Garmin 010-01735-10 inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator with Topo Maps and GPS Navigation

Bought this for the SOS function because I hike alone from time to time. Tested it in the White Mountains with absolutely no cell service and it worked perfectly. The app that Bluetooths to your phone makes it really easy to send a message or zoom on a map. Its a great feeling knowing Ill be able to get help if I take a spill or get stuck with weather.

The GPS features are very awkward to use. Zooming in or adjusting the map is very difficult. Trying to input data or messages using the device is very frustrating and time consuming. The battery life is very poor especially if you have is set to track you at shorter intervals. The only way to make this device usable is to pair it with your phone. Then the ease of use improves to a passable grade. Satellite texting becomes much easier to do on your phone. You are probably better off buying the inReach Mini (which will be much lighter--3.5 oz. vs. 7.5 oz.) and using an excellent GPS app like Gaia on your phone. Gaia lets you download detailed map data to your phone and it is smoother and easier to use. Also, Beware of the inReach service plans. They will continue to charge your card monthly until you cancel or suspend your service. They send you no notifications until after they re-charge your card and send you the invoice. But by then, it is too late, they will not refund your money. At best, you can hope for a one-time courtesy credit. Garmin could definitely be more flexible and helpful with this policy. Overall, my Garmin experience has been disappointing.

We do a bit of off roading and knowing I can request help when the phones have no service. It eases the mind.

Great device for exploring and flying! Little hard to use - not super intuitive and GUI feels and sounds like its from the late 90s. Just what you would expect from Garmin I suppose! :-) Little on the expensive side for plans. Seems like everyone wants $20 a month for everything these days.

Easy to use

I am a single gal hiking, camping, & skiing in the Rockies. I got my family to split up the cost of this with me as my Christmas present. Best Gift Ever!!! I use it at least once per week. Just the peace of mind alone is worth it. Always tell someone where youre going, and then send your (free!) preset messages once per hour or so, so that they know your last location. There is also the option of sending custom typed messages which are sent and received at 25 cents each. I used this, for example, to have someone check the weather radar for me from home while I was on a mountain ridgeline, and multiple times camping to tell my momma goodnight with no cell signal.

Good backup to cell phone especially in areas with no cell signal. Preference is to use their App on cell phone that talks Bluetooth to device but you can directly use the device itself if no phone option. The device interface is a bit of a throw back to the 90s (no touch screen) but useable. Iridium is best satellite network for these kind of devices as they use a polar orbiting constellation and they are actively adding new satellites. Anywhere on planet, you are likely to have at least one Iridium satellite transiting overhead your location within a reasonable period and it will be in view to the device long enough to at least get a quick SOS with Lat/Lon text message out if you are e.g. stuck in a slot canyon and dont have a view of the equatorial horizon that some satellite communicators require. If you can afford an actual satellite voice phone and plan, good on you. Otherwise, this is a reasonable and affordable safety solution for those who venture beyond cell coverage areas. The safety plan on an annual basis is about $14USD/month. Be careful with the glass on the front as it will get scratched up.

Highest resolution of any Garmin product that Ive owned- Nuvia, Navigator, Edge. Super easy setup. No haggle, industry consistent pricing. I cancelled my Spot Gen 3 and couldnt be happier.

Satellite communication can be achieved, but the inReach is not a true Garmin’s product.

Work in progress but worth it. Was on the ocean for 12 days and this never failed. The interface is not the best but you can connect it to your phone and write messages with your phone. That interface is also a work in progress, dont compare it to your cellphone, compare it to a letter carrying pigeon, your other alternative when youre on the open ocean.