Off Road Navigation -- Gaia GPS and Garmin InReach Mini

[@Casey250]

Always interesting to see what everyone is using to find their ways. Good video!

[@JKsouthwest]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@abyields7831]

Thank you for taking the time to share this video… amazing, stay safe Sir!

[@JKsouthwest]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@thunderdogproductions]

instant like for the scout trooper in the driver seat

[@JKsouthwest]

Never leave home without my copilot! Thanks for watching!

[@thunderdogproductions]

@@JKsouthwest testing out my new mini today. Setting up a few waypoints then just going for it. Up here on the mogollon rim, cell coverage can be beyond nonexistent

[@JKsouthwest]

@@thunderdogproductions Awesome! We love exploring Arizona as well. We will be headed back that way in a couple of weeks too.

[@waderogers]

I live and sail in Alaska, in waters that are cold enough to kill a person if they're overboard for long. My InReach is a constant companion and whenever I have to move around on the boat's fore-deck, I always snap the InReach to my life vest. I use the preset messages to let my wife and friends know what I'm doing at the moment, whether that's leaving the harbor or coming home from a remote destination. I also use it to communicate from InReach to InReach, when my friends are also out on their boats in the same general area but not where I can see them or communicate with them via VHF radio. I used to live in northern Arizona and did a lot of off roading in my dad's truck or on my motorcycle. Sure wish I'd had this kind of tech back then!

[@JKsouthwest]

It really is an amazing piece of technology. I always have mine running when I am out on the trails either in the Jeep or hiking and backpacking. It is just an extra layer of security while traveling. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your experience!

[@H.pylori]

KZbin sent me here. Good! I am not tech savvy and did not know that the bluetooth from my inReach would work with my ipad. You saved me $100, as I was just about to buy the Dual Electronics XGPS150A to work with the ipad. I always have my inReach on when traveling alone, so no problem. Also need to check out that ram mount for the inReach. Thanks. Thumbs up and subed.

[@JKsouthwest]

r g Glad you found the video helpful. I alwys travel with my InReach Mini and linking it via bluetooth to an Ipad is very easy. Thanks for watching and the sub!

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Looking like tht storm trooper Bonn’s boost ur ride

[@JKsouthwest]

JL LIFE OFFROAD Nah, that’s my spotter. He’s not going anywhere.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

This is a great setup! I’ve been looking into this because I’ve been listening to interviews on the missing 411 phenomena (in addition to it being good practice). Missing411 is probably nothing, but some of the interviews are very strange. As a solo off roader and doctorate level scientist (they seem to go missing at higher rates), I’m thinking I need to take extra precautions 😂

[@JKsouthwest]

I also end up traveling solo off road more than i should. This is just one layer of precautions I take. It is a relatively inexpensive way to keep reliable communications available. I wasn't familiar with the term "Missing 411", but a quick google search has turned up plenty for me to look at. Thanks so much for watching!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

JK southwest it’s weird for sure, the author of the series is retired police detective. He does a lot of interviews on KZbin and there’s even some movies on the topic (Hulu has one for sure). I definitely need to dig into it myself to come up with it’s a real phenomena or just some crazy talk.

[@christophermartinez5314]

Excellent video

[@JKsouthwest]

Thanks so much for watching! What type of radio communication do you use?

[@mitchhinkle900]

I use Gaia GPS just with my cell phone (Android) and it works really well. One note: using your phone's GPS using battery fast. You'll need to have your phone charging if you're using this more that a couple of hours. I'm going to upgrade to Garmin inReach Mini because I too go out solo a lot. The rest of my off-roading crew all still use paper maps, so I've become the trail boss aka navigator in my group! I can't remember whether the Premium subscription to Gaia GPS is $20 or $40 annually, but either way that's very cheap to know where you are and where the trail is going. Makes your trips more effective and fun too because you don't have to stop and have a group consultation over a paper map. Now our group time is spent digging out of snow, pulling out of mud, or better yep, recapping the day back at camp!

[@JKsouthwest]

Using Gaia on the phone is a great option. I just prefer to have the larger screen that a tablet provides. Paper maps are an important backup, as technology can fail. And I agree, having a route planned can out saves a lot of time out on the trails. Thanks so much for watching!

