Garmin inReach Explorer+
Satellite communicator
Brand: Garmin Gear Reviews
Model: inReach Explorer+
Our take As a location and communication device, the inReach won two BACKPACKER Editors’ Choice Awards, but its GPS function was pretty basic. Garmin’s update adds topo maps for all of the U.S. and Canada (1:24,000), as well as Mexico (1:125,000). You can store up to 20 routes and 500 waypoints. A relatively large screen (1.4 by 1.9 inches) made identifying terrain features easy on our tester’s ski-touring missions in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Features The Explorer+ sends texts and email, but you need a service plan (starting at $12/month). Unlike similar devices, you can also receive messages, so emergency services can respond to an SOS and advise you on what to do.
Trail cred “I had no problem firing off a text in an unnamed slot canyon in Escalante to my S.O. back home,” reports our tester.