Garmin inReach Explorer+ & iPad Mini

Nostrathomas

Rank I

Enthusiast I

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
ZqZDfQUm.jpg


From the driver's seat
MXLRgRHm.jpg


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 -- 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
 
Last edited:
I started looking at sat phones and now I'm looking at the in reach. For the amount I would use it, I cant justify a sat phone. I hope you update this after a bit with your impression of it.

Scott
 
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I started looking at sat phones and now I'm looking at the in reach. For the amount I would use it, I cant justify a sat phone. I hope you update this after a bit with your impression of it.

Scott


Used one for years. They work great. Deep woods you might have to find a clearing.
 
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
ZqZDfQUm.jpg


From the driver's seat
MXLRgRHm.jpg


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

Cool post; this is helpful to me for the Ram Ball Mount you chose; might be just perfect for my application.

Thanks!

I'm really leaning this way. What's nice is, I can turn the service off then on when I go real remote. I see that Garmin sells a powered cradle for it. That for me would be a must.

Scott

I've got the powered cradle for the Garmin InReach Explorer+ but have yet to install it. Looks like it's going to be quite handy. I might add a shim on one side under the mount to angle it towards me more.

Road

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I use the inReach paired with my Android phone. A tablet is on the wish list, but not at the top as of yet.