Detailed Analysis of Garmin inReach Mini 2: A Compact Satellite Communicator for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Detailed Analysis of Garmin inReach Mini 2: A Compact Satellite Communicator for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Now, let me spill the beans on my three-year experience using the Garmin inReach Mini 2 during my hiking expeditions. This ain't no sugar-coated review; it's the raw truth about this little device that's become a vital part of my outdoor gear.

First things first, I didn't get this bad boy for free. I bought it with my hard-earned cash, so you can trust that this unbiased review reflects my real-world experience. If you want to chuck some support my way, don't forget to use the affiliate link below. It's the best deal I could find, and it's a small way to help independent reviewers like me.

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Top Reasons Why the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Kicks Ass

1. Emergencies are Covered: The SOS feature is the primary reason I carry this device everywhere I go hiking. Push that button, and a team of emergency specialists (who work round the clock to save your ass) springs into action if shit hits the fan.
2. Worldwide Coverage: Hop on a plane to anywhere on this rock we call Earth, and you'll still be covered. It doesn't matter if you're in the Australian Outback or skiing in the Swiss Alps; the Iridium satellite network's got your back.
3. Battery Life: Bye-bye, smartphones! The Mini 2's battery lasts days, not hours, even after exchanging messages via satellite.
4. Peace of Mind Messages: Need reassure loved ones you're still alive even if you're late? You got it! Just send a quick text like, "I'm running late, don't worry."
5. Real-Time Location Sharing: Let your bros and fam track your adventures at home while they shoot you messages to keep the party rolling.
6. Weather Forecasts: Get a heads-up on the weather conditions when you're out in the middle of nowhere and things start to go south.
7. Basic Navigation: It ain't a GPS unit, but the simple TracBack feature can help you find your way back to where you started. Don't rely on it as your primary navigation tool, but it's a solid backup.
8. Lightweight: Clocking in at a measly 100 grams (about the same as a bar of soap), this thing is barely noticeable when attached to your backpack strap.
9. Dependable: The Mini 2 may not be perfect, but it's reliable 99.9% of the time. It's tough as nails and has bounced back from drops, being sat on, and even a watery grave. And when you're deep in the wilderness, dependability trumps all.
10. USB-C: It charges with the same cable as your other gear, making life easier during camping trips.
11. Control from Garmin Watch: Need to shoot out a quick message or check incoming ones? No problem! The Mini 2 can be controlled from your Garmin watch!

Pro Tip: Pair your inReach Mini 2 with the free Garmin Messenger app to make messaging a breeze!

Garmin inReach Subscription Plans

Garmin scrapped their complex subscription plans and simplified them into three monthly options:

| Plan | SOS? | Check-ins | Messages/Weather | Tracking ||----------|-----|-----------|------------------|----------|| Essential | Yes | Unlimited | 50 | Extra cost|| Standard | Yes | Unlimited | 150 | Unlimited || Premium | Yes | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |

Bonus Plan Options

Essential

• Enabled Plan: The most affordable option, offering SOS for a small monthly fee and then charging for everything else (like check-ins, messages, and weather forecasts) per use. It's not publicly advertised, but you can switch to it when you're ready to cancel a regular subscription.
• Protegear: A Garmin-approved reseller offering flexible plans, including pay-per-day options. It ain't as seamless as Garmin's native service, but it gets the job done and is available worldwide.
• TrackMeNZ: If you're down under in New Zealand or Australia, this alternative subscription plan might be more suitable to your needs.
• Professional Plans: For organizations (or families) that want multiple inReach devices under one account, Garmin offers professional plans.

Activate your Mini 2 at home using your phone and the Garmin Messenger app. Don't try to do it over satellite when you're already out on a hike; it needs a Wi-Fi or cellular connection to set itself up.

Yes

Mini 2 Messaging

Messaging is what the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is all about. You can send and receive text messages from anywhere in the world, even when there's no cell service, thanks to the Iridium satellite network. Expect a slight delay, but it's quick enough for check-ins, conversations, or crucial updates.

Unlimited

You can send messages to emails or phone numbers via SMS, or directly to another inReach device. The Mini 2 supports three types of messages:

• Check-In Messages: Pre-set messages provided by Garmin that alert your loved ones you're okay, like, "I'm checking in, everything is alright." Can be sent as frequently as you want, and they don't count against your monthly message limit.
• Custom Messages: Write your own text messages on the device using QuickText or predictive text, or dial it in character by character, or faster yet, use your smartphone with the Garmin Messenger app!
• Group Messaging: Send a single message to up to five people at once. Their replies will all appear in the same thread, just like a regular group text on your phone. Works only in the Garmin Messenger app.

50

Keep in Mind

• Messages are sent via Iridium's Short Burst Data (SBD) system, which can take 1–3 minutes under clear skies, a bit longer in bad weather or when in tree cover or canyons.
• If you're having trouble sending a message, try creating a waypoint on your device first, then send the message. Works like a charm when the connection is being finicky.

Extra cost

SOS and Emergency Use

The SOS feature is the most critical reason I carry the inReach Mini 2. Hold down the SOS button, and it sends your GPS coordinates and a distress signal to Garmin Response, a 24/7 global emergency coordination center. They won't perform the rescue themselves; instead, they'll work with local search and rescue teams to coordinate the operation based on your location.

You can trigger an SOS if you come across someone else who's injured or in trouble (known as a "Good Samaritan" call). It's like calling 911 for someone else and helps justify the subscription cost.

SOS Rescue Costs

Standard

In most cases, search and rescue is free of charge, but there may be fees for vehicle-related rescues, private helicopter transport, or third-party emergency services, depending on the situation.

