Why We Like The Garmin inReach Mini 2
The inReach Mini 2 gives us the same compact communication means as its predecessor but now with loads more battery life and features. Rather than lasting hours, it lasts days, letting us use it for much more than just check-ins on our multi-day missions. With the new ability to sync with Garmin Explorer, we can plan our course on the computer screen and save it to this palm-sized device. As we venture well beyond cell coverage, the new electronic compass gives us an accurate heading as we stand still, while the addition of Galileo gives us a quicker and more precise satellite lock, even with some tree cover. If we get turned around, the addition of TracBack routing helps us find our way.
Details
- Compact satellite communicator for making contact when off-grid
- Impact-resistant, submersible housing for your rugged pursuits
- Rechargeable battery lasts 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode
- Two-way messaging and location sharing give loved ones peace of mind
- Interactive SOS connects to a 24/7 staffed emergency response center
- Increased memory holds 1000 waypoints, 100 courses, and 200 trips
- Detailed weather updates and unlimited cloud storage for trip planning
- Please see size chart for complete list of technical features
- Item #GRMF038
- Housing Material
- plastic
- Digital Compass
- yes (accurate heading when not moving), GPS compass (while moving)
- Technical Features
- see size chart
- Operating System
- Bluetooth, ANT+, USB-C interface, [compatability] Garmin Explore app, Garmin Explore website, Garmin Pilot app
- Backlight
- yes
- Battery Type
- rechargeable internal lithium-ion
- Battery Life
- [10-minute tracking with standard activity] (full sky view) 14 days, (moderate tree cover) 4 days, [10-minute tracking with high detail activity] (full sky view) 5 days, (moderate tree cover) 2 days, [30-minute tracking with standard activity] (fully sky view) 30 days, (moderate tree cover) 10 days, [powered off] 1 year
- Low Battery Indicator
- yes
- Dimensions
- 2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03in
- Claimed Weight
- 3.5oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
- Activity
- backcountry riding, backcountry skiing, backcountry splitboarding, backcountry showshoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, cross-country, mountaineering, paddling, fishing, nordic touring, ultra running, travel
- Submersible
- IPX7 (1m for 30min)
- Face Size
- [dimensions] 0.9 x 0.9in, [resolution] 176 x 176px
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4 based on 434 ratings
Review Summary
What do you think about this product?
View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageMay 6, 2024
Works ok
It is a little confusing on operation with phone Haven’t figured out why I need phone to connect to it
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 4, 2024
Great features and battery
I bought this item a while ago and the battery has really impressed me. The ease of use with the Bluetooth on my phone is also amazing. The connection is near instant
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 4, 2024
Peace of mind.
My wife and I live in Tallahassee and one grown child in St. Petersburg and one in Tulsa. We have always been afraid that if the grid goes down in an emergency -- localized or wide spread -- we would lose touch with them right at a dangerous and critical time. A satellite phone would do the job -- but, oh, what a cost for three! Enter the Garmin InReach Mini2. We bought three, one for each of us, and prepaid a year for basic text service for each. Wow, the comfort knowing that in an emergency we can still keep touch with each other! These are little miracle machines! Very, very happy with them. (The Iridium satellite network is VERY responsive.)
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 1, 2024
defective
One bottom on the side is loose, which makes too much noise every click. Otherwise, it is a good add-on gear to the adventure trips and offers you peace of mind.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 1, 2024
ATV
I bought this and the mounting system from Ram Mount to carry on the roll cage of my side by side. Adventures take us to places with no cell coverage and wanted the piece of mind that we can reach out for help if needed be it texting or the 911 feature. Also have it synced to my Garmin Tread.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 1, 2024
Essential piece of gear for the backcountry!
This thing rocks! Super intuitive setup made getting going on the device easy. I went with the month to month plan and only use when needed. Made it super easy to communicate with my wife back home and give her piece of mind when I would otherwise be unreachable. Highly recommend the mini if you’re already using your phone for mapping.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 29, 2024
No Custom Messages and Too Expensive Subscription!
I was very disappointed to see that the ability to create 3 customized preset messages was replaced by 3 Garmin-defined "Check-In" messages. The messages they chose are stupid and I would never choose to use those typically. This seems like a money grab by Garmin to force you to use the custom messages which they charge you for. Speaking of Money grab...the subscription options for this service are quite expensive. I am considering just upgrading my phone and ditching this thing.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 29, 2024
Really doesn't work well
I thought this would be a good solution where cell signal is weak, unfortunately the satellite signal is not much better. Little connectivity, where in the Dame location starling worked great.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 27, 2024
Great Device - once you figure it out
The features are ideal, but as most Garmin devices go, the UI is totally unintuitaive and you'll have to read info from other users as to how to get most features to work. Definitely practice using it before you need it - because you'll never figure it out when you need it.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 23, 2024
Awesome device!
Worked great in the backcountry. Was able to message my wife when cell service is nob existent.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help
Cancer and Reproductive Harm - P65Warnings.ca.gov