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GARMIN INREACH MINI 2 HANDHELD ORNG

Mfg # 010-02602-00 CDW # 7194782 | UNSPSC 52161518

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GARMIN INREACH MINI 2 HANDHELD ORNG

This Item: GARMIN INREACH MINI 2 HANDHELD ORNG

$539.99

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GARMIN INREACH MINI 2 HANDHELD ORNG is rated 4.00 out of 5 by 248.
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Small Package, Great Features I have had this device for about a month. I have used it twice and have a third trail loaded in it for use. This device is so nice and convenient! It does a great job communicating with loved ones back home while out on the trail. It does a great job tracking and providing you options for way points. Most of all, I could not believe how compact the unit is. I recommend this unit for the avid hiker, biker, or backpacking adventurer.
Date published: 2024-03-27T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works Great I bought this for a 8 day offroad trip in Mexico sense most of the trip would be very remote areas of Baja as I new we would not have any communication for emergencies or to let family know we were ok. I had 0 issues with connectivity or tracking and was able to sed messages as needed. I tracked each days travel in rough terrain usually between 6-9 hours each day. I never charged it once and ended the trip with over 55% battery life. I only reported every 10 minutes since we already had a pre-established route and maps. Overall I am pretty happy with this new capability for remote camping and traveling.
Date published: 2024-03-26T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from So far great but I like this. It’s been very useful. I wish they would have told me you have to pay for a month of subscription right away to activate it, I would have waited until I was ready to use it.
Date published: 2024-03-24T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Awesome Navigation and Communication Tool I purchased this device for a recent trek though the Grand Canyon. Navigation using my smart phone paired with the device worked great. Was also able to communicate with family back home using satellite texting capabilities. My wife was able to track my progress in real time with MapShare feature. Very happy with purchase.
Date published: 2024-03-26T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love it so far I did purchase this in reach mini 2 about 1 month ago. It's been a great little unit so far. I will be going on a through hike at the end of May. I wanted to test it for a little bit before I went on my hike just to make sure I knew all the features. Very excited to have this and looking forward to being able to give my wife peace of mind while I'm out on a trail
Date published: 2024-03-25T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Phenomenal coverage, easy to use I bought this for a trip to the Arctic Circle and could not be happier with the purchase. I was easily able to text with my wife to let her know how the trip was going - texts were sent and received within a minute). The -20F temperatures did not affect the performance of the Garmin at all (though I did get a few messages saying it was close to the lowest functioning temp). Highly recommend this to folks traveling to remote locations
Date published: 2024-04-02T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use and best in class I have used my new inReach for about a month. It is very simple to use and my family appreciates knowing my wilderness location at any moment. Thanks!!!
Date published: 2024-03-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Better than no comm at all I bought 4 of these for my myself and forest crews who are typically in areas with no cell phone. Let me start by saying that these are better than no comm at all. However, there are some limitations (which Garmin made clear going in): heavy tree canopy or being indoors will block the signal almost entirely. It is best to be in a clear area open to the sky. We’ve also noticed that overcast days may be interfering with or slowing the speed of communication (but aren’t sure 100%). We use these daily with a pro subscription so we are still working out the limitations but generally speaking, I can receive texts (through the Garmin app) from crew leaders in areas with zero cell phone service. It is a much more affordable option than BK radio set up or something similar. Importantly, the SOS feature is there in case anyone gets into serious trouble and we like having that feature.
Date published: 2024-03-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from New Device Battery Life 10 Hours, No Support I bought the Mini for safety and texting in the back country and off grid locations because two of my boys have this same model. Except their batteries last months. Mine cannot manage 10 hours, and will not connect (even though it says connected) to send and receive texts. It is useless to me, and Garmin support doesn’t care. Everything was updated at the start. I redid everything again per customer support. Still a useless piece of tech. Garmin should immediately facilitate the replacement of my device. I am very disappointed in this product and their customer service.
Date published: 2024-03-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good unit Bought it for Boat when do over night offshore fishing
Date published: 2024-03-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good tool Has worked perfectly in last month- connects flawlessly with my iPhone 14 Pro Max
Date published: 2024-03-29T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from So far so good Easy to set up. Plans are a bit pricey but you’re talking about your life which is priceless. Haven’t used it. Bought it for travelling and some hiking.
Date published: 2024-04-02T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Hard to use Every time I buy a Garmin Explorer (I’ve had 2 now), I think there’s got to be a better way. They are too complicated to use. Tiny little screens, good luck if you don’t want to download the Garmin app to make it all work on your phone. Not an intuitive device. I end up buying them & using them solely for the SOS capabilities and the use Gaia instead for tracking & navigation.
Date published: 2024-03-22T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works exactly how I want it to. Before buying this I was a little concerned about the reviews suggesting that you can only get messages once per hour. The people saying this may want to read the manual. It states very clearly that when you send a message, it listens for replies for 10 minutes. If you are using the tracking feature it also checks for messages at your tracking interval. It does check every hour if you aren't using Tracking or sending a message. You can also force a check manually whenever you want. The biggest issue I have with it is that you cannot set the mapshare URL to be sent by default. It isn't a huge issue as you can just add it to your preset messages. Time to acquire a signal isn't an issues either. I turn it on at the trail head and by the time I am kitted out and ready to go it has a signal. Over all though it works really well and the locations are very accurate.
Date published: 2022-03-09T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Better Interface Just the upgrade to the Explorer app was worth the upgrade, I can control almost every feature as far as tracking, messaging and saving data from my phone. I essentially pair the device to my phone, turn it on and stick it in my pocket. Everything else I do from my phone, Much improved.
Date published: 2022-03-28T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Working Well After struggling for a year with a new and lower priced competitor and simply experiencing it being non-functional, I switched to the inreach. It pairs easily with my phone, has straight forward operation, and a secure way to attach it to a pack via its provided carabiner. Communication with my family has been 100%. So, it’s more costly but it works. I am satisfied and recommend it to others.
Date published: 2022-03-13T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Full features in a small package I’ve been using a 8 year old early model of the InReach, dating from before Garmin’s purchase. This new Mini-2 is such an improvement. It has all the features (as long as your phone is still working) at a fraction of the size. And the battery lasts much longer.
Date published: 2022-02-27T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great piece of equipment I've long adventured off grid without any back up. I just took it for granted that everything would work out. But I've gotten a few more gray hairs, and with them some more wisdom. I think we owe it to our families and friends to take responsibility for our adventures. Along with basic self-rescue and first aid skills and equipment, I think this is an essential piece of equipment that everyone should carry. Easy interface via Garmin Explore app, long battery life, lightweight and small size - there is always a reason and plenty room for this in your pack. Get one now, and don't forget to practice with it ahead of time before you go.
Date published: 2022-05-03T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Comforting safety tool As an aging diabetic I love to go on long walks by myself. I am often in areas with no cell phone coverage. The mini 2 is great to allow my wife to track my whereabouts and know where to send rescue folks should that be warranted. The device makes both of us feel safer.
Date published: 2022-02-28T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Let me st the start date for the sateli service. I ordered the InReach and started the process of setting up the required satellite service but had to stop because I don't want to activate (and start paying for service) until the following month. Archaic service policy.
Date published: 2022-02-25T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from I feel so safe! I have SO MUCH peace of mind while I'm adventuring with my InReach! The peace of mind is worth it for this device alone! I've used it several times to send texts when I didn't have service in the outdoors, and it's amazing, and so easy to use (especially with the App you can download on your phone, and with the configurations you can make on the internet before your trip)! I'll be going to Colorado soon, and I will 100% bring this along! It's seriously takes a load off my chest knowing that I can reach someone in case of an emergency! Not only that, but the Safety Plan that I got really isn't outrageously priced each month, and that's a load off too! Before I bought the device, I was afraid the satellite subscription would be too expensive, but it's honestly really reasonable for how much peace of mind I have!! (:
Date published: 2022-05-09T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Until something better comes Poorly implemented software, requires constant updates and has issues syncing to most current Android phone and Garmin Instinct 2 Solar (actually a decent product). New hardware is mostly cosmetic, a lateral change at best from previous iteration. Absurd subscription fees, cost prohibitive to ensure the safety of those with lesser means translates to me lack of consideration and gatekeeping. Borderline predatory marketing tactics. Absentee customer support.
Date published: 2022-03-13T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Awesome Nav Aid I purchased this so that friends and family could keep track of our progress across the Mojave and for our navigation assist to keep us on the proper trail It worked flawlessly alongside the app on my smart phone. Battery life was impressive, too.
Date published: 2022-05-05T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Excellent Given to me as a gift. Excellent piece of tech for piece of mind out in the field.
Date published: 2022-05-17T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great size, great battery life, better app. I’m a cyclist and hiker/backpacker, who uses my InReach several times a week. I upgraded to the Mini 2 from a larger InReach Explorer +. I appreciate the lighter weight, smaller size while having as much or more battery life. I like the USB-C charging. My feelings as mixed when it comes to the new app. InReach is so much easier when using through the app, but as many things Garmin, the apps leave me wanting. I think over time, and after watching more tutorials this will get better.
Date published: 2022-03-01T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Hopefully I can figure it out? Just can't seem to make sense of the features? Finding it hard to configure.
Date published: 2022-07-14T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from It's okay My deal is that I had an emergency pulmonary event that turned into a close brush with the reaper. Going forward in order to stay active I need to have good communications with the EMTs wherever I go, and I have a pendant that connects with cell service but since I need to keep overlanding I also need something for those times there's no cell service. And, I have learned, there are a LOT of those times. So I popped for the inReach Mini 2, intending to close that gap. Surprise, surprise! There's another gap, and that is the inReach doesn't work indoors. I wanted to be able to chuck this doofus pendant and rely completely on inReach but no way. This in no way means I'm dissatisfied with Garmin. I also bought the Tread XL, which is awesome, and am super happy with it. The reason I gave the inReach 3 stars is because of lack of service indoors, and that alone.
Date published: 2022-03-19T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Impressive little device Users have to know what they're buying. This is a small device that works best in conjunction with a smartphone. I find it easy to use. I understand that the first version had problems and wasn't as easy to use. This version is intuitive. I use it regularly on my hikes.
