BWCA InReach users... some questions Boundary Waters Gear Forum
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Gear Forum
      InReach users... some questions     
 Forum Sponsor

Author

Text

Jackfish
Moderator
  
12/18/2019 01:52PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I'm very curious about the Garmin InReach. I like the 2-way communication capabilities of this tool, as well as the maps, tracking, etc.

I currently have a SPOT which works fine in sending an "ok" message and would presumably work just as fine in sending an emergency signal.

For those of you who own an InReach and have used it multiple times, what can you tell me about it? What does it do? How easy is it to operate? Are you happy with it? What would you tell a potential buyer before he (or she) buys one?

I see the cost is around $450, but it also requires a monthly (or yearly?) plan that adds to the cost. How about those of us who may use it for only one or two weeks out of the year?

What else should I know about it?

Thanks in advance.
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
BigBearArlich
senior member (65)senior membersenior member
  
12/18/2019 02:14PM  
I've had an inReach for a few years now and its great. I went with the Delorme branded basic one I found on Amazon as it saved me some money and I had no desire for the GPS functionality you get with the more expensive model.

The interface is pretty clunky, but its very simple to pair it with your phone (if you bring your phone on trips) and use your phone instead to send and received messages. If you don't want to bring your phone, they have the option where you can preset three different messages which simplifies the sending process when you're in the woods.

They have an option for their Freedom plan, which is a month to month instead of the recurring subscription. So you pay a $24 yearly fee to stay activated, then when you want to use it you can easily go online and activate the Freedom plan for a month. It gives you ten messages, but that's been plenty for me. Its mostly for peace of mind for my wife and kids in case there is some emergency on my trip or back home. I check in once a day with an "all clear".

Since the interface is clunky, I would strongly suggest their newest model, the mini, if you dont mind bringing your phone too.
 
12/18/2019 02:23PM  
How does the family message you? What has to be done to facilitate that?
 
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14416)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
12/18/2019 02:29PM  
boonie: "How does the family message you? What has to be done to facilitate that?"


You will need to send the person a text message or email from your InReach. Then the person can email or text message you back.

You can send text messages or emails from your InReach unit or sync to your cell phone and get addresses and type out messages from your phone. It is easier to do this on your cell phone. Just put your cell phone in airplane mode.
 
12/18/2019 02:49PM  
I have the Delorme inReach. It doesn't have a built-in map display (so the current Garmin inReach Mini is similar in that regard), but it does have GPS to keep track of your location and it can record tracks. For mapping functionality, you need to pair it with a smartphone and the Earthmate app. The user interface for texting is clunky, like one of the old flip phones. If the inReach is paired with a smartphone, you can use the texting interface of the smartphone.

As mentioned above, there is a small annual "program fee". The Freedom plan is a low cost monthly plan that offers ten free text messages. Any messages beyond that number are charged to you at 50¢/msg. Except that you set up three preset messages that are always free (you do this on your Garmin web account).

You also specify on your Garmin account people who can contact you.

You can also get weather reports on your inReach. Like text messages, weather requests over the limit of the plan are charged at 50¢ each.

Go to your Garmin account and suspend your plan when you do not want to use your inReach. Un-suspend the plan when you want to use it again and you'll be charged a monthly fee starting the day the plan is reactivated.

The device is easy to use and I like it. I've used it to send mesages to my wife and to an outfitter when plans changed because of weather. The website can be a little clunky, but you get used to it.
 
BigBearArlich
senior member (65)senior membersenior member
  
12/18/2019 03:10PM  
Yep - correct. I've never used the tracking feature on the device. I have it set up so it includes my location when I send a message, but it doesn't ping locations on any specific schedule. I leave it off for the majority of the trip and only turn it on during pre-arranged times I've set with my wife.

I have mine set up to email her and text message her (you can have multiple recipients). As mentioned, they can't reply to the email but it gives them a link to reply. They can directly respond to the text message though.