• Garmin offers optional rescue insurance in the U.S. and Canada, covering costs for these events. Prices vary and coverage may be limited, while altitude restrictions or high-risk activities may bump up the price (mountaineering, for example). Choose a plan based on how much coverage you need.
• For broader coverage, check out Overwatch & Rescue, an SOS subscription service. Their coordination center is staffed with former military, law enforcement, EMTs, and other professionals. They also offer additional protection like evacuation during civil unrest or natural disasters. Use code HIKEGUY15 for 15% off the first year! The service I personally use and recommend.

Yes

Tracking and Location Sharing

Tracking sends your position using a satellite to an online map at a set interval. You can set the tracking interval anywhere from every 10 minutes to every 4 hours, depending on your plan. Every point creates a breadcrumb trail saved to your MapShare page.

Unlimited

When tracking is on, your location updates to a private MapShare page you can share with friends and family. They can follow your progress in real-time and even ping your device or send messages straight from the page, no app required. You can password-protect the page to keep it private.

Pro Tip: If you want to prepare for a catastrophic event like heart attack or stroke, enabling tracking can help loved ones see your last known location if you don't make it home.

150

Navigation Features

Compared to nothing, the GPS features of the inReach Mini 2 are impressive. Compared to other navigation options like mapping GPS units or smartphones, it's best used as a backup.

Unlimited

• Waypoints: Drop virtual flags on key points, like the trailhead, campsites, water sources, or points of interest.
• TracBack: The Mini 2 keeps a record of your path internally and can help you retrace your steps with the TracBack feature.
• Course Creation and Recording: Use the Garmin Explore app to create a course and send it to your Mini 2. If you navigate with a course, the Mini 2 will alert you if you stray.
• Offline Maps: The Explore app lets you view your location on a map using your smartphone, and you can even download offline maps onto your phone for checking your position.

Battery Life

Garmin claims up to 14 days of battery life with 10-minute tracking and standard usage, and up to 30 days with 30-minute tracking in power-saving mode. In the real world, here's what I've seen:

• Normal Usage (10-minute tracking): ~200 hours of battery life
• Thick Forest or Poor Conditions: ~30 hours of battery life

Premium

Battery Life Truck Tips

• Set a longer tracking interval.
• Turn off Bluetooth if you don't need a constant connection to your phone.
• Turn off high-detail activity recording.
• Use "GPS Only" mode (faster message transmission, but less precise location).

Yes

Don't turn your inReach off while on a hike. If something happens to you and you can't press the SOS button, the device will still check for messages every hour and share your location with Garmin in the process. It's a low-tech way to enable passive location sharing if you're unable to communicate.

Is the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Worth it?

Unlimited

I've tested my fair share of satellite communicators, and the inReach Mini 2 still offers the best value for most hikers. After three years of use on everything from local hikes to remote backcountry adventures, it's tough to find anything negative to say about it.

Looking for the best deals?

Unlimited

• Amazon – usually the cheapest option with speedy shipping.
• REI – affordable price, with 10% back for life with a $30 membership.

Final Thoughts

Unlimited

• Navigation: If I want built-in maps, I'll bring my GPSMAP 67i. Else, I rely on my phone for navigation and leave the Mini 2 for communication and SOS.
• Subscription Cost: It's pretty steep, but the peace of mind justifies the cost. And being a Good Samaritan and helping someone in need is priceless.
• Ease of Use: Physical buttons make life easier when you're wet, cold, and tired, comparing to touchscreens.
• Reliability: After three years, the Mini 2 has held up with no hardware issues, and I've had a 99.9% message success rate.

Setup Tips

1. Download and install the Garmin Messenger app on your phone.
2. Register your inReach Mini 2.
3. Follow the prompts to complete the setup, starting a few days before your first hike. Allow time for any necessary firmware updates.
4. If you plan on getting Garmin SAR insurance or Overwatch & Rescue coverage, sign up before you need it. Coverage does not apply retroactively to incidents that have already started.

References

1. "Garmin inReach Mini 2." Garmin, Garmin Ltd, 2022 https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/pn/010-02758-01.html
2. "HikeLighter's Garmin InReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator Review." YouTube, Hike Lighter, 13 Nov 2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLzYI5H7TQQ
3. "Garmin inReach Plans." Garmin, Garmin Ltd, 2022 https://inreach.garmin.com/en-US/plans
4. "InReach Subscription Options Compared." Protegear, Protegear Limited, 2022 https://www.protegear.com/inreach-subscription-options-compared.html
5. "keeping track with the Garmin InReach Explorer+ | TCT." Tested.com, Rob Sellers, 4 Oct 2020 https://www.tested.com/tech/en/1433671/keeping-track-with-the-garmin-inreach-explorer/
6. "Overwatch & Rescue." Overwatch & Rescue, 2022 https://www.overwatch-rescue.com/
7. "Is 'Good Samaritan' Evidence Admissible?" Penn State Law Library, 2022 https://psulawweb.psu.edu/viewdoc/1962237/168
8. During hiking expeditions, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 has become an essential piece of outdoor gear for me due to its emergency SOS feature and durable design.
9. The Mini 2's design makes it easy to bring along, whether I'm navigating the forest trailhead or the Australian Outback, as it's lightweight and compatible with the Garmin watch.
10. In addition to providing peace of mind with its SOS feature and tracking capabilities, the device also allows me to easily send messages to loved ones, even in remote locations with no cell service.
11. To make the most of the device, I use gadgets like GPS units and smartphones for detailed navigation, while relying on the Mini 2 for communication purposes and emergency situations.
12. When embarking on outdoor adventures, preparation is key, and the Mini 2, along with suitable maps and technology, ensures I'm equipped for any unexpected situations that may arise in the wild.

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