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

Bought for my son, and his hiking adventures. He is super thrilled!!

I paired the device (Bluetooth) to my 8” tablet (with the Earthmate app) where I can zoom in or out of area maps with great detail: this feature also allows me to send and receive text or e-mail messages from my tablet or smart phone--It is not necessary to use the clumsy texting interface on the device. In fact, I just keep the device on my shoulder strap and just use my smartphone for all necessary functions. The device is essentially just an “antenna to the satellites.” My wife really appreciates that the device can let her know of my status when I go solo backpacking: every e-mail and update (“pings”) automatically includes latitude and longitude coordinates and a link to a map (with MapShare) of where I am. I can plot waypoints for a trail before I set out or as I’m making my way.

This is a review for Garmin, not for the seller who sent the item and everything went fine. I received my Garmin and figured okay, getting online service and text messaging will be relatively cheap. Wrong, their data plans are absurd and for the cost of this device a 2-year warranty just does not cut it. Save yourself the 15-65$ a month because all the plans have horrible terms and character limits per text. It is designed to nickel and dime the consumer. I would much rather pay for full Starlink satellite internet or use the downloaded topo maps on your average smart phone which are usually free. I immediately requested a return after viewing their service plans. They charge you per text, and the cost varies based on current weather conditions. Location requests cost 10 cents per location unless on the premium plan at 65$ a month. The same also applies to the premium weather and premium marine weather, as both charge you 1$ per use unless on the premium plan which is outrageous in base price. They need much better data plans that are not from the 1990s cell phone minute plans. Make sure if you are reading this review to verify everything I listed here on Garmins own webpage.

I threw away my satellite phone because this device was so amazing. Live tracking for my family to watch me when Im out in wilderness or flying a paraglider makes us all feel closer. so cool

This item is quite impressive. Preloaded with maps will make it easier to change locations around the country without having to download maps as needed. The accuracy and quick recognition of satellites is superb. I find that even when leaving the unit on and in the car while changing locations the Explorer+ does keep track. The menus are simple and easy to read even in sunlight. The safety feature I hope I never have to use to call first responders. As a Sr Citizen I like the comfort of having that option when navigating rough trails and areas where critters might cause problems. its all good.

Ive used Garmin products for years so it took a little getting used to this as its not integrated into the Garmin maps and products like Basecamp yet. The messaging works well. The included maps are very detailed. Well worth the price for the piece of mind knowing you communicate anywhere in the world.

Location works. Map works. Track works. Distance traveled has not worked reliably. Speed does not work. Avg moving speed does not work. (Im 70 and pretty sure i cant walk 7mph with 30lbs for 6 hours, yet thats what it claimed)

This product is a life saver. I got trapped in a canyon after a mudslide, there was no cell service and I was trapped for four hours before someone found me. but I was able to communicate with my husband to let him know I was okay and would be late thanks to this device. My husband and I use this regularly, as I do volunteer first-responder work in areas that usually dont have cell service. My husband also goes off hiking by himself in the middle of nowhere, and now I feel safe knowing that he has a way to communicate with me and or call for help in an emergency. Garmin is a great company and weve used them for many years, I highly recommend this product and think that every family should have one in their home and bug out bag!

great product. essential for safety and backcountry communication

Bought for use when RV traveling in remote areas. Works flawlessly. You need to subscribe to have the ability to text. But its reasonable. I bought the least expensive plan that you could activate by the month (you need to pay an additional annual fee). I was always able to connect to satellite even at the Canadian border. We daily sent free texts to our relatives letting them know we were on schedule or had arrived. Those were what they called preset messages. You cant vary the text but they do send the message (i.e. were on schedule) that has a link so that the recipient can view your location. The least expensive plan allows 10 actual texts (total send/receive) but weve actually never gone to that limit! SOS remains untested but gives us peace of mind that if were injured or broken down on the road. We can send for help.