You Need This - Garmin InReach Explorer

There are a few pieces of gear that are MUST HAVES in my kit and this is just one of them. The Garmin InReach Explorer has been so helpful to me in a bunch of different ways during my travels. Here you will find the pros and cons of this device including all the things it does well and some things it misses on.
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5774

[@trekhardfilms]

As an owner of one of these for a couple years, I can say it would be better to buy an upgraded model unless you are limited by budget. This does not have a track-back feature like new models... that means it won't show you where to go if are in a place where you've never been and don't have a route saved. You can "track", but it won't show you how to follow your track back. You can see the line where you were, but it's pretty cumbersome to see, especially in the dark and if you are in snow country and are using gloves. We just experienced a situation at dusk where this could have been a big issue. It was pretty scary. The unit itself does not have good readability and is cumbersome. Much easier to use your phone instead, but the phone has limited battery life. I do like having the ability to communicate with home base, which only works when you aren't under trees... Another issue I had was the weather "forecasting". we were in thick trees and couldn't tell if we should turn around. We asked for a weather report which took a good 20 minutes to come in. It said 10% chance of rain. 5 minutes later we were all drenched, I mean DRENChED (yes we had rain gear but it was a crazy storm) in a huge downpour that lasted an hour. We were soaked... Pros: communication cons: pretty much out of date

[@trekhardfilms]

I honestly would upgrade mine if I had the budget.

[@andrewczuba498]

I capsized my canoe last week and completely dunked myself and all my gear. The in reach explorer + was/is fine! worked great although I had a learning curve.

[@BeGoneForGood]

Agreed. It isn’t the most intuitive setup but the capabilities and ruggedness are unparalleled.

[@JoaquinChea]

New subscriber, I’ve been on the fence for about a year with this device mostly due to the high cost. I ride solo frequently for weeks at a time, so for me the SOS and messaging is essential if I get myself into trouble. I like the peace of mind of that feature, and with the additional information you provided now I’m ready to pull the trigger and buy it. Thanks for sharing!

[@BeGoneForGood]

I love hearing that. This little device is a must have for all of my trips. It gives me and my family a great deal of comfort as I travel through rough areas or dangerous terrain. It also helps to stay in contact no matter the circumstances.

[@garypavis4913]

Excellent video! Appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this together helping me to make an informed decision on getting my explorer +

[@BeGoneForGood]

It is such an awesome piece of gear. I love mine and each time I use it, the value only gets greater.

[@sambuvca22]

I just got the 750i for snowmobiling. amazing tool.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

I knew I wouldn't use it for the navigation part which is why I got the InReach SE+ which is just a step down, I still can use it for the text messages, weather check in and emergency stuff and it's cheaper in the intial investment than the full fledged Explorer. Good overview man!

[@BeGoneForGood]

Thank you so much for the watch and feedback. I think now that I have used mine for a few years I might have opted for the SE as well. I am really interested in their full size nav type version they are offering now as well. I just don't know how much use I would get out of something like that.

[@jaygallamore562]

Good review. I had already pretty much decided to get one of these and I learned a couple new things from the video so now my decision is cemented. Keep up the good work!

[@BeGoneForGood]

So glad you enjoyed the vid. You will be very happy with this purchase. I can't believe how much this device has relieved tensions on the road.

[@drklynoonrides6674]

Great review Chad. I think you were quite fair and extensive without it becoming repetitive. I'm a spot kind of guy but I watched this whole video to be sure I wasn't missing something I needed. I appreciate the work that goes into these videos. Nathan

[@BeGoneForGood]

I appreciate that! It has been a lot of fun to shoot this year's vids and I am looking forward to so much more coming.

[@wp1225]

Thanks Chad, great review.. I was just gifted a Garmin Inreach Explorer+ and am working my way through getting comfortable with it. You answered a few questions I had. They are an amazing tool for sure, can't wait to use it tracking and staying connected to home base. It IS going to be a good year, after the bust 2020 was I'm so looking forward to this year. Have fun and stay safe.

[@BeGoneForGood]

Wow...what an amazing gift. Someone must REALLY like you. It is a little tough to get everything down but the app helps out significantly. Good luck and if you need any help, just let me know.