Date published: 2022-03-18T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from So many sub-menus! Only five hikes with this inReach so far, and overall I like it. Compared to my previous model it is super lightweight and easy to access from a pack strap, but there are some concerns. It takes longer to send messages, even after one was just sent, and with clear skies and few trees. Finding screens is so slow because there are just so many sub-menus to recall that I forget where they are! And reading the downloaded user's guide is awkward in the field. However, the Mini2 does work well with the mapping program, my spouse does not have to worry about where I am , and our text messages make it through every time. As I learn the features better I am sure I will grow to really appreciate this new tool.
Date published: 2022-05-04T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Safety is Important I've been doing a lot more hikes and longer hikes with girlfriends and wanted to add this to my pack to be safe. My husband was happy for me to have it too so he can keep track of the progress we are making when we don't have a cell phone connection.
Date published: 2022-05-09T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Peace of mind! I am into adventure motorcycling which takes me off the beaten path. After seeing a friend get seriously hurt and we had no cell reception, I decided to look into PLB's. I love the Inreach Mini! Love the preset message options for check in! And it pairs easy with your phone if you need to send more in depth messages. And of course the tracking capabilities are great!
Date published: 2022-03-09T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Leaving with a clear mind I’m out to sea for weeks at a time and now I have a clear mind knowing that I can stay in contact with family.Thanks so much
Date published: 2022-04-25T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Request for custom user waypoints I purchased the InReach Mini 2 as a failover for a loss of cellular communications in the public safety realm. While it has great potential to alleviate that concern, I found that the public safety icons were lacking and there isn’t (currently) a way to add custom user waypoints such as the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue icon set we use for structural assessments and hazard reporting in disasters. I am hoping this is either amended in a future firmware update or a public safety version is released later.
Date published: 2022-03-16T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Awesome Works great. I have anxiety issues so the peace of mind is priceless. I am a solo hiker. I love the small size and extended battery life. I never had the original.
Date published: 2022-03-20T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works effectively It does what it says on the box. Durable construction. The companion apps suffer the same problems as all Garmin apps.
Date published: 2022-04-09T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Lousy performance Lousy performance, Takes forever to send a preset message and often the Recipient cannot locate me! So far a total waste of money and time!
Date published: 2022-04-07T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from price plans I don't feel you explained that it was going to cost 35.00 a yr. for the freedom plan. At the time of payment it doesn't show up. You don't clearly explain it. I feel you tricked me. That's bad. I'll do my buisness with someone else.
Date published: 2022-02-03T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great battery life I upgraded from my original and fantastic InReach Mini. I wanted the better battery life to basically eliminate the need for charging on a 3-4 day trip so I can leave it on all the time. While I do use it as a backcountry device, it also doubles as an everyday safety device since I live in an area where the next major earthquake could take out cell service for at least a few days. This gives me an alternate way of telling out of area family that we're ok.
Date published: 2022-03-06T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from A little GIANT! I had a previous model InReach Explorer + but found it too cumbersome for my backpacking needs and I would not say downscaling but upscaling to a more convenient small package.
Date published: 2022-04-07T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from It works, and can’t beat the size, but clunky menu I’ve only used this for a few day hikes to test it out, but the trip tracking has worked really well and I’ve successfully tested the two way texting that worked where there was no chance my phone would have. Only downside is that the menu a little clunky, because you have only a few buttons on the device and a small screen, but it’s easy enough to figure out. If you have the room in your bag I’d probably say get the model with the larger color screen, but this has worked very well.
Date published: 2022-03-02T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Major improvement!! I purchased the mini2 to replace my mini. Major upgrades include battery life (biggest improvement), menu navigation, auto track back, compass, and ability to acquire additional satellite systems for better low vis GPS signal. Garmin did well with these new features. Worth the money in my opinion.
Date published: 2022-03-04T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good devise for an emergency I upgraded from the mini to the mini 2. Glad I did as the additional features made it worth the additional $50.
Date published: 2022-05-06T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great peace of mind. Got this at beginning of April and took it on a trip to Death Valley which was mostly without cell service. Was great to be able to communicate with family and update our status. Also good to know they could reach me if needed.
Date published: 2022-04-19T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Piece of mind in a light weight package I have played with this alot with the iphone app and directly with the terminal window. Setting waypoints and navigating back worked well.
Date published: 2022-03-05T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Light weight and easy to use I bought this for use on the Great Divide. It was easy to attach to a feed bag. It kept all my contacts aware of my location and it was easy to send text messages along the route. Great buy.
Date published: 2022-08-03T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Beyond Slow It is beyond me why this device is marketed as anything more than an emergency beacon. Every message takes several minutes, and that’s with a wide-open view of a clear sky. There is no reason to get the unlimited Expedition Plan. You will be hard-pressed to send/receive enough messages in a month to justify it.
Date published: 2022-03-23T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great device and happy to have it! Living in Death Valley makes hiking and exploring so much more comfortable. Love the updated version and I am happy is works with Garmin explorer. It is easy to use and definitely worth the investment for the peace of mind. Also, I am glad to have it when motorcycling out where there is no service. Probably not worth upgrading if you have the mini, but worth it if you do not have one.
Date published: 2022-04-13T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Peace of mind Used it on my first outing when I was 3 hours late on a 9 hour back country ski
Date published: 2022-03-21T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Compact Communication! I’m still getting used to the differences on the Mini2 from the Explorer. I swapped out - don’t own a computer and sending a text on the Explorer. Luckily the Explore App makes sending a text on the Mini2 a breeze! Set up and updates are able to be done without a computer, also a plus! Screens on the Mini2 are a challenge to navigate and some features are only available on the device itself. Coordinates are no longer linked to the map, so you also have to set up map share. It’s a learning process. I think for the purpose of it I think I’ll like the Mini2 despite the monochrome screen (difficult to see in low light) and limited capabilities. Give it a try - everyone needs a similar 11th essential in their gear!
Date published: 2022-04-10T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Peace of Mind....Priceless I have had my device for a month and in a few weeks will be out & about with it...in the meantime I have watched many Gamin In Reach webinars and YouTube videos . THANK YOU GARMIN.
Date published: 2022-05-11T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Can be a lifesaver. I originally bought the Mini and was pleased with it. But, this one sounded like it had enough new features to give it a try. So I have been using it now for a month or so and am getting better at figuring out what all it can do. It does way more than I "think" I need, but my favorite things about it (other than having the SOS button for emergencies) is the auto trackback feature and the ability to easily send pre-set messages. Of course, being able to communicate with my smartphone via bluetooth is great. I use the Mini 2 when traveling solo in either my camper van or when hiking.
Date published: 2022-03-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use I have only used it a few times, in town, to test it. Works well and is easy to use and understand.
Date published: 2022-04-03T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Big Features Small Package Great and highly portable device. Works flawlessly with the IPhone and the app from Garmin. Easy to use and easy to carry. Highly recommended.
Date published: 2022-02-25T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works well for me! GPS is sensitive and quick to lock in position. Messaging works fine but built-in messages best created on PC and uploaded to Mini 2. Number of messages probably large enough to minimize need for messages created on device. Text entry for custom messages is usable but clunky. Menu system not really intuitive but with use it is manageable. It works okay with a four-button input/control interface. Using virtual keyboard on smartphone and Bluetooth works okay but then one more electronic device is not always ideal. Subscriptions are a bit steep. Battery life still needs better assessment. I will carry a compact 10 AH power bank and GZ Nomad 7 for recharging on longer hikes. Bottom line - it does what I want without unwanted weight and size. I would recommend this device to a friend if their needs are similar to mine.
Date published: 2022-03-06T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Have not subscribed or used yet It’s small and fairly light weight for what it is. Got this to use when I do the CT to let my wife know where I am and for the emergency SOS. Plan on starting July 3rd or 5th so will know morethen
Date published: 2022-03-07T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from You are on the wrong trail!! Section hiking the AT for five years. Took a wrong turn in heavy fog. Wife texted me and said you are on the wrong trail!! Wont leave home without it.
Date published: 2022-04-20T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Learning Curve I purchased an inReach mini2 for my through hike on the Appalachian Trail (AT). I have made several shakedown hikes and I took the mini2 on my most recent hike to test it out and become familiar with it. I had trouble determining if / when a message was actually sent and ended up sending a couple of messages twice. I like the fact that you can have preset messages and a contact list set for those messages. I look forward to getting more familiar and comfortable of the features. Overall the mini2 will be an asset to me on the trail from a safety perspective and will compliment the FAROUT APP on my phone.
Date published: 2022-05-09T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Simple and reliable. A climbing area we frequent has very few areas with cell coverage. Having the InReach Mini is handy, as well as being a serious safety device being in such remote areas.
Date published: 2022-04-06T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Initial Review I bought this unit to replace a 1st generation Spot unit. I was looking to upgrade to: 1) Connect to a better satellite system and 2) To obtain the ability to send custom text messages. I also purchased the extra life-flight rescue service. I like that the unit is small. I used my Spot unit (as I will also use this InReach Mini 2) on my motorcycle adventure journeys. I have so far only done local testing, but satellite connection seems fairly quick. One downside that I see from my old unit is the fact that to send one of the pre-canned messages I now must stop the motorcycle and use a series of buttons to send. The old unit had the ability to push just one button and send my "OK" message and location. I must note here that I had my old unit on a RAM mount on my handlebar, whereas in the future I plan to "wear" the Mini 2 on my person, so the single-button operation essentially goes away regardless. I do find the monthly payment schedule amenable.
Date published: 2022-03-20T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Amazing battery life I’ve only got 14 days of use so far, but I started at 96% battery and left it on 10 minute updates. Running non-stop it’s now down to 53% battery.
Date published: 2022-02-23T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from InReach® Mini 2 I had several InReach devices, from Delorme all the way up to Montana 700i. Each is unique. It depends what one needs and mostly what for. It is really nice to have screens, like 66i and 700i but size of Mini is so attractive and does amazing work, including better accuracy and longer battery life. Plus USB-C charging and Explore integration made my final choice toward Mini 2. Good job Garmin!
Date published: 2022-03-21T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Auto Track issues With the Mini 2 set to Auto Track, the activity track recorded doesn’t contain many bread crumbs even with Activity Recording set to High Density. Manually starting tracking on the unit itself builds a breadcrumb file with 10 times as many points.
Date published: 2022-05-13T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great feature & excellent customer service I bought this about a month ago. I am so happy with the new display and functions that enable me to keep in touch with my family while outside the Mobile coverage area! Great customer service with quick response! Thanks Garmin!