Sample of one of my messages below:

 
12/18/2019 03:27PM  
Hands on use a a discussion with Delorme/Garmin developer at EAA, not an owner myself. The texted sat coms work 2 way with good connection rates, thanks to Iridum sat phone system. The GPS function was sub par though compared to a dedicated handhelds like 62-64.
Topo mapping is application based and a bit clunky to work with. If you need both the 66i offers a full featured GPSR and the Inreach combined.
I believe you can suspend the subscription during unused periods.

butthead
 
12/18/2019 03:40PM  
So could a user set it up so they can contact but not be contacted by others?
 
user0317
distinguished member (380)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/18/2019 04:22PM  
I have had one for two years now, and I've used it on a couple of trips. As others have mentioned, there are flexible plans that allow you to activate it 1 month at a time. I find it handy for communicating with my family, and also to let shuttle drivers or float plane operators know your current location. I was on a trip in Wabakimi this year where two people were flown out several days early and the rest of the group was flown out from a lake far from our earlier arranged destination. All of this was arranged with an Inreach.

One thing I would mention to a potential buyer before taking one out in the bush... get the screen protector. I didn't have one on my first trip and I put a few scratches on the screen. It wasn't enough to ruin it, but I will always have a screen protector on from now on.

My family enjoys getting brief messages from me, and they like being able to track me. On my snowy trip down the Drowning river in Nakina, I found the forecast to be accurate and useful in helping me plan my next day.

Overall I didn't find it complicated to utilize. I did use it for a month before my first trip in the bush with it. Particularly on a downriver trip, I found it handy to mark portage and rapid locations on my route so I knew what was coming up ahead (I'm sure most gps units do this nowadays). The Garmin maps online (and that you can download to the inreach) are really nice for route planning.

If you are using it to communicate for egress arrangements, send a test message to the float pilot/shuttle driver before heading out and make sure they realize they can reply to those messages. Most outfitters are probably aware of this now, however.
 
jillpine
distinguished member(919)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/18/2019 06:06PM  
Boonie (and Jackfish)
You can set up one person's contact info, and no others. You can also create a group and send out a message to the group. Just like a phone, you choose to whom you want to send a message.

Are you asking if you can "block" incoming messages? I guess you could just tell the person receiving your updates to simply not contact you, period. Is that what you're wondering? Otherwise, yes, it works a lot like a cell phone - you can receive incoming messages and you send outgoing messages. The messages cost 0.50 if you exceed your chosen plan, so you want to tell people who have the Garmin contact info not to be sending you frivolous stuff. Or just set it up so that one person gets the info. That's what I do.

Garmin lets you create three "pre-set" messages that are really easy to set up on the website before you leave. You can customize them each time you leave. I use "starting the day, everything great." "ended day. all is well! Love you!" and "delayed but I am OK, will be in touch soon". So these can be sent anytime, any amount of times, for free. That's a useful feature.

Jackfish, if you're an REI member, the mini is $350, and members get a $35 rebate. Also, they do offer sales on it throughout the year, if you're not in a hurry.

I had to use tech support to resolve a cellphone issue with set-up (synching it to my iPhone 6s). The wait to talk to tech support was at least a half-hour, but once I was connected, the service was outstanding. Really top-notch and thorough.

I don't use the GPS on it, and I don't leave pings to let people know my trail. When I message my wife at the end of a day, it gives her a locator ping on the map link, as discussed above in the thread. She loves that.

Pros: back-and-forth message feature, free pre-sets that can be used whenever you want, as much as you want, easy to use once you get it set up, durable but not clunky - I wear it on my lifevest (haven't had a screen issue - will have to think about that!), I really liked the weather feature, but I get that others don't want this. I like it, and I found it helpful on more than a couple of occasions in terms of paddling plans.

Cons: set-up was a little daunting to me, but I got it figured out pretty quickly. You definitely need a clear sky. You set it out with a view of the sky, and it can take a while to get or send the message - like 15 - 30 minutes. I don't consider this a "con", more of an observation.

My dad was asking me if it "ruins the adventure". I told him, at least for where I'm at in life, it enables the adventure. I sound like a commercial for it. I really like it. I wouldn't trip without it now, which I've said a lot already. I took a newb to the BWCA this summer. Her husband was really nervous about it, and this technology put him at ease.


 
MReid
distinguished member (443)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/18/2019 06:20PM  
boonie: "So could a user set it up so they can contact but not be contacted by others?"


In signing up with Garmin, you get a specific Garmin email address. When you send out a text, the text identifies the sender (otherwise how would they know who it's from?). They can reply to the sender if they want. On a long trip last summer, I had a list of people to send an OK message to. Before the trip, I requested that all recipients only message us for important messages. I left the inReach off in between my sent messages, which I placed every two days (43 day trip). The inReach checks for messages each time you turn it on, or you can do it manually. It gives you a notification for any new messages, which you can ignore if you want.

Your "connection" with the outside world is totally up to you. You can use it as an emergency locator only, and turn it on only when you want a rescue (and possibly never turn it only except to test it before a trip). Or, you can text multiple times a day, and send out tracking messages every ten minutes or so. It all depends on what you want, what experience and how much contact you want.
 
Northwoodsman
distinguished member(2059)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/18/2019 06:23PM  
I have the Freedom Plan. It's $24.95 per year, all this does is give you the ability to activate the service for 30 days at a time. Each 30 period that you activate it is an additional charge. That charge ranges from $14.95 per month to $64.95 per month (30 days). You can pick the cheap plan with fewer messages and tracking points and pay additional fees if you go over, or pick a high plan and not worry about it. I pick the one right in the middle for $34.95 per mo. I activate it one or two times per year for a month at a time. I think it's a very good value for what you get. You can also add extraction insurance for about $18.00 per year. Read the fine print, this added insurance only covers the registered owner. I like the weather function it offers.

Before you go on a trip you can send a link so people can follow you on a map (I think it's Google Maps). You can set a password so only your friends and family can follow you. These followers can also send you a message any time the unit is turned on and set to send and receive messages. They can also locate you when it is turned on. If the unit is not set to receive messages, the next time that it is, or when you send a message whatever is in the queue will be sent to you.
 
12/18/2019 06:42PM  
Everything I was going to say has been said. It's a great device. My wife is very grateful that I use it on my solo trips. Worth every penny
 
12/18/2019 07:13PM  
Thanks for the info. I have a PLB, but can see the benefit of 2-way communication at some times. On the other hand, I don't want to be as connected as at home and be driven nuts.
 
Jackfish
Moderator
  
12/18/2019 07:15PM  
I really appreciate the information. Thank you all so much. I’m definitely going to look into one of these and most likely purchase one (or ask Mrs. Jackfish to buy one for me)! :)
 
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14416)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
12/18/2019 10:28PM  
Assuming you will be buying a Garmin InReach Explorer + unit you now need a service plan, just like you would with your cell phone.

1) Current price is $450.00 for the unit itself.
2) one time activation fee of $19.95
3) three different plan levels with two different levels in each plan.
A) Safety Plan, $11.95 every month or $14.95 freedom plan and you can start or stop when you want.
B) Recreation Plan, $24.95 every month or $34.95 freedom plan.
C) Expedition Plan, $49.95 every month or $64.95 freedom plan.
4) GEOS Search and Rescue (optional) gives you $50,000 extra if they charge you for a rescue. Turn in the experience and GEOS will reimburse you. A helicopter ride to a waiting ambulance can get very expensive. This will cost you $17.95 a year for this service. If you want your wife also included in this service it will be an additional $15.00

I bought the Recreation Plan that is billed out every month, also the GEOS for my wife and I.

Here is a link to a review that everyone who has or looking for a InReach unit should read.
InReach review
 
marsonite
distinguished member(2468)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/19/2019 07:01AM  
My only advice is if you are going with a limited plan (10 messages plus free preset messages), make sure all your contacts know that responses count against your 10. I was on a trip, and forgot to tell my sister-in-law the scoop, and I used up a bunch of messages because she would message back "awesome!" when I sent out the free preset "I'm ok and having a great time" messages.

Otherwised, I loved having the Inreach, and it intruded on my frame of mind much less than I expected it too.
 
jillpine
distinguished member(919)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/19/2019 08:01AM  
Savage Voyageur: "Assuming you will be buying a Garmin InReach Explorer + unit you now need a service plan, just like you would with your cell phone.


