Why We Like The Garmin inReach Mini 2
The inReach Mini 2 gives us the same compact communication means as its predecessor but now with loads more battery life and features. Rather than lasting hours, it lasts days, letting us use it for much more than just check-ins on our multi-day missions. With the new ability to sync with Garmin Explorer, we can plan our course on the computer screen and save it to this palm-sized device. As we venture well beyond cell coverage, the new electronic compass gives us an accurate heading as we stand still, while the addition of Galileo gives us a quicker and more precise satellite lock, even with some tree cover. If we get turned around, the addition of TracBack routing helps us find our way.
Details
- Compact satellite communicator for making contact when off-grid
- Impact-resistant, submersible housing for your rugged pursuits
- Rechargeable battery lasts 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode
- Two-way messaging and location sharing give loved ones peace of mind
- Interactive SOS connects to a 24/7 staffed emergency response center
- Increased memory holds 1000 waypoints, 100 courses, and 200 trips
- Detailed weather updates and unlimited cloud storage for trip planning
- Please see size chart for complete list of technical features
- Item #GRMF038
- Housing Material
- plastic
- Digital Compass
- yes (accurate heading when not moving), GPS compass (while moving)
- Technical Features
- see size chart
- Operating System
- Bluetooth, ANT+, USB-C interface, [compatability] Garmin Explore app, Garmin Explore website, Garmin Pilot app
- Backlight
- yes
- Battery Type
- rechargeable internal lithium-ion
- Battery Life
- [10-minute tracking with standard activity] (full sky view) 14 days, (moderate tree cover) 4 days, [10-minute tracking with high detail activity] (full sky view) 5 days, (moderate tree cover) 2 days, [30-minute tracking with standard activity] (fully sky view) 30 days, (moderate tree cover) 10 days, [powered off] 1 year
- Low Battery Indicator
- yes
- Dimensions
- 2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03in
- Claimed Weight
- 3.5oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
- Activity
- backcountry riding, backcountry skiing, backcountry splitboarding, backcountry showshoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, cross-country, mountaineering, paddling, fishing, nordic touring, ultra running, travel
- Submersible
- IPX7 (1m for 30min)
- Face Size
- [dimensions] 0.9 x 0.9in, [resolution] 176 x 176px
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4 based on 519 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 23, 2024
Stick to the water
I ended up returning my Garmin mini. My family member has one, they use it on the river when we go up into Hells Canyon where there is absolutely no service. It works great for them to text the older kids that stayed home so we bought one for hunting camp. The delay when we texted not only each other on them but to people back home was awful. Even when we had them pointed at the sky with no interference, it would take up to 3 hours for someone to get our message. That does not work for us. We were up there for 2 weeks and ended up time stamping all our messages because the delay was so bad we never knew if the message was still valid.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 22, 2024
Great Little Tool
The InReach Mini2 is a nice change from the large Inreach. You can message people from your phone in the Messenger. The Explorer app is a bit of a challenge, but may be useful for those who want waypoints, maps, etc. The Quick Check is an easy way to let poeope know your location and that you are safe. Aa always, the SOS is a nice security, especially if you are a solo backpacker/hiker. Thanks for the upgrade into a smaller, easy to use package!!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 22, 2024
I can't tell if it's working over sat. or cell
I sent a test message to a relative and she acknowledged it. But I can't tell if she got the message via satellite or not. So I don't yet know if this thing works.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 21, 2024
Good but limited
The device was very helpful for sending messages to contacts from Kilimanjaro and receiving their replies. However, I was unable to configure the phone to receive new messages initiated entirely by the sender. The inability to get email or voice calls limits its use as a business tool
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 17, 2024
Excellent for Backpacking
My buddy Dave and I broke my Mini 2 in on the Northville-Placid Trail in the Adirondacks. Excellent. Worked even in areas with tree cover. Extremely small and lightweight. Its great. Long battery life, never worried about the charge.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 15, 2024
Functional, effective, not so user friendly
I think that this is a durable and effective price of equipment and would purchase again. I think for 2024 it is not easy enough to use. The software needs to be more streamlined. Explore and messenger are largely redundant and the maps interface is good but not excellent, id prefer to use gaia for GPS as it is way easier to use and wish that the messaging was like any other modern phone messenger ( to be fair Garmin messenger is, but only works with other people set up on messenger, not off a phone number ). I'm whining some here... The mini does all as advertised and is more durable and longer battery life than a smart phone. However, for the purchase price and subscription price, Garmin needs to invest in homologating and streamlining the software end of the package as smart phones are nipping at their heels, competitively speaking
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 15, 2024
Nobody receives my SMS
I have one friend with an inreach and he is the only one who receives my messages, but on the Garmin messenger app, not by SMS. I bought this so to be able to communicate on case I am out of cell coverage but I am not able to do this. I activated the device with a monthly subscription. I am searching online but cannot find how to solve the problem. I am thinking on sending back the device to Garmin and ask for a refund.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 12, 2024
Good device bad softwares around
They devicea is very good but all the software around (explore, express etc) is very unfriendly and nit working smoothly
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 8, 2024
Insurance policy for a frequent traveler
I travel. A LOT. I bought this as an insurance policy against not being able to communicate in the event of a mass power/communication outage. I also appreciate the navigation capability and think it would provide significant value as an urban tourist, outdoor enthusiast, and pilot. In the month that I’ve owned it, I fortunately haven’t needed it but have tested it out to be familiar with its operation and insure it does what need. So far, it’s worked like a champ. Two thumbs up. Purchased with my own money and not compensated to write endorsement.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
October 6, 2024
Tested inreach
So I bought this ahead of a trip to the back country. I’m not a young hiker but I’m not a virgin to the woods I basically grew up in my home towns woods. So having a device that could make contacting my loved ones and them being able to contact me is a game changer. For this past year life has dealt a crazy hand and now I’m taking care of my son and some days son and wife. So being able to take them on a trip and get away with no lack of communication is priceless. I do have the iPhone 15pro but it is not the same tool as my inreach. The reason I do bring up the iPhone and the reason I didn’t give five stars inreach doesn’t have any options for fall detection. It is still my number one tool that will go with me every time I have to leave my family in uncertain times. I have worn it clipped to my back pack on a hike that was not easy very tough and rugged with no issues.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
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