GPS Questions ?

[mike31154]

I think I may have missed something here . Do you need a cell phone with Data with a GPS device or do you use the GPS with its own plan . A lot of you keep saying you use your GPS and your cellphone combined , opening apps etc . Aaghh !
Arctic Lake

Welp I have no idea about combined use. For me it's either or. I may carry both but for dedicated navigation in an unfamiliar area my GPS is the go to device. It's what it's designed to do, not a multi purpose device like a phone, which should ultimately be used as such IMO, a phone. My GPS much more rugged than dainty cell, even with a cover. When things get wet, my GPS will be fine, phone maybe not so much.

[Arctic Lake]

Again Thanks to all who have taken the time to reply !
Arctic Lake

[upperleftcoaster]

Phone pairs with the GPS via Bluetooth. No cell signal or data required. Assuming your app is up to date and you’ve downloaded all the maps you want to your phone.

GPS has no plan for normal use.

SOS feature and texting/email on the inReach units require a subscription

if you have the inReach explorer / 66i or similar it is a stand alone unit but pairing it with your phone makes the experience a lot nicer. I keep mine on the backpack and use my phone to interface with it.

[Arctic Lake]

Thanks again to all who have replied !
Arctic Lake

[Arctic Lake]

#1 For those in the know ! Would you say that the InReach Explorer Plus would be a good unit or put out the extra money for a 66i ?

#2. It’s been mentioned that the 66i will accommodate the Backroads Maps . Can the In Reach Explorer Plus accommodate Backroads Maps as well !

Thank You !

Details would be greatly appreciated !
Arctic Lake

[boxhitch]

Maybe check out the Garmin Earthmate app
It can be used with a phone or tablet instead of just the Inreach unit
then no need for a gps
https://support.garmin.com/en-CA/?pa...APP&tab=videos

[Dannybuoy]

#1 For those in the know ! Would you say that the InReach Explorer Plus would be a good unit or put out the extra money for a 66i ?

#2. It’s been mentioned that the 66i will accommodate the Backroads Maps . Can the In Reach Explorer Plus accommodate Backroads Maps as well !

Thank You !

Details would be greatly appreciated !
Arctic Lake

The inreach explorer has the earthmate app that it pairs with , I don't think it will download BC back roads maps .... The earthmate maps show elevation details but not roads . Anything I save on the GPS shows on my tablet that I paired with . I don't have a smart phone or I would pair that with the GPS

[Arctic Lake]

Boxhitch. Do I need Data on my phone for the Earthmate app to work ? I don’t have data on my cell phone .
Thanks
Arctic Lake

Maybe check out the Garmin Earthmate app
It can be used with a phone or tablet instead of just the Inreach unit
then no need for a gps
https://support.garmin.com/en-CA/?pa...APP&tab=videos

[DesiMunda]

I’ve had three GPS’s over the years and I just don’t like using them…they go through batteries too fast, screens too small, navigating through them is cumbersome and how many devices do we need to carry, learned to travel lite and lost all the dead weight. We all carry cell phones, and I’ve been using “Hunt Buddy” app with the downloadable maps and you don’t need cell coverage for it to work. I just love it, no batteries to replace and has all the features I needs.

1) I currently use an iPhone 11 with a Hunt Buddy app….I even have an old iPhone 6 (with no plan) that I slap on my quad and the app works great.
2) I have a Garmin - GPSMAP 64st (paperweight)
3) I have a Magellan eXplorist Hunt 350H - (paperweight)
4) I have a Garmin etrex venture HC - (paperweight)

Don’t waste your money. I did; however, invest in a satellite communicator….took a tumble just recently when I was out with my son on his youth hunt. Just some bruises but all good, a wake up call nonetheless. After great deliberation, I bought a Zoleo, again it works with your phone. The inReach is too cumbersome and similar to my paperweights mentioned above. Just my opinion only..

[boxhitch]

Boxhitch. Do I need Data on my phone for the Earthmate app to work ? I don’t have data on my cell phone .
Thanks
Arctic Lake

No, the Inreach is your link.
Think of the phone/tablet as a large monitor

other apps and functions can be had on a phone w/o data just by sitting at T Hos and using their wi-fi to link to websites