I just made my Garmin Explorer Purchase this week. I added it to my set of satellite messengers, so I can bring you the most up to date and relevant feedback.
Satellite Messengers
To date, I own the following satellite messengers:
- SPOT Gen 3
- SPOT X
- Garmin inReach Mini
I recently purchased the Garmin inReach Explorer+ on February 19, 2020 and it will be delivered to me on or before February 20th.
I wanted to give all of you a heads up of the upcoming reviews I will be making, of what I believe is the top satellite messenger on the market.
Why Not Purchase the Garmin Explorer First?
I purposely chose to leave the Garmin Explorer+ as my fourth satellite messenger purchase so that I could thoroughly test the other top contenders without being swayed by what everyone believes to be the top contender.
I really like all of the satellite messengers I have purchased to date, but I have been the most impressed with the Garmin inReach Mini so far, over either of the SPOT devices. Sorry SPOT.
Here are a few of the reasons I like the Garmin inReach Mini more then the SPOT satellite messengers.
- Being able to sync with my iPhone
- Having the ability to see topo maps anywhere I am, even outside cell service
- Ease of messaging, using my synced iPhone
- Speed of messaging, over the SPOT devices
- Better sensitivity when depressing the buttons on the inReach Mini
There may be more reasons then these but this is what has impressed me the most.
The other thing I have been really impressed with is how small the Garmin inReach Mini is, and how much power is at my disposal when it is synced with my iPhone.
I never thought I would like having the iPhone synced but I love the simplicity of using an everyday device when out in the field. I don’t have to work hard to understand the Garmin system or it’s functions.
The Wait is On
A week seems like a long time to wait to receive my new Garmin inReach Explorer+ but as with all things, the next few days 
will pass quickly.
It has been several weeks since I posted anything about the satellite messengers, so I just wanted to let all of you know that the intense field tests will begin by February 29th on the Garmin Explorer.
Here are the reviews I am planning on delivering to you:
- Garmin Explorer Out of the Box Review
- Garmin Explorer Field Test
- Garmin Explorer Navigation Test with and without being synced to my iPhone
- Garmin Explorer Tracking and Share Page process and results
- Garmin inReach Explorer+ vs the Garmin inReach Mini
- Garmin inReach Explorer+ vs the SPOT X
What’s Next?
After completing some exhausting reviews of the Garmin Explorer+, I plan on purchasing the following devices and completing field tests of all of them before the summer of 2020 begins:
- Somewear Global Hotspot
- Bivystick
- GoTenna Mesh
- Garmin inReach SE+
I do not plan on purchasing the Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) as these devices, even though powerful, only allow you to call for help, and do not provide other benefits such as messaging or utilizing topo maps.
I want to keep this article short as I am only letting you know what is coming up so stay tuned and I will be giving you my first had opinion of the top rated Garmin inReach Explorer+
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Please leave a Comment Below or send me an Email with any questions you may have.
Check out this YouTube Field Test video of the Garmin Explore+.
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hello, it is a great and nice feeling to know that someone will create a great website like this and also create a write up on an article like this. the german inreach mini is a great satellite messenger. i saw it at a local store and it was recommended to me. the price however is different from what you have here
The prices will always vary and sometimes you will find someone who has a sale on them. The prices I am listing are from Amazon and it is updated regularly by them, and not by me.
Rick
Many thanks to you for sharing such an excellent article with us .I love hiking so I purchased the Garmin Explorer device .And I believe Garmin inReach Mini Explorer is the top satellite messenger in the market .I really like it because Topo has the ability to view maps wherever I am .It has helped me a lot in communicating outside of the cell service .And the dynamics of this device are very much what I was really impressed with .I’ve been able to finish my hiking safely through the Garmin inReach Explorer + device and keep in touch with my family all the time.
Lastly, I hope through your article everyone will know about Garmin inReach Explorer + devices and will definitely share their new experiences with you.
it is nice to know you can stay in touch with people and get help when you need it.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Rick
Much thanks. I requested one to use on my off-road versatility bike that I utilize not exclusively to get around, however to get as far into the forested areas as I can, on sufficient soil streets and trails, for natural life photography. I’m utilizing the staggering, German made Me:Go portability bike. Its the TOL of bikes, and I need to keep in touch with my family while out on it for security. I’m additionally requesting the ACR Resq unit when I make sense of which one to get. On the off chance that I go down on my bike, get harmed, being by and by debilitated, I need to have security in realizing I can get protected. I’m never again the extreme, solid, fit, youngster I used to be!.
Excellent without a doubt. Additionally, I know since I’ll require another Garmin for maps and route. I’m investigating that now. Didn’t have the foggiest idea about that. I thought the inreach would have been sufficient. All the best to you and numerous cheerful and safe path and terrific experiences!
Thank you for the great feedback on what you’re using and what you use it for.
There are a lot of options on the market and finding the one that fits your needs is important and a personal decision. I will continue bringing new satellite messengers to you to review and field test to help others make the decision that is right for them.
Rick