[@jeepingadventureswithjoeki6220]

very informative video thank you for posting.

[@JKsouthwest]

Jeeping Adventures with Joe & Kim Thanks so much for watching! Just answering a couple questions about what i use.

[@ForgottenWaypoints]

Well done. As a Garmin nut, I wish the InReach subscription was a bit cheaper (and for that matter, I'd love to move over to the dedicated Overlander GPS vs. a tablet or phone, but that $700 price tag is tough to swallow!

[@JKsouthwest]

8LIFGR8 4x4 We love the Garmin products as well. I had high hopes for the Overlander tablet as an upgade to the TRX7 they used to offer, but it still doesnt seem to be perfected yet. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ForgottenWaypoints]

@@JKsouthwest , have you tried/seen the Overlander yet? I've only been able to watch youtube reviews, I'd really like to get my hand on one. I use an old Rhino 530HCX which I use for breadcrumbs, but the screen is starting to scratch and I'd like to upgrade. I should probably bite the bullet and do the cellphone/bluetooth to tablet as it's convenient and cheap, but unlike your JK, my LX470 has nothing by way of mounting locations. A dedicated GPS with a suction mount to the windshield is ideal.

[@JKsouthwest]

@@ForgottenWaypoints I have seen the Overlander in person. While i like the concept of the device, it just isn't developed enough yet. The display looks great, resolution and graphics look fine. I like how it has amagnetic attachment that charges. But the device is slow and clunky in actual operation. Changing map layers is a multistep process and you can't stack layers on top of each other and adjust the transparancy of the layers. Also you still need an InReach linked to be able to use the SOS features.

[@ForgottenWaypoints]

@@JKsouthwest , that's a shame.

[@Mappy-xn1om]

Nice video man. I am going to try pairing the Garmin GLO 2 with my Android phone and use my infotainment screen running ONXOffroad to do off-road race track lay outs !

[@JKsouthwest]

Should work great! Thanks so much for watching!

[@labsnabys]

Glad I found this video! We use Gaia on a Samsung Tab A that does have built-in GPS, but I'm wondering if connecting via Bluetooth to our InReach Mini can give it a boost? Will try it on the next ride!

[@JKsouthwest]

Thanks so much for watching! Might be worth trying the signal from the inReach Mini and seeing how it works.

[@mcoffroadinaz4075]

I use Gaia premium, and like it. The menus are clunky, and you have to memorize it's menu system to be efficient. At first, I thought it was me, but it's not.

[@JKsouthwest]

It does take some time to get used to the app. There really are some great features in there, if you can find them. Thanks so much for watching! Please make sure you subscribe and check out some other videos!

[@NigelNaughton]

Google Maps allows you to download multiple areas too and it allows navigation when the map is downloaded. You can use it offline with no signal and your phone's GPS will work without any other GPS device. So while it's nice to have a Garmin, and/or Gaia you really don't need it. It's sad that the ipads don't have GPS unless you get the LTE versions.

[@JKsouthwest]

Google Maps is a great option. I prefer to the larger screen of the Ipad for seeing more of the terrain on the map. It also keeps my phone free if I need it for something else. And I don't leave home without my Garmin InReach mini as it provides a safety factor of satellite communication if I don't have a cell signal. It's great to have options. Thanks so much for watching!

[@camaroboi13]

Nice little gadgets bud. Need to get me that Garmin. On a side note, my wife has the 67 designs magmount in her JLU, and recently upgraded phones. We got a new backing plate from 67 only to find that the iPhone XS plus is simply too heavy to stay on the magnets. Kinda bummed, gonna have to get the standard phone mount now I guess.

[@JKsouthwest]

Thanks so much for watching! The Garmin has really worked great for me. The SOS feature is like and insurance policy, it's there but I hope I never need to use it. With phones and devices getting larger, I have stayed away from the magnetic mounts for the same reasons. Let me know what mount you end up going with.

[@camaroboi13]

JK southwest I was bummed because she had an iPhone 7 Plus in an otter box. Then we got her the XS plus with a standard phone case. Realistically it should have been lighter, but it continues to slide down. I’m gonna contact 67 designs and see if there’s a solution to this issue as I’m sure we’re not the only one with the problem.

