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

It doesnt error out if a message isnt properly sent. Worse it dings the same sound regardless of send status. Its super sketchy if you think text are being sent and they really arent being delivered. Its sat so its expected to not work as well as cellular. However, error statuses are sorely needed.

Garmin INREACH Explorer+ is an enormous improvement over the original SPOT unit I used previously. Satellite communication is as fast as can be expected. Ive always been able to send a personal message within a minute or so. Fortunately, I have not needed to send a SOS message. I am also completely satisfied with Garmin Support. The battery in my original INREACH unit did not consistently hold charge, although it worked well enough for me to use it during a one week elk hunt. Garmin Support immediately sent me a replacement unit. I often hunt elk alone in rugged country. I am pleased to have a dependable device that can rapidly communicate my location and status.

Needs a keypad. Texting is difficult. The plan is too expensive for what you get.

Overall this is a great product for those going out in the backcountry. Its nice to have the added security of knowing that you can get help, regardless of location (Unless youre in a cave, then youre screwed). Satellite communication takes a few minutes usually, but Ive sent and received text messages so far, no issues. The weather forecast is also a nice feature that can be very helpful in certain situation when forecasts change hourly. Tracking, allowing family and others to see your progress, is great. The subscription costs are completely reasonable in my book, so no issues there.

I recently used this on a transatlantic voyage. It worked great for texting with family on shore. Battery life was very good.

Used for off line fishing and camping areas where emergency communication might be required Well made robust and constantly reliable would recommend

I bought this more expensive version because of the extra features, like preloaded maps but, I had to download more detailed maps from Earthmate anyways just as I could have on the cheaper version. My smart phone is still more practical as a GPS with its more detailed free maps I get from the appstore. This product will only be used for emergency situations where cell coverage is lost and I need to contact family.

Great product but ZERO product support from Garmin. Multiple communications with the support staff yielded misinformation, commitments that weren’t followed through on, billing errors...a total train wreck! I’ve owned more Garmin products than I can count but they’ve sure dropped the ball on this one! Actually had to have Visa reverse a $175 charge they erroneously assessed because they did nothing to correct it after multiple attempts to have them do. Expected better from a giant company like this, especially after patronizing them for 20 years!

Perfect for backpacking. This Garmin not only gave us peace of mind, it also allowed us to communicate with our family and allowed them to track our progress. We purchased this unit prior to leaving on our first multiday backpacking trip and used it twice when we veered off of the trail. It got us back on track quickly.

If you’re a solo adventurer like me, it’s a must have