Garmin InReach Review

Garmin inReach

The Garmin InReach is really clever device that a lot of backcountry explorers, kayakers and folks heading into more remote regions are already using is the Garmin inReach.  With the inReach, you can both send and receive text messages anywhere in the world. When you’re off the grid and out of cell phone range, you can quickly and easily share your journey with friends and family, and they can respond back.  All this is possible thanks to the Iridium satellite network with 100% global coverage. And in the event of an emergency, you can trigger an SOS, receive delivery confirmation, and then have a two-way text conversation with the search and rescue monitoring center until help arrives.

I use mine while wilderness kayaking, but my wife and I also take it along in the RV.  It gives a little piece of mind when you traveling in those more remote spots without cellphone coverage, like on our trip to the Yukon and Alaska. 

This inexpensive device can add a bit of piece of mind and security to your next RV trip, especially if you’re heading off into the wilderness.

Earthmate App for Smart Phones & Tablets

While you can send messages (up to 160 characters) using the directional pad and screen right on the SE, but better yet, you can pair it with an iPhone, iPad or Android device and use the much more convenient keypad on those devices to type your messages.  You can send a text message to a phone or you can send the message to an email address.  As well, you can post tracks and message on the Garmin maps so family and friends can see where you are.  When the inReach SE is paired with smartphones and tablets, you can access free downloadable topographic maps NOAA (US) charts when out of cellular coverage. An exclusive benefit of inReach ownership is unlimited access to free maps and NOAA (US) charts. Before leaving on a trip, use a high speed connection to download the area of the world you will be traveling in the Earthmate app on your mobile device. When you`re out on your adventure you’ll always know where you are and your map remains accessible even outside of cellular coverage.

Sending messages home on an earlier model inReach from our campsite

 How the inReach Works

• Send and receive free-form, 160-character text messages outside of cell phone range.
• Trigger an SOS and interact back and forth with GEOS, our 24/7 search and rescue
  

  inReachSE Functions

  monitoring center.

• Turn on tracking to share and view GPS coordinates.
• Color screen and virtual keyboard with predictive text.
• Intuitive LED indicator for satellite availability.
• Audible message notifications.
• Internal, rechargeable lithium battery* lasts about 100 hours at continuous operation at 10-minute tracking intervals with a clear view to the sky. Extended tracking mode can extend battery life even more for long-haul trips.  *If you are planning longer wilderness trips away from the RV, use the awesome JOOS Orange solar charger from JOOS to recharge your inReach and other personal electronic devices.  Read a review here JOOS.
• Designed for maximum durability in harsh environments (waterproof, dustproof, and impact-resistant).
• Post to social media.
• Warning:  The inReach does not float, so make sure you have it well tethered if boating.  You can also purchase an optional neoprene protective case which will give it floatation.  The case comes with a carabiner and belt clip for attachment.

The inReach device is relatively inexpensive, but in order to use it you do have to subscribe to a monthly plan.  Depending on how often you are using the device, you can suspend the plan anytime and just pay a maintenance fee to keep the account open and avoid the activation fee each time.

In spite of the costs, this device can add some piece of mind and security to your next wilderness adventure.