Gear Review: Garmin inReach Mini & Garmin inReach Explorer

Both these Garmins offer many different functions to use in the field. With inReach connectivity, your family and friends will know they can stay in touch with you no matter where you.

If you have any questions please comment below and one of our gear experts will get back to you!

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[RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Excellent! I live in interior Alaska and for 7 years always take my InReach with me. A subscription cost of $13 per month gives me and my family peace of mind. There is no extra cost for sending preset messages such as "Safe back at camp--good night". Plus if you want you can broadcast your position on a map to selected Facebook users at a user-specified interval like every 4 hours. I used the InReach each night to send a preset message and after 14 days, the battery was at 90%, so really good battery life if kept off except for daily preset messages. I also like the InReach because if you break your smart phone no big deal, you can still use your InReach

[tictachikes]

Great video. Straight to the point and backed up by experience of different countries. Thanks!

[KartArt]

Garmin says specifically that these both work as stand alone GPS units regardless of your subscription status. The subscription is just for the messaging and SOS feature.

[MountainMan_NZ]

I'm really happy with my Explorer Plus for backpack hunting in New Zealand's southern alps or Australia's Victoria alpine national park.

[kevincrosby]

Hi how are You doing? I prefer the Garmin Inreach Explorer with the Maps on it myself.

[sweet.dreams]

does the texting work without a cellphone, i dont have a cell phone and never will, i would use the mini just for texting so hope it is standalone with the satellite subscription only

[paparomesoutdoors]

Just got the explorer didn’t realize I can’t use it as a GPS without a subscription it was a gift. When you say messaging does it only go from device to device or will to
Those messages go to someone with a phone?

[jaredwhite]

Very happy with my mini, tethering to the phone makes it better then the full size I think minus that you need to download maps ahead of tome the + has that advantage

[elmerfudd]

Myself and several of my friends that live in the same area experienced failures trying to text recently. Garmin blames phone service, phone service blames Garmin. Was told that Garmin got hacked. Be careful with these things. They don't always work.

[LostCaper]

are you saying the gps function will not work without a subscription? I believe that is what you said. I am looking at buying one but I don't like this if you need a subscription to use the gps.

[wildwolf]

Can I I navigate with either device without paying any plans?

[selenajones]

...swamp gal here ...
Thanks man great reveiw

[channel-erjm]

Hi how are You doing? I am just wondering if the Garmin Inreach Mini cheaper for the plans than the Garmin Inreach Explorer Plus?

[newfoundadv]

How does the battery hold up in sub zero temperatures? Thanks!

[thewongster]

Can I go without the subscription services? But say I do get stranded am I able to activate the subscription services in the situation so I can get out of it?

[whiskkers]

At 1:24 you stated the unit will only act as a GPS if you have an active subscription. So does that mean without a subscription its basically a paper weight? Not trying to be a smart arse here, just trying to make sure I understand this before I buy it.

Also, if kids happen to press the SOS button by playing around and rescue is dispatched is there also a fee for their services if they come to your aid?

[DTruth]

I go way offshore... will the GPS Function get me home?

[alejandraguadian]

does this need to be used with cell phones? trying to use if not access to telephone connection/cell phones/poles

[whynottalklikeapirat]

Does the mini offer weather forecastS?

[mguido]

Can you post photos to social media? Is it just Facebook and Twitter, or Instagram as well?