Garmin inReach

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Which one: Delorme inReach SE or Explorer? Key Differences + My Recommendation

By Andrew Skurka / July 2, 2015 /

[highlight]Update, January 2017. Garmin, which bought DeLorme about a year ago, just released two new inReach devices, the SE+ and Explorer+.[/highlight] [highlight]For a preview, read this post.[/highlight] [highlight]For all posts related to the new units, go here.[/highlight] In advance of my thru-hike later this month of the Kings Canyon High Basin Route, I purchased a…

DeLorme inReach Explorer vs SE: Two reasons to buy the Explorer

By Andrew Skurka / August 1, 2015 /

After my first post about the DeLorme inReach Explorer and SE, in which I recommended the SE over the Explorer, I was contacted by a DeLorme Product Manager who wanted to share additional information about the devices. While I stand by my SE recommendation, I would like to add nuance to the conversation: hardware differences, plus…

Pros, cons, & my picks: PLB’s, satellite messengers, & phones

By Andrew Skurka / October 4, 2015 /

Beyond the reliable range of cell phones, there are three types of satellite communicators that can make or maintain contact with family, friends, and — God forbid — emergency response teams: Personal locator beacons (PLB) Satellite phones Satellite messengers In this post, I will detail each device, identify its pros and cons, and share my buying…

Preview: New Garmin inReach SE+ and Explorer+

By Andrew Skurka / January 15, 2017 /

Garmin announced two new inReach devices shortly after the New Year, immediately prior to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES): inReach SE+ inReach Explorer+ Last week I was able to inspect them first-hand and discuss them with representatives at Outdoor Retailer (OR). The original manufacturer of the inReach, DeLorme, was purchased by Garmin a year ago. So the inReach+…

12 FAQ’s: inReach SE+ & Explorer+ || Incl, Will old devices be serviced?

By Andrew Skurka / January 31, 2017 /

My earlier preview of the new Garmin inReach SE+ and Explorer+ prompted as many reader questions as it sought to answer. So I followed up with Garmin to dive deeper into technical matters, clarify product functionality, and discuss future product roll-outs. If you’re not yet familiar with the inReach+ units, read the preview first, then return…

inReach+ U/I and features || Topo NA, test tool, quick type & weather

By Andrew Skurka / February 2, 2017 /

The $400 and $450 retail prices on the new Garmin inReach SE+ and Garmin inReach Explorer+ probably causes many prospective customers to balk. Like the second-generation inReach units, the inReach+ models can send and receive text messages and emergency signals even if outside of cellular range. But the inReach+ units are more than just that. They…

Garmin responds: S.O.S. lock switch failure on inReach SE & Explorer

By Andrew Skurka / October 8, 2017 /

Last month on Roman’s blog you may have read a report by and plea for help from Nathan Shoutis, about his experience with faulty S.O.S. lock switches on the DeLorme inReach SE and Explorer. He also shared his experience in a comment on this blog. The short story is that while on an 18-day packrafting…

Garmin inReach deep dive: Default & downloadable maps & imagery

By Andrew Skurka / March 28, 2018 /

Overnight I received this question from reader Bob B.: This question — and just about any other that you can imagine — has been answered previously in my previous posts about the Garmin inReach SE+ and Explorer+: Preview: New Garmin inReach SE+ and Explorer+ 12 FAQ’s: inReach SE+ & Explorer+ || Incl, Will old devices…

Are Garmin’s inReach Units Accidentally Calling SAR?

By Andrew Skurka / April 2, 2018 /

By applying normal pressure to the SOS button on my inReach, I can initiate a SOS message despite the lock switch being properly engaged. Can you?

Preview: Garmin inReach Mini || 2-way satellite messaging for 3.5 oz!

By Andrew Skurka / May 3, 2018 /

Garmin dropped a big surprise this morning: a new addition to its popular inReach line, the inReach Mini. This new device is noteworthy for two reasons: 1. Size The inReach Mini weighs just 3.5 oz (100 grams) and measures 4″ x 2″ x 1″ (5 cm x 10 cm x 2.5 cm), making it about half…