1) Current price is $450.00 for the unit itself.
2) one time activation fee of $19.95
3) three different plan levels with two different levels in each plan.
A) Safety Plan, $11.95 every month or $14.95 freedom plan and you can start or stop when you want.
B) Recreation Plan, $24.95 every month or $34.95 freedom plan.
C) Expedition Plan, $49.95 every month or $64.95 freedom plan.
4) GEOS Search and Rescue (optional) gives you $50,000 extra if they charge you for a rescue. Turn in the experience and GEOS will reimburse you. A helicopter ride to a waiting ambulance can get very expensive. This will cost you $17.95 a year for this service. If you want your wife also included in this service it will be an additional $15.00


I bought the Recreation Plan that is billed out every month, also the GEOS for my wife and I.

Here is a link to a review that everyone who has or looking for a InReach unit should read.
InReach review "


This is a screenshot from a well-known outfitter serving the Tofte area. If you're not sure this technology is worth the investment, you could do a test run for a minimum of $45 plus a few bucks some texts or weather reports:
 
12/19/2019 09:12AM  
As long as cost are discussed I will point out that Inreach is a technology based consumer unit and as such models are upgraded and replaced with new versions on accelerated rates. The Inreach is a few years old and Garmin finally is marketing a new full featured GPSr/Inreach device. Prices will be dropping, and units will be showing up secondhand and refurbished. I have found some + models below $300.

butthead
 
12/19/2019 09:36AM  
This has been covered well, I’ll just echo that the weather reports are my favorite part.. I travel on big lakes we moved a day early on Pickerel due to reported high winds the rest of the week—-which was a major change from the original weather before we entered. I have the delorme GPS version it doesn’t have a map so wouldn’t have been worth the extra money except it was on clearance at Cabelas for less than 1/2 price. Impulse purchase I don’t regret.
 
12/19/2019 09:50AM  
Costco currently has the Garmin Inreach SE for $289. Not sure if that is a good price or not.
 
12/19/2019 10:14AM  
So just to verify my understanding of the pricing, suppose I wanted the minimum Safety Freedom plan package and was going to take a two week trip in June and another in September. My first year costs would be (assume I don’t go over):
1. $19.95 for one time activation
2. $24.95 annual fee to sign up for the Freedom plan
3. $14.95 for June
4. $14.95 for September

Then the next year with the same usage it would be $24.95 + $14.95 + $14.95? No other charges if I stay within the allotment of my selected plan? Sorry if this seems remedial, but I’m always suspicious of subscriptions.
 
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14416)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
12/19/2019 11:09AM  
Jaywalker: "So just to verify my understanding of the pricing, suppose I wanted the minimum Safety Freedom plan package and was going to take a two week trip in June and another in September. My first year costs would be (assume I don’t go over):
1. $19.95 for one time activation
2. $24.95 annual fee to sign up for the Freedom plan
3. $14.95 for June
4. $14.95 for September


Then the next year with the same usage it would be $24.95 + $14.95 + $14.95? No other charges if I stay within the allotment of my selected plan? Sorry if this seems remedial, but I’m always suspicious of subscriptions."


This is the way I understand it. There is three different plan levels. In each plan level you can pay a monthly fee or freedom plan. So really 6 plans. So in your case you will pay $19.95 one time fee, and $14.95 for every month you want service for, that’s it. The $24.95 fee you quoted is for the next level up Recreation Plan monthly fee, so that’s does not apply to you.

I think your yearly service bill would be $49.85.

Be sure you know when your monthly date is or you might be charged for 2 months. You will also need to turn on and off your service months or you will be charged for months you are not needing it. As a safety feature they will leave the plan on until you shut it off.

Read here for a detailed explanation of service plans.
 
tonyyarusso
distinguished member(1403)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/19/2019 01:34PM  
Jaywalker: "So just to verify my understanding of the pricing, suppose I wanted the minimum Safety Freedom plan package and was going to take a two week trip in June and another in September. My first year costs would be (assume I don’t go over):
1. $19.95 for one time activation
2. $24.95 annual fee to sign up for the Freedom plan
3. $14.95 for June
4. $14.95 for September


Then the next year with the same usage it would be $24.95 + $14.95 + $14.95? No other charges if I stay within the allotment of my selected plan? Sorry if this seems remedial, but I’m always suspicious of subscriptions."


