GARMIN INREACH EXPLORER+ REVIEW

[@anitavincent7447]

Garmin should definitely use you as a spokesperson seeing you actually used it on a through hike and you are not a salesperson. Clear and precise information on usage, reliability and importance of a device. I don’t think I’ll ever need one but if I were to I would certainly rely on this video for the information. Thank you Mary for your continued and constant good information. 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you so much for such a wonderful compliment Anita 😊

[@williamthone9678]

Super job! Mine’s on its way. Thank you.

[@BudgieEscapee]

Thank you! Excellent video. Very glad I found it. Everything I wanted to know in a single package.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much, I’m really pleased it helped. I found out last week that this model is no longer sold by Garmin here in the UK, it seems it’s just the mini now. I updated the link in the description last week for it so if you noticed, that’s why!

[@celestetaylor1751]

I was mountain biking not far from my home with my daughter. We got separated and my cell phone didn't work. That's when I got my Inreach. I hike alone a lot , also go places in my car without cell phone service. Just feel safer. You explain a lot more about it than some of the Garmin videos. Thanks.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much for your feedback Celeste!

[@kwesty1]

Nice review! Love the enthusiasm

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ldn0224]

Best complete review i found and sold me on my choice. Super good job.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Awesome, thank you!

[@WilliamLaroche1.618]

Great review! It's hard to find good videos on gps devices but yours was very detailed. Thanks!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I appreciate that William, thank you!

[@jackz8060]

Today, I bought one, thanks to your great review. Our teen daughter will have it. Thank You.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I’m so pleased it helped, thanks so much for taking the time to let me know 😊

[@trxmpg70]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing your viewpoint

[@tovarasultau]

Nice review Mary ! Thank you !

[@gurulamb7869]

Thanks Mary for getting back to me concerning the GPS and pointing me towards this video, which i found most helpful, i will now check out the Garmin website, much appreciated 👍🏻

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

You are welcome Lamb Kin, I am glad it helped 😊

[@soccernerd200]

8:34. You answered my biggest question I had before I purchase this device. Just bought it online. Thanks

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

So glad I could help Christian!

[@johndivita4842]

Mary, you've probably received this following comment before but I bring it up here because it was on my mind throughout the time I viewed this video. I hope you are able to arrange for yourself another extended hike at some point in the future. You are such a positively inspirational advocate of this activity. You simply sparkle and shine while discussing hiking the PCT and elsewhere. Your enjoyment of this endeavor is clearly conveyed in presentations such as this one! I hope you can go on a multi-day hike again maybe after the pandemic is over.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much John, I have just returned from a 6-Day hike which I hope you enjoy! They will be starting next week once I have edited them 😁

[@TheRealGunGuyTV]

Outstanding video, Mary. I appreciate the review. Just purchased this unit and plan to purchase one for every member of my family.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

So glad it was helpful GunGuyTV - thank you!

[@robertl606]

Best video I have seen on this unit. Thanks for making it.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Wow, thanks Robert! Really glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@robertl606]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures As a follow up I ended up buying one. Thanks again!

[@vickiebartnicki4216]

Great review Mary. I like your advice that it is not magical. All your advice will be useful and helpful to many! Blessings and safe adventures.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you Vickie!

[@Hidden_Destinations]

Great job Mary! Very informative. I used SPOT and now use the inReach mini.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much Greg😊

[@donaldgerig9515]

Great video Mary. A brother and I each purchased the DeLorme InReach Explorer shortly after Garmin bought them out. Got a good sale price at REI. Seems like the functions are pretty similar. It has come in very handy several times. My wife loves the fact we can communicate from the wilderness areas I hike, fish and hunt in and don't have cell reception. By the way, brother and I just got back from spending two nights in the Three Sisters Wilderness in Oregon. Hiked 6 miles north on the PCT from the Irish/Taylor Trail Head (near Waldo Lake) , and bushwhacked up a steep hill to a nice little mountain lake. Enjoyed fresh fish and spectacular views from a rim 100 yards from camp. That was great. Also met several section hikers and a few thru-hikers when on the PCT. Keep on smiling and stay safe. Best Regards from Oregon.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you so much Donald, what a wonderful part of the world that was!

[@cal1103]

My fav bit of kit. Never used it in anger hope i never do but peace of mind :)

[@janmariolle]

This video is timely. I purchased the Inreach Explorer and really don’t know how to use its features. Your video was very helpful although I will need an additional tutorial. Thank you!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad it was helpful Jan!

[@mooang17]

That was the best review

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks Marty!

[@1BigYin]

Best review on this device! I Just put it on my Christmas list :) thanks!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

So great to hear! Thank you so much Conor 😁

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

Well said, Mary! So nice to see those clips of you on trail!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you Jimmy!

[@thecolofthewild]

Excellent review Mary. Honest, detailed and very much from a user perspective.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much Colin!

[@tommckinney1489]

Thanks Mary. I have a SPOT device and have been looking to upgrade. I've watched several video reviews but yours is the best ! Thanks, and Hike On!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thats great to hear Tom, thank you!

[@miyahosaka8361]

Thanks Mary! I have had one for a couple years but still learned some new things! It was good to hear about your similar experiences.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

You are so welcome Miya!

[@10Flat]

Great tutorial. I never understood how to input preset messages. I thought it could be done on device.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad it was helpful - thanks so much for the wonderful comment!

[@TheHikingChick1]

Another excellent review and clear explanation! I have the inreach mini. I often hike alone on day hikes and always bring it with me but plan to use on the PCT next year too. I chose it over the explorer for size and weight and because I knew I'd have my phone with me too. So far I really like it. I'm old school so also always carry a paper map. A backup for the backup!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wanderlustfrost9938]

You’re the first female Brit hiker I’ve come across on here :) it’s so lovely to hear - I’m a Brit too, planning on hiking the PCT next year 🙏🏻 thanks so much for this video! Got myself a garmin and totally love it. Subscribed to your channel, and really looking forward to seeing more of your videos :)

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Welcome aboard! Thanks so much for your wonderful comments 😊

[@wanderlustfrost9938]

Mary Mansfield thank you Mary! Hope to see you on trail one day...☺️🙏🏻

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Fantastic information. Thank you for making Garmin less of a mastery . As always, I really enjoy your videos. Blessings

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you like them Betty, thank you!

[@curiouscoconut951]

Fantastic thorough review here, thank you so much for sharing. ☕️

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much ☺️

[@andrewrobinson8886]

Awesome video, great help! Thanks!

[@davidpayne1519]

There she is ,been awhile, truly do miss u dear n ur smile, be safe and stay well

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you David!

[@johnhwang6096]

Mary, Garmin should hire you or pay you to be the representative. I am very impressed with your video presentation. You convinced me to purchase this device, and I am loving it. It took 3 weeks to receive it after ordering, but it helped me to find my way back to the trail when I was confused with the trail. I convinced two of my friends to buy the Garmin Inreach Expore+. Thank you!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I am so glad it helped and thank you so much for the wonderful comment John 😊

[@susanmansfield8025]

It's all so clear now...how I received those reassuring messages while you were away. Thanks to Garmin! x

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Wonderful!

[@markgreenuk]

Love the video very informative I was going to get the se but now you have explained this one I'm definitely getting the explorer+ definitely worth the money 👍🏻😁

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad I could help!

[@yeungphil4241]

Thank you for the great review. Such an informative piece for the thru hikers to be.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad it was helpful Yeung Phil!

[@Swimdeep]

Good, thorough review Mary. My take: For those who intend on carrying a Garmin (or other sat device) for EMERGENCIES ONLY, on a well traveled (in normal years) the PCT and AT (but not CDT), with so many other people carrying these sat devices, having one yourself is virtually redundant. The money saved will help to my actual hike be better equipped. I have gone back and forth about it for my own thru-hike and decided to continue to carry my cell phone and a rescue whistle. I don’t plan on “checking in” with anyone while on-trail; I will let people know where and how I am on trips into town or when I have cell service. I will leave my basic itinerary for the hike with the person that will send my resupply packages. If I’m not heard from, my person will know to contact SAR with my last known location. If I am injured and unable to get out on my own, I will use my whistle until someone responds. I carry paper maps and am a very experienced backpacker. This plan is not for everyone-if you want the ability to be tracked and to communicate with family or friends, a sat device is probably a good idea.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you!

[@GuardianGrove]

This was extremely well delivered. Thank you!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it AdvOffroad, thank you!

[@TheMrsKKB]

What a great overview Mary! I actually have been looking at the SE+ for a while now but have not bought it even though I hike in the Grand Canyon a lot where there is absolutely no cell phone reception. As I have started to do a few more overnight backpacking trips I looked at all three Garmin devices you mentioned (Explorer, SE+ and Mini) and really appreciate your opinion and showing the different features more thoroughly. I think I would definitely go for either the Explorer or SE, despite those being a bit heavier. Thank you so much!! :))

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@trailheart1863]

Well done PCT queen 😉 🦋 Tinker bell 😃, I just got one on sale recently at REI, Great thing to have especially when hiking alone.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Wish we had REI here in the UK😁

[@antheablackmore5838]

This is great Mary , my son is hoping to do The Cape Wrath trail in a few weeks and I suggested he get one, he is reluctant , but I would feel better and as you say , can’t put a price on your life ! Thank you x

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much Anthea - I hope he has an amazing time!

