5 out of 5. Download the offline maps on the Earthmate app in case you need them in a pinch. Basically, apart from checking your altitude, sending and receiving a message or two, and maybe having a look at the weather, there is no need to spend hours a day on the device. 50 hours can go a long way if you are only using the device 30 minutes a day. Below, I break down everything I learned from months of using the Inreach Mini nearly every single day. Every message you send contains the following information: The act of messaging on the device itself is probably the greatest fault of the whole device. By comparison, the bigger Garmin Explorer satellite messenger is capable of sending 1000 messages (100 hours) before it needs a recharge. Long story short, composing a message on the Inreach Mini interface is about as pleasurable as walking barefoot over broken glass bottles. Anything I didn’t answer? Garmin inReach Mini Review. Force Stock: false. There’s also a model called the inReach Mini which I have a review on here., and the GPSMAP 66i which has InReach and more powerful navigation features. inReach® Mini . