Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite GPS Communicator

Definitely a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it does what it’s supposed to do. Very good battery life

During a backpacking trip with some buddies, a storm unexpectedly came over night. Around 4am a large tree got uprooted and slammed down right on top of one of my friends tent. There was no cell service so I was very fortunate to have my Garmin to be able to call SOS and get him the help he needed. I will be bringing my Garmin with me every trip from now on. Even just for the peace of mind, this device is 100% worth it.

I’m a 75yo woman who hikes alone and bought this for its tracking, communication, and SOS features. I occasionally have trouble with no bars on my cellphone due to clouds and trees, and thought the mini 2 tracker would be a solution. However, I don’t have the dexterity to easily push the various buttons. And the screen is not only tiny, but the grey backlight makes it difficult to read. In spite of watching numerous tutorials on YouTube, I use it only for the SOS feature (I successfully did the scheduled test), and continue to rely on my phone for communication and AllTrails tracking. For the more sophisticated hiker who likes social media, there’s additional features to enjoy if you have the dexterity, eyesight, and patience.

The mini is a solid and cost effective piece of mind

I purchased this before heading into the Grand Canyon for a 6 day/5 night excursion. My inReach Mini 2 was able to navigate me all along the way. While the high canyon walls prevented my cell phone’s GPS from acquiring a proper position when lower in the canyon, the Garmin inReach Mini had no problem. Only near Ribbon falls which is incredibly boxed in did the inReach struggle with GPS, and only momentarily before regaining my position (I was on multi GNSS to help maintain accuracy at the depths of the Canyon). I was able to get weather forecasts daily so we can tell when to get off trail to beat the heat. Family and friends were able to follow along as we went via the live track feature, however they noted disappointment with not being able to see historical data (you can only view live activity, once the inReach user ends activity it can no longer bee seen on live track). I was able to send check-ins and messages with ease, both from the device and Garmin messaging app. Charting routes and importing routes is extremely easy with the Garmin explore app and it synced seamlessly with the inReach. The only reason I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that the inReach Mini 2 doesn’t allow the ability to send photos via text messages. As far as I can tell, only the inReach messenger plus can send photos. Not a deal breaker, but would have been a nice additional feature. Overall, the device is great for navigating and a sense of security knowing you are always in touch regardless of where you go. Battery life seemed good, I plugged in to a backup battery on the second day and forth day, but at no point did it drop below a 50% charge. My only regret is that I waited so long to invest in the Garmin ecosystem. Absolutely impressed b y this little device and I had a blast getting to use it and familiarize myself with it out in the Canyon. You won’t regret this investment, thats for sure. The functionality it provides at its price point is unbeatable. I had been thinking of going with GPSMAP 67i, but with how well this device works and the ability to view maps on my phone, I see no need. This compact lightweight device does it all.

The in reach many two works perfectly once you learn the operating system. It’s a powerful tool.

I bought this garmin so I could be in communication , even when out of cell coverage. Nice and compact, not bulky but can still read the screen

Gos signal was good, check in feature seemed to work ok (letchworth state park in NY). But the messaging and check in feature with the app didn't have great signal strength and a delay in sending and receiving messages. I didn't expect a native text experience, but to pay a subscription rate for the ability to message, I would expect better performance, and timeliness.

I often ride motorcycles in backcountry areas far from cellphone coverage. My inReach mini2 not only provides necessary emergency coverage, but allows me and my family to check in with each other via the text feature. This unit is a must have!

Really disappointing. During three days of hiking in the PNW virtually none of my check-ins or text messages went through in under an hour; some took as many as four hours. The track location feature also provided no contact. The unit was fully charged and clipped outside my pack and unobstructed. I even tried holding it over my head and pointing it at a clear sky. Obviously no idea if SOS would work any better, but if this device is meant for peace of mind in the wilderness, it provides none.

Purchased for a fishing trip to Manitoba. End of the road with no cell tower for a 100 miles. inReach worked as advertised. My issue is with the subscription fees. Pay for the Mini, then add a subscription THEN a activation fee. Now, back home, won't be back till next year and they want ANOTHER activation fee. Ya, ain't going to happen. Can you say Starlink Mini boys and girls?

I bought this & have learned to use it! Love it! Great resources

I bought this for a trip to Utah to check in with family members when we arrived and got back to the trailheads since we were two women traveling around for a week. The only place I couldn't get it to work was in the Narrows at Zion, which was unfortunate because it was the only place I felt that I needed it, as it started to rain and I was trying to look up the weather. I guess because the walls were so high and narrow, it couldn't get a clear shot of the sky. It worked well for the rest of the trip. Just something to think about.

Is a very good tool once you know how to use it. A learning curve not 100%l user friendly... A great safety feature.. peace of mind while on the road.

I am not very technically savvy. The inreach mini 2 doesn't require me to be. Just a few buttons to push and POOF! Check-in message sent. I used it to let my family know I was ok, and when I started and stopped each day while I was traveling solo. Part of the trip was out in the forest so phone reception was not an option. The inreach mini 2 solved that problem. I didn't require use of the emergency SOS function so I can't speak to that, but if it is as easy as the check in it should be useable for me also.

I find myself in remote places where I need offline maps often. I've gotten lost before. And sometimes stumble across wild animals in those remote places. It's nice to know I have this nearby if something were to go wrong. I'm not impressed with the activation fee or the monthly subscription cost, it feels predatory. Because of this, I hope a competitor device arises to compete for this market. It's not like I have to use it every month, hopefully I never have to use it, so why does it cost almost as much as half my cell phone bill?

Been thinking about this purchase for quite a while. Waited for the sale. Tested on 3 day canoe trip. Accurate weather forecasts. Tried auto text feature, could not pair device without cell service. Successfully paired with service. Have not tried again w/out service. Month by month subscription is handy. Will use again on next wilderness trip.

So much better than the big heavy units, slick 50 very slicK!

I purchased one very cheap off a person. It had never been registered. So I got a good deal. I like the size. Light weight. User interface to actually register and use it was extremely frustrating. Garmins instructions were useless. Totally useless. YouTube videos had mixed instructions with one ultimately providing an answer. Again, Garmin instructions were wrong and not useful. Plans cost more than I anticipated. Apparently the price was increased recently, but Garmin doesn’t provide increased value for the increase. Corporate greed. User interface is not user friendly. I’m still attempting to figure out how my spouse can track me. Or message me if I don’t message first. Which app to use on iPhone and which one is still advertised but not supported. How I can download a map. Or use trackback. Garmin appears stuck in an early 2000 interface, and despite charging high monthly fees, doesn’t pay good software engineers to write better instructions or interfaces. If I ever have to use SOS I hope it works. But my experience with Garmin makes me doubt it.

I do a lot of fishing in an area that has no cell service. I have several health problems, and my wife has a valid concern as to where I'm at and how to get to me if something happens. This device does exactly that. I'm able to let her track me and let her know exactly where I'm at in case of an emergency. I'm also able to add each of my kids to the contact list so that they also where know where I'm located.