[@JKsouthwest]

They seem like good folks over there, I am sure they will help you out. I use the "universal" clamp style holder for my Iphone, website says it fits the XS as well. Good luck on getting a setup that works for you.

[@camaroboi13]

JK southwest I’m assuming we will have to go to the clamp style as well, but she really loves her magmount. We shall see

[@mozartheart2958]

As a solo overlander, I am thinking an Amateur radio, Satellite phone, Garmin Navigator/Gaia, and InReach. Is it too much?

[@JKsouthwest]

You can never be too prepared!

[@russsherwood5978]

just subbed, be strong, be safe, and be blessed

[@JKsouthwest]

Thanks again for watching!

[@russsherwood5978]

i been using a outdated paper map/s ,, now i,m in my mid-50s i think i better upgrade to a more reliable system, i have been looking at just the thing you are using, how does it work when the trail runs out, thank you for the video

[@JKsouthwest]

Before i head out, i download maps for the the whole area i possibly travel through each outing. That way if i come across a side trail or dead end, i can pan around on the map to see where it goes. It works pretty well. Thanks so much for watching!

[@kristahikes125]

How do you pair the inreach with gaia? Can you please point me toward a tutorial?

[@JKsouthwest]

It should pair much like a bluetooth speaker would. Thanks for watching! support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=uZ2j6YXrJE5CVIBdr38ApA kzbin.info/www/bejne/aobNhYqprZair5Y

[@kristahikes125]

@@JKsouthwest Oh I see it now, thank you!

[@JKsouthwest]

@@kristahikes125 Hope the info helps!

[@independent900]

Are you using the RAM drill down mount with spine holder for the mini?

[@JKsouthwest]

Yes sir. We have the ram spine mount and a 1” mounting ball attached next to the rear view mirror. Link in description below! Thanks for watching!

[@TomitaroO]

Great vid! Thumbs up and subbed! Any luck with non apple stuff? I prefer android based devices. Does anyone use a Samsung Galaxy or something?

[@JKsouthwest]

I did use and Android tablet a couple of years ago and it worked the same. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ThatKayakingGuy]

Does the garmin mini share gps with the phone or just Gaia? For example can I connect the Bluetooth and then use Google maps instead if I wanted to?

[@JKsouthwest]

The Garmin will share the GPS via bluetooth with the device, whether it be a phone or iPad, so any app can use the signal. Thanks so much for watching.

[@mikethompson7406]

I can’t get Gaia to see the GPS signal with my iPad paired to my garmin mini, is there supposed to be a secret trick to get this to work?

[@JKsouthwest]

The Garmin Mini has bluetooth capability. Make sure the bluetooth is turned on and then go into the settings on your Ipad and connect to the Garmin Mini. They should pair up. Thanks for watching!

[@mikethompson7406]

@@JKsouthwest they pair and show connected but no GPS information is sent to the iPad. Junk.

[@JKsouthwest]

@@mikethompson7406 What generation Ipad do you have?

[@mikethompson7406]

@@JKsouthwest iPad mini 6 along with Garmin inReach Mini 2. They pair, both devices show connected. GPS data just doesn’t seem to send to the stupid iPad. Need to figure something out. Was hoping to get a GPS communicator and external GPS, shouldn’t be that difficult but Zoleo and Bivy and Somewear all say they don’t support this, dumb.

[@Garymayo]

I currently use xhunt for maps. The Texas maps cost $30 a year. Is a premium Gala less money? I have a Garmin Mini and love it

[@JKsouthwest]

Gary Mayo Gaia has a couple of different levels. One is $9.99/ year and the other is $29.99/ year. Thanks ao much for watching!

[@abysss56]

Can you get satellite maps? I use motionx and love the image quality

[@JKsouthwest]

abysss56 Gaia has a couple different satellite layers to pick from. They have a free version you can check out. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ppower2000dublin]

How do you share the Garmin InReach Mini with an iOS app other than Earthmate?

