InReach Mini
Why We Like The InReach Mini
We bring Garmin's InReach Mini along when "getting away from it all" includes going beyond cellphone reception. While we appreciate the lack of work emails, phone calls, and social media notifications when we're appreciating the great outdoors, there are some situations we like being prepared for. The ability to send an SOS to GEOS—Garmin-powered International Emergency Response Coordination Center—brings peace to our minds whenever we're biking, climbing, skiing, paddling, and backpacking off the beaten path. Our loved ones especially like the ability to send us messages on extended hut trips and mountaineering missions.
Details
- Compact satellite communicator for off-grid contact
- Two-way messaging allows texting, posting, and inReach communication
- SOS alerts triggers messages to GEOS in emergencies
- GPS tracking location shares with folks back home
- Global Iridium satellite network goes beyond cellphone coverage
- InReach weather forecasting gives detailed weather updates
- Impact-resistant housing water-rated to IPX7 standards
- Rechargeable battery gives up to 90 hours in default mode
- Please see size chart for complete list of technical features
- Item #GRM009K
- Housing Material
- plastic
- Technical Features
- see size chart
- Operating System
- Bluetooth, ANT+
- Battery Type
- rechargeable lithium ion
- Battery Life
- [10-minute track mode] 50 hours
- Dimensions
- 2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03in
- Claimed Weight
- 3.5oz
- Face Size
- 23 x 23mm
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
- Activity
- backcountry riding, backcountry skiing, backcountry snowshoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, flatwater paddling, gravel, hiking, mountaineering, river paddling, ski mountaineering, snowshoe hiking, snowshoe running, trail, trail running, travel
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4 based on 553 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 9, 2024
Very Poor Functionality
I had bought this two years ago and then didn’t get a tag last year so this is my first time using it. The fact you can’t sync contacts easily to the device without a computer was a bad start but okay I can get past this. The device itself is micro usb which is inconvenient but not a deal breaker. What is a deal breaker is that it takes hours to send / receive a message in the field. One time I received a message that was sent to me at 11:30 am at 11:45 pm that’s ridiculous and completely unacceptable. I tried to refresh the weather and it took 1.5 hours and then failed. I’ll be using my iPhone with the new satellite messaging from now on this was a joke.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
September 23, 2024
Simpler than earlier models
Set up and use is much easier than earlier models due to its compatibility with the messenger app. I loved my original Inreach but the mini 2 is way easier and intuitive. The compactness and ease of use earns it 5 stars from me.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 19, 2024
One of Best Purchases
I bought this device for safety as I live in the Rocky Mountains. It is so nice to know that I can call for help anytime I need it. Many trails do not have cell service, so tracking my trip, sending messages, checking the weather, or calling for help with a satellite device is perfect. This device is great to clip on your backpack and not weigh you down. I love the Garmin brand as a whole and highly recommend this device to anybody who is considering it!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 3, 2024
Setting up
I had a difficult time connecting to my phone. I had to have my buddies son get me through it. The video wasn't helpful to me.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 14, 2024
Strange problem
I've had this device for a few years, mostly to send messages to my wife while hiking/climbing alone to let her know of my progress and mainly that I'm OK. I have each message sent to her email address, and just to check I have them sent to my email address as well. All was well until last summer when the messages suddenly STOPPED being to sent her, even though they were still sent to me (which meant the device was now basically worthless). I went through all sorts of gyrations to figure out/solve the problem to no avail. Finally we set up the messages to have them also sent to an email address that she rarely uses, and then have those forwarded to her main email address. THAT finally works, but why InReach won't send messages any more to her main address is still a mystery.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 14, 2024
Hard learning curve
I think this is a great tool, however I have yet to figure out how to use this after two months. Although I have the basics kinda down, there is a hard learning curve with this unit. You can use it with your computer and/or phone. Tying everything together is hard and there are so many videos to watch which don’t always help.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 9, 2024
Great antenna!!
I purchased this to link my phone thru satellite service for text messaging, and for the SOS feature while hunting out west. This is exactly what I needed at a great price. I have a new rino for gps, tracking, radii, etc., which is a lot more user friendly than trying to use the mini. I thought the subscription plans thru Garmin fit me better than other subscriptions through other brand devices.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
March 16, 2024
Peace of mind
My husband and kids sailed to the Bahamas and were able to keep in touch with me while crossing the ocean. Having the device on board gave them peace of mind when there was no cell reception. I could see their location whenever I received a text through the map feature which gave me peace of mind.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
March 12, 2024
compact size is great
I've had this for a month now and brought it along as a safety precaution on our Motorcycle trip in SW TX thank fully we didnt need it but it takes up very little space. I really attest to how well it works . However I do find the monthly cost high and the tracking option price high [ Frequency options etc] also and should have a twice a day auto pinging location included. Id prefer a one time yearly fee.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
March 10, 2024
Un-used messages do not roll over
I bought this for the safety aspect; not as a play toy. The SOS feature is invaluable. However, it is unfortunate that the un-used messages, or at the least 50% of the remaining un-used messages, do not roll over. Unless the part time backpacker wants to pay annually for the premium subscription. The unlimited "checking in" is nice to have, but any replies back to the Mini are charged to your monthly message alottment.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
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