Bingo. Note however that the way the subscription works is they just take a credit card, and bill it every month until you cancel. You can't say "enable for one month", you enable it AND THEN HAVE TO REMEMBER TO TURN IT BACK OFF before reaching the 30 day mark or they'll automatically charge another month. It may be useful to use one of those services for temporary virtual credit card numbers for this, so the "card" itself expires in case you forget.
 
mpeebles
distinguished member (253)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/19/2019 01:52PM  
Not much to add. Nothing but good to say about the InReach Explorer +. I used it for five weeks canoe tripping in Canada this year and it worked great. I also used it on some other trips in the US. I do pair the unit with my iPhone. No problems at all with Garmin's online plan changes/billing, etc. I like the weather function for planning. So far, so good.
 
voyager
distinguished member (387)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/20/2019 09:20AM  
I love mine. On this years Kruger and Wadell Challenge there was a solo canoer who was, in our minds anyway, overdue on the 9 mile Grand Portage. A search party was organized and 3 Inreaches were gathered and quickly modified online to allow mutual communication. Three different teams were to begin the search from 3 different places. Cell phone reception was nil out there. The individual arrived at the fort just as the search was starting. They were able to recall the other parties.

I navigate with map and compass, but sometimes, in the dark, I get bewildered. It's nice to turn it on and know exactly where I am. I have mine on a month to month basis, August and September, for canoeing, and October through December for bow hunting. It's a comfort when hunting 16' up in a tree to have a backup communication system.

I highly recommend it, but like Butthead said, be patient. You'll probably get a better deal.
 
carmike
distinguished member(1721)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/23/2019 12:27AM  
I've been considering one of these for some time.

What's the life expectancy of these units? If I get the older, non-current model, do I have to worry about it not working in a few years?

Sorry if this is deeply ignorant, but I am an idiot when it comes to anything with a glowing screen.
 
12/23/2019 09:28AM  
When it come to electronics I buy almost everything used/re-manufactured/inventory clearanced. My current GPS, a Garmin 62st was an used Ebay buy 4 years ago. My first GPS12 is still mine and works fine. Same for a lot of the Delorme units and still have 2 in use. Those are the 2 now combined CO's that put out the Inreach, another plus is the association with Iridum Communications.

I think the reliability is pretty good!

butthead
 
mpeebles
distinguished member (253)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/24/2019 11:54AM  
Just an aside about the cost and when to buy technology. As with any technology such as computers, cell phones and many other electronic devices the price will come down as economies of scale kick in during the manufacturing process. Unfortunately by the time this happens new technology is coming into the marketplace. Is there a best time to buy?
Who knows. I remember the second family pc we purchased. It was a high end Quantex and cost $3,600. Although cutting edge (fastest and more memory) at the time it was outdated in about a year or two. That trend has stayed the same since and will continue.

When I look at this type of stuff, say an InReach, and think about the cost I sometimes rationalize the purchase by telling myself that I won't be around forever and it's a few bucks that the kids won't get when I pass on. Instead one of them can have a neat paper weight called an InReach. They'll be wondering what the heck the old man used that thing for.

Safe travels.......
 
12/24/2019 12:54PM  
"paperweight" that's a good description. The working GPS12 is a paperweight compared to GPS62st, but though several years old still holds up to the GPS66 quite well. Speaking of desktop computers how about a dusty but working custom built gaming Win98 with all the memory tricks and a pile of same era simulators, Falcon 4.0, European Air War, and a full selection of Janes sim programs!

butthead
 
jillpine
distinguished member(919)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/24/2019 01:51PM  
You guys (all genders and fluidities here) are a frugal bunch. Be still my heart!

Seriously though, we're talking about a piece of gear that could make the difference between walking out of the wilderness alive or being carried out in a body bag, what's left of your body after the eagles and ravens have a say about it. It gives you the weather report, it lets you know if your kids came home on time and it tells you the Twins score. It offers service on a flexible plan. It can be dropped on rocks or in the water. The mini is smaller than a deck of cards. It talks to a satellite. And it's a few hundred bucks.

