By Andrew Vavra, on the Rooster Road Trip in South Dakota
Over the past two years I’ve relied on
Garmin’s inReach Explorer+ to keep me on track and within reach everywhere from the boreal forests of northern Ontario to the desolate stretches of central Montana. My main motivation for using it has been the undeniable peace of mind it creates while “off the grid.”
To put it in layman’s terms, the inReach Explorer+ is a bomb-proof GPS that also has an interactive SOS feature and the ability to text with anyone from anywhere – without cell phone service.
As someone who prefers to hunt alone, knowing that I have the ability to reach out for help without the need of cell service has empowered me to travel further and explore new areas off the beaten path – which has proved to be extremely beneficial when it comes to finding secluded hotapots and putting birds in the bag.
New to the Garmin family is the
inReach Mini. Designed for hunters and light packers, the Mini is a palm-sized version of the Explorer+ that’s packed with features ... but without the weight or bulk. Just like the Explorer+, the inReach Mini lets you send and receive text messages, track and share your journey and, if necessary, trigger an SOS alert to contact the GEOS 24/7 emergency response team.
Simply put, with the inReach connectivity, your family and friends will know they can stay in touch with you anywhere you and your bird dog may roam.
So how does the inReach Mini work without all the buttons? Easy. All you do is pair it to your phone via the Garmin Earthmate App and you can update your waypoints and send messages as easily as you’d send a normal text.
With Garmin’s inReach technology you too can feel at ease while on the road and in the field while exploring untapped fields in the middle of pheasant country ... or anywere else that upland birds fly.
Garmin inReach Mini Overview
Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way text messaging via 100% global Iridium® satellite network (
satellite subscription required)
Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required)
Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate® app and
compatible devices
Optional inReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your inReach Mini or paired device; basic and premium weather packages available
Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds
Internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 90 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode
Garmin inReach Mini:
Garmin inReach Explorer+ Overview
Rugged handheld satellite communicators enable two-way text messaging via 100% global Iridium®satellite network (
satellite subscription required)
Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
Track and share your location with family and friends
Pair with
compatible mobile devices using the free
Earthmate® app for access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more
inReach Explorer+ device adds
preloaded DeLorme® TOPO maps with onscreen GPS routing plus built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer
Garmin inReach Explorer+:
