting a device. Maybe. I also hike Baldy and think about the device as a safety deal that could come in handy in an emergency situation. Does this device have the capability to change out the battery with a newly charged one? I have seen the solar battery chargers for cell phones. Will this device charge with a cell phone solar battery charger?

[@josh8058]

Hi do you have to pay tracking points if you’re just making a breadcrumb trail for yourself? Not sharing them to others

[@sarahschulberg7694]

It depends on the subscription plan options you go with. If you choose the lowest plan the tracking points cost $0.10 each. All of the other plans have unlimited tracking points at 10 minute intervals. See link to my website in the caption for the full chart.

[@EdwardRaybould]

There are tracking points and there are logging points. Logging points are the breadcrumb trail and can be transferred to the computer (and probably the Earthmate app) after the trip. Logging points are not transmitted and therefore cost nothing. I have my InReach Mini set to record logging points at a one-second interval. Tracking points are transmitted to the Iridium network and cost $0.10 each if you're on the Safety plan. On the Recreation and Expedition plans, tracking points are unlimited. The Safety and Recreation plans can transmit your tracking points as often as every 10 minutes. On the Expedition plan, it can be as often as every two minutes.

[@bobflores7414]

Great video Sarah! Thank You! Can you please however clarify for me the plan diagram. As I am understanding it, for the freedom plan and recreational contract, one would need to pay $24.95 AND $34.95 each month for that option? So basically $60 dollars a month. Am I understanding this correct?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you Bob. With the recreation level plan you would either pay $24.95 (if you have an annual contract) OR $34.95 (in the case of the freedom plan, which is month to month). Not both. The freedom plan also has a once annual activation charge. Weather and text messages (except for preset messages) are an additional fee for the recreation level plan. So monthly with the freedom recreation plan I'm paying $34.95.

[@USMC6976]

I purchased a Garmin Inreach explorer +. I was never able to get any reliable messaging to work. After initial setup, it never would update again. After 4 years I turned it off and just bit the bullet that I wasted $3k. $400 for the device and the rest in monthly fees for those years.

[@andyt7159]

Mount Baldy , fellow Albertan . Awesome , :)

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Ah sorry to disappoint, this was taken on Mt. Baldy in Los Angeles! :)

[@andyt7159]

No worries , ;). You are still cool .

[@mr.westie5827]

Concise and clear review, thank you!

[@steelheadranger]

Good review; detailed and practical. But you said Mt Baldy which is in the San Gabriel Range, but the map shows the North Fork of Big Pine Creak and the Palisades??? I have climbed a lot in the Palisades, one of my most favored High Sierra ranges.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Hello. Yes, sorry if it wasn't clear in the video but those were 2 different trips so I could illustrate the different features of the Garmin. And you are correct, the map showed a separate trip I took to Big Pine Lakes - it's an incredible area!

[@steelheadranger]

@@sarahschulberg7694 No worries, just clarifying...thought i was losing my mind there for a minute. Good review. Well executed.

[@marnieandnoelle]

Thanks, this is really helpful!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you so much, I'm glad it was useful!

[@risam100]

Excellent video thank you. Have you tested the 66i in the field yet?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks! Sorry for the delayed reply. I have not used a 66i, only the Explorer+.

[@flashmanv3260]

Great video, thank you for posting. Do you know if the free preset messages also give a location when you send it? I"m looking at the safety plan because I don't really need to send a custom txt often, but do what to be able to send a check in message each night and my current location. I see for the safety plan that .10 for each location ping and tracking point (not sure what the difference is). Thanks

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks for watching! Yes you can include your location in a preset message. The recipient will receive the coordinates and elevation plus a link to view it on a map. You can edit the preset messages before your trip if you want to change the text, recipient, or mapshare options.

[@openmind6969]

@@sarahschulberg7694 this is really nice workaround for sending the location without actually using tracking points if true to be free and included? I just got this device and tested the preset messages (modified) and was surprised it came with link to map and location

[@sarahschulberg7694]

@@openmind6969 That's an interesting idea if you have the Safety subscription plan options (no tracking points). I hadn't thought of that!

[@georgelaliberte1053]

So my question is ,can you send a msg from one explorer to another . Can two gps units communicate ?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Hi George, yes you can message from one unit to the other. At the 5:15 mark in the video there's a message in my folder that says "we are thinking anvil camp tonight". That was sent from my Garmin to another Garmin while we were both meeting up in the backcountry.

[@georgelaliberte1053]

@@sarahschulberg7694 thanks Sarah

[@afpitbull60]

Great stuff!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you Wayne!

[@user-nd9re8vr6l]

those the plans affect mapping? been able to access all the maps and download new maps?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

You should be able to download new maps as needed. Here's a support article from Garmin: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=WEcKUBmQyk4t2c3c2eD5WA

[@spartywarriors]

Great video. Why did you not choose the mini? I think I will always carry my smartphone for music podcasts etc. So I can sync to phone. What am I missing?

[@spartywarriors]

Just dawned on me. Maybe battery life?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

@@spartywarriors Yes, it's totally a personal choice but I prefer not to carry my phone, especially for longer trips because of the battery life as you suggest. I also like to carry a DSLR for photos so the phone doesn't do me much good. If you add up the mini weight + a typical iPhone it is already more than the Explorer+ not considering any charging gear you need to carry. I also liked the idea of having a single device to rely on.

[@spartywarriors]

Yes that makes sense. Thanks so much for your quick reply. Ready to pull the trigger. I think. Almost ready.😬😂😂

[@sarahschulberg7694]

@@spartywarriors No problem, it's a big decision!