When I read about the piles of tackle, high-tech coats, $1000 sleeping bags and titanium cook sets, I'm a little in awe that cost is such a consideration, given what the technology is and does (and especially because I just found out half of you regard the compass as useless! ;)

 
Jackfish
Moderator
  
12/24/2019 04:10PM  
jillpine: "When I read about the piles of tackle, high-tech coats, $1000 sleeping bags and titanium cook sets, I'm a little in awe that cost is such a consideration, given what the technology is and does (and especially because I just found out half of you regard the compass as useless! ;) "

JP... you nailed it on the head for me. I'm buying one. (But instead of the Twins score, could it get me the Brewers score? :)
 
12/24/2019 09:00PM  
Seriously, I take an even more robust shit hit the fan, Personal Locator Beacon, not a low powered commercial battery powered Inreach or Spot communicator. I can't communicate two way but can send a higher powered signal directly to SAR systems ground based, with my GPS location. Best unused valued equipment I own!

butthead
 
RTurner
distinguished member (151)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/24/2019 09:41PM  
Jackfish: " (But instead of the Twins score, could it get me the Brewers score? :) "

That's extra
 
mpeebles
distinguished member (253)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/25/2019 09:32AM  
Congrats Jackfish. I think you're making a good purchase. I sure like mine.

Jill Pine......my better half has called me a lot of things over the decades and I don't ever remember hearing the word frugal!

OT. I'm in Buttheads camp inasmuch if all I wanted/needed was a device for an emergency it would be a PLB.
 
joewildlife
distinguished member(605)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
12/25/2019 06:36PM  
Most everything needed to be said about the InReach has been said. So I will add one thing and emphasize several others.

I believe the unit to be very durable and I wouldn't expect any problems for a number of years. However, the biggest problem with all the InReach units is they have internal lithium batteries. IF there were any problems with older units, I would expect them to be decreased battery performance. I wish they were still powered by AA batteries, as a few lithium AAs will get me through a long trip. I don't want to carry a solar charger or a power pack to recharge. That said, my InReach lasted fine on a 14 day trip, turned on a couple times a day to send/retrieve messages and check the weather. But if you leave the InReach on all the time to use as a GPS and/or a tracker, keeping the thing charged will be a hassle. In a race venue like the Everglades Challenge, I think I will keep using my SPOT3 so I don't have to worry about batteries. And I will use my Garmin 78 for navigation.

MAKE NO MISTAKE, the InReach operates off the Delorme operating system, not a Garmin system. It is NOT a very good GPS in my mind. I say that because it cannot accept a microSd card to add special maps or charts. It also has limited storage for waypoints and tracks. For my purposes, therefore, it does NOT replace my Garmin 78 unit.

YES get a screen protector.

I made the mistake of buying an InReach this past summer before I realized the Garmin 66i and 86i units were available. I probably would have forked over the extra money to have better GPS capabilities coupled with the two-way messaging ability. The prices of the InReach do seem to be falling and I expect they will be discontinued in the next few years. I just don't see Garmin continuing to want to support a Delorme operating system.
 
countrybois
senior member (70)senior membersenior member
  
01/16/2020 04:14PM  
I bought the inReach SE last year. I was taking 3 newbies in, and for their wives' peace of mind it was perfect. (my wife questioned why I had not purchased one of these before for HER peace of mind :) )Not to mention the SOS feature is not to be overlooked.

We just turned it on each night and sent and AOK preset message and turned it off. It sends the message and a link to your position on a map to any number of pre-loaded email addresses. Pretty cool. If there were an emergency at home, we could also be contacted.

Just define what an 'emergency' is... we go there to get away from this type of nonsense.
 
01/16/2020 08:45PM  
"Garmin continuing to want to support a Delorme operating system."
Not so much support, Garmin purchased Delorme for the Inreach system and the Topo North America smartphone/tablet application used on other Garmin products. The Delorme brand is now owned by Garmin and used on bound atlases and printed map products. I have met several Delorme engineers kept on to work at Garmin, including one who walked me thru the mapping capabilities of the Inreach up at the EAA Venture in Oshkosh.

