DeLorme InReach

[tdcour]

Anyone use the DeLorme InReach SE or Explorer? Thinking about getting the explorer but have some hesitations. Anyone know how good the GPS functionality is for navigation? Doesn't look like you can see topo on the unit itself and have to use a cell phone? I currently have a Garmin GPS I really like, but would like to be able to text my wife when I don't have service. I don't think I want to go with the SE because I would still have to carry my Garmin for navigation.

 

[mandrroofing]

I don't know about the Explorer but I've had the SE several years and it's always in my pack and always will be. It's really nice for safety the most of all keeping in touch with family or other inreach Hunting Buddies especially when there's no signal and if you get it animal down you can send your coordinates and help you pack it out. A great piece of gear for sure

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

 

[Slugz]

All true. Not good to Nav by IMO. My experience has been using one for work just for emergency situations.

 

[mallardsx2]

I used an IN-REACH SE this season in Colorado.

It worked OK for text messaging. Its not 100% perfect but I relate that to the fact that I am an incredibly impatient person...
It was worth the subscription price and to be able to chat with my wife every day to let her know I was safe. Needed a pretty clear view of the sky to be able to work but I did get some messages while in my tent.


Having said that. I would never give up my garmin handheld GPS for navigation.

 

[Welchji]

Thinking about getting the explorer but have some hesitations...Doesn't look like you can see topo on the unit itself and have to use a cell phone?...I don't think I want to go with the SE because I would still have to carry my Garmin for navigation.

Sounds like either way you're bringing two devices.

 

[mntnguide]

Garmin bought inreach...they just unveiled the new device which is an inreach and GPS all in one...I like it,but my only major complaint is that it's not based on AA or AAA batteries...if I'm in a life and death scenario,I don't want to be worrying about running out of charge...

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Don K]

IMO, by far the best piece of equipment I have bought in a long time. I paired mine up to my phone, picked up the earth mate app and had sat photos along with maps on the phone. I still carried my GPS and used that at night and mornings to get in. The text messaging is great to let the wife know your OK, and to be able to let your partner know by texting his Inreach that you have a animal down, are running late, or everything is going OK. I had truck problems last year and was able to use that to get myself out of that jamb also.

 

[NDHunter]

I've got the Explorer and love it. Navigating with it isn't that great but I can at least drop a waypoint on the truck/tent/whatever and have that as an emergency backup in case my Garmin failed. Will be interesting to see how the new ones are. Cabelas has a big sale on the SE right now. I'm sure it's because the new ones are coming out.

 

[missjordan]

The inreach is nice is you are way back in and Need to be in contact with civilization. We just upgraded to the unit with GPS (I think it's the explorer model) so I can't comment on how the gps system works but to be able to text with someone on a fairly consistent basis is pretty nice. I did notice communication from inreach to inreach device is super slow. Plan to pick up a second cell phone payment depending on what your communication needs are. The unlimited texts are about $60+ a month but you can pay as you go too. In our hunting spots we're about 25-40 miles from camp to town and so it's a pain to drive that every couple days to check messages and call home.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mule3006Elk]

Works well for texting. Never had text not go through. Sinc via cell phone and use cell phone to send text which is easier. Wife is very happy knowing I'm okay. Big thumbs up for this reason alone. Don't use for NAV because I use Garmin Rhino. I don't think it would be great NAV as a solo device. I do save truck location as waypoint just in case Garmin Rhino dies or is lost or damaged. Battery is great. I basically leave the device off unless saving a waypoint or texting.