[@stefanhermansen8975]

I've been looking into this type of devices for a bit, and the Garmin Montana 700i (or 750i) is probably closer to the optimal product for you, since it has a better screen for navigation. The downside seems to be the battery life. (Also I realize that it may not have been available when this video was made.)

[@logansheaf]

I’m sold this looks great

[@BeGoneForGood]

I would love to hear what you think but I would be really surprised if you didn't find this an essential piece of gear as you use it more and more often.

[@andrewabramson6042]

Chad, great review and really liked your video on the MABDR as well. SPOT makes the SPOT X satellite communicator which comes with a built in keyboard. Any experience / thoughts about the SPOT communicators and how they compare to the Garmins? Thanks

[@BeGoneForGood]

I don't have any experience with the SPOTs but I think as long as you have a way to send messages in and out, that would be the best circumstance. I know the old SPOTs only allowed you to send out a distress call and I do not think that is the way to go. I use my Garmin for so much more than just a panic button and can't imagine doing away with all those other capabilities.

[@jeman022004]

Great timing! I am currently deciding on the XSpot vs Garmin InReach products.

[@BeGoneForGood]

I went through a lot of those same deliberations and I can tell you it isn't an easy choice. I ultimately decided to go for the InReach because, even with the emergency beacon, the messaging back and forth could make all the difference. If it comes down to price I would say it is better to do the Spot than nothing but if you can afford the InReach...do it! There will never be a moment of regret.

[@WilliamLaroche1.618]

@@BeGoneForGood the spot doesn't tell you when a message is sent where as the garmin does.. the keyboard on the spot sucks even though it looks like a blackberry design it's hard to use.

[@matt_kelly]

I use mine all the time as well, I keep it clipped to my backpack even when I'm just going to town since I sometimes want to hop on a trail after work. One thing that I noticed is that the navigation itself is pretty bad, it just point-to-point instead of following roads/paths like the other units. It's not the device's fault, it's just the same ecosystem that was being used when it was built by DeLorme. I wish they would upgrade it, but I doubt they will. I bought the Explorer+ instead of the Mini so I could have a backup nav, but now it's pretty bulky to put somewhere on my person while using a different nav on the bars.

[@gatlinhuxley6324]

I know im asking the wrong place but does anybody know of a method to log back into an instagram account..? I stupidly lost my login password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me

[@zahirparker7546]

@Gatlin Huxley instablaster =)

[@gatlinhuxley6324]

@Zahir Parker thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@gatlinhuxley6324]

@Zahir Parker it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my account :D

[@zahirparker7546]

@Gatlin Huxley no problem xD

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Good review! I do more kayaking so I've been looking for something for tracking and communicating when there's no cell service I'm thinking something like this would be good for that.

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Wow checked your Link this thing is$699 now that is really higher than last time I looked.

[@imdoingajourney]

If you are anywhere in the world, you press the SOS button, they come with an elicopter... After that you have to pay also for the rescue team?

[@BeGoneForGood]

Sort of...it all really depends on what coverage you have personally. Garmin will hook you up, right on their site with different packages for coverage but you can also purchase options from various third party providers to cover costs for exfil from whatever awful circumstance you may have found yourself in. You can have really expensive "complete" coverage or less extensive limited coverage based on your budget and risk analysis.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Imagine how many sailors lost at sea either adrift or on life rafts could have been found with this (at least since the GPS tech was around).

[@BeGoneForGood]

So true. I wonder if this is common gear for those going out on their own. If it isn't, I would suggest this should be.

[@icantthnkof1]

No doubt this is an invaluable accessory, but the start up cost and ongoing fees are quite pricey. I was just looking for something to help during an emergency, then the options quickly took over lol. I'm looking at approx $550 just for a 5 day hike in the canyon lol Great overview though!

[@truthseekers8780]

thank you for this. I see they have had these models out for quite a few years now. I wonder if any upgrades are around the corner?

[@BeGoneForGood]

They have different models with bigger screens but the tech itself is all pretty much the same and the features are all there. Great options for any ADVer.

[@outdoorsman2b918]

Great video. Simple, clear and complete. How do you compare this with the 66i? I guess in Amazon I saw a 66sr or 66srs. Which are the differences?

[@BeGoneForGood]

It looks like the 66s are just a bigger screen with the same capabilities. They are more expensive but the better visibility would be awesome. Ultimately, get the biggest screen you can afford because all of them are useful even with the small screen.

