User Tag List

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 04-28-2020, 03:42 PM #1
utctscanr75's Avatar
utctscanr75 utctscanr75 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 398
Real Name: Bird Dog Overland
utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light
utctscanr75 utctscanr75 is offline
Member
utctscanr75's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 398
Real Name: Bird Dog Overland
utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light
Garmin inReach Explorer+ or Mini

Considering one of these GPS units for future trips and am curious what others' opinions are. Both cover the main function I'm looking for (SOS), but what other features do you find beneficial in the Explorer+ versus the Mini when overlanding in Cellular dead zones?

Last edited by utctscanr75; 04-28-2020 at 04:15 PM.
utctscanr75 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-28-2020, 04:31 PM #2
Bumbo's Avatar
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
Bumbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Quote:
Originally Posted by utctscanr75 View Post
Considering one of these GPS units for future trips and am curious what others' opinions are. Both cover the main function I'm looking for (SOS), but what other features do you find beneficial in the Explorer+ versus the Mini when overlanding in Cellular dead zones?
Personally I am all about the Mini... the size makes it substantially more convenient and usable to me for how I intended to use it.

It works well, packs small, and is easy to wear as well (like clipped to a hydration pack) if you had to go mobile.

I do use it for live tracking points and the Garmin site works pretty good for friends and family to keep tabs on me, but I mainly bought it as a communication tool for messaging/texting.

Because it works as a satellite modem, you can connect to it using your smart phone for the purpose of message input/output so your are not limited by not having the larger unit.

Its also super easy to send pre-set messages from the unit without a phone, and those are free, so its not like you NEED to use the phone and app to make it usable.

I bought this mainly as a SHTF saftey device / SOS. The fact I can even use it as a 2-Way messenger is just a perk for those times I am out of cellular coverage.

I have been pretty happy with the unit, service, and Iridium sat network.

These units are not the greatest for navigation and mapping, their regular GPS only units (like the 64st) function better for this.

If you really need to keep it all into a single device, that would be the only reason I could see for getting the Explorer Plus. I already have other much better tools for that, and don't really need the overlap because I know I am not going to maintain it.

Last edited by Bumbo; 04-28-2020 at 04:49 PM.
Bumbo is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-29-2020, 01:31 PM #3
3bears 3bears is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: north east of Fairbank out there in the frontiers Alaska
Posts: 3,156
Real Name: 3 Bears
3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold
3bears 3bears is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: north east of Fairbank out there in the frontiers Alaska
Posts: 3,156
Real Name: 3 Bears
3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold
Quote:
Originally Posted by utctscanr75 View Post
Considering one of these GPS units for future trips and am curious what others' opinions are. Both cover the main function I'm looking for (SOS), but what other features do you find beneficial in the Explorer+ versus the Mini when overlanding in Cellular dead zones?

I do not have an answer....but thanks for asking as I am curious as well.

Last year my son got the Explorer and we broke down in the middle of bum frick no place.....absolutely no cell service and he was able to communicate with his garmin explorer and get us help...and when I say middle of no place...we are in Alaska.
He also uses it for his way points etc even when we are fishing...so we know where to come back to the honey holes.
This year I plan to get my own...just not sure what model.
Satellite phones are too much money....was looking into ham radio...but am goinig to go the garmin route
__________________
2000 SR-5 Highlander version 4:30's, factory locker , green, bought 6/21
2001 SR-5... bought 11/20..sold 6/21....
2000 SR-5 moded, lifted, e locker, other cool stuff, totaled 10/20
3bears is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-29-2020, 03:08 PM #4
Bumbo's Avatar
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
Bumbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3bears View Post
Satellite phones are too much money....was looking into ham radio...but am goinig to go the garmin route
I am a firm believer and user of ham radio, and still feel they have an important place in my kit, but in a personal emergency where infrastructure isn't compromised, I really don't think there is a better / more reliable tool than the Garmin InReach.

What I find attractive about ham radio is that there is no monthly cost to own or use it. It can operate 100% independent of any external infrastructure, and its extremely powerful. It's about as good as it gets for a civilian.

