Delorme inReach SE communicator Review

Delorme inReach SE communicator

Editor: Colorado Jake

Just the Facts:

inReach Explorer is the satellite communicator from DeLorme that puts amazing functionality in the palm of your hand without having to pair the device:

Send and receive free-form, 160-character text messages outside of cell phone range.
Includes digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer
Includes an odometer and displays useful trip statistics while in the field, such as trip time, max speed, moving average, trip distance
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.
Color screen and virtual keyboard with predictive text for standalone two-way messaging
GPS accuracy to +/- 5 meters
Water rating: IP67 (withstands incidental water exposure; tested for submersion at one meter for 30 minutes).
Rugged, dustproof and impact-resistant (Mil-STD-810G for shock; IP67 for dust).
Impact-resistant (Mil-STD-810G for shock)
Internal lithium polymer battery (2,450 mAh capacity at 3.7 V)
SOS messages are received by GEOS, a worldwide emergency response coordination center with 24/7/365 staffing
Weight: 6.7 ounces
Email, SOS and tracking functions work anywhere in the world; SMS availability may vary by country.
100% global coverage via the Iridium satellite network, which is the world’s furthest-reaching satellite communications network.
Maintains a satellite signal lock even in difficult GPS environments and embeds precise location coordinates in sent messages.
Pairs via Bluetooth with Apple iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire with bluetooth (smartphones and tablets)
Intuitive LED indicator for satellite availability.
Audible message notifications.
Post to social media.
Built on award-winning technology pioneered with our first inReach device.
A contract-free (minimum 30-day commitment) or annual satellite subscription plan is required for use; plans start at $11.95 per month. See plan details.)

My Story:
I spend over 3 months a year in the backcountry from Arizona to North slopes of Alaska. Many times I have to go solo so having a back up plan is key. I was using a Spot and it worked great. However, my poor wife was just receiving generic messages and could never contract me. Well, that all has changed.

The Delorme inReach SE communicator has all of the features of the Spot plus the ability of making custom messages in the field and receiving them anywhere in the world. Over the last 9 months of using this device. I haven’t had a single issues, in fact, the rechargeable battery is sitting at 84%. It has been wet, frozen, dropped, and locked in my hot truck and is still running strong. It’s really nice to send real time messages and receive updates from home. My wife has been much happier and less stressed, since I made the switch.

I love my inReach. I think you will too, but more importantly the people back home will be grateful for the connection. The uses are endless and my hunting partners are getting these as well so we can stay connected spread out in the void of radio or cell phone coverage. Look them up and I think you’ll want one.