Review on 🌐 DeLorme AG-008727-201 InReach Explorer: Advanced Satellite Communicator with Integrated Navigation by Julian Rash

I bought this unit because I regularly go camping and fishing in an area without cell service. The idea was to use the device for two-way emergency communications and status updates with my family and work. The device is quite bulky to take with you on a fishing trip or on a bike, but is portable. I found the UI on the device difficult to use, aside from reading received messages. The interface with the iPhone app is much better and sending and receiving messages is much easier. It works pretty well for messaging (although it can take a while to send or receive). My biggest complaint is the service suspension process. Originally, an annual subscription was required. Since I only use the device a couple of times a year, this didn't work for me. They changed plans and offered the option to start and pause, and now it only requires a monthly commitment. After the first month of service I paused my subscription but on the billing date (not earlier) and therefore I was billed for the following month. However, due to my fault, billing was able to reverse the payment after a phone call. I then reactivated the service for another trip. Upon my return, I immediately followed instructions to suspend service until the next billing cycle. Unfortunately, my credit card was charged again. After another round of email correspondence, they offered to re-credit the service (without explaining what I had done wrong in the suspension process). At the moment I have not seen a monthly loan. The attached photos were my instructions on the website and device for service to be suspended, but my credit card was still charged. Overall, the device does what it promises. It was convenient for us to have a device for two-way communication where otherwise it would not be possible. Interacting through the phone application greatly simplifies its use. Enabling and blocking a service is tedious and problematic.