Garmin inReach Explorer

First commercial fruit of the buy-out. Looks like a combo of Garmin GPS64 and Delorme Inreach rolled together.

butthead

Wonder if they'll package NOAA weather radio into this...

quote AdamXChicago: "Wonder if they'll package NOAA weather radio into this... "

You can get a 3 day weather update via closest location already in the In Reach, Not NOAA weather but weather.

SunCatcher

From Butthead's link:

"Get Weather Wherever

The optional inReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your inReach device, compatible smartphone or tablet paired with the Earthmate app, so you’ll know what conditions to expect en route. Basic and premium weather packages are offered. And you can request weather forecasts for your current location or any other waypoint or destination on your itinerary."

This so sucks, as I just bought a Garmin 64st, AND an inreach SE.
Does anyone know if the GPS will work without the InReach subscription? The old version Inreach explorer wouldn't do anything without the subscription, so I went with a stand alone GPS, and will only activate the InReach when it makes my wife happy.

Buddy of mine that does a lot of extended (2 week+), very remote elk hunting has one. Loves it. I'm a non-techy myself, and have easily resisted the idea of tripping with a SPOT or sat phone. I'm giving this thing a thought though.

quote gymcoachdon: "This so sucks, as I just bought a Garmin 64st, AND an inreach SE.
Does anyone know if the GPS will work without the InReach subscription? The old version Inreach explorer wouldn't do anything without the subscription, so I went with a stand alone GPS, and will only activate the InReach when it makes my wife happy."

For what it's worth GCD, the GPS is still somewhat crippled as far as waypoints/routes and Garmin did not mention anything about chip memory or just what the total memory capacity is (whether the listed mem is before or after adding the topo map).
comparrison

butthead

Yep, initial knee jerk reaction.

After looking into it a bit more, I think I still would go with what I did. Although for light GPS use, I would be saving weight and space.

And, I'm still not finding any answers about GPS usage if the InReach satellite messaging isn't activated. Just no need to pay the monthly fee to go geocaching at the State Park!

Last years InReach explorer wouldn't function as a gps without the monthly satellite activation. Being a new model, I would hope that they have made it function as a stand alone GPS, and can activate the Satellite aspect only for a month at a time when needed.

I bring both Garmin Oregon and InReach Explorer (with subscription). I wish that I had bought the yellow (basic) InReach because I don't think the gps on the Explorer would be satisfactory for me. I am often maxed out on my way points the way it is and I believe there are more programs available for the Garmin. The subscription weather forecast for the InReach is VERY good and tracks to your location. I will always bring both and use the InReach for communicating with my wife and weather forecasts, and use the Garmin as my primary gps.

quote butthead: "

quote gymcoachdon: "This so sucks, as I just bought a Garmin 64st, AND an inreach SE.
Does anyone know if the GPS will work without the InReach subscription? The old version Inreach explorer wouldn't do anything without the subscription, so I went with a stand alone GPS, and will only activate the InReach when it makes my wife happy."

For what it's worth GCD, the GPS is still somewhat crippled as far as waypoints/routes and Garmin did not mention anything about chip memory or just what the total memory capacity is (whether the listed mem is before or after adding the topo map).
comparrison


butthead"

Yeah, that was the very first thing that I checked out, and I was shocked at the limited number of waypoints/routes on this newer unit. Also: bigger unit overall but smaller display size? Smaller memory capacity? And the rechargeable internal battery vs 2 replaceable AAs adds a potential problem for extended wilderness trips.

I wouldn't fret too much, gymcoachdon. You did the right thing, I believe.

The add writers for Garmin have not been clear or specific in the past. It may well have much more than 2GB of memory. Garmin often listed the remaining amounts after the installation of included maps, just because there is no mention of chip mem capacity does not mean there is none at all.
It is industries' first marriage of a full function GPS and a satellite communicator device. I guess they have to start somewhere.

butthead

quote SunCatcher: "

quote AdamXChicago: "Wonder if they'll package NOAA weather radio into this... "

You can get a 3 day weather update via closest location already in the In Reach, Not NOAA weather but weather.


SunCatcher"

Do you sign up for that feature through your online In Reach account? I might be interested. I have a weather radio but it doesn't pick up anything when I get further north into Wabakimi or WCPP.

Hopefully, this means the traditional Delorme Inreach prices come down now. I already have a GPS, so for the right price, I'm willing to carry multiple units.

quote HighnDry: "

quote SunCatcher: "

quote AdamXChicago: "Wonder if they'll package NOAA weather radio into this... "

You can get a 3 day weather update via closest location already in the In Reach, Not NOAA weather but weather.



SunCatcher"

Do you sign up for that feature through your online In Reach account? I might be interested. I have a weather radio but it doesn't pick up anything when I get further north into Wabakimi or WCPP."

When you use the premium weather service, it gets charged to your account each time. I don't recall, but it seems it was about $.50 or less each time. Since you seldom need it each day, it can be as little as $2.50/trip. For me, it's worth that.

quote hooky: "Hopefully, this means the traditional Delorme Inreach prices come down now. I already have a GPS, so for the right price, I'm willing to carry multiple units."

Amazon price now.

I got an InReach last summer, and when I first saw this, I thought, darn it! Now, after reading, I am quite content with my purchase. I also have a Garmin 64, and until the new tech is more advanced, I am very content with carrying both. The weight issue is not a big deal to me; losing a few pounds would be a lot easier than worrying about a few ounces.

I've been looking at an inreach for a while, but waiting for progeny of the garmin/delorme merger to arrive. This might be the answer. Keep any eye out for any reviews.