garmin inreach explorer+ for bikepack racing?

[taprider]

can I replace a gpsmap60csx and SPOT with a garmin inreach explorer+?

inreach uses Iridium vs regular GPS satellites which supposedly is better under cover?
regular gps's probably have better base maps?
is subscription cost for inreach cheaper than SPOT? (just need GPS to follow a gpx track, transmit to Trackleaders and ability to send and receive emergency texts when out of cell service range)

[dh024]

can I replace a gpsmap60csx and SPOT with a garmin inreach explorer+?

Probably. The InReach GPS functionality isn't quite what the 60Csx would be, but it will do the basics. Check the specs about number of routes, waypoints, trackpoints, display resolution, memory, etc. to be sure it will suit your needs. But overall, that's the idea behind the InReach Explorer+ - combined satellite tracking and handheld GPS.

inreach uses Iridium vs regular GPS satellites which supposedly is better under cover?

My buddy with a SPOT device borrowed my InReach and claimed this was true, but that's as close as I have to first hand knowledge. InReach makes this claim quite broadly, so it is probably true. Maybe there are others who have used both devices who can be more definitive?

regular gps's probably have better base maps?

AFAIK, all Garmin basemaps work with the InReach Explorer+. Plus, if you use the smartphone app (Earthmate), you can download additional basemaps at no charge.

is subscription cost for inreach cheaper than SPOT? (just need GPS to follow a gpx track, transmit to Trackleaders and ability to send and receive emergency texts when out of cell service range)

Yes, over the course of a year, the subscription plans (at least in Canada) are cheaper. You can use the device for a minimum of one month, and then put the subscription in suspension for $2.95 a month, or deactivate and reactivate for about $30. So as long as you use it for a couple months, at reasonable rates, the annual costs are very low.

And of course, the InReach provides two-way messaging, which SPOT doesn't do - that's the deal cincher.

[taprider]

for tracking, it's 10 cents per crumb, so using Trackleaders would require the Unlimited plan for $75/month

[theTallMan]

Inreach plans can be started/suspended/upgraded/downgraded at any time.
You get the prorated quantity of points/messages etc. for the portion of the month.
Do some math at the end of your trip and figure out to keep paying for the month or just pay the per use extra.
Suspended costs about 3 $/month but you still keep account and access to maps etc...
All in all I think they have pretty fair pricing structure.  Lets hope Garmin keeps it that way.

Get this wrist healed up and I'll give it a good test.

[taprider]

My Map gps 60 csx has been having problems connecting to my computer so have been looking for a replacement
Test drove a Garmin Explorer+, Map 64s and Extrex 30x this summer  (thanks to Mountain Equipment Coop/MECca and their generous return policy)

For following a bikepack race gpx track, the 64s (or 60csx) is much more visible/legible than Explorer+ or  Extrex (especially for handlebar mount and vibration while moving)

I asked Garmin how many breadcrumbs could be saved into the Explorer+.  Their reply was "The inReach device does have a recommended limit of 500 waypoints. Any more than that and it can create problems with the device"

It seems to use additional maps or maps obtained from the internet for free with the Explorer+ the maps are displayed on your cell phone (I do not mount a phone on my handle bars and keep the phone safely tucked away while biking)

For some reason I can't transfer free maps to Map 64s using Base Camp but I can with the old Map Source program that came with my 60 csx

Inreach $76/month plus ~$3/month to suspend x taxes = minimum ~$117 for only one month use or ~$195 for two months use per year
Map 64s (free) plus SPOT = ~$168 per year

Map 64s has worst battery life, but uses regular AA batteries.  Also is the heaviest option

Since my number one need is to follow a gpx track while moving, I will go with the Map 64s

[evdog]

Had to check if they raised the price on me.  US plans look the same although they've added a 4th tier.  

$75/mo would hurt even in C$.  But I don't think you would need to go to that plan.  Keep in mind it's one tracking point every 10min or more.  You can set it to track every 20, 30, 40, 60 min if you want to use fewer points.  I've always set it to 20 min.  My April bill after the AZT 300 shows 249 tracking points used for cost of $24.90.  That was a 4.5 day finish time.  Using 30min would cut it by 1/3.  At 25cents on the Cdn plan that would still be just C$62, or less if you went up to the $35 plan.  

I've never used the Inreach for following GPX tracks however.  I have a Garmin Oregon 600T for that.  I've never been under the impression the Inreach, even paired with the phone, would work great.  Maybe they have improved its capabilities, but if they are still saying max 500 points then maybe not.  The ideal device in the future for me would be something like the Oregon 600T but with the Inreach 2-way communication and tracking built in.  The Inreach I have has nowhere near the usefulness for navigation and mapping that the Oregon has.

Since I needed something for bikepack racing the choice came down to the Spot or the Inreach.  Given the extra texting ability of the Inreach it was a no brainer for me to get that one.