Garmin inReach Explorer+ or Mini

[utctscanr75]

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?

 

[Bumbo]

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.

 

[3bears]

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

 

[Bumbo]

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.

 

[eddielasvegas]

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

 

[Bumbo]

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
[MENTION=289564]eddielasvegas[/MENTION]
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.

 

[Lost-Again]

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.

 

[3bears]

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

 

[Bumbo]

[MENTION=124615]3bears[/MENTION]

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.

 

[utctscanr75]

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.

 

[RockyMtnRunnr]

+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.

 

[utctscanr75]

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

 

[El Dusty]

+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.

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.

 

[utctscanr75]

+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.

 

[Toxicity927]

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.

 

[utctscanr75]

I got the Mini and love it. It serves the purpose of giving my non-cellular iPad a signal for navigation. I use Gaia instead of Earthmate from Garmin for this purpose. I also wanted to have the SOS feature. I'm only using it for overlanding purposes, so someone that participates in other activities might prefer the explorer