Date published: 2022-02-28T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Fantastic Peace of Mind! I got this as a birthday present from my wife (probably more for her than for me :) ) I have so far used it on a test run through the city, on a day hike, and on a long long long climbing bike ride through Shenandoah NP and the thing has worked wonders. Paired with my Fenix 6, it has given me peace of mind knowing that I can reach out if anything goes wrong, and I can be found/contacted if anyone needs me! The functionality can be a bit clunky but easily figured out after a scroll through and some intro videos/instructions!
Date published: 2022-03-24T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Garmin inReach mini 2 I really love the this technology. However, some of the instructions and videos are a little confusing especially the tracking. I called support 3 times before I figured it out. They were very helpful. But in Garmin defense, I’m not very technically knowledgeable. My family is very happy with the ability to keep in touch and track me.
Date published: 2022-03-21T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Much better that my Spot Gen2 Still winter here, so have only used it on my morning dog walks. Sending texts is simple enough. I would like to see some videos on mapping with the Gamin Explore app
Date published: 2022-03-05T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Improved UI and speed Overall happy with the updated model. New app and additional gps connections make a difference in ease and speed of use. Still takes a while to get gps position in non-clear conditions.
Date published: 2022-03-14T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good device but wish fo more I bought this to replace an aged SPOT device. It does all the SPOT did in a much smaller package. I wish it would have more detailed maps as part of the Navigational tab. All I get is a blank screen with my trip and no surrounding details. Wish they would add details similar to what you get with regular GPS devices.
Date published: 2022-04-10T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Mini 2 Let me start off by saying I had no experience with a sat communicator before buying this device. I’ve used it a few times in the month since I bought it and like it so far. I have had some issues sending messages through the app and I’m not sure why. At first I thought the reason was that I was under tree canopy. But when I tried sending messages from a wide open parking lot with no aerial obstructions, they still wouldn’t send through the app. I’ll probably contact customer service to find out why. I can send them through the device though. Anyways, good device so far. I bought it over the original mini because all the new inreach devices run off the explorer app. So I figured it would be updated more often. I have yet to use the sos button or tracback. But I’m sure they work good.
Date published: 2022-03-04T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Perfect size I bought this to carry in a small plane and for those hunting and fishing trips where there is no cell or wifi. It will work well for checking in and also in case of an emergency
Date published: 2022-04-03T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from High expectations for the device I travel by car on expeditions around the country each year and many times end up in locations with non-existent or poor cell service. I'm an experienced navigator and outdoorsman and have the necessary gear for all occasions. I go off road a lot into remote areas alone except for my dog and needed a communicator that worked no matter where I was. I wanted some way to notify my wife of changes to my itinerary for safety reasons, not to mention emergency calls for help. The device seems to send messages slower than what I expected but it sends them so no problem. The features are well thought out and it pairs easily with my iphone and the inReach ap. I bought it for one reason only: safety. Looking forward to using it on my trips in 2022.
Date published: 2022-03-17T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Difficult to use, set up and is not that reliable The device simply isn’t very good. The UI is terrible, any type of canopy greatly reduces both battery life and transmission ability.
Date published: 2022-04-12T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great little device My son took the inReach mini 2 to Patagonia on a week long trip. Before leaving, the preset messages were set to arrived, underway and doing fine. The battery lasted the whole week with 30 min logging/reporting and power off at night. Figuring out which plan works best is probably the hardest task. IMO, the annual safety plan makes the most sense, even with some monthly trackpoint overages. Judicious use of free preset messages provides connection and location without the burden of detailed communication.
Date published: 2022-04-09T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great but complicated I have used this on a couple backpacking trips so my wife can keep track of me and it works well. At 77 years old many of the features that come intuitively to younger users are not so easily grasped. Maybe there are videos available to help explain some of the features. I would recommend it but advise that to get full functionality required a step learning curve.
Date published: 2022-03-15T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great features Bought it three weeks ago I’m so happy I did I feel safe and secure now
Date published: 2022-04-08T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Difficult A family member bought this for my husband. He hikes long distances and we wanted to have some way to keep track and call out emergencies if needed. He is 70 and he walks where there is no phone ability. We worked on this. Put in maps and places he might be able to contact. I set it up and paid, but it does not work. It is too hard to figure it out.
Date published: 2022-07-08T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Onboarding difficulties I bough the unit, created an account, and activated the unit. I asked about a subscription discount for a first time owner. No response yet. Also, when I fired up the unit, it is asking me to re-activate, even through I activated. I don't understand if one can activate but not yet set up a subscription.
Date published: 2022-07-27T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Hate it! Right now I hate it. It's very user unfriendly and no way to get personal help with specific questions about how to work it. The garmin videos are not user friendly or beginner friendly. I may be returning it before the 90 day time allotment. This product needs contacts with in person people !. The videos are not for beginners and do not cover the basic information.
Date published: 2022-03-17T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from works great I bought this a month ago and so happy that I did...
Date published: 2022-05-17T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Out of box should include adapter for Backpack Tet I bought this and the suggestions from both Amazon (no warning) and Garmin (tiny warning) is to get the Backpack tether. You then realise on receiving it you need an additional piece of plastic that came with version 1 for free. For between $14 and $50. Not acceptable Garmin - adapter should be included. Immediate bad experience on box opening for an expensive subscription service. Product Manager should be hauled over coals for this omission.
Date published: 2022-06-07T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Just the right features I bought this a month ago and have used it multiple times after the initial setup. Worked exactly as advertised. Perfect size, great features!
Date published: 2022-05-11T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from USB C Finally Great little satellite communicator. Long battery life. Connects with several other Garmin products like the Fenix watch. Works great with an iPhone. Mapping apps are pretty dated as for planning routes but there's some good third-party options.
Date published: 2022-04-23T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Feeling of security The Mini2 has performed well on 14 MTB rides thus far. The out of cell reach tracking easily transfers to the Garmin 1030 Plus and the Explore app. Tracking is easy, and the 4 messages I sent from out of range we immediately received. Love it.
Date published: 2022-02-28T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Solid device, confusing plans This is still the best device in its class for folks heading into the backcountry. The interface is about what you might expect for something with four buttons. It's a little nicer when connected to the phone. The plans, on the hand, are pretty rough to navigate. It's a combination of pay-to-use features and features that use text messages as currency. We did some tests of weather forecasts and things like that when in canyon country with no reception. The text messaging feature was great. Both the weather and Premium weather features were largely useless lacking any meaningful details. I was surprised at how sparse the information was with Premium weather. That said, it's still better than nothing. Hopefully Garmin makes some changes to the plans pricing and improves the weather features.
Date published: 2023-04-10T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Difficult I recently bought one used 4 times , I'm not savvy. With electronics so I m not sure if it would work!
Date published: 2023-04-09T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great features and size Very happy with functions and ease of use! Battery life is super long
Date published: 2023-04-08T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Must have back country item. Worked like a charm. Only issue is messages came in out of order a couple of times.
Date published: 2023-03-29T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great little device. Still getting use to all the features it has to offer, but so far its been great.
Date published: 2023-04-03T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Inreach Mini-2. Great Unit Works like a charm with the recurring plan. Only complaint is that the preset arrival type messages cannot be modified, so you are stuck with 3 messages. I just sent out an associated "meaning" for the recipients to understand what my intention of the message is. Only message you can modify counts as a text message which over time can add up to a significant charge at $0.50 each. So far just use it for notifications of safe arrivals and departures with tracking active. Still a great unit!!!
Date published: 2023-03-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Insurance if problem on the trail arises I bought this unit over a month ago. Still learning many of the features, since they are not obvious. The user manual is helpful. As I get older and have fewer friends that are able to hike with me due to health problems, I find that I hike many times by myself. Thus having a unit such as this, I consider an insurance police on the off chance I have a problem on the trail.
Date published: 2023-04-04T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Have it and haven’t needed it, thankfully Easy set up. Pricey subscription options. Good piece of gear if I end up in a downded aircraft with no cell service. Good size for carrying along. Haven’t used it … which is good news to me. I guess if I was downed in remote terrain and my mini 2 had contacted SAR successfully I’d be singing its praises… but I’m still fine. Its the product I have and hope to never need.
Date published: 2023-04-04T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Hard to send/receive messages Hard to type and send/receive messages specially in rough ocean. Not very effective when only one phone can be connected via blue-tooth. I will give a plus to the online tracking. Family and friends are able to track movement, great tracking tool.
Date published: 2023-04-04T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from SCUBA Application I have tested this unit and it has been proven to allow a diver to turn tracking on, place it in the waterproof case, attach it to their BCD, and go diving. The unit automatically sends their position to anyone with permission passively while they are on the surface of the water so long as the unit is above the surface. The unit will transmit their position while in the waterproof case. In case of the diver becoming lost or needing to alert emergency services, the diver can remove the inreach from the waterproof case while on the surface, activate the SOS feature then either return the unit to the waterproof case or keep above the water out of the case, so long as the unit is above the water, it will transmit their location and two-way messages. I have the unit tethered to my BCD as it will not float in case I drop it. This unit is valuable in many other applications too; while out of all communications during a recent Florida hurricane, I was able to use this device to alert family members and it was my link to emergency services when cell was out. I will never be without one of these as it is the perfect compliment to my EPIRB and my float plan. I BLEED GARMIN!!!
Date published: 2023-01-11T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to Use The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is easy to set up and use. Very small and easy to clip to my pack for emergency access. It gave me a great sense of confidence having this while hiking in the Rocky Mountains over Christmas. My husband had a medical emergency earlier this year so having the Garmin Mini gave me a sense of relief in case we needed emergency help.
Date published: 2023-01-10T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Small Form, Big peace of mind The Garmin Reach was purchased as a safety precaution for a drive from Lower 48 to Fairbanks AK during the heart of winter. It held a charge for several days and operated as expected. We didn’t “Need” it, on this trip, but stoked to have an SOS device for future Alaska adventures.
Date published: 2023-01-08T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Simple and Works I'm too often trail running and MTB where there's no cell service. If something were to happen, what would I do. The Mini 2 is light, has a great battery life, and works. I'm very happy with it so far! I love that my Fenix watch pairs with it giving me easy access to messages and tracking.
Date published: 2023-01-08T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Connection Issues but Awesome Once Overcome I have a Samsung S21 Phone. The instructions for linking my phone to the inReach did not work very well and I had to experiment a lot to get them linked properly. For instance, inReach wanted me to download "Messenger" to my phone rather than "Explore" to link up. I have saved instructions for how to do this for when I've gone a long time between inReach uses and have forgotten the "work arounds" I used.