My biggest concern with ham radio in a personal emergency is two things... familiarity with your equipment and ability to act under pressure or in time constraints, and you also need to have someone on the other end listening.

Using a ham radio takes training and some preparation to really do it right, especially in an emergency.

While it cost money to have the InReach, you basically get a 24/7 monitored satellite 911 call center watching over you. You also have the option to buy insurance for medical transport and search and rescue if that is something you feel is necessary.

Last edited by Bumbo; 04-29-2020 at 03:14 PM.
Bumbo is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-29-2020, 03:16 PM #5
eddielasvegas eddielasvegas is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Snottsdale, AZ
Posts: 500
Real Name: Eddie
eddielasvegas has a spectacular aura about eddielasvegas has a spectacular aura about
eddielasvegas eddielasvegas is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Snottsdale, AZ
Posts: 500
Real Name: Eddie
eddielasvegas has a spectacular aura about eddielasvegas has a spectacular aura about
My 2 cents since I have an inReach Explorer+. I used it last year for scouting trips and my elk hunt. I will use it again this year since I was drawn again. It's nice to know I have an option in a worst case scenario, especially since I scout and hunt solo.

If I were only using it for the SOS function and was concerned about every ounce I'm carrying, I'd get the mini all day long. The mini has shorter battery life by a fair amount and smaller black and white screen (if you are old like me this is a big deal), but it is very light and takes up almost no space.

The Explorer+ is about twice the size and weight IIRC but has double the battery life, built in maps, tracking points and messaging (I think the mini has this too), a color screen and a few other features I cannot recall.

The extra ounces and size were a good trade off for me.

Both are a little pricey, but here's a suggestion to save a few bucks as I got a smoking deal on my Explorer+. Visit and search hunting, or any outdoor related forums to find one used. They do come up occasionally and that's how I found mine. I posted a WTB ad and got one that was almost like new and for a great price.

Good luck,

Eddie
__________________
2001 T4R SR5 - 180k miles and counting.

Last edited by eddielasvegas; 04-29-2020 at 03:19 PM.
eddielasvegas is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-29-2020, 03:25 PM #6
Bumbo's Avatar
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
Bumbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
The mini can do everything the Explorer + can do, but in a smaller form factor.

Because of it's size, some of those functions are better suited when using the optional app.

Garmin Earthmate(R) GPS Navigation App

@eddielasvegas
I don't disagree in your points in favor of the Explorer +, it's all coming down to how you personally intend on using it.
Bumbo is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-29-2020, 03:33 PM #7
Lost-Again's Avatar
Lost-Again Lost-Again is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Texas
Posts: 110
Real Name: Old man
Lost-Again will become famous soon enough
Lost-Again Lost-Again is offline
Member
Lost-Again's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Texas
Posts: 110
Real Name: Old man
Lost-Again will become famous soon enough
Mini

I have the Mini. I would buy it again in a heartbeat! BigBend has no service of any kind. Pretty cool communicating with the family back home. my only complaint is that I can't find a holder small enough for it that I like. There are lots out there but seem to swallow it up.
__________________
2018 T4R TRD Pro Stock - RSG Sliders - Lock'er Down Console Safe - Yaesu 7900 - Cobra 75 - Garmin 55 Dash Cam - Gaia GPS - Garmin InReach Mini - Earthmate - Baja Designs Squad Sport Ditch Lights w/ Cali Raised Low Profile Ditch Light Brackets -Diode Dynamics SS3 Fog Light Kit - LFD Crossbars - BFG K2s - Warn VR EVO 10s - Warn Semi-Hidden Bumper
Lost-Again is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-29-2020, 03:42 PM #8
3bears 3bears is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: north east of Fairbank out there in the frontiers Alaska
Posts: 3,156
Real Name: 3 Bears
3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold
3bears 3bears is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: north east of Fairbank out there in the frontiers Alaska
Posts: 3,156
Real Name: 3 Bears
3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold 3bears is a splendid one to behold
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bumbo View Post
I am a firm believer and user of ham radio, and still feel they have an important place in my kit, but in a personal emergency where infrastructure isn't compromised, I really don't think there is a better / more reliable tool than the Garmin InReach.