[@mikesbigadventures194]

I’m looking at the marine version without the screen since I’m also a scuba diver.

[@BeGoneForGood]

I didn't know such a thing even existed but that would be so awesome to use underwater...especially for night diving.

[@scotthill9648]

Hey Chad … Can you do the 30 day on/ off with your high end option? If you go for the annual plan, does the above apply or are you skipping the annual high end annual subscription and just doing the $65 30 day exploration plan ?

[@F15BOYOBOY]

Great review...new sub to your channel. I'm having a difficult time deciding which Garmin is best. I like the mini 2 but I like that this one seems easier to use with more button options and a little bigger screen. Can you drop a pin with this one say at like your four wheeler and then go hike, hunt whatever and then when it's time to get back to your wheeler can you select that pin to get a route back to it? I would assume yes you can correct? I'm mainly wanting to get one of these for a backup in case my phone fails or I break my phone or if God forbid I need an SOS...happy riding, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors to you. Edit --> how did you attach your carabiner to it?

[@BeGoneForGood]

Honestly, I do not know if you can drop a pin and have it route you back to the pin. Obviously you can drop the pin and FIND your way back but I don’t know if the Garmin is capable of routing you mostly because in the circumstances where I use it, there are not defined routes. It wouldn’t know what is or isn’t passable trail for me to return to the pin. I do think it’s primary use as a safety beacon is worth its price with the messaging and directional capability being a marvelous addition. I would get it simply for those elements alone but as far as navigating, especially on the go…it’s a little tough. The carabiner is attached to the back clip piece of the Garmin. It comes like that so you have a clip or a carabiner to attach to whatever you need. I hope that helps.

[@F15BOYOBOY]

@@BeGoneForGood thanks yeah I’m not to worried about it routing me back per se I just wanna drop a pin so I know where my camp is and my wheeler. Then I can do the rest to route myself back to them if needed.

[@jcrazzy4256]

Since you did the MABDR do you feel that your need one of these devices? How many times did you loose cell service on the trip? Plan on leaving this May, so I am curious. No one seems to bring that up in the BDR videos about loosing cell service and at what locations.

[@BeGoneForGood]

That is a great question but I’m going to answer it a little differently than it was posed. First off, there are definitely lots of places where cell signal gets weak or disappears altogether. These places are sporadic and sometimes can be in important (navigational) spaces. I’d recommend having your maps downloaded in advance to avoid black holes in your travels. As far as my reason for carrying the Garmin, it’s only partially to stay in touch. The real reason I always have this, is for its emergency capabilities. Obviously, the MABDR isn’t as perilous (generally speaking) as UTBDR or an around the world adventure but knowing that on your worst day, you’ll be able to get help is worth its weight in gold to me. I love that I can track my routes reliably, send those out to family, communicate when I need to, get directions when I need to, and a while host of other features but the life saving portion is why I’d suggest this for anyone for any travel no matter the conditions.

[@Droptineful]

Great review!👍🏻🇺🇸

[@BeGoneForGood]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ADVRaiderKTM]

The reason InReach beacons are not GPS sized is because they are designed to be on the person, attached at all times. In case you fall off your bike, get seriously injured and cannot get back to it, a bike mounted unit becomes useless.

[@BeGoneForGood]

Very true. I generally have mine attached to the bike in the hopes that in any incident either my buddies or myself should have access. I would wear it on my person if Garmin had some sort of pouch or holder that secured the device to my jacket. I think an arm loop would do very well.

[@bjwilliams6115]

Added bonus, your wife is more likely to allow to ride more often because it’s a stress reliever for her

[@BeGoneForGood]

Super true. I never considered what a weight it is off her shoulders. Great point.

[@Vences5]

Yup, I’m going on a three week backpacking trip where cell signal is rare. Gf wouldn’t let me go without one of these

[@jaredwhite489]

Explorer + Not discovery +

[@BeGoneForGood]

You are correct. I don’t know why I keep making that error.

[@ADVRaiderKTM]

I dont think you have unlimited weather in any plan

[@BeGoneForGood]

Basic weather appears to be unlimited with the Expedition plan. discover.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/personal/

[@ADVRaiderKTM]

@@BeGoneForGood You are right, my mistake!

[@BeGoneForGood]

No worries. I just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page.