Date published: 2023-01-09T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Mixed bag It works as advertised. I've sent a few messages and that's neat. I'm not impressed that I have to pay for a subscription to access the same features (like TracBac) that were free on my Garmin Geko 201 that I was using 25 years ago. (I actually really liked that unit). I would understand if you charged more for advanced new features, but basic GPS functions should have been included.
Date published: 2023-01-05T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Fantastic Addition to a hike Wife bought it for me for Xmas. Was great to have on my Hike to Three Ridges Wilderness. We did get off on the wrong trail and the alert for off course was a huge help before we got too far down it. The wives loved that we could periodically check in to show them we were alive. All in all, probably the signal most important piece of gear that I didn’t realize I needed. Worth every penny!!
Date published: 2023-01-08T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from PEACE OF MIND I purchased this after a few episodes of needing to communicate with my wife and family while on extended backpacking trips and backcountry skiing missions. Integrates great with my Fenix watch and overall easy to use on its own. Set up was intuitive and I look forward to exploring all the vast number of features.
Date published: 2023-01-10T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to figure out I have only played with this device in local wildlife areas but using it is easy, set up is simple. Great features and love the piece of mind.
Date published: 2023-01-10T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Poor I bought this as a safety and navigation device but found it wasn’t much more accurate than downloading an AllTrails map from my phone. The subscription plans are horrible since I only want to use it for the back country trips which happen 3 times per year but they only offer yearly plans. The usability of the apps is also extremely poor and not intuitive. You have to use multiple apps to complete simple tasks.
Date published: 2023-01-08T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Hand over your credit card. I have been on the Garmin site and on Youtube to try to figure out how to use the InReach II without running up a fantastic monthly bill. So far I have found that the inReach is not as easy to use as I have come to expect from Garmin. Dissapointing. Also the fees for using the service are greedy. Garmin should figure out if they want to sell the InReach unit for profit or sell the service for profit. But not BOTH. Analogy, this feels like the local gas station telling me I have to buy a gas pump in order to buy gas from them. Got it?
Date published: 2023-01-09T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from User friendly Regardless of how in depth you want to be with the information provided by the mini2, the user interface makes it a breeze to use.
Date published: 2023-01-05T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The Mini – 2 is a GIANT! As a previous owner of a Garmin in reach Explorer+, and more recently a Montana 750i, I am now the proud owner of a mini – 2 and I love it! The Explorer + worked ok to track my activities in the wild, but the keyboard was problematic, and the phone app interface was less than adequate. Two years ago, I purchased a Montana 750i. It’s great, it’s a tracker app, it’s a GPS, it does everything. The one thing I learned when using the Montana is - I do not need everything when I’m out. It’s heavy. I Don’t need a separate camera. My phone and my separate GPS on both my mountain bike and motorcycle take care of my GPS needs. All I really need is a good tracker that can get me whether if I need it. The purchase of the mini-2 and then just learning about the Garmin messenger, phone app, make the combination of the two exactly what I need. And the mini, too, I can wear on my body if I get separated from my two wheelers. The battery lasts a very long time, in the messenger program on my phone does everything I needed to do so I do not really even need to touch the mini-2. And, the mini- 2 costs half as much as the Montana 750i and about the same as the explorer+. This may be the last in-reach device I buy, unless you can put it in a really nice watch with long battery life and easy recharge capability. I’ll be buying that if you can accomplish that Mr. Garmin. Thanks again!
Date published: 2022-12-29T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from SOS / Messaging / GPS / MapShare Emergency SOS - Expensive! I’m a 65yo adventure motorcyclist and spend time outside of cell service so having satellite emergency SOS is essential but at $400 for the Mini 2 device and no less than $175 annual subscription it is very expensive for a service that hopefully will never be used! Messaging on the Mini 2 is ridiculous but the Explorer App makes it manageable yet pricey. I use the Freedom Safety Subsciption to save money but this means I pay $0.50 per custom message. I can send “check-in” messages for free which are limited but get the job done. Overall other services appear better at messaging but have additional cost. GPS has gotten to be a free service on my cell phone and over the years and other companies like GAIA have become quit good and are my first choice for navigation. GPS Tracking and TrackBack on the Mini 2 is simply BAD however navigation via the Explorer App can be usable once you figure out Garmin archaic structure. MapShare is Garmin way to share your location and route with family and friends but again it’s pricey. On the Freedom Safety plan I have to pay $0.10 for each tracking point so if you set the Send Interval to 10 minutes I pay $0.60 per hours while tracking so if you just leave it on for the entire trip it adds up to $14.40 per day on top of your monthly subscription and device cost. I just leave MapShare turned off and share my location via free “check-in” messages with my wife.
Date published: 2022-12-30T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from InReach Very easy to set up and works like it should. I was able to communicate on my elk hunt where there was no cell service.
Date published: 2022-12-29T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use for people who are not techy. I found the manual a bit too simple. I had to Google some deeper topics. The App is user friendly.
Date published: 2023-01-03T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Very difficult to figure out I've had it a month and still can't get it to use the contacts I've entered. I have no clue. Now I'll have to sit with someone who knows the secret handshake to figure this thing out. Sheesh.... I'm excited to be able to use it, and I know of others who do so successfully, but as it stands now, my idea of having my Zumo XT, inReach Mini2 and Sena all connected and happy is not happening.
Date published: 2023-01-04T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works well, peace of mind I've used the mini on two hikes. You have to point the mini towards the sky to get a signal and it takes a few minutes to connect. The pre-set check in msgs are easy but typing free form msgs is very hard. I did connect it to the garmin app on my phone via blue tooth and that works better. The mapping/tracking & sharing is good. Luckily haven't needed to use the SOS. I also have the FarOut app, I heard that uses GPS too but not 100% sure. If it does then the mini is quite expensive just for SOS.
Date published: 2023-01-04T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Nice piece of tech I’ve had the inreach mini for some time now, and it’s been good, but it was a bit finicky with getting good reception through tree cover. I was also concerned about the battery, as I’ve had it for sometime the mini 2 you’re supposed to have better battery life but I haven’t seen much difference between the original mini in the mini 2. I am glad that I have it though, and I’m also happy with improved battery life.
Date published: 2022-12-13T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great unit, severely lacking instructions I have been using this unit for a few weeks. I love the unit , the size, and the battery life. The instructions on how to use it are really lacking. I figured out how to send a message but how can someone text me when I’m out of cell range? Some instructional videos should be provided. If they are available, I haven’t been able to find them. I bought a screen protector and a silicone case which are a must. You would think that for $400 that these cheap items would have been included. I bought the $70 diving case for protection when the unit is attached to my knapsack or stowed in some equipment bags. I have this unit for safety reasons and my life or anyone I stop to help’s life is worth the cost of the unit and the overpriced subscription. Life can change in split second, hopefully this unit will be there and work when I’m in need of help.
Date published: 2022-12-12T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Peace of Mind I bought this for my family to be able to have peace of mind when I am out solo hiking/backpacking. The features are pretty intuitive and it didn't take long to figure out the basic operations. I use it mainly for the simple check in messages and to have it in case I need to use the SOS for an accident or health emergency (which thankfully I haven't had to use...yet). I like the size and the screen is clear and easy to read even without my glasses on. I do wish that you could do more from the phone app rather than having to go to my laptop for some things but all in all a very good product.
Date published: 2022-12-26T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Purchased for emergency use primarily Still trying to figure if you can save a track on device without sending track points. So far I don't think so. Disappointed the 3 preset messages were changed to check-in's just before I purchased which I did not know. The "I'm checking in, everything is okay" is fine but the other two, I'm starting/ending my trip are lame, I'm probably in cell service at that point so what's the point.
Date published: 2022-12-27T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Stay in touch with family during your trip I got it tow month ago and used in several hikes. I use it to communicate my location to my family at home as well as track my location on I-phone. Easy to use, reliable, good battery life, peace of mind while hiking alone in remote locations.
Date published: 2022-12-27T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Survival Dispatch Approved The inReach Mini 2 is an amazing device. We're absolutely blown away by the battery life. If you spend time off the grid this is the best safety device you can have. We've tested the competitors, and while they perform ok, Garmin takes things to the next level by integrating syncronization amongst all of the products they make.
Date published: 2022-12-23T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Simple Sat com Nothing too special. Not the most innovative user interface. Not the quickest to obtain a signal when view not obstructed. Long battery life.
Date published: 2022-12-24T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great way to stay in touch while in remote areas Bought it before going hunting this year. It’s nice being able to text pretty much from anywhere.
Date published: 2022-12-18T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from small, lightweight, good feature set Almost a must have if you venture anywhere cell phone signal doesn't exist. My family appreciates that I can still check in while in the back country. Screen is easily readable, good battery life for such a small device. Decent cell phone apps to assist in communication.
Date published: 2022-12-19T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works Well, Tracking Issues, Long Delays Sending I'll preface by saying I've only used the device one time for a 4 day trip into the Smoky Mountains. The overall functionality is great, and does what it is meant to do: a) give you the ability to communicate with people when outside of cell range (for me my wife and daughter) b) give people the ability to track my progress (they can compare that to the predetermined route, or just track where I am) c) should an emergency arise, SOS and communicate with responders (which I didn't use, thankfully, so not 100% sure this function works) My issues arise specifically when it comes to sending a receiving messages; the delay on sending and receiving at times was quite long (3-4 minutes to send a message) which is concerning as the reason we spend so much money on a device like this is to be able to communicate in case of emergency. Should a true emergency arise, my confidence that this will allow me to communicate QUICKLY with first responders is low. This would be less of an issue if I were able to send a longer message than the 160 characters allowed per message. I will say it was pretty cloudy most of the time, but there was no tree coverage where we camped and the device had a clear view of the sky (again, other than the clouds). My last issue with the product is that the live tracking is pretty lousy. don't get me wrong, it does give someone the ability to see the general vicinity of where I am, but if I look back after the fact to try and see how far I hiked and how long it took, all of the data points are way off. It has multiple miles added to each hike, with pings that look like I've backtracked the entire route, which throws everything else off. There is also no way to go back into my track and revise/update the true route taken.