Jumped the gun a bit too early on the Inreach, but it still is a premium communicator and ya still have a great GPS in the 78.

butthead
 
joewildlife
distinguished member(605)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/16/2020 09:28PM  
Butthead,
I don't know much about it, but I was meaning the operating system of the gps capabilities of the InReach, not the two way satellite capabilities.

That said, the sting of jumping the gun on the InReach instead of getting a 66i, well that has kind of faded. I have a plb in the lifejacket and it's "free", so it will stay there. The InReach replaced and is an upgrade from the SPOT, in that it has 2 way messaging and weather, so I'm okay with that. Not much difference between carrying SPOT and 78s versus InReach and 78s. And a plus is that the InReach is fairly redundant to the 78s as I can download a .gpx to it with a simpler route and all the campsites on it, and many of the portages on the basemap it contains. So it's all good. I mean, the alternative is a 66i and a battery bank or solar panel. An InReach and 78s and a few lithium batteries will serve me just fine.

I appreciate your input on it!
Joe
 
joewildlife
distinguished member(605)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/16/2020 09:41PM  
Butthead, I'm with you on the refurbished units. I will add that you can get "refurbished" Garmin 78s units from gpscity on the big online retailer for $110 now. I have bought two from them in the last year and as far as I can tell, they are brand new and they work perfect. I put the Boundary Waters microSD card in it for trips to Quetico, or the Bluewater G2 chip in it for trips to the Everglades and Florida coast. I also bought a Canada topo for it for use in WCPP. It really is a good, powerful, and inexpensive option for navigation. I have two because I also use them on both ends of my fishing boat. And no, you can't have the locations of all my crappie brushpiles! I had 78 models before, and passed them to a friend to do a little upgrade.
And we agree the PLB is best when the shit hits the fan. The beauty of the InReach is that we are more likely to walk into somebody else's shit, so we can text the wife and the rescuers to explain the situation as it unfolds.
Joe


 
01/17/2020 12:48PM  
Woah, I had no idea the higher end devices can be had refurbed. I'll have to consider that when it's time to retire my eTrex 30x.
 
Chicagored
distinguished member(596)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/19/2020 09:17AM  
I bought my inreach explorer years ago now. I decided to take my first solo a year after open heart surgery and my wife was, to put it mildly, anxious. She liked the ability to track me to see that I was moving when I was supposed to be. The only preset messages I used that year were either: "still alive and having fun;" or "not moving today. I check the weather, but because the area is so large, its not always accurate.

I think I've only used the gps feature a few times. The screen is tiny and not very useful. However, if you bluetooth it to a 7 or 8 inch tablet, the gps is great. I bring books on my tablet anyway. Make sure you bring a backup battery of some kind or solar charger.
 
01/19/2020 11:51AM  
mirth: "Woah, I had no idea the higher end devices can be had refurbed. I'll have to consider that when it's time to retire my eTrex 30x."

Yes and real good deals when a new model get two years on it. I first look at refurbished for all my cameras, GPSs and electronics. Seems a lot of early adopters just chose to try an item the send back. And after six months to a year, plans are made for updated items, often they are incorporated into factory refurbished sale models.

butthead
 
BWCAgoer
senior member (63)senior membersenior member
  
01/30/2020 08:20PM  
Great thread, thanks all for sharing the information on these devices. I’ve been contemplating getting one for the safety/communication aspect on Quetico trips and backcountry hikes in the mountains out west.

Most of you are probably familiar with this app, but I highly recommend the Gaia GPS app (free). I always take my iPhone with in a waterproof case. Gaia GPS functions when the phone is in airplane mode. It tracks your location so it is great for navigating. On the map it also has many portages marked and tracks your speed if you’re curious how fast you’re paddling :)
 
ryan72
member (39)member
  
07/13/2020 10:17AM  
I'm trying to decide between the mini and the explorer +.

