Garmin inReach Mini

2022-05-18T20:00:00

I bought this for a backpacking trip in southern Utah in April '22. I initially subscribed to the basic service but upgraded when I realized how few custom texts I could send with basic. I found that this unit worked well only when it had an unobstructed view of the southern sky. Unfortunately, this was often not the case when hiking in areas like Coyote Gulch and Egypt Bench. While in Coyote Gulch, for two days we were unable to get any satellite connection at all, even though we had a clear view of much of the sky. While in the Egypt Bench area, I found highly variable performance. One one day I was a able to successfully send messages from our campsite in a canyon. But the following day it would NOT connect from the same location and I had to climb about 1 mile up a steep mountainside before it would finally connect and send. I was carrying this device in case of an emergency but frankly I was underwhelmed by the limited connectivity. I no longer trust that this will summon help when I'm in remote areas unless I'm in an area with no obstructions in the southern sky, and that's fairly rare. I suspect that this isn't unique to the Mini -- it's probably true of all such communicators. But I'm still VERY disappointed that I can't rely on this to summon help in all places and situations.

sscarter

Originally posted at

2022-05-15T20:00:00

Excellent little device! I used my Garmin In-reach in the Cranberry Wilderness recently in West Virginia where there was zero cell service. This awesome tool was able to contact my wife while on trail and keep her at peace knowing each time I made it to camp and started again on my journey the next day! Thankful to have such great technology.

BShing121

Originally posted at

2022-04-30T20:00:00

We use it to communicate from our off grid cabin as there is no service in the area. Like the fact that it has pre set messages, I can keep in touch with the familia. Safety is our main communication concern. Excellent after sale service !!!!

Chevy

Originally posted at

2022-04-27T20:00:00

After 8 years, my inReach SE quit working last year (2021) right before hunting season. After looking all over for a replacement I found an inReach Mini (not the new Mini 2) near me this spring. I have only tested it on one trip so far, but other than one hiccup it worked perfectly. For some reason it stopped tracking midway through the second day. It could have been me as the device I bluetooth tethered it to was also running my music over the car stereo, so until I know for sure, I will stick to 4 stars. I have a couple more trips planned where I will be using the Mini so I will be sure before I am off the road system (I am in Alaska). So far, it's about like using the older SE as I used the tethered app most often since it was easier to see the phone screen and use the buttons that way. Only real downside at the moment is I did drop it in the car and it went between the seat and the console as it's quite small. But that's a clumsy me issue. With the exception of the SOS feature I thankfully have not needed to use, everything else on the Mini seems to work as it should. Glad to have the message anywhere and tracking capability back.

AK0311

Originally posted at

2022-04-19T20:00:00

I have owned a satellite communicator for several years and the inReach Mini for a couple of years. I use it primarily for backpacking with our scout troop. It allows me to communicate with our families with short daily updates ("checking in. all is good") on multi day trips plus they like the tracking feature to follow our progress. I've thankfully never used the SOS feature but it's nice peace of mind for our group. We are getting ready to do a 2 week backpacking trip in New Mexico at Philmont Scout Ranch and the mini is definitely going. I will use the extending tracking feature which saves battery power plus a daily "checking in, we're all good" message to the parents back home. As a BSA Scoutmaster I highly recommend this device and have to other troops.

Derek H.

Originally posted at

2022-04-17T20:00:00

I love the capability to track and message. Software was difficult for me to set up. Too many steps between desktop computer, smart phone and InReach itself. I found some messages on InReach not clear but by multiple test I was able to figure it out. Previously a ?spot? user on and off for 15 years, the InReach is my preferred tracker once through the setup.

Alpaxhia

Originally posted at

2022-04-14T20:00:00

we used our inreach last month in death valley and it worked great. the peace of mind knowing that we have comms in case of an emergency is such a relief. we also used the tracking mode in the mojave and it worked great. love this thing

chamorro1

Originally posted at

2022-04-10T20:00:00

I love the size, weight, battery life and it has been very durable. When it is clipped on my backpack I forget it there. I hike and bike alone a lot and it gives me and my wife peace of mind knowing that I can call for emergency help when needed. It is to complicated. I have spent hours trying to learn the features and still after two months of ownership I am still lost in endless menus and get into features I am not ready to learn. The task of just sending a simple Preset messages is frustrating beyond belief. My suggestion to Garmin is to allow a customer to ease into the features by having a beginner, intermediate and advanced setting which is selected through the Garming Explore web site.

Bend G.

Originally posted at

2021-08-16T20:00:00

I find that it is confusing to use. Plus half the time it won't sync up to my phone. I can't imagine being out on the trail with no cell service standing there trying to use the Garmin Mini. It's hard to navigate or find the different features. Sometimes you end up pushing several up, down and back arrows to get where you want. It could just be me not being very technical. I was hoping it would be simpler to use on the trail. It may be something I just need to use a few times to get the hang of it.