Date published: 2022-12-20T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from not good Bought yesterday and the unit only displays French. Unable to get English
Date published: 2022-11-08T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Too Complex, would not acquire I had to return the unit. It would not acquire the satellites. I have other Garmin products and they are fine. Alo would not pair with my phone a Samsung S8, about 3 years old. Disappointed
Date published: 2022-11-16T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Activation issues Just got the device and had to enter my personal contact information, friend contact info cc# etc. 3 times. Very problematic website kept kicking me out/back. I sure hope I don't get charged twice!
Date published: 2022-11-15T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Peace of Mind I bought this a few months ago and finally found a fellow hunter and hs partner who both had Garmins.I told him that I had been looking for someone who could activate for me. Without hesitation he said I can do that for you and we went to an area that has cell coverage as my camp is in meadow surrounded by hills on top of Rock Mountain in the Rock Creek Area, Southern BC. He spent the next hour setting it up with no charge! This gives me peace of mind as I have hunted in this area for 40 years now. Nowadays I hunt and camp alone as most of my buddies are long gone or too old. I am 69 and have had Alzheimer's for 5 years now along with other medical issues. It's good to have the SOS feature along with text messaging. I think I have coverage for 3 months as I will only hunt Sept. Oct. and Nov. I'm usually there until Dec. 21st for bow season but I tore out both shoulders a few years ago dragging a bull elk downhill to my camp. There's still a moose in the area so I will probably take the shot if presented like last year. Thank you for your great product and life saving SOS feature!
Date published: 2022-11-15T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Perfect for off the grid backpacking Off the grid backpacking for 5 days in ONP and no issues
Date published: 2022-10-07T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Reliable I purchased this to replace another brand of satellite communicator. Unlike the other brand, this one has been 100% reliable when sending messages and tracking points. The battery life is also much better. I'm very happy. A device such as this, possibly used in a life or death situation, must be 100% reliable.
Date published: 2022-12-05T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good but could be better... Seems to work as advertised but am seriously disappointed that the three Check-in Messages can no longer be customized by the user. That needs to be reinstated with a software update. Very much unlike Garmin, which is otherwise a world class outfit, to limit this device's functionality to save a few corporate dimes. Would have been a 5-star review. It would be nice if there were an icon showing the satellite signal strength even if it had to be a menu item and not continually displayed if that saved battery life.
Date published: 2022-12-23T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Terrible set up The set up of the device is horrible. The device will not activate even though the phone and computer identifies it’s activated. Worthless. Will be returning. better off with my compass.
Date published: 2022-09-24T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great piece of gear, in a tiny package ! I had the mini, really liked it and upgraded to the mini 2 and love it. The extended battery life and capabilities when paired with your iPhone are amazing for anyone traveling off the grid. I’m heading to the arctic circle in two weeks and a suggestion for the Garmin product development folks. In extreme cold temperatures, the unit must be kept inside my coat(s) effecting the signal. If you can, develop a wire antenna that can go on the outside of my parka
Date published: 2022-02-27T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Tool for Communication Navigation & Safety I bought this a month ago and it has been the best choice for a compact Tool for Communication, Navigation & Safety.
Date published: 2022-05-02T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works well This is my first Inreach product but I have been purchasing Garmin products since before GPS constellation was completed. The unit seems to work well. I have used it in fairly dense tree cover and it still would talk to the satellite. It is a little cumbersome to use I will admit. It is hard to know when it is actually talking correctly to the satellite network other than sending a test message or seeing that the last tracking info was sent. It would be nice if it was a little more informational driven but it does work. The battery life claims are a bit higher than what I am actually seeing. I put the unit on normal tracking and have it start tracking as soon as I turn it on. I can get about 3 days with it before the battery goes out. I don't do any long treks without power so this is fine for me. The Garmin share website is pretty neat. It will show your friends where you are in real time. I wish that the pricing was lower than what it is. I chose the recreation plan.
Date published: 2022-05-04T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good tool, useful outside cell phone range. I received the inReach 2 in April and used it for a hike last weekend. I asked for this instrument for the messaging options, but the waypoint tracking is a nice addition. I found it difficult to follow waypoints on the trail, but the mapping feature after the hike was very cool.
Date published: 2023-06-08T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use! Battery lasts forever! I love the Garmin inReach Mini 2. Not sure why some reviewers had a problem. I’m a 71yo man and I had it set up very quickly. It does everything I need. I decided on the annual Safety Plan because I do a lot of solo hikes besides backpacking. I never really thought about how hard it would be to get help in my local hiking areas that have poor to no cell coverage. The other thing I like is the small size and durability. Fits nicely on pack straps.
Date published: 2023-06-08T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Does not receive replies, one way communication I had high hopes for this device. I have been in communication with Garmin for 15 days to rectify this issue. “Engineering is addressing the problem” I can send messages but cannot receive replies unless my phone is connected to the internet. If my phone is connected to the internet then I don’t need a two way satellite communicator. This is very frustrating and not what I have come to expect from Garmin after owning several GPS units, watch, heart rate monitor, etc. So, one star since it does not work as advertised.
Date published: 2023-06-09T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Lots of features for sure I received this as a gift 2 months ago. Mostly for safety reasons in remote places. Being an old guy I am working hard to get use to using it. Have the basics now but still somewhat confused with some options. I’ll get it but it’s slow. Down loading the manual instead of watching those too fast videos has helped.
Date published: 2023-02-06T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Working as expected! Enjoying the extra safety. No problems so far. Basic plan seems sufficient
Date published: 2023-02-08T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great product Works great ,Battery life is awesome,highly recommend it
Date published: 2023-02-18T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great device, Hits a good spot with personal EPIRB I had looked a several EPIRB models for various manufacturers. None matched the features/price of the Mini 2. I do a lot of hiking, but really wanted something I could clip to my diving gear in case I got separated from the boat. The Mini 2 with the diving case really performs well. Documentation not super, but lots of You Tube help. Really nice that the unit uses a iphone for text input and GPS maps (using explorer). I like it so much I bought a Garmin GPSMAP 66i to go with it allowing unit to unit texting out of cell phone range. Help online is pretty much worthless.. they even didn't give a usable telephone number. Navionics hellp (Garmin co) was terrific and easy t reach on phone and on line with one call. 5 weeks and I am still waiting for an answer to a GARMIN Help email question.
Date published: 2023-02-19T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Tracking feature Tracking is marginal in Patagonia with partly cloudy ski
Date published: 2023-03-06T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Poor satellite tracking and too many steps Three out of three messages failed to send location data yesterday. Mid-day, clear view of the sky, In-reach mini antenna oriented up. Previous efforts have been mixed. I may have a faulty unit. I have used Spot Messenger for well over a decade in these same locations and success at transmitting map locations was well over 90%. I also am not a big fan of the menu, scroll, select, scroll, select, ok, ok, back button that is required to send a “quick message”. My old Spot device required holding one ok button for 4 seconds, then a light on the unit would confirm signal and another light would confirm delivery. If I can not improve that mapping I will return the unit to REI and cancel my subscription. If I can improve the mapping transmittals, I will begin to explore more features but the essential feature is checking in with my spouse and letting her know where I am.
Date published: 2023-02-26T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great features It’s nice to know I can rely on this for communication anywhere. I’m learning to navigate, I like seeing my progress in miles and elevation. It’s really cool. I still have a lot to learn. There are good videos on the website to help with that.
Date published: 2023-02-12T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Still Learning, but Loving it I bought this about a month ago so that I can take my grandkids backpacking and their Mom will feel safe. It is turning out to be everything I need it to be!!! (although the SOS test remains...) Thank you!!
Date published: 2023-03-06T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Awesome form factor, functionality, performance... Once you get past the learning curve (lots to learn, not always intuitive), you're going to love your iR Mini 2!
Date published: 2023-03-26T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Let's My Wife Keep an Eye on Me The InReach is perfect for allowing my wife to know where I am when I'm out on my hikes, particularly when I'm out for a few days. It also is tremendous in helping with navigation when paired with an iPhone. Yes, it's expensive, but considering what it's capable of doing, it is worth the price, especially by giving my wife peace of mind.
Date published: 2023-02-28T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from great product I really like the Inreach Mini 2 would recommend for anyone heading out to the backcountry. Wife also likes being able to check in. Would have given 5 stars but app is not as good as the Inreach itself.
Date published: 2023-04-25T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from As described Thanks……………………………………………….,,,,,, …………………………………………..
Date published: 2023-04-28T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Family is a text away with Tritium Satellite Tech! I’ve had the Mini 2 for a little over a month and totally impressed with its performance and use. I will say I have the unlimited plan as I’ve dropped some cellphone data coverage I no longer need. I do use the mini 2 in conjunction (In-Reach Linking) with my Garmin Rino 755t and has made texting easier. I am very comfortable with leaving my phone off (Saving Battery Energy) while backpacking/hiking off-grid countrysides. I hike allot of terrain off grid with cellular coverage so it’s a no brainer the plan I selected. One of the best features of the In-Reach Mini 2 in my opinion is battery life. Please read the plans before purchasing as you will be charged for pings and texts if sharing map data. Please read all directions before purchasing, Nothing is free, and highly recommend purchasing SAR Insurance. Not sure what Garmin has planned for future gear, but In-Reach should be in all their new GPS units, obviously excluding watches as they’re just too small. I will add that a few things to consider purchasing for easy access to the unit. 1) Garmin Spine Mount adapter (Needed for Backpack Tether/Additionally for accessory attachment kits also) 2) Garmin Backpack tether accessory Velcro Quick Disconnect (Pictured is my modified versions) 100% Satisfied Customer thus far :)
Date published: 2023-05-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Features I just bought this 2 weeks ago and am still learning all the features. I think the number one feature is that if you have to send an SOS you can contact the receivers and let them know the severity or not of the incident. My last unit didn't allow that.
Date published: 2023-06-02T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy setup and use Excellent manual (download) covers all features. Free test messages are a major plus, know before you go. Highly recommend this device for communication in areas with no cell coverage, it provides peace of mind for the user and family/friends.
Date published: 2023-06-07T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great device Nice size. I found it easy to use. Pease of mind in backcountry for family.
Date published: 2023-01-26T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Very Accurate We use it mainly for tracking ourselves while off reading. The maps viewed afterwards are very accurate and the battery easily last us our whole trip.
Date published: 2023-01-29T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good Features I bought this a month ago and so far I’m very happy with it.
