Garmin inReach Explorer+ & iPad Mini

[Nostrathomas]

After (too) much research I decided on the Garmin inReach Explorer+ Paired with an iPad Mini 2 for navigation.

Driving factors over other iPad passed solutions:

• Items need to serve more than one purpose
  -- GPS plus tracking, waypoints etc.
  -- Texting and track following for the family
  -- SOS
  -- Portable when I need navigation on foot.
• Paired with the InReach other apps still work
  -- Still allows me to use other iPad apps for additional capability.

View of the cockpit

From the driver's seat

I'm usually traveling with my 12yo son focused on fishing and camping. The ability to share location and text coupled with push button SOS was a big hit with the Chief of House.

Will provide an update after hitting the trails.

The setup:

Garmin inReach Explorer+ -- REI
Powered Mount with Suction Cup 010-12525-02 -- Garmin
ProClip Toyota 4Runner Console Mount -- ProClip
Ram Mount EZ-ROLL'R Cradle for the Apple iPad mini -- Amazon
Ram Mount RAM-B-101U-C 1-Inch Diameter Ball Mount with Long Double Socket Arm (Black) -- Amazon

 

[dv061j]

Is your iPad a wifi only unit or do you need to have the cellular+wifi to link it to the Garmin? I am looking to do something similar with the Garmin inReach Explorer I got from Ramon's recent group buy.

 

[LawnDart]

Is your iPad a wifi only unit or do you need to have the cellular+wifi to link it to the Garmin? I am looking to do something similar with the Garmin inReach Explorer I got from Ramon's recent group buy.

You don't need cellular at all. If you pre-cache your data in advance all the inreach does is act as a provider of your GPS position for those maps. It's why I don't really recommend the PLUS model of inreaches, since the built in maps are pretty pointless.

 

[CRFofiddyF]

This setup is something I am looking into. I believe the unit connects to the ipad via BT.

 

[randomguy]

My iPad mini really wobbles on the Proclip Mount... how is it for you?

I’m thinking about the Expedition Essentials TPAM for the iPad. Looks solid enough and it would facilitate a shorter arm.

 

[jrandom]

My iPad mini really wobbles on the Proclip Mount... how is it for you?

I’m thinking about the Expedition Essentials TPAM for the iPad. Looks solid enough and it would facilitate a shorter arm.

Ram mounts, expensive but solid, reliable, interchangeable, think LEGO of device mounting hardware.

EDIT: Ah I see that is just some power accessoring mounting bar.

 

[Off-choader]

Happy with the garmin? Im not in the market just curious.. I have owned about 6 garmin devices and every single one has failed within the first 2 years

nice setup though

 

[4Running303]

View of the cockpit

From the driver's seat

Keep an eye on the ProClip mount. The part underneath the RAM base just snapped on me. I had it holding my tablet just like you with the ram arm.

 

[msp]

Happy with the garmin? Im not in the market just curious.. I have owned about 6 garmin devices and every single one has failed within the first 2 years

nice setup though

I'm approaching the end of year 2 with the InReach. No problems. I use it more as an emergency option, and to communicate with home if there's no cell signal.

 

[randomguy]

Ram mounts, expensive but solid, reliable, interchangeable, think LEGO of device mounting hardware.

EDIT: Ah I see that is just some power accessoring mounting bar.

I'm running an X Grip on my Pro Clip now. Rock solid with my iPhone SE. Not so much with my iPad mini in the Tab-Tite mount.

 

[unsub1]

Hey [MENTION=147836]Nostrathomas[/MENTION] , looking at the same setup for similar circumstances (taking my 10 year old to the mountains to mountain bike for a month this summer) so I'm REALLY curious of any details and input. Looks great.

 

[adio3x]

What mount are you using for the inreach?

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Happy with the garmin? Im not in the market just curious.. I have owned about 6 garmin devices and every single one has failed within the first 2 years

nice setup though

My Garmin experience is opposite of yours. I have a 18 year old Garmin gps that is outdated but works great. I also have a 6 year old Garmin 62STC that I rely on a lot that works flawlessly. I also have 2 old Garmin on road navigation gps's that work great other than the battery dying quick with out exterior power cord attached. I am highly satisfied with Garmin. I have looked into the inreach but do not like the annual subscription fees. I guess that would be a small price to pay though if it was really needed.

 

[SurgicalApple]

After (too) much research I decided on the Garmin inReach Explorer+ Paired with an iPad Mini 2 for navigation.

Driving factors over other iPad passed solutions:

• Items need to serve more than one purpose
  -- GPS plus tracking, waypoints etc.
  -- Texting and track following for the family
  -- SOS
  -- Portable when I need navigation on foot.
• Paired with the InReach other apps still work
  -- Still allows me to use other iPad apps for additional capability.

View of the cockpit

From the driver's seat

I'm usually traveling with my 12yo son focused on fishing and camping. The ability to share location and text coupled with push button SOS was a big hit with the Chief of House.

Will provide an update after hitting the trails.

The setup:

Garmin inReach Explorer+ -- REI
ProClip Toyota 4Runner Console Mount -- ProClip
Ram Mount EZ-ROLL'R Cradle for the Apple iPad mini -- Amazon
Ram Mount RAM-B-101U-C 1-Inch Diameter Ball Mount with Long Double Socket Arm (Black) -- Amazon

OP, that mount for the iPad mini - does it swivel so the passenger can see it as well? Also, how did you put together that mount??

 

[Nostrathomas]

Will update the original post
Powered Mount with Suction Cup
010-12525-02

 

[Nostrathomas]

OP, that mount for the iPad mini - does it swivel so the passenger can see it as well? Also, how did you put together that mount??

Yes, it can swivel for the navigation. Details are in the original post.

 

[Nostrathomas]

[MENTION=217430]SurgicalApple[/MENTION] Yes it can swivel for passenger navigation. Mount parts in OP

 

[unsub1]

Happy with the garmin? Im not in the market just curious.. I have owned about 6 garmin devices and every single one has failed within the first 2 years

nice setup though

I've owned at least ten Garmin devices for mountain biking, exploring, and traveling, and prefer them over most others. One of the first things I did when I got my 4runner was get a Kenwood nav in there so I could get back to Garmin like my previous vehicles.

I do enough solo mountain biking and riding with my son in remote places that the Inreach Explorer looks to be perfect.

 

[unsub1]

I have looked into the inreach but do not like the annual subscription fees. I guess that would be a small price to pay though if it was really needed.

They offer monthly plans for as little as $15/month too.

 

[Louisiana Overland]

Happy with the garmin? Im not in the market just curious.. I have owned about 6 garmin devices and every single one has failed within the first 2 years

nice setup though

I use an ipad mini + garmin glo+ gaia gps app

The garmin glo is a simple bluetooth gps reciever and generates my "current location" on the gaia maps i save on the ipad. The ipad is wifi only. I store the maps on it before trips so no connection is needed. Everything works well together and is pretty much fool proof. The glo has an internal battery and can also be used with the mini or any other ios device as a gps reciever for hiking. Just be sure to save maps to the device before you drive off to a location with zero cellular or wifi coverage. I did the georgia traverse with zero mishaps.