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

First off people, a huge nod to customer service at Garmin/Delorme. I bought my first InReach, traveled to South America, and promptly had it stolen. I had to scramble to cancel my service, which cost me about $125 to cancel. I didnt want to have the thief causing me excess usage charges, plus, he shouldnt get to benefit from my toy. When I returned from a grueling solo mountain bid on Aconcagua, after recovery, I wrote Garmin and explained my situation. I asked them if they would credit my account, for my inconvenience. They did just that. I bought another unit, and my activation fee and first month were credited to me. What exceptional service! They had no obligation to do that, but that is how you keep a loyal customer, and that is how you go above and beyond.

I have been using the In Reach Explorer for about 2 months now and so far I am very pleased with it. I am now in my late 60s and wanted a reliable safety net when out fly fishing on my own. Dont always have reliable cell phone connection in some areas that I go and this is a great option. The battery life is good for 2-3 days and the basic monthly service plan is less than $15 a month which is a small price to pay for something that could save your life. The In Reach Explorer is also good as a very basic GPS and I can send one of three preselected text messages for free to let my wife know when Im leaving or if Im going to be late. All in all, it is a great thing to have and I wouldnt take a trip without it.

[WARNING: THIS IS NOT A NORMAL GPS - YOU NEED A SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE IRIDIUM NETWORK. BUT ITS 100% WORTH IT AND COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE]

Safety in my hiking. Keeping my wife updated while on the trail.

This item is useless for road travel and the web description is incorrect. I have been a faithful Garmin customer for other products but this one was a complete and total waste of money. Sadly, I purchased it well in advance of my planned road trip and apparently now I cannot return it. It is the most expensive doorstop I have ever purchased.

Great for peace of mind!!!!

My old review is listed below.

I bought this for my photographer son. He hikes where there is no cell service. He said it works great. Lots of peace of mind for family!

I am so thoroughly disappointed in this GPS. It isnt intuitive at all, the base map has 0 trails on it, further reading suggests that the only good maps are backroad map book (which you need to order in the mail, which is great for my upcoming trips), scrolling the map is tedious, there is no detail on the maps, and no support. I could go on. Basically I have a paper weight that I paid 600 for. Never ordering another product from this company.

I am so glad I bought this for my Fiancé for Christmas! We live in Alaska, and hike all the time! When I am not hiking with him, I can track him via the link that he sent me, and it gives me such peace of mind to know he is still on the move and see when he has turned around and on his way back.