Windance

Originally posted at

2021-08-14T20:00:00

I bought this unit because of the compact size and lighter weight which would be advantageous for backpacking...the unit seems well made and is easy enough to operate but I have consistently had problems with the unit indicating "Poor GPS Strength" when trying to send a Preset message and that I should position the unit so that it has a clear view of the sky...I've had this problem in the Phoenix valley, Sedona and Mt. Rainier, and with one exception, always had a very open view of the sky...although I just wanted to send a Preset message, I am concerned about this happening if I was in a true SOS situation...I talked with a Garmin support person after the first few occurrences of this problem and he had me update the firmware, indicating that this would more than likely fix the problem...the test in my backyard worked fine (but so did the initial activation test when I set up the service plan) but when used on hikes after this, the problem was encountered each time although for all but one time, the message eventually was sent...on several of these hikes, an inReach Explorer in the same area worked with no issue...I switched to Garmin because of the reliability of the inReach full-size units, but, for me, the jury is still out on the mini.

AZhiker

Originally posted at

2021-08-13T20:00:00

I have used a competitor's device for 11 years. That company recently changed its associated insurance company. That company will not allow me to purchase SAR insurance for all the people who are depending on my emergency device during a backcountry adventure. That won't work - so I switched to a Garmin device that is supported by the insurance company previously associated with my other device, MyGeos. Problem solved and an extra bonus! The inReach has excellent, updated software and is very user friendly. The bluetooth on the inReach allows me to use my cell phone to access my contacts and text on my phone's keyboard. Wonderful improvement. My son just used the inReach for nine days in the Wind River Range, about half of those days spent off trail fishing for the Golden Trout. I knew exactly where he and his buddy were at all times (both with SAR insurance in place - thank you!). Huge piece of mind. I highly recommend the inREach Mini.

love2travel

Originally posted at

2021-08-11T20:00:00

I bought the inReach Mini a year ago for when I solo hike or backpack. The battery has held up great thus far, GPS tracking is incredibly accurate and my family has vocalized that they have felt peace of mind being able to see my progress and check-in points. I pay a monthly subscription to keep the device active, which I think is worth it for the amount of time spent out of service. The only thing I will say that I wish was made clearer was the software updates. I went on a 2-day backpacking trip in the White Mountains a couple weeks ago. Day 1, the device worked great and still had 100% battery after a long day in the mountains with no cell phone service. I powered it off for the night when I got to camp. The next morning, the device absolutely would not remain powered on, which I found out later was due to a needed software update. This, in my opinion, should have been more effectively communicated to the consumer as something like this can often make the difference between having safety and peace of mind, and unnecessary nerves. All in all, I'm very happy with the device, the weight, and it's functionality. I would recommend buying one for solo hikers/backpackers/snowshoe-ers/climbers, just make sure you're A) familiar and comfortable with how it operates before you take it out into the woods and B) keeping your software up to date. And while I'm here, read the book "Where You'll Find Me" if you haven't, for a great perspective one why relying on technology is not always the smart option. The best thing you can ever rely on is between your ears.

petiguana

Originally posted at

2021-08-10T20:00:00

I purchased this strictly for the SOS and text updates. I have tested it and am very pleased with the function. The set up was a little challenging for an old guy, but it went well. I still carry my larger Garmin unit for navigation but keep the InReach on for emergencies. My wife really likes the preset texts to keep her informed of my progress and safety. Great little unit for off- grid hunting and fishing in Michigan?s Upper Peninsula.

JTOutdoors

Originally posted at

2021-08-10T20:00:00

I bought this for trail running and backpacking, especially where cell service is limited. This is a great device. I am able to let my family know that I'm well even when I have no cell service. It is lightweight, and not an impediment to running. For backpacking this was far better than lugging a rental satellite phone in my backpack. Communication with family and friends was easy, whether using preset messages or the Earthmate app and Bluetooth on my phone. I would recommend this to anyone running by themselves or traveling in remote areas.

Bob58

Originally posted at

2021-08-08T20:00:00

I bought the inReach Mini for communication in the backcountry. I?ve done some test trip locally to get to know before heading out. Some features are not that intuitive and I found the same with the Earthmate app. I believe a updated app with better maps would be a great start. But there was many resources online and tutorials that are helpful weeding things out. Great piece of mind in the backcountry.

Trkasten

Originally posted at

2021-08-08T20:00:00

I like to use it in my plane. It works but seams to be slow at times.

Terrance

Originally posted at

2021-08-07T20:00:00

The peace of mind I had on a 5 day kayak trip in North Cascades NP due to the inReach was priceless. Seamless integration with my iPhone using the Earthmate application gave me access to topographical maps that were easier to use then those on my older model 62s GPS. I opted to ?save? battery life by only tracking while underway and was able to get data for all 5 days out on the single charge?can?t wait to try it on a backcountry backpack next.