I primarily am interested in the communication capabilities of the unit with weather reports a nice feature . The GPS would be secondary and only used if superior to what my phone GPS mapping provides me (I'm using backcountry navigator). So, If bringing my cell phone anyway for GPS mapping, the mini seems like the best option. It still links to the Earthmate app, correct?

Does the mini have the same ability as the larger explorer + to send and receive messages in a somewhat timely manner meaning do they take about the same amount of time to process the messages and get them through? Some reviews I've read said the mini's messages were delayed by a day or more in some cases.
 
RLJ
distinguished member (127)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
07/13/2020 12:06PM  
Check out the ZOLEO satellite communicator. It connects via Bluetooth to your phone. I have one and am very satisfied with it.
 
jfinn
distinguished member (256)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
07/13/2020 12:30PM  
Are you happy with it? What would you tell a potential buyer before he (or she) buys one?

Thanks in advance."
Absolutely. A lot has been said, but here is my take. The 2016 blowdown had my then 10 year old and me left a bit dazzled in the morning and knowing that my wife was worried. We finally made it across the Crab portage and into town for cell reception. Trip cut short, we paddled into the SNF and camped for a couple of nights. My wife demanded a sat phone post trip and after a lot of discussion and research I settled on the inReach. While at 50, I am not techy and struggle with usability of some features, it is fairly easy to get it to "work". I send the start message and track my trip (as do others). When in doubt, I utilize the GPS/Map functions that are OK but I'd rather play with my maps anyway. It is easy to message with the use of a phone as outlined above, though there are big gaps in time so it isn't just like texting in the normal use of the word.

I've used mine for four years now, all year long. I bike with it in the winter and canoe with it spring to fall. Used it to -30 in the winter and find the battery very solid. Do get a screen protector. I didn't, but I mount mine on a thwart as recommended by someone here so that helps prevent the scratches.
 
dentondoc
distinguished member(1097)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
07/13/2020 01:37PM  
I took a two week trip to the BWCA (LLC) that ended the first week of July. During that period, I used my inReach Mini to do the following:

1) Sending preset messages to family concerning my daily status (doing a layover day, moving day, arrived safely, etc.)
2) Responding to a few questions from my wife.
3) Communicating with an auto repair shop to coordinate vehicle repair, payment and pick-up. (My A/C died on my last day driving up to Minneapolis from Texas. No way in hell I'm driving back to Texas in the summer without an A/C.)
4) Getting periodic weather reports (mostly in advance of moving days).
5) Communicating with our outfitter to arrange an alternate takeout day and location.
6) Communicating important information between canoes in the group that were miles apart (e.g., we are on campsite XX, meet us there). So we used direct inReach to inReach communication.

Would I typically do this much interaction with others on a canoe trip. Not hardly. But for this trip I found having it made life a bit easier.

dd
 
TipsyPaddler
distinguished member (315)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
07/13/2020 05:21PM  
ryan72: "I'm trying to decide between the mini and the explorer +.

Does the mini have the same ability as the larger explorer + to send and receive messages in a somewhat timely manner meaning do they take about the same amount of time to process the messages and get them through? Some reviews I've read said the mini's messages were delayed by a day or more in some cases."


I had the Explorer+ for a year and then the Mini was released. I promptly sold the Explorer+ and bought the Mini. I also use my phone for GPS service. Gaia is my app of choice, but Garmin Earthlink works fine too. Since I always brought my phone anyways...its also my camera, ereader, and cribbage/chess opponent on solo trips...the Mini works very well for me. Sending short or preset messages from the Mini directly is pretty easy too.

I haven’t had any issues with delayed messages and I have not noticed any slower performance compared to the Explorer. Both require relatively clear line of sight to the satellites so heavy tree cover can sometimes be an issue. You get an audible alarm when messages are sent and received so if I don’t hear it after a couple minutes I move to a more open location. I make sure I have key contacts’ email and SMS text numbers entered in the Mini and send a test message before the trip to make sure they are working properly. I have used it to change tow boat plans with outfitters and daily check-ins with family. Unfortunately I have also used it to coordinate a USFS float plane rescue.

Zero regrets on the purchase or having it securely attached to my PFD when paddling.
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
Gear Sponsor:
Myrmel Maps