[@coondogsoutdooradventures2484]

So with the mini you can only test by using another device?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Hello, thanks for watching. I don't have the mini myself so I can't confirm this. I'd imagine you can test it by itself, so that you don't require another device to use the SOS. But this is just a guess!

[@EdwardRaybould]

I have the Mini. It has the same test provisions as the Explorer+. No other device is required. Five free test messages per month are included with the plan (at least the Recreation plan that I'm on).

[@deidrajenkins6165]

I was lucky enough to receive this as a Christmas gift. However, I am super frustrated on knowing the details on how to use this. I have even taken a basic nav class at REI, but this was not what they were using. For example - I am paired to my phone and I keep getting a 'message not sent' that I don't know how to stop. Very annoying. Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Hi Deidra, that sounds really frustrating. I have not paired my Garmin to my phone so I haven't experienced the issue you are describing. I think it would be best to contact the Garmin tech support. They responded quickly when I had a question. Sorry I can't be more helpful with this specific issue.

[@deidrajenkins6165]

@@sarahschulberg7694 Thank you for your reply!

[@kyjelly5524]

Looks cool! How much does it cost a month to send messages?? Do you always have to download the map before you go? I never know where I’m going until I get there lol. Can you look up addresses too? Is there a monthly fee if you don’t use the messages thing? Do you need to set up the spot emergency thing or is it already ready to use?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thanks! Around 6:30 in the video there's a screenshot of costs depending on which contract you use and I go into more detail about that. You must pay for service in order to use emergency functionality. The Explorer+ comes preloaded with various maps depending on your region. So far I haven't had to upload any maps for the US but the Garmin website provides instructions for how to upload more if needed. You can also setup routes and waypoints from the Garmin website in advance, but I haven't tested that out yet.

[@johnnyvolvox2932]

When you drop a waypoint on the device, are you able to delete them from the device? Or can you only do that on the website?

[@EdwardRaybould]

I don't have the Explorer+, I have the InReach Mini, but on the Mini and presumably on the Explorer+ you can also delete waypoints on the device.

[@iviewthetube]

Do you need to have a current subscription to make only the mapping and GPS to work?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

I've seen mixed responses to this online, but since I've had the Garmin I've always had a subscription so I cannot confirm myself. Most seem to suggest that you can use the GPS/mapping features without a subscription, but definitely not the messaging, SOS, sharing, etc. I'll give Garmin a call when they are open next week since this seems to be a common question!

[@iviewthetube]

@@sarahschulberg7694 Thank you for taking the time to check into this. As a comparison, I have a combination scanner, printer, copier, and fax machine. If this machine is missing any toner than none of the functions work.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Ok I got an email response from Garmin: "You can still receive GPS coordinates from the Navstar satellites . You can then use some of the tracking functions but many functions you cannot such as the SOS." Not a huge level of detail but I will be sure to try this when I pause my subscription.

[@tashapuckett7130]

I used my new Inreach Explorer + today while trailer riding out on a glacier and it captured 10 min intervals on my map. Got to this house and downloaded the Garmin apps on the laptop and saw my points once I synced the device. I had no subscription, but seeing all the new features I went ahead and subscribed and have an active account. Highly recommend as I am also in Alaska. Don't waste your money on OnX Map cards - they won't work for you. Just use the pre downloaded maps or upgrade on the Garmin website and sync it that way.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

@@tashapuckett7130 Thanks so much for the info on this - that's great to hear and answers a lot of questions. Sounds like a nice day out on the glacier too! :)

[@neo57611]

Cool

[@KaioshinAemi]

Wouldn't be better just to use your phone for all of these? I have SOS on my iphone Xs Max. Will this give signal anywhere I go? If it the same satellite signals, then I rather use my iphone. Explains what's the benefits using this device. Thank you in advance,,

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Your cell phone may use GPS satellites, however it requires a cellular connection for communication. So in many wilderness areas you're not going to get a signal. The Garmin uses Iridium satellites for communication so you can use it anywhere in the world. In addition, the battery life is much better and it's a more robust device.

[@jchan3123]

do you have to have a subscription for SOS function?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Hi Johnny, yes you do.

[@DIY-zx3qq]

sens sms to test satelite =-) research before you youtube you dont send sms for a gps test its to test the iridium network for your sos ... for gps it uses diferent satelites

[@sarahschulberg7694]

The purpose of the “test message” application on the Garmin is to check that your subscription plan is active. A subscription is required both for SOS and much of the GPS functionality shown in this video. This is an important step any time you are relying on the Garmin which is why I included it.

[@DIY-zx3qq]

@@sarahschulberg7694 oke better safe than sorry

[@JBOutdoorsAndMore]

Awesome job on the review. Very thorough . You have my subscription. Would love to have your support as well. Thanks again. ATB Joe 😎👊🏻

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you Joe!

[@JBOutdoorsAndMore]

Thank you Sarah 🙃

[@oosteveo315]

um hello

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

Does SOS mean $949499494 bill?

[@sarahschulberg7694]

This depends on the area where you use SOS and the nature of the emergency. Luckily I don't have personal experience actually using the SOS feature!

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

@@sarahschulberg7694 That's good to hear. I just wonder if people get million dollar bills for mountain rescue helicopters and things like that.

[@sarahschulberg7694]

@@user-jt5vm3mi1w I think it's typically free if it's a true emergency (at least in most areas I've hiked) but likely very area-dependent!

[@JenniferLupine]

Great review - thanks!

[@sarahschulberg7694]

Thank you Jennifer!