BigWaldo

Originally posted at

2021-08-06T20:00:00

My recreation activities in the backcountry areas of Montana have always been a double edged sword?..I love the large areas of cellular dead zones in my home state, but not having contact with my family for days on end is unfair to them. Now, having the InReach Mini, I can send texts to my wife and friends, and if I need to, send an emergency SOS in the event I am hurt or lost. Bluetooth connectivity with my phone has been awesome, and I can carry a charging cord to plug in to my portable battery charger.

runningmt

Originally posted at

2021-08-05T20:00:00

I am not your typical gear head and gadget person, but this little device is incredible. I do a lot of backpacking and thru hikes on my own, plus snow shoeing and mountaineering. Having the Garmin Mini gives me so much more peace of mind. It lets my friends and family track my hikes and I can text them updates along the way. I don't know how I lived this long without it! Every serious hiker should have one of these.

larab

Originally posted at

2021-07-07T20:00:00

I have been using SPOT for 12 years. Upgraded to SPOT X (from Gen 3). Found it hard to use. I also wanted two-way communications. inReach is working well for me. Highly Recommended.

GregD

Originally posted at

2021-06-01T20:00:00

Overall I am happy with the performance of the device. My main gripe is with the documentation. The instruction manual is incomplete and very basic. Text messages are limited to 160 characters - not in the documentation. A dynamic phone number is assigned for texting - not in the documentation. The official videos on Youtube are all sales pitches, not a tutorial on how to use the device.

steve33454

Originally posted at

2021-05-31T20:00:00

Loving this little "piece of mind"! Only reason it's not a 5 star is the fact the GPS can take several minutes to locate. Other than that, it worked great for us, on our first trip with using it, on our section hike this weekend through the "Heart of Darkness" on the Benton MacKaye Trail. Would recommend to anyone in need of some peace of mind, both for yourself and your family, friends and loved ones at home.

Dynomyt

Originally posted at

2021-05-30T20:00:00

Great little device, it does everything you?d expect. I was torn between this and a 66i. Ended up going with this as it?s the best rated device for backpacking and hiking. Activating it online was easy, just follow the guide. Download the Garmin software to your computer to update it, then you need to download the sync software as well because syncing it is done on your computer, too. Once you figure out the online portal and the software you?re good to go!

NicholasAlbert

Originally posted at

2021-05-30T20:00:00

Initially I was considering going for the Explorer+ but I am really glad I went with the InReach Mini. The size of the device is just perfect. Battery life seems pretty good, too. User interface is also quite good! I read some negative reviews where the messages are either delayed or not received. I experienced otherwise. In my tests over the last week, I never had any issues with reception nor message delays. I recommend this to anyone who goes on hikes alone especially on trails which aren't so busy.

avoto

Originally posted at

2021-05-29T20:00:00

As an aspiring amateur wildlife photographer and hiker, I bought the Garmin InReach Mini about a month ago and am very pleased with the functions it provides and integration with my iPhone through the app. While the text transmission time is longer than I expected, I assume this is due to the Iridium satellite system rather than the Garmin unit. Still, it's amazing that you can get a satcom connection at all with such a tiny device.

bvandrovec

Originally posted at

2021-05-29T20:00:00

So far I'm very happy with my purchase. However, having just purchased the device it's a little early for a review. I'm an overlander and spend a lot of time without cellular communication. It will hopefully never have to be used for an SOS, but having it will give me and my family peace of mind.

Kaloy

Originally posted at

2021-05-27T20:00:00

I have been putting off the inReach Mini for a while but after a situation pushed me to be more active in my ability to communicate while off-roading I picked one up. The device itself as a communication device does some great things but with all products there is certainly room to improve. I have found battery life to be good while connected but I can drop 3% on start-up while it hunts for satellites. If you leave it on overnight and it loses connection however the battery will be very low in the morning. Since it's mostly plugged in for my uses that doesn't effect me greatly but something hikers may want to consider. The size is perfect for what it needs to do as well. It's very "out of the way" and light so I can see that this would be great for backpacking and travelling with limited space. The buttons are big enough to use easily even with gloves. The usage is a bit cumbersome as far as features. Since it is a "mini" device I think there should be some enhancements to how the device sets up. I know Garmin is trying to recoup expenses with allowing 3 preset messages being the only "free" option not coming out of your plan but figuring out what 3 messages cover your entire trip or until you can get to a PC can be limiting. Even some adjustment of changing who receives the presets at while out would improve the use of the device. Overall I am satisfied with the inReach and it does a great job of "off network" communication and updating locations and I am sure Garmin will keep improving the experience.

Waymaker J.

Originally posted at

2021-05-26T20:00:00

Just got it, so it?s early to judge. I will say this: out the box, setup was fairly straight forward. Took awhile to understand the need to install an app on your phone, and manage your device from a Garmin website after establishing an account. I tested it once on a day hike to 10,000ft. Got weather, sent texts, and emails - all were received, plus, I received responses. Still learning more, but I feel good about it serving me well on my next through hike.

Maux1

Originally posted at

2021-05-26T20:00:00

I bought this last fall and finally registered it for summer backpacking

Jim3552

Originally posted at

2021-05-26T20:00:00

Bought it, set it up, activated, haven't used yet though. Garmin keeps asking me to review so here it is!

jona

Originally posted at