What I find attractive about ham radio is that there is no monthly cost to own or use it. It can operate 100% independent of any external infrastructure, and its extremely powerful. It's about as good as it gets for a civilian.

My biggest concern with ham radio in a personal emergency is two things... familiarity with your equipment and ability to act under pressure or in time constraints, and you also need to have someone on the other end listening.

Using a ham radio takes training and some preparation to really do it right, especially in an emergency.

While it cost money to have the InReach, you basically get a 24/7 monitored satellite 911 call center watching over you. You also have the option to buy insurance for medical transport and search and rescue if that is something you feel is necessary.

I have explored ham radio and would take one b4 a cb if I could, esp in remote areas. And they are good in a zombie apocalypses, not locked to cell towers or satellites. Ok jokes aside....

I was researching it even up to the 26th of this month...emailing and stuff with the person responsible for this zone ( washington oregon and alsaka) and the guy who does the testing for Alaska.
I was told to get the Gordon West book to study for the ARRL Exam.
I guess because I live in such a strange state...Alaska...to take the test is a 300 mile one way drive to take the test...only offered on the 3rd saturday of the month at 7pm...that turns it into an overnighter $$$. Plus the building they do the test in is closed due to the bug...and no testing till late may...and may have to be a one on one test with special arrangements. Needs to be an easier way..cant believe it is so difficult to get up here..but I have had family issues that have kept me from researching further the past few days
__________________
2000 SR-5 Highlander version 4:30's, factory locker , green, bought 6/21
2001 SR-5... bought 11/20..sold 6/21....
2000 SR-5 moded, lifted, e locker, other cool stuff, totaled 10/20

Last edited by 3bears; 04-29-2020 at 03:48 PM.
3bears is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-29-2020, 04:17 PM #9
Bumbo's Avatar
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
Bumbo Bumbo is offline
Senior Member
Bumbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,529
Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of Bumbo has much to be proud of
@3bears

You might want to look into online testing to see if its possible for you.

From what I am reading/watching, it sounds like for the first time in ham radio history they have started to accommodate testing remotely online due to Covid.

I have a Technician licence, but am now considering going for my General if I can test online. I'm catching up with all this news myself as this is all new very current info in the last week or so.
Bumbo is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 04-30-2020, 12:11 PM #10
utctscanr75's Avatar
utctscanr75 utctscanr75 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 398
Real Name: Bird Dog Overland
utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light
utctscanr75 utctscanr75 is offline
Member
utctscanr75's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 398
Real Name: Bird Dog Overland
utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light
Thanks for all of the responses. I think I'm going to go with the Mini unit. I'm mostly going to use this for SOS function as I have Gaia on my iPhone and iPad. I also read that I can import GPX files into the Earthmate app as well.
utctscanr75 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 05-01-2020, 03:10 PM #11
RockyMtnRunnr RockyMtnRunnr is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Colorado
Posts: 12
RockyMtnRunnr is on a distinguished road
RockyMtnRunnr RockyMtnRunnr is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Colorado
Posts: 12
RockyMtnRunnr is on a distinguished road
+1 on the mini. I've got the generation before the mini (and also used the original Spot devices). IMO the best way to use these devices is to pair to your smart phone (in airplane mode). the inReach feeds your phone a GPS location so you're able to use downloadable maps, compose messages, etc without having another large device to carry / charge / worry about.

