Australian Hiker

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Why I Chose the Garmin InReach Explorer+

For a period of three years I carried a GPS to log my hikes and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) on all hikes where there would be no guaranteed phone signal.  These two devices fulfilled the functions required of them however when I was preparing to spend five weeks hiking the Bibbulmun Track I took a long hard look at all of my gear. And I decided it was time for an upgrade.

I wanted a single device to fulfil the function of a map/logging device, that could act as a PLB if ever needed, and just as importantly would also act as a two way communications device when my phone was out of range. And I wanted a device that would allow family and friends to follow me in real time (or delayed if you prefer) online to provide them with peace of mind.

Given the above criteria there really was only one device family that fit the bill, at least in Australia, and they were the Garmin InReach devices. Originally sold as the DeLorme InReach, Garmin purchased Delorme in 2016 and after a period of development released three new devices under Garmin brand. Each of these devices has their own features that fill a particular niche.

• Garmin InReach Explorer+
  • The top of the line unit with the equal longest battery life, equal biggest screen, preloaded topographic maps, built in digital compass and barometric accelerometer. Understandably this is also the most expensive unit to buy.
• Garmin InReach SE+
  • This is essentially a stripped back version of the Garmin InReach Explorer+. The SE+ has more basic GPS functions and doesn’t come preloaded with topographic maps. If serious mapping is not critical then look at this unit.
• Garmin InReach Mini
  • While still part of the InReach family this tiny little unit has different features to its larger cousins. Given its size it is ideal for when you want an emergency device but in a tiny package. This unit will work as a a standalone unit like its siblings but works best paired with a mobile phone using the phone’s functionally to make up for the tiny screen. It’s the cheapest unit in this range.

After comparing the features of these three models, I ended up choosing the top of the line InReach Explorer+ for the following reasons:

Equal best battery life (with the InReach SE)

I wanted a device that would run for as long as possible. To achieve this I turned the tracking function down to the bare minimum which was 10 minute tracking intervals and even though I was using the text messaging function on a regular basis, I was able to use this device for seven days on a single charge without flattening the battery. This took the battery level down to around 25% which is when the device provides a warning that your battery is getting low and to ease up on the messaging.  The Garmin inReach Mini lasts 90 hours which is almost as good as it’s larger siblings but for me that is one day less of battery life is enough to be a deal breaker.

While I do carry a battery pack to recharge all my devices I needed to ensure that each device I carried lasted as long as possible otherwise I would have to increase the size (and weight) of my battery pack given I will often be away from civilisation for a week or more at a time.

Easier to use as a standalone device if you have larger hands

All the Garmin InReach models can be used as a standalone unit but for those of us old enough to remember the early mobile phones without touch screens, you’ll know what a pain in the neck it was to send text messages due to the massive amount of key strokes required. By pairing these units with a mobile phone you gain all the phone functionality such as easy text message typing and a large screen for navigation. This does rely on you keeping the phone charged and on long trips this may be an issue. I wanted a device that wasn’t reliant on a mobile phone so this ruled the InReach Mini out for me.

Comes preloaded with topographic maps

The Garmin InReach Explorer+ has full GPS functionality and comes preloaded with topographic maps as well as the digital compass and altimeter.

So while all three units would have done the job given the features that I wanted, there was only one choice, the Garmin InReach Explorer+.

I have now been using my Garmin InReach Explorer+ exclusively for the past two years on my long distance hikes and will also carry this on shorter hikes to act and my Emergency beacon.

InReach Mini and InReach Explorer+. Both these models have their place but if you want a standalone unit that is good for map use, then the Garmin InReach Mini is not the one to choose

Garmin InReach Explorer+ Review

So having purchased the Garmin InReach Explorer+ and having used it for over a year now on a range hikes ranging from just a few kilometres to just over 1000km, how did it go?

Battery

The battery in the Garmin InReach Explorer+ is a rechargeable internal lithium ion battery. To recharge you can either use a battery pack or plug into a powerpoint.  I was comfortably getting 7 days use out of a single charge but this was taking the battery level under 20% which brings up a warning so that you don’t flatten the battery and loose the ability to use the SOS function.

Setting up the Satellite Account

A fairly painless process and I decided that given the style of hiking I was doing, the Freedom plan range  was the way to go for me so I opted for the Recreation Plan. This plan gave me 40 text messages (160 characters) a month, unlimited preset messages, unlimited tracking points, basic weather (which counts as one of your text messages) at a cost of $40.00 AUD per month on an annual plan (billed monthly). Garmin provides the option to change this plan at any stage so I will downgrade to the $20 AUD per month Safety Plan who not going on a long distance hike.

Overall set up cost

The cost of purchasing the unit at the time I purchased mine was $679.00 AUD (and still is). The annual cost of my plan (without overspending on text messages or premium weather) added $309.00 AUD (a mix of the recreation and safety plans). I could have gone for the cheaper plan for the entire year (the Safety Plan) which would have been half the price but given my text usage, this wasn’t economical. This is where it is worthwhile thinking about how much hiking and messaging you are going to be doing to ensure you get the right plan. This ability to change plans to suit your needs means that you won’t pay more than you need to.

There is also an option to pay only for the months that you need which would work out well for those hikers who may only do one or two longer trips a year. Again with the ‘as needed’ Freedom Plans plan you need to be sure of what your likely usage is going to be as there comes a time where choosing an annual plan becomes a better option.

Setting Up the Unit

I know this is a stereotype but as a typical male I’m not into reading instruction manuals preferring to work out how to use things and only reverting to manuals as a last resort. In using the Garmin InReach Explorer+ for the first time that’s exactly what I did. Even for people not used to using a GPS this unit is relatively easy to understand and I managed to get it set up for what I wanted.

My main criteria was long battery life so I set my Explorer+ up to log way points at 10 minute intervals which meant that my distances weren’t going to be as accurate with a much smaller timeframe. I also set up my sending interval (how often the way points are uploaded) to 30 minutes to again preserve battery life and this meant that the online map which was sharing my location to the world was potentially showing a lag distance between zero metres to 2.5 kilometres. You can change this sending interval for privacy if you prefer.

A set up a link with my iPhone 8 (now iPhone 12 mini) via the use of Garmin Earthmate App which is free to download. My main reasoning here was to type my text messages on my phone rather than using the Garmin itself which can be a bit painful due to the huge number of keystrokes. If you are old enough to remember sending text messages on the original Nokia phones then you will know what I mean. Set up also allows you to choose from a number of sounds and tones.

Carrying the Garmin Explorer+

The Explorer+ comes with a carabiner clip and I found that clipping this on to a loop on the top of the shoulder strap meant I could easily access it, could easily hear when I received a message and it didn’t bounce around. In talking to other hikers the unit also can sit in your pack and still operate but that just means that you will have to get it out to use it.

Messaging

Messaging via the unit itself could either be done with a series of preset texts via the Iridium satellite network. Messaging can either be an email or an SMS message and be freeform text message up to 160 characters or if you want, you can use one of the preset messages such as ‘Pick me up here’ or ‘Starting my trip’. I must admit I tend not to use the preset messages even though they don’t count towards your monthly allotment. I do prefer to use my phone to send messages as its so much quicker and only requires me to take my phone off flight mode for a couple of minutes at a time which greatly conserves the battery power.

The big plus here is that the Garmen Explorer+ is a two way system. The unit chirps at you to tell you the message has been sent and providing the receiver isn’t asleep or busy I would usually get a response within minutes.

Another feature with this messaging system is if you are hiking with a friend who also has one of the Garmin inReach range then you can keep in contact even if you are on another part of the trail.

Over my five week Bibbulmun Track hike there was only one occasion when my message didn’t get through and at that time I was in a tent at the bottom of a heavily treed valley and it was raining. However as soon as I moved 200metres on out of the deep valley the message sent. The ability to let my wife know I was OK and to hear back from her was worth the purchase price alone.  One way messenger devices such as the SPOT Gen 3 lack the two way ability however the newly released (to Australia) SPOT X is also an alternative to this device but with a different range of features.

Emergency Messaging

Thankfully I have never had to use a PLB device for either myself or for others but I love the idea of setting off the emergency component of this unit and having the call centre which is located in the USA, responding back with an approximate time (see below) as well as keeping in touch with your emergency contact as well. The issue with emergency services is that they may not get to you for a number of hours and having an idea of how long that will be is a great feature.

Online Mapping

Garmin has an online mapping system called MapShare. As the unit owner you have the ability to share your trip with a small number of selected people that you choose or the whole world. Depending on the setting you choose for uploading your waypoints, this online system will show where you are almost close to real time so family and friends can follow along with your journey at arms length. you can also delay this send time for privacy if you wish.

From my end I don’t tend to use this system as its usually my family following me. My wife informed me that this was the best feature. Being able to zoom in to 10 metres to ‘see’ the terrain and vegetation through which I was travelling provided a great sense of comfort and ‘being there’. Running a hiking blog I opened this system up to anyone who chose to follow me although I still set a password which I posted on Facebook. I was surprised on one day when another traveller approached me and it turned out it was someone who knew me and had seen where I was and came out to meet me on the trail.

General Information

While the ability to backtrack the way you came exists is a good feature if you get lost but its not something I tend to use. I use my GPS to log hikes and provide me with the information to write up a review. Like any GPS unit the Garmin InReach Explorer+ logs information from the hike you are doing. You can change how you see the screen but I stuck with the original screen which showed:

• Trip time
• Maximum speed
• Time moving
• Moving average
• Trip distance
• Odometer

And Finally

I’ve fallen in love with this unit and while the cost may be prohibitive for many people, it is great value and well worth considering if hiking is more than just the occasional hobby, and particularly if you are into remote solo hiking. As I write this article, the Garmin InReach Explorer+ is one of my most expensive piece of hiking equipment. However this device combines the functions of a GPS as well as a PLB so the price is not as expensive as it first appears and given all that it does, its a piece of gear I wouldn’t do without.

SOS messaging showing a response. Its good to know how long help will be (Image from Garmin)

Standard weather forecast(Image from Garmin). Premium weather has a lot more detail and is good if weather is considered a risk on your hike and you need to know fine detail

What's in the Box?

• InReach Explorer+
• Preloaded with TOPO (maps)
• USB cable
• Carabiner clip
• Documentation

Garmin InReach Explorer+ with the carabiner attached to the back of the unit

Garmin InReach Explorer+ back view

Garmin InReach Explorer+ side view. The Emergency button in located under the flap marked SOS

My Garmin InReach Explorer+ now lives on the left shoulder strap of my pack. This means that in the unlikely event that I am injured it within easy reach

 

Garmin InReach Explorer+ showing the map view. I allowed anyone who wanted to follow me on my five week trip by publishing a post on Facebook. I could have easily restricted this to certain people. This ‘follow function’ was real time and showed where I was within about zero to 20 minutes of my actual location

The same image as above but zoomed in

This image is at the closest zooming to about 10 metres. Not only does this allow family and friends to see where you are geographically but it also shows the terrain which gives them an idea of what you’re expereincing

We Like

• The two way communication ability is awesome and one of the main reasons that I bought this unit as my wife can keep in contact with me wherever I am
• Two way emergency contact
• The tracking ability provides peace of mind for family and friends
• Replaces my old GPS and PLB with one unit
• Preloaded with maps
• The Iridium satellite network which has the widest coverage worldwide
• Relatively simple to use
• Your subscription fees can either be on a plan or month to month. You choose!

We Don't Like

• The purchase price is not your only cost. If you want the full features then you need to pay extra
• The initial purchase price is expensive
• Texting conversations through the Garmin unit is fiddly. Pair with a phone for the easiest texting

Best Uses

A great GPS for just about any activity, hiking, biking or boating where you want to provide peace of mind to family and friends

Buy One

You can purchase the Garmin InReach Explorer+ online from Garmin

Disclosure:  We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

If you have used the Garmin InReach Explorer+ or if you have questions, we’d like to hear from you. Post your comment or question below

Investment

Unit Purchase

• $769 AUD

Activation Fee

• $49 AUD  (one off Charge)

Basic  Weather Charge

• Charged as one text message

Premium Weather Charge

• $1.50 AUD per forecast

Additional Text message once you exceed you monthly allotment

• $0.75 AUD per message

SEE FEE CHARGES BELOW

Garmin Australian subscription fees as at 8 June 2023

Other Versions

Garmin produces a large range of GPS models to suit just about any activity that you can imagine. In this range:

• Garmin GPSMAP 66i Handheld Hiking GPS & Satellite Communicator
• Garmin InReach SE+
• Garmin InReach Mini

What happens when you active the Emergency SOS button?

What happens when you set of an inReach?

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker

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