[@JKsouthwest]

The Garmin InReach Mini has bluetooth built in. Just turn on bluetooth on your Ipad or other device, and search for the InReach. Once connected, I open the Gaia GPS app and it automatically uses the devices signal to show locations. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ppower2000dublin]

Thank you; I use ViewRanger and setup GPX from various sources) for trails (hiking); I’m currently reviewing the Garmin InReach Mini.

[@JKsouthwest]

@@ppower2000dublin I was not familiar with ViewRanger, but it looks like a great app, very similar to Gaia. I don't use Garmin's Earthmate app, I find it not as user friendly. Probably just need to spend more time with it. I also use the InReach while backpacking, primarily for the S.O.S. features, but also for backup navigation ability. Thanks for subscribing!

[@ReadySetGoPictures]

Hey man, I’m looking at this setup vs the garmin 66i (in reach + more navigation). Does this setup do turn by turn driving as well if the maps are downloaded?

[@JKsouthwest]

The Gaia app has a street level layer, but it does not offer turn by turn dierctions. But it does have a follow mode so that the screen automatically pans to follow you, keeping you centered in the middle of the screen. Thanks so much for watching

[@DaBoss985V2]

would this work on a laptop while offline? I want to use it with an older thinkpad tablet that as onboard GPS receiver, without having to resort to the web version of it while offline.

[@JKsouthwest]

As far as I know, It is not possible to use Gaia Gps from a computer while offline. There is no Windows or Mac app for desktop or laptop computers: however you can access your maps and data on gaiagps.com while connected to the internet. So I suppose if you have a wireless hotspot for internet access and a bluetooth GPS source, it may work. Thanks so much for watching.

[@alexmonroy971]

have you tried the earthmate app? how does it compare?

[@JKsouthwest]

Alex Monroy I have used Garmin Earthmate, and it is a valuable tool. However I prefer the Gaia app. Gaia has more layers to work with and is easier to import amd export tracks. Thanks so much for watching!

[@scotthrncirik9091]

Can the Garmin 66i in reach also run your Gaia app while out of cell phone range? Or is it only the mini? or How do I know if it will? Want to purchase one.

[@JKsouthwest]

While I am not 100% familiar with the 66i, looking at the specs shows that it has bluetooth and the ability to connect with your phone. So it should function just like the InReach mini. Thanks so much for watching!

[@scotthrncirik9091]

How does it work on the mini is it a special function or just when you connect it via Bluetooth you are capable? Thanks for feedback. Just trying to decide on a mini or spend couple extra bucks and get the 66i.

[@JKsouthwest]

scott hrncirik The Mini has Bluetooth built in. I go to settings on my IPad and connect to the Bluetooth signal coming from the Mini. Then the IPad automatically uses the signal. Apps like Gaia GPS will then use the the GPS signal.

[@visordown8582]

Why is it jeep owners always get lost ? You never see a chevy owner out on the trail using some fancy techmo gizmo... just a good ol fashion sense of direction

[@JKsouthwest]

Hard for the Chevy guys to get lost in the mall parking lot. There isn't a Chevy built that can go where we go!😂

[@mcoffroadinaz4075]

You assume we are lost. :)

[@JKsouthwest]

@@mcoffroadinaz4075 Sometimes that's what we are looking for!

[@Monza3669]

It’s not the destination it’s the journey!

[@aaronosaurusrex1243]

Why do these instructional videos feel the need to spend time with useless info, like a history lesson?

[@JKsouthwest]

Why do you spend useless time being negative others?

[@aaronchandler2380]

Excellent video.

[@JKsouthwest]

Thanks so much for watching! What are you using to avoid getting lost on the trails?

[@aaronchandler2380]

@@JKsouthwest right now I'm using my cell phone a compass and my Delorme map. And I don't do too bad with that set up, but a GPS is an awesome piece of safety equipment. I like your set up. I'm also looking at the Megellan TR7X . I need to buy something soon.Thanks!

[@JKsouthwest]

Aaron Chandler Awesome! Plenty of options out there. Find what you are comfortable with that fits your budget.

[@aaronchandler2380]

@@JKsouthwest I will, thank you for your help! I enjoy planning my trips too. I'm kind of familiar with the area around my home here in Phoenix. I want to expand my range so a GPS will happen.