Delorme Inreach Explorer

Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Messages
47
Ordered one today , just wanting to hear some more feedback on this unit .

Mark
 
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Still a fairly new device but I definitely plan to upgrade my SE to an Explorer next year unless they come out with something newer. Check out the Delorme forums for some helpful info as well.

http://forum.delorme.com/

Used my inReach SE on a trip a few weeks ago and I really like the tracking feature.

InReach_zps6d6575cb.png
 
I'm waiting until a firmware update allows it to display coordinates in UTM, both NAD27 and NAD83. Right now, it will only display lat/lon in WGS84, which is very cumbersome when working with USGS quads. I spoke with Chip Noble, from Delorme, and UTM is in the list of updates, but he couldn't predict when it'll get released. Until then, I'll wait...

Regards,
Scott
 
My girlfriend and climbing partner both bought an EXPLORER after they played with my SE. In short the mapping features of the explorer rival those of an early 2000's Magellan Explorist. From what I have experienced with the Explorer my only synopsis is I hope to hell they have drastic upgrades in order to compete with the competitive GPS units of today
 
Really happy with mine, nice to have some reassurance that if the $hit ever hits the fan while I'm in the back country I can get ahold of my family or search and rescue. Also nice to connect my phone to it and use the app for topo maps. I think you'll really like it.
 
My girlfriend and climbing partner both bought an EXPLORER after they played with my SE. In short the mapping features of the explorer rival those of an early 2000's Magellan Explorist. From what I have experienced with the Explorer my only synopsis is I hope to hell they have drastic upgrades in order to compete with the competitive GPS units of today
Exactly. I hope they have another generation of devices out before next season with some major improvements. Still though, as just a communicator it's a pretty slick device.
 
Thanks for the info guys . Plan to use as a communicator as its primary function and paired with tablet/phone as a GPS secondary function. Will have it today or tomorrow and will update after the seasons on how its worked for me between Idaho Deer and Elk and Northern California Back country Blacktails.

Mark
 
Thinking of picking one up as well. Either that or SPOT. To be used as communication primarily but in strange country it'd be nice to be able to get back to camp in the dark with it which is why I'm leaning towards it vs. SPOT. Any more thoughts? What were the navigation problems?

Mike
 
I'm thinking of unloading my inReach SE in a week or so after my last trip next week. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.
 
I'm thinking of unloading my inReach SE in a week or so after my last trip next week. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.

Why ya gettin rid of it? Just talked to a friend who bought the last one at Sportsmans warehouse before a sept Colorado hunt and said he had hell with it sending messages. His was the explorer model though.

Mike
 
I love mine. It's just that my "season" is pretty much over after my muley hunt this week and I really don't need the inReach for hunting whitetails around home. Below is a screenshot of the last trip to Alaska last week for a caribou hunt. You can see all the messages and tracking points. I didn't have any issues with it sending messages and they sent almost instantly. Granted, I wasn't ever in dark timber or buried in tall mountains that blocked my view of the sky. When we were up on the North Slope, it was my only form of communication and it came in real handy in getting the latest weather and forum intel from home.

The only reason I am selling it is because I won't be using it probably for another year and I have a rifle project I want to get started on so extra funds would help. Also, as mentioned above, I am looking forward to seeing what Delorme comes out with this year to follow the Explorer.

inReachAlaska_zps5d7e3a8c.png
 
I have used the older black box inreach for the last 3 years and I really like it. It has been totally reliable.
 
The SE does not do individual waypoints. Ive used 1 for 3 years and like it but there are few improvements the new models. I eventually just started sending myself a message to create a way point. One thing to note is that if you turn off tracking before syncing it with your phone/tablet, none of the tracking points will be saved on your phone. You can view them later on a computer but not on your phone (IE you cant follow your previous tracks unless you connect the blue tooth before turning off tracking). In regards to communication Ive used it all over Colorado and Alaska. Its been generally good but like anything has trouble when in deep timber. Otherwise I love getting weather reports, updates and communication with the real world and letting them know Im safe.
 
I think I'll likely try and pick up the explorer model. I do a ton of solo trips and haven't ever even packed a GPS and have had a few nights where I've wondered a bit trying to find camp tucked back into timber somewhere and have even started hunting my way back to camp before last light in order to avoid getting caught too far from camp in the dark.

Mike
 
Update

Used the Explorer 10 Days in a Northern California Wilderness chasing blacktails , unit performed flawlessly no issues sending or receiving messages sure was nice getting weather reports and having some communication while in the backcountry ! Paired with phone the GPS was a nice feature and cut out having to carry a separate GPS unit . The option that attaches a little link to each message that shows the receiver your location on a topo map is cool . Also it was a breeze to set up . Off to Idaho next week will run it through the gamut and report back as I can .

Mark
 
Update

Used the Explorer 10 Days in a Northern California Wilderness chasing blacktails , unit performed flawlessly no issues sending or receiving messages sure was nice getting weather reports and having some communication while in the backcountry ! Paired with phone the GPS was a nice feature and cut out having to carry a separate GPS unit . The option that attaches a little link to each message that shows the receiver your location on a topo map is cool . Also it was a breeze to set up . Off to Idaho next week will run it through the gamut and report back as I can .

Mark

Good to hear! Let me know how it works in Idaho please, what part of the state will you be in?

Mike
 
I have the SE and it worked great for sending messages a couple weeks back in Colorado. For some reason once I got back the buttons aren't working very well. I'm going to send it in to them when I get a chance and see if they can fix it.
 
Just got back from a Muley hunt in south-central Wyoming and it worked great. Messages always sent within a minute and usually within seconds.
 
Glad to hear it worked in Wyoming! Just the fact that Colorado has typically very good cell service has me questioning those experiences. More curious on Idaho Wyoming or Montana experiences. Probably doesn't matter one bit but that's where my train of thought is at the moment.

Mike
 
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