Date published: 2023-04-21T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Battery life is excellent ! Just completed a 2 1/2 day hike thru the Big Cypress portion of the Florida Trail. The battery life was at 97% at the start and 92% at conclusion using hourly updates. It’s nice to hike with a device that is so small and has little energy requirements.
Date published: 2023-01-13T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Thankful for affordable satellite communications I'm so excited to have an affordable option for emergency satellite communications; a way for friends and family to share the adventure using messaging and MapShare; and a way for them to have piece of mind. One issue I've run into is iridium user has difficulty responding back to email because they can't render web page link. I didn't find any help page about two-way messaging with iridium users
Date published: 2023-02-04T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love the small size! I bought this about 1 month ago to replace my inReach Explorer +. I love the smaller size and lighter weight to easily tuck in my cycling jersey pocket. So far I have mot had any trouble learning to use the communication and tracking features.
Date published: 2023-05-13T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Nice Size I bought this and set it up before we went on vacation. We did a couple of test messages before we hit the trail and they came through just fine. But after that, no messages came through at all or came through 2 days after being sent. Very disapointed. Spent a lot of money on the unit and the subscription for the month of May and it did not work. Good thing we did not have an emergency.
Date published: 2023-05-23T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from safety in a small box Recently purchased my mini InReach 2 and am very happy with it. No, I haven't had to s.o.s. yet but I feel better hiking and camping when I do. My only complaint is the subscription plan. When I activated it Garmin billed me for April and May. So if you activate yours, be sure to do so at the beginning of the month.
Date published: 2023-04-14T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use I bought this because I love to solo backpack in remote areas. It is easy to setup (make sure you reset the defaults and upgrade the software before starting), and is packed with features. My family loved the ability to track my location and the short messages they received when off the grid (Internet) that I was fine.
Date published: 2023-04-23T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Can be slow to send, but better than nothing. I got this a couple weeks ago for use while camping, hiking, and driving in the mountains of the PNW where there is no cell service. I tested it in town with check ins and was surprised at how quick they sent. I didn't realize they were sending via my phone until I went for a drive where there was no cell service. Those messages took 15 minutes to send rather than seconds. The service plans are outrageously expensive but it is necessary of you want to use the device. I wish like some other providers there were rollover messages or something similar.
Date published: 2023-05-10T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works every time! Have been using for about 1 month now on a cross country road trip through the USA. Read the manual thoroughly, call customer service to unlock editable Check In messages, and you are good to go. I found it works fastest in the open and has more trouble in canyons where you cannot see as much of the sky. But it has eventually sent every check in successfully. My family likes the location feature as well with each message.
Date published: 2023-05-27T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Difficult to use I do not like writing negative reviews, but this device was not user friendly. Difficult to use. Buttons too close together. Very counter-intuitive in terms of getting the device to do what you wish it to do. Stopped using it and canceled my service. Better to be out of cell service for a little bit than angry and frustrated that you cannot get your device to work.
Date published: 2023-06-04T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Peace of mind when I go off grid. Bought this to stay in touch with family and friends when I am off grid. I feel a lot better knowing that if a problem arises when I am out in nature, I have a way to stay in touch. If I could customize the free messages I would give it 5 stars.
Date published: 2023-06-05T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Peace of mind I bought this in May 2023 and used it once so far in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It allows my wife to follow my progress on remote hikes. Although my one use took place during a group hike, we decided to put it to the test anyway and once I emerged from dense tree canopy, my progress was apparent and I was able to test the check-in feature several times successfully. This will provide peace of mind to both of us in the future.
Date published: 2023-06-07T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from First week I had it. First week I had it I buried my truck in a snowdrift. Not only was it stuck good, I damaged the rear end enough to leave my truck inoperable. I was alone, on a dirt road far from service, and in an area I sure didn’t anticipate seeing anyone else. I shot my buddy a message on the inreach mini 2 an he was on his way to help 15 minutes later. that single non-emergency situation was enough to validate the 400 dollars I spent on the thing. If your on the fence about buying one, just do it.
Date published: 2023-04-20T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Inreach mini 2 Seems overly complicated and the manual really doesn’t tell you much.
Date published: 2023-05-16T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good product, but confusing setup and plans I bought this a month ago on recommendation from REI. Seems like a good unit. I found the setup and plan descriptions quite confusing. I have the unit paired with my Android cell phone, but still find it confusing on how to send a text message. The first user experience could definitely be better.
Date published: 2023-04-30T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Wife Happy Took first hike with inReach. I used the tracking feature and sent checkin messages to wife. This was an area with no cell coverage so my wife was unable to track me with Iphone features, however she got all messages from inReach and was able to track me. Gave my wife peace of mind which makes my life easier.
Date published: 2023-05-18T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from I need InReach mini2 classes! I know I will be happy with this once I learn to use it! While I am reading manual, I am not at all sure of steps for different features. I need an in person "show me' tutor!
Date published: 2023-05-13T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from This is cool Just getting started. Trying to figure out stuff like messaging and tracking. And is the weather free? Messages?
Date published: 2023-05-04T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Mini 2 - Better Than original I bought this for work! This is amazing, the Mini 2 is better than the 1 and it is great. Most people forget it is called an inReach, hence it needs to be in reach of you at all times. I use this device all the time! I think it is totally worth it! I have a personal one on the $11.95 plan and that is fine. For work, I like the tracking feature and pay the $24.95 a month. This device is well designed, wish it came in more colors (green, pink, purple). I bought a protective case and that is nice!
Date published: 2023-05-03T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Difficult to set up I have been frustrated with setting up my Garmin. The included booklet has print so small that it requires a magnifying glass to try and read. The online instructions have been confusing and incomplete. I attempted to use the tracking feature on my recent solo section hike on the AT and just couldn’t get it to work as expected. I must have done something wrong cause the fully charged battery was dead within 24 hours….a little disconcerting to discover mid-hike. While I blame some of this on my age (66) and dated computer skills, I don’t think it should be this difficult to get it set up and utilize the functions it was purchased for. I am hoping to get it fully functioning before my next adventure but this has been my experience so far.
Date published: 2023-05-04T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Peace of Mind Have been doing a lot of solo hiking, and added the InReach Mini to my safety kit last month so I could tackle harder less traveled trails. Love it.
Date published: 2023-04-30T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from So far so good Hope I never have to use it! Got it set up and have run a couple tests inside National Park with 0 signal. Both to Garmin and to my contacts. Both responded. Love the very precise gps location it sends.
Date published: 2023-05-26T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Battery life No field test yet ! but I’m super concerned about the battery life not looking great
Date published: 2023-05-27T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Safe feeling I do a lot of exploring into areas where I lose cell service. Always felt a bit uneasy at times. But no more.
Date published: 2023-04-17T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Emergency use only I bought this after a lot of research for a Garmin product that would be good for my off the grid camping trip in Colorado. I went back and forth from the Forerunner 955 & 945 LTE & the in-reach mini 2. Both the watches had way more features than I would ever need and a great GPS interface…..but only if you were in cell phone range or paired w/ a communicator. I went w/ the in-reach mini 2 because I knew I would be off the grid. However the GPS feature and the rest of the system was very 1990’s technology and a hefty subscription fee. It would show you direction, but no geographical features. I felt confident that if I was in an emergency I could navigate back to my waypoints or contact emergency services, but being only $100-200 cheaper than the forerunners didn’t make sense to me. The technology is there I just don’t think it’s fair to separate them so you need a $600 watch a $400 communicator, & an expensive subscription.
Date published: 2023-04-21T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Terrible battery life, not as advertised. Bought this to record my hiking data while I did the Georgia Section of the Appalachian Trail. I started tracking every morning as I stepped off (10-minute intervals) and stopped tracking at the end of the day and powered the device off. The battery wouldn’t last a whole 2-days of tracking! Completely useless device. I only tried to use it a week, then returned it to REI the following week. To top off this horrible experience, Garmin won’t let me cancel Inreach services without paying $157 dollars. Stay away kids it’s a money grab from Garmin.
Date published: 2023-04-16T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Small, light weight, and works perfect! Bought this to keep with me on my trips where I may not have cell service. Took it last weekend on a 5 day trip and it didn't even use 30% of battery while updating the map every 10 minutes. Great peace of mind knowing I have communication if something goes wrong.
Date published: 2023-04-28T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Still working to make fully work We've had it a couple of weeks and still can't get automatic location updates to work. We have been able to send texts through the Messenger app and via email. The manual texts do come with a link to a map with a pin showing device location. I'm not sure why auto updates aren't working we've gone through settings several times.
Date published: 2023-04-26T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Will it save my life? I was not impressed w/ the GPS features. Is pretty much a compass unless u are using your phone app. I sent my tracking info to myself and my wife which we never received. The main reason I purchased the inreach was for emergencies which thankfully I never needed. My waypoints were saved and I was able to view through my phone app. None of the features seem worth the price point, but if the SOS works as reviewed and that is your main concern then of course you can’t put a price on that.
Date published: 2023-04-30T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from safety in your pocket or PFD Why wonder if the vessel's safety devices are current? Take safety into your own hands. It was fun for friends and family to track my journey.
Date published: 2023-05-24T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from More detailed documentation is needed. I purchased this for two main reasons; the SOS feature and the ability to send and receive SMS messages. I hope not to use the former and the later has been problematic but I solved the problem and it wasn't because I found the answer in Garmin documentation or setup guides. I have been testing the SMS feature with my son prior to embarking on a multi day soon to be multi month journey and he was not receiving SMS messages, only emails from the device or the Explorer app. The problem lies with the way contacts are parsed into the device and the Explorer app. When a message is sent it defaults to the email address if your contact has one entered which means an SMS text is not sent to the phone number. After carefully looking at the contacts imported into the device I noticed an envelope icon in the corner of the contact. That tipped me off. What I then did was add a new contact by manually typing my son's phone number as the new contact which then displayed a text message icon. I tested this contact by sending a canned message and it was successfully received as an SMS and my son was able to reply and that was also successfully received. In the end it was a simple fix/procedure that I spent days researching to no avail. Recommendations; update documentation to reflect what I outlined. Change the firmware/software so contact info can be parsed or selected if there are multiple types associated with a contact.
Date published: 2023-05-23T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from great coverage I got 3 weeks ago and it works great and is so small and text com from my Iphone is great
Date published: 2023-05-24T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Versatile tool for family and volunteer service My Mini 2 is an upgrade from the Explorer+ I have had for several years. I live in the middle of a recreational paradise wrought with potential risks. I ride horseback, cycle, hike, fish, travel Forest Service roads and across the country. I am a local Forest Service volunteer on trail crew and a trail ambassador. The Mini 2 has become the standard backcountry communication tool. I lead/guide national Sierra Club outings and I am often able to share communication with fellow Garmin inReach owners on the outing as well as communicate with the outside world as needed. Our outings administration and health/safety personnel are equipped to communicate efficiently via inReach. I just came from a Sierra Club training that briefed us on the use of inReach Minis and the accompanying cell phone apps. I recently used my new Mini 2 to travel cross country tracking my freeway, state highway and forest road travel to my spouse as well as do daily quick checks even when I lacked cell service. While conducting a national service outing for Sierra Club and the Forest Service clearing trails, I was able to establish a second independent sawyer crew with piece of mind due to the fact one of them had a inReach with which we established communication with each other. I was also able to make contact with our district ranger and local volunteer group without positioning myself for a cellphone signal. I greatly appreciate the extended battery life of the Mini 2, its compactness and easy wearability on a pack and beltloop. I highly recommend the device for piece of mind and a means for communication the need for assistance while recreating away from other means of communication.
Date published: 2023-05-22T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Reliable As I often venture out to the middle of nowhere I thought it would be wise to invest in this satellite communication device. I have successfully used the text and email features to report all is well to those on my contact list. I feel confident that the Mini 2 will work when absolutely needed.
Date published: 2023-05-07T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Mini 2 Northwest Passage Attached Mini 2 to mizzen shroud so family & friends can learn it's location while sailing from Anacortes, WA to Boston, MA. Will go with dinghy on excursions as potential SOS. There are many features & patience with menu. 4 stars bcz not finished yet.
Date published: 2023-05-09T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Very reliable! I bought this before a 4500 mile road trip about 1000 of those miles in very secluded dirt roads. I fell with a 600 pound motorcycle and needed help and luckily I had this device. I was able to specify I was not hurt but was broke down and the right help came my way. Thank you so much Garmin !!
Date published: 2023-05-08T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from A Piece of Mind! I purchased this satellite communicator because many if not all of the places I hunt are located in remote areas without cell service. I like the interface between the device and my cell phone…makes sending and reading received messages easy on the eyes. Definitely worth the money spent.
Date published: 2023-05-06T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from It’s alright… I think the product is good, but the entire preset message and limitations on numbers of messages based on your plan is entirely old school. Like .10 copies on a copier or a fax. Technology has advanced, and there’s No proportional cost on Garmin’s end to justify the pricing schemes. It’s more of a penalty system. Just doesn’t feel good as a customer. Someone or some technology is going to come around and clean their clock.
Date published: 2023-05-21T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from My Delorme inreach was better Garmin app has less features and in classic Garmin fashion difficult to navigate. Preform 2 or more taps in app to get to something that should be a one tap process. Do not see a real time stats, which was included with delorme app. Seems dumbed down.
Date published: 2023-05-01T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works as Advertised In Reach Mini synced up easily with Satellites when turned on in an open, non obstructed view to satellites. While typing messages into the In Reach is a bit slow, the use of the Garmin Messenger App makes sending and receiving messages a breeze. I recently completed a 3K mile adventure down Baja Ca and was able to stay in touch with my riding partner passing important messages back and forth about exact location and description of situation/problems.
Date published: 2023-02-19T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from My safety net I finally took the plunge and feel much better knowing that I'm always InReach. There is a bit of a learning curve and some features are not as intuitive as I'd like. I keep the manual with the device in my jeep and my reading glasses since the device font is tiny.
Date published: 2023-04-28T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Won't sync with Android phone. I have had two people that own InReach Mini2 work on my factory new Mini 2 for hours. It won't sync with my Pixel 5a Android 13 telephone. Both experienced users concluded my Mini2 was defective when shipped from the factory.
Date published: 2023-02-23T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Security I bought this because I ski and hike alone or with one other person most of the time. We’re often not in cell service range. It was easy enough to set up and start using. A little pricey but worth it. We’re fit and experienced and hope to only use it to say we’ll be late for supper sometime
Date published: 2023-01-26T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from safety net I have only used the unit on one trip. There is definitely a learning curve for the communication features. I am basically a luddite, so the operations were not intuitive for me. My family enjoyed the contact and location info.
Date published: 2023-01-26T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Almost perfect! I bought this primarily for the peace-of-mind aspect of having communications when I'm off-grid (by intention or not), and for that I find it perfect in size, battery life and capability. I'm also an avid GPS logger, with logs of all my travels and hikes back to 2005, and had secondary interest in using my Mini 2 to replace my standalone logger. Mixed results to date: the UI and operation give me the sense the teams at Garmin behind this weren't on the same page as the confusion between "tracking" and "activity recording" is great for user and UI. Sometimes it logs a detailed track, sometimes only every ten minutes - regardless of settings for high detail. My experimentation, I've found that auto-track always logs at once-per-ten-minutes, while if I manual restart tracking it will log with detail. Looking forward to Garmin pushing a firmware update with some clarifications and tweaks to the UI in this regard, at which point this is a five-star must-have device.
Date published: 2023-01-12T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great peace of mind I purchased this because my son was departing on a six week ocean trip, and we wanted a way to keep in touch with him, as well as an extra layer of safety for him while on board. The inReach sends automated track points at intervals preset by us, so we can log in and view his position, and track his progress on his passage. He can also send us preset messages (choosing from three that we predetermined) for free, or he can also type his own custom message or text (that counts against our free monthly alotment.) Further, in an emergency, he can initiate an SOS message anywhere on the globe--real peace of mind. Pros: you're in touch regardless of cell phone service plan or connection; those on land can track the progress and most recent position of those at sea; free check in messages add to peace of mind; custom written text messages are a nice extra feature for two-way communication if needed; you can operate this unit completely separate from a phone--no need to find the phone, etc.; the SOS feature is an extra safety layer on top of an EPIRB, with the added bonus of the ability to communicate two ways with rescuers, via text message. Cons: it takes a little getting used to the interface, both on the inReach device itself, as well as the Garmin Explore app, and the Garmin website; things display differently on the app versus the website; allow a week to use it and get familiar with it--both the device and the app or website for the land-based party--before you go to sea. Lastly, Garmin reduced the availability of custom check in messages in September of 2022, which was unknown to me when I made the purchase and subscribed to the service. An inquiry to Garmin customer service got the me ability to pre-customize my check in messages, so we were able to set up three meaningful messages for my son to choose from, rather than the default "I'm checking in, everything is ok," which gets repetitive and doesn't help as much as it could. After Garmin gave restored that ability, I am very happy with the purchase. More of those customizable preset check in messages would be even better (five? ten?). We will use the device on our boats for sailing and offshore fishing even after my son returns from his six week trip.
Date published: 2023-01-23T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT EXCEEDS MY EXPECTATIONS. USE IT CONSTANTLY WHEN OVERLANDING OFF-GRID. I HAVE COMFORT KNOWING I CAN ALWAYS FIND MY WAY BACK. I MAY NOT KNOW WHERE I'M AT BUT I'LL NEVER BE LOST. MY SON ALSO BOUGHT ONE AND HE LOVES IT AS WELL. WE CAN HAVE MEET-UPS IN THE MOST REMOTE PLACES AND ALWAYS FIND EACH OTHER. THE MINI 2 IS SO POWERFUL AND PACKED WITH FEATURES THAT WE DON'T NEED ANYTHING ELSE. THANKS GARMIN!
Date published: 2023-02-19T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Safety in the palm of your hands ! Great device for any adventurer. Battery last for a good length of time.
Date published: 2023-02-11T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Early days but it looks promising. I spend a lot more time off trail, and by myself than a guy probably should and I have reached the age where I have enough imagination to want people to be able to find me if things take an ugly turn. The Mini 2 is perfect for me. I especially like the map feature that lets people track where you are- I plan to use that linked to my photography and painting website to let people know where I am working as part of my social media presence. I also like the texting feature that lets me check in regularly with people so they know I am fine. The weather feature is also a solid addition. So far, I have only been able to use it on some short local hikes (I am a big believer in pre-testing equipment) but so far it has worked really well. The Mini 2 will become an important part of my standard gear list going forward.
Date published: 2023-01-29T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from So easy to use My wife bought this for my birthday. We took it hiking in CA the next week. Short learning curve. Most everything is done via tote phone. Garmin Epix integration is easy too. Nice piece of mind. Setup of the subscription is straight forward and easy to start and stop. As one would expect to attempt at gotcha from the fine folks at Garmin
Date published: 2023-01-30T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Horrible So this item only lasted 27 hrs with a full charge very over rated
Date published: 2023-01-16T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works Very happy with it so far. Just be careful of battery usage
Date published: 2023-01-31T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Tool with steep learning curve This is a great tool to have, it does however have a steep learning curve. Utube and the 1800 number for Garmin will provide you with all the information you need, if you know what information you need. It would be helpful if there was a more centralized, detailed how to guide. Garmins website is generic at best.
Date published: 2023-02-24T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from FAMILY CAN TRACK ME I bought this mainly for my family can track me while hiking and just in case of emergency. Most of the areas we hike there is no cellular receptions. I have $24.95/month subscription. Even I only hike on the weekends, I think my life is worth of $6.26/week if you put it in that perspective. I watch some videos on YouTube, do a little research and some homework to practice. Haven't hit the SOS button yet. But it really gives me and my family a piece of mind.
Date published: 2023-02-17T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good But Expensive Device Works as advertised. Love everything about this device except for the crazy amount they charge for both the device and the monthly subscription.
Date published: 2023-03-26T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Safety first! I love the ability to let my significant other know that I am safe while out of cell-range when on adventures in the wilderness.
Date published: 2023-02-27T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from in reach mini Downsized from a larger unit and love the size and connectivity to my phone.
Date published: 2023-03-07T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from DIFFICULT TO USE Keep in mind that this is my first time using the InReach. That said, I had to refer to YouTube for instructions on how to use and set up the device before embarking on my trip. The whole time I was away the Garmin did not record and plot my waypoints. Why is it that in this modern age we are left alone to find out how to use new technology that we pay dearly for? I, for one, am tired of it. I have since learned that my iPhone 14 is just as capable and maybe more so at sending out a S.O.S. signal (it uses the same satellite network that the Spot S.O.S. device uses). With the Garmin InReach being so difficult to operate, I am now sorry I ever purchased it.