When backcountry skiing or backpacking, I leave my inReach in the top pocket of my pack and just use my phone to control / check. Really great device. My original SPOT saved my ski partner's life after a really bad fall off a cliff in 2014.
RockyMtnRunnr is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 05-13-2020, 09:25 AM #12
utctscanr75's Avatar
utctscanr75 utctscanr75 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 398
Real Name: Bird Dog Overland
utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light
utctscanr75 utctscanr75 is offline
Member
utctscanr75's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 398
Real Name: Bird Dog Overland
utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light
Quick question, my iPad doesn’t have Cellular/gps. If it is paired with the Garmin Mini, will I be able to use Gaia on my iPad without WiFi?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
utctscanr75 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 05-13-2020, 08:11 PM #13
El Dusty's Avatar
El Dusty El Dusty is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Denver
Posts: 285
El Dusty has a spectacular aura about El Dusty has a spectacular aura about El Dusty has a spectacular aura about
El Dusty El Dusty is offline
Member
El Dusty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Denver
Posts: 285
El Dusty has a spectacular aura about El Dusty has a spectacular aura about El Dusty has a spectacular aura about
+1 to the mini for form factor, ease of use (as a standalone satellite messenger) and even better when connected to a phone for messaging. Not a fan of the mapping software and have never used it after being introduced to Gaia.

The only reason I would see the explorer+ being a better choice is if you need a standalone map/tracking device with a usable color screen. I could see hunting and extended backpacking users need this since it does have longer battery life and is more functional if your phone dies or is not a part of your kit.

Quote:
Originally Posted by utctscanr75 View Post
Quick question, my iPad doesn’t have Cellular/gps. If it is paired with the Garmin Mini, will I be able to use Gaia on my iPad without WiFi?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yes the mini will pair via bluetooth and you will need a subscription to use it in this way. It will only give you gps location data however so you will need to pre-download the map data beforehand.

As an alternative there are lightning connector dongles you can buy that will enable your ipad to get a gps signal without needing any subscription but I can speak for their reliability. You would lose the messaging and SOS capability with this dongle only setup which is why most people grab the garmin.

Last edited by El Dusty; 05-13-2020 at 08:14 PM.
El Dusty is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 05-14-2020, 10:09 AM #14
utctscanr75's Avatar
utctscanr75 utctscanr75 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 398
Real Name: Bird Dog Overland
utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light
utctscanr75 utctscanr75 is offline
Member
utctscanr75's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 398
Real Name: Bird Dog Overland
utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light utctscanr75 is a glorious beacon of light
Quote:
Originally Posted by El Dusty View Post
+1



Yes the mini will pair via bluetooth and you will need a subscription to use it in this way. It will only give you gps location data however so you will need to pre-download the map data beforehand.
Just wanted to confirm. I have Gaia as well and given the Earthmate maps aren't as good, I was hoping that my non-GPS iPad Pro would be able to receive the GPS location for the Gaia app through the inReach mini. I wouldn't have a problem pre-downloading the maps on there.
utctscanr75 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 08-05-2020, 07:11 PM #15
Toxicity927 Toxicity927 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: La Habra, CA
Posts: 16
Toxicity927 is on a distinguished road
Toxicity927 Toxicity927 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: La Habra, CA
Posts: 16
Toxicity927 is on a distinguished road
How about an update? Did you get the mini? How do you like it?

I have the explorer + and love it. I’m actually on my second one (dog ate my first). I got this because we hike often and like to have the waypoints and map at hand.
__________________
2005 SR5 V8, Bilstein 5100’s, OME coils, Method wheels, 5th gen front rotors and calipers, RBP mud terrains, NWTI rear bumper, Coastal OffRoad front bumper, DIY BMC, Smittybilt winch, ?rock sliders?, homemade rear storage drawers, Cali raised lights front rear ditch, LC80 snorkel, Prinsu rack, Overlander XL RTT, ARB dual compressor, ......
Toxicity927 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Tags
explorer+ , features , garmin , mini , sos

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
**CLOSED**Garmin Inreach Explorer round three - Group Buy** ramonortiz55 Group Buys 35 11-18-2019 03:59 PM
**CLOSED**Garmin Inreach Explorer round two - Group Buy** ramonortiz55 Group Buys 89 09-06-2018 06:18 AM
Garmin inReach Explorer+ & iPad Mini Nostrathomas 5th gen T4Rs 20 05-01-2018 09:51 PM
WTB: DeLorme InReach Explorer or SE Offcamber Want to Buy/Trade 0 07-13-2017 09:47 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:08 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger
 
Copyright © 2020