inReach Mini 2
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Warning: California Proposition 65
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 448 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJune 1, 2024
Effortless to Use, Great Device! But…
This is my new “must carry” device! Hang on to the end of this review, I have a suggestion for Garmin. This thing works perfectly - I love the way check in messages are supplied with a map of your current loc - brilliant! Battery life is excellent as is signal acquisition. I own an iPhone 14 with satellite SOS but wanted the InReach as a “rugged” backip and to send “non-emergency” texts which the iPhone can’t in satellite mode. In fact I like it so much I told an older friend who has had heart trouble about it. He lives on a farm without cell service and the InTeach can get him help in an emergency he otherwise had no access to! SO! Here is my suggestion for Garmin (and 1st time users). I read all of the reviews and most if not all of the low ratings (undeserved) had to do with problems initializing the device. To avoid problems START, STEP 1.0 is GO TO EXPLORE.GARMIN.COM and SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT FIRST!!! You only need to turn the device on to obtain the IMEI and device codes for registration - do EVERYTHING ELSE on your smartphone or PC. After you set up your account, (should take less than 5 minutes) turn on the InReach, walk outside and wait for it to activate. Again should take just a few minutes! It is my opinion that if Garmin emphasized this sequence (rather than simply stating “you need an active account to use the device”) there would be less confusion and more user satisfaction. Thank you Garmin for an amazingly compact layer of security!!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 29, 2024
Best in class of satelitte based messengers
The general consensus that the InReach Mini 2 is the best of this type of satellite-based communicators is well-earned based on my personal experience with 2 such devises and two separate trips into the great outdoors in Southern and Central California. They do what they are advertized to do, and do so with the reliability that is key. However ,I will say that two improvements on the software/account dashboard end would be welcome and perhaps one future hardware change. Software/ Account management: 1. The message inbox and the contact management is clunky and sometimes frustrating. For example, if I type in the devise specific email address of another Mini 2 that I'm trying to communicate with, that should be kept in a recent recipients list so that even if I don't save that address in my contacts using the phone-based messenger app, it should still be accessible. Given how difficult it is to type an address of even medium length, this would be a conveniet feature to have 2. There should be a way for multiple Mini 2s to be accessible, manageable, and visible via the explore.garmin.com/map site without having to enroll in and pay for what Garmin is marketing as a "team" account. I have 3 Mini 2s so that each of my sons and I can have and use one when exploring remote locations or serious camping, but I have to log-in to separate accounts to manage each device. While I am totally fine with paying for 3 subscriptions (1 per device) why can't I manage them under one master log-in account and why can't I view their locations all together in one map? I can understand if an organization had 5 or more of these that Garmin would want to upsell them on a different tier of corporate or commercial plans, but 2-4 devices is something that is not unusual for a typical family of campers or hikers. Hardware: The only thing that would get me to upgrade to another Mini 2 would be a slightly larger screen. Don't want color or even better resolution and wouldn't want the hit to battery life that would come with it...but even a small increase say, going to 25mmX25mm or 1.1" X 1.1" (from the current 0.9" X 0.9") would allow for a larger font. If you are blessed with good vision or are under the age of 50---this may not mean much, but trust me that as a 51 yr old, I am just at the borderline of needing reading glasses to view the text on the screen. In a wilderness situation where glasses could be easily lost or damaged, the ability to read the screen with unaided eyes would be super-important. Overall, however, these are minor complaints for what is an excellent device and my revent experiences were excellent.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 29, 2024
Love it!!!
Upgrade from the Delorme InReach SE. The Mini 2 is faster and interfaces better with my iPhone.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 29, 2024
Great piece of mind
My wife and son in law love it because I can check in when I am in the back country on my horses
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 28, 2024
No connection
took this out on the Foothills trail. Messaged would not send. Or took over an hour if it did at all. Battery only lasted for 2 1/2 days. Not 7-10 as expected.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 26, 2024
Great product
Only had it for a month and it works likes promised. Had it in Northern Ontario and let me communicate with my family to let them know i was ok.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 25, 2024
Great device for sharing your adventures.
Compact and powerful. Used with Garmin Explore it can be very helpful for your outdoor ventures.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 23, 2024
My wife loves it!
When I get out in the backcountry, oftentimes I won't have service for days and my wife sits at home wondering if I'm still alive. With this, I'm able to keep in touch with her AND she has piece of mind if something were to go wrong with the SOS features. I chose the Freedom plan and turn it on only when I need it.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 22, 2024
Amazing
This is a great device for being off the grid I have a hand held Garmin that was great but this is a step up to be able to use your phone with a big screen and have emergency use as well
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 20, 2024
Nice concept!
I bought this planning a 4 month motorcycle trip. Staying in contact gives my family peace of mind. I haven't had a chance to use it in real time, so that's the reason for 4 stars. Set up was easy, and I'm anxious to see how it actually performs.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
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