Date published: 2023-03-06T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Must Have I bought this to have another safety device on the boat, can't have enough right? I was 80 miles offshore, texting a buddy who had engine failure 70 miles off. Was able to stay in touch and keep tabs on his safe return. Best part, was able to text my wife that we would be late coming in, but with a full ice box!
Date published: 2023-03-07T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love Garmin Inreach Mini 2 I was needing a satellite communicated that could help me everywhere that I go hiking in The garmin and inreach mini to does that great product love it!!
Date published: 2023-03-17T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works but not ease to setup and expensive to use In order to setup and use the device, you need two apps that do not interface with Garmin connect and have to pay an annual fixed fee of $40 plus a monthly usage plus other fees.
Date published: 2023-02-21T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from No regrets I haven't had to use the sos but everything else I've tested works as advertised. I mainly have this for sos and emergencies. The inreach mini 2 also pairs with my instinct watch giving me the ability to make a sos call using my watch. Having it in my pack gives me a lot of peace of mind when I'm in remote areas and to me that is worth the price.
Date published: 2023-03-13T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from It’s ok…. My husband bought this for me for a safari trip to Africa. After 10 days use - it’s ok. Currently trying to look at the maps and the app and website are not great. Quite disappointed in the product as this is not my first Garmin product- I have 6 different Garmin products. If you just want the security of knowing you can try and text someone or have an SOS button available- then that’s the only reason to buy the product.
Date published: 2023-01-12T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works great,Easy to use Brought this to use on a remote snowmobile ride and worked great! Highly recommend it, awesome battery life too
Date published: 2023-02-11T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from What great service We bought it just before we left for the Bahamas. I didn't expect to need it for an emergency but we did. The response from inreach was great and the follow-up was very comforting. I recommend to every boater I know.
Date published: 2023-01-16T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Customer Service I love it! I will admit that for an older non tech guy, getting it set up and running was not intuitive. But, the fact that I can call and visit with great folks to walk me through it makes it work for me. It is a great device! Super customer service! I would buy it again.
Date published: 2023-01-25T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love the peace of mind! I purchased my inReach Mini at REI last month. I’ve enjoyed two snow-shoeing / fly-fishing outings and it’s worked as advertised. I was able to text and receive messages and track my progress. Love the peace of mind!
Date published: 2023-03-04T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Power cord Problem pairing and there was no cord included to connect to the power serial # 78T125687
Date published: 2023-03-01T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Battery Drains Quickly I thought battery will last few days but it seems only last for bearly a day . Not happy with the battery. The full inreach battery last forever.
Date published: 2023-02-22T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Won't pair with my phone! I worked on pairing my phone with the inreach mini 2 for several hours and it would not pair. I had two experienced Garmin in reach mini to users to try to pair my phone with my Garmin. Both experienced users concluded my new in the box Garmin InReach mini 2 came from the factory defective.
Date published: 2023-03-04T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Upgrade from Mini to Mini 2 - don’t do it! Multiple support tickets opened and still not working correctly. Just went back to using my original Inreach Mini.
Date published: 2023-02-16T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Why shouldn't it work Honestly I have not had a chance to evaluate it in the field and probably won't for another six weeks but here I was prompted for feedback. This is not my first inreach device. My last one lasted seven years and was used repeatedly on PCT section hikes and in 2021 on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. If it works as well as the one it is replacing I will be very satisfied.
Date published: 2023-01-19T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Complicated This was a gift from family to help them feel more comfortable when we are out of cellular range when hiking and camping. I'm impressed with its technology. I'm also still confused on how to truly use it AND how to explain to family how to track us. In time I guess!!!
Date published: 2023-01-18T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from So far so good I mve tested it out on a couple backcountry tours and it worked great. Battery life is impressive even when I forget to turn it off. Pretty nice unit
Date published: 2023-01-29T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great features I have owned three different InReach devices. This is the best one I have used. Super functional and perfect for when I’m hunting or in a through hike!!!
Date published: 2023-01-21T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy Setup I have not used it yet in the field but the setup was straight forward and easy to follow.
Date published: 2023-03-15T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Phone software to inreach not user friendly Phone apps explore and messenger not user friendly. Should be dead simple to open app and send text to someone or to sos personnel. Inreach should have a bluetooth immediate hook up especially for sos. I should have an app on my inreach to enter that bluetooth me straight to messenger text. All garmin electronics are excellent but not simple user friendly.
Date published: 2023-02-07T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Peace of mind Been using for a month now and since hiking alone with two bad knees it has given my family some peace of mind knowing where I am hiking. It is a shame that Garmin nickel and dimes you with extra costs for almost everything. Tracking points along your route are helpful, but of course none are included in the base plan so you either turn them off or pay extra. Since I am retired and hike most days, this cost quickly adds up. So far able to stay under the 10 message per month included amount, but doesn't allow me to let anyone know status by message.
Date published: 2024-03-16T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Battery about lasts 55 hours The claim that the battery lasts 2 weeks is false. 55 hours has been the maximum.
Date published: 2024-03-16T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works very well and great insurance for safety I bought this device for my bi-annual hiking trip. I set it up and had my wife take it on a road trip to test it out before I used it to go hiking. The inReach Mini 2 worked very well for tracking and updating the location and text messges went through when there was no cellular signal. This is a great device and works very well as a tracking device for family to have some 'peace of mind' while you're out hiking the country side.
Date published: 2024-03-19T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Solid I did a lot of research on which GPS device to purchase for staying in touch while in the backcountry and always came back to the Mini 2. While there’s other cheaper alternatives out there, saving a few bucks would be the farthest thing from my mind in the event of a real emergency. The messenger app is also easy and intuitive. I’m very happy with my purchase and appreciate the discount Garmin gives on this site.
Date published: 2024-03-19T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love My Mini 2 Very happy and rather simple to use. Love the weather report feature, the size, and weight. As a thru hike of longer trails, the Mini Inreach 2 only makes sense. Thank Garmin
Date published: 2024-03-21T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works great! It’s worth every penny. I wish you could still do custom check in messages but it’s not a deal breaker.
Date published: 2024-04-09T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from great product! Traveling in motorbike, lots of time we don't have cellular signal, that's why is my first usage of inreach. Love it.
Date published: 2024-04-08T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Device and Service I have owned this device about a month. It works well standalone. But texting more detailed messages is easier via the app via your phone. I travel, hike, and bike solo very often. And in areas without cell service. The In-Reach 2 provides peace of mind to myself, friends and family when I am on my adventures. The subscription service is reasonably priced as well. I like I can change my plan as my needs change without any penalty.
Date published: 2024-04-07T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Mini 2 Deep in the national forrest with no cell service can pose some doubt. Having the Garmin Mini 2 with me gives me that confidence that if I need help it’s there. Also reassuring is that my wife and family can keep an eye on me as well. Being able to text back and fourth with them allows them to know I’m ok even though I’m hours and hours away from civilization. It’s also nice to have when flying as it provides a back up emergency sos if the need ever arises.
Date published: 2024-04-07T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Total rip of!!! Garmin takes money off your balance without pre-notification. I had over $100 balance and they just reduced it to $0 without pre-notification. When I used the device I kept on getting daily error messages by e-mail, and nobody at Garmin could explain the cause. You need to phone the helpdesk in the US to get help, even if you are on the other side of the world. They do not provide local helpdesk in your own language and with affordable telephone rates.
Date published: 2024-04-08T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from DIFFICULT SET UP VERY DIFFICULT TO SET UP, STILL HAVE NOT GOT IT TO HOOK UP WITH THE SATELLITE
Date published: 2024-04-07T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Confidence on the water Took my first week Bahamas trip with the Mini2. The weather forecasts were a great tool for planning. The ability of the family back home to track my route gave them confidence that I was safe. Check in messages just reinforce all is OK. Won’t leave the dock now without the Mini2.
Date published: 2024-04-06T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from What’s your life worth? I was tempted to use only the SOS feature on my iPhone, but for a number of reasons chose the InReach as my primary. I keep it on my person when climbing, hiking, adventure biking, backcountry skiing. Garmin’s reliability is key, and I’m saving up for a Montana and a Fenix, as well.
Date published: 2024-04-10T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from inReach indeed! Got this for safety and reassurance after a hike turned risky. Tried it out and was nothing but pleased. Notification sounds were loud enough but not so loud that they drive you crazy. Very pleased and have confidence that future adventures will be a little "safer" knowing that I can call for help if needed.
Date published: 2024-04-10T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from First time using Mini 2 I bought the 3.5 oz Mini 2 to replace my older inReach Explorer, mainly to save some weight. Used it last week while hiking Colodado’s Front Range. Loved it! Text messages were sent fast.
Date published: 2024-04-12T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works well, not impressed with the battery I have used this for a few trips, overall it has nice features. However after using it for one 4 hour hike, the battery depleted greatly. I’m disappointed in this as I would like to use it on backpacking trips.
Date published: 2024-04-14T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from My Mini 2 I bought the mini 2 a few weeks ago after my original mini that was about 4 years old died and couldn’t be revived. I absolutely loved the original. The mini 2 has more features, but is also more difficult to use. I’m trying to get use to it but I still miss my first mini and wonder if I should have bought another one. I’m sure I’ll adapt to the mini 2. I can say the battery life is better and the sync with my phone is great. Also being able to store tracks is really nice. I’m going to have to practice using it more and I’m sure it will grow on me. Definitely Garmin is still the best for navigation and tracking devices in my opinion.
Date published: 2024-04-16T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Feel much safer going offshore Bought this for extra safety going offshore fishing with no cell service. Every thought I have an EPIRB it is nice to have extra security and the fact that it has extra SOS that has text communication so you can communicate with a person and send GPS location. Also has ability to check it with wife to let her know if plans change or just heading home. Very glad I bought it
Date published: 2024-04-14T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Piece of mind for me and those at home I bought this for a boat trip to the Bahamas. The ability for family at home to track my progress throughout the crossing and subsequent week sure took the anxiety level down for them. I loved the chance to use the check-in messages as well as to receive weather forecasts for crossing and island hopping planning. All in all a VERY USEFUL device.
Date published: 2024-04-15T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Peace of mind Friends, family, & I love the tracking and messaging capability.
Date published: 2024-04-13T00:00:00-04:00

This page was printed on 4/30/2024 12:31:42 PM.