[@Treasurehuntingwithtomandmarie]

Fantastic video, my wife and I are moving to the Lake District where she will be doing a lot of trail running and we will be hiking lots. I wanted her to get this for my own peace of mind when she is out on her own. I’m a bit torn between this one and the mini. I’ve been doing some research and watching reviews. This one seems to have much better and easier functionality.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I really appreciate that, thanks so much!

[@michaelmichael8406]

Just an additional note of agreement - this device is awesome. I swapped a sat phone for this and cut my bill in half, and gained navigation and tracking features. Also, my gang tends to text more than talk, plus it's less of an interruption.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for the comment Michael!

[@camilaguimaraes1916]

Great video Mary!! I do agree on always carrying an epirb... even in popular tracks. My partner and I always carry a Spot for the SOS function and we hope, we won't ever need to press it!! But with our hiking experience in Australia and NZ, where being bitten by a snake (Oz) or, injury could potentially escalate to hypothermia - time is of essence, making it worthwhile!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much Camila!

[@Mtnsunshine]

Thank you, Mary. 🙏🏼. When I finally am able to get on a trail, I will definitely get one of those. It is definitely worth the investment. 👍. Your videos are always the best. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. I'm saving this video for when I purchase one. I do like the larger screen than the new mini version that came out this year, so your video will still be wonderfully relevant. 😊

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

So glad you found it helpful Karen, thanks so much for your lovely feedback!

[@bertman4]

Very detailed review!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks!

[@sigmachi5803]

Very good!

[@trakyboy5128]

Well Mary that was excellent 😃. I really had to laugh at " A bit wonky " ... U crack me up 😅😀. Also I really have a eye for things like the place I chose as ur back drop !!!! Well framed u it did !!!! The rock wall, the beautiful flowers ( Heather ?? ) Nice 👍. Good tips & info. I've never used one. And I'm tech challenged. But it sounds straight 4ward. PS.... We didn't have the password but we knew where u were 🤣😂 lol. Peace girl & keep on rocking the free world ☺️ !!!!!!!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks so much Traky Boy! 😊

[@borisvoinov]

This lady is good

[@bobkuhn861]

I have been thinking about buying one since I'm out in the wilderness by myself. 😊💖🐶🐶

[@seantran4178]

Hi Mary, we all know in 2019 you were used this device model. Compare with the new model int he market, today. Which device are you recommend? I am not talking about how much it cost. I like to know which device useful for PCT-hiker? What do you think and why?

[@kritsada1971]

I am going to buy one

[@mikefleming6335]

Good Info Mary Thanks!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

You are so welcome!

[@midwest1956]

Mary, a stranded hunter rescued by the U.S. Army because he used a DeLorme inReach device, link at nps dot gov, at News Releases.

[@sarahje06]

Thank you for this very informative video and all your other ones! I'm planning of doing the PCT in 2021 (if the situation allows it) and I am proabaly going to buy this device. I didn't notice if you mentionnend it, but what plan did you end up getting?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Hi Sarahje06, thanks so much for your feedback. So exciting you are hiking it in 2021 - something definitely to look forward too 😁 I ended up getting the Freedom plan as I didn't want to be tied in to it for the whole year and I chose the 'Recreation' subscription which is the middle one. I think it was about £35 a month and sometimes I paid a little extra when I went over my message allowance but it still worked out cheaper that the top subscription for me.

[@sarahje06]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures thank you for your answer!

[@StevenSugref]

Very detailed review, thank you. I've been thinking about getting one as for the text message/sos function, as well as back up gps for winter. Seems like it ticks all the boxes (expect, as always, the lack of the detail on the garmin maps). Does the explorer have an micro SD slot?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for watching S Fergus! No the Garmin InReach device has no micro-SD slot or any other expandable storage.

[@midwest1956]

Very detailed review of the Garmin, what area are you in when filming this video? Yorkshire?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Peak District in Derbyshire!

[@joecox2877]

I currently use the InReach Explorer and do not hike without it. I was wondering do you know anything about the Montana 700i inReach? It looks like it has a touchscreen keyboard as I have gotten older my eyes don’t seem to focus up close even though I can see for miles in the distance. I was thinking about upgrading but haven’t been able to find anyone using it yet.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I don't know anything about it or anyone that's used it yet. Sorry I can't help you Joe!

[@joecox2877]

Well you are the smartest person I know and I just wanted to truly thank you for your video’s thanks to you I now eat vegan bars on trail and have been working on a clutter free home. A matter of fact I now an going to get a much smaller place to live hopefully in the North Georgia mountains. Mary you are AWESOME 😎

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Wow that is amazing to hear! Thanks so much for sharing that with me, its so nice when I hear people have had a positive experience from watching my videos 😁

[@ppower08081968]

If the primary navigation is say an iPhone with ViewRanger (for example) the what’s the benefit of Explorer over an InReach mini?

[@trailheart1863]

Battery life is twice as long as mini

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I liked to have it in case anything went wrong with my phone, I could still see where I was on the trail. Plus the battery life is longer than the mini.

[@ppower08081968]

Mary Mansfield Also if the phone gets wet (iPhone) in the rain it becomes impossible to use

[@gpk7683]

Well done Mary, very helpful. Any plans for the AT?

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

No plans for the AT - but plenty of plans for hikes here in the UK for now. Just finished The Cleveland Way which will be up next week!

[@hikingpipes6911]

Hi. Nice video. I'm a bit new to using these types of devices. Question I hope you can take the time to answer: I have the Garmin etrex 30 and I use it for creating routes of trails that I've hiked. I had to buy the micro SD map for the area I hike in (I'm in the US east coast area). Can I use this device for the same purpose? I like to know the distance I've hiked the elevation profile and save the route. The etrex does this well. Do the map/s that come with the device offer the same resolution and abilities? Thanks again.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Hi Craig, apologies but I am not too familiar with the etrex 30 so I'll answer as best as I can. You can create routes on it and waypoints, this is mainly done via the maps tap online and then you sync them to the device. Regarding the maps, they are downloaded rather than bought on a SD card. If you head out without following a route, you can turn your tracking on and it will tell you how far you have hiked, but I'm not sure about the overall elevation. If I was to be honest, it isn't very accurate with the distance and if you were wanting to follow it as a navigation it is a bit clunky. It is handy that it pairs with a bluetooth phone as it's easier to read that instead of the Garmin screen. It would get you out of a situation for sure, but I mainly use it for safety and as a back up. I hope that helps!

[@hikingpipes6911]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures thanks so much for the reply. This does help. I will consider it. The thing is I really don't want to carry multiple devices. Thanks again and stay safe and well.

[@WilderhopeAdventures]

Been using the DeLorme version for years...used it more in the US than I do here in the UK. The Garmin version is massive, is more expensive and seems to weigh more sadly.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Yes I have heard it weighs more!

[@standingonmountain3975]

Very beautiful background! Is this near Convict lake 😉

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

It was near home in the UK😁

[@standingonmountain3975]

@@MarysOutdoorAdventures I know but my first impression was Convict lake.

[@romulusdarek]

hi ,nice review but i have one questions,You say to don't recommend that for navigations ,i'm looking to replace my old etrex 20 with that device and use to load gpx track and follow them,are You use any other nawigation device to compare apart from a phone?? PS sorry for my english

[@mikesadventures]

Thanks Mary. I’m curious about the SpaceX Starlink sat internet system. Will it be useful, reliable and cost effective for hikers in remote and mountain areas for geolocation and communication? (I caution folks to stay with the Garmin like devices until Starlink is thoroughly proven for safety) My understanding is Starlink currently being tested in some areas. Will it simply extend cell and WiFi services? I assume some of the mapping apps like AllTrails or GaiaGPS will integrate the functionality - or will Starlink be a sole provider.

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I haven't heard too much about that, but yes I would stick with a tested device until it has had some time for any issues and updates!

[@CrossoverGenius]

The navigation may be too cumbersome as a primary option, but as a back up option, it seems like it would be reliable enough.

[@thepatternforms859]

What device do you recommend as primary?

[@dalmotavares824]

Technology for us, and I like compasses. The Portuguese and Spanish navigators, the astrolabe, then Compasses. Mary, do poeta Fernando Pessoa: Navegar é preciso (⛵, GPS) viver não é preciso ... 🎩

[@trixieontrail]

Would you please share which lavalier microphone you're using? TIA!

[@bertman4]

In a previous video she mentioned she was using the Rode Go Wireless. Cheers!

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

Yes trixieontrail it is the Rode Wireless Go

[@kritsada1971]

Lithium battery not good with very cold weather. It is very important to know

[@roodfooddoods]

turn off autofocus will help - good review tho 👍

[@MarysOutdoorAdventures]

I know I was so disappointed when I realised later! I try and do manual focus all the time now, the cameras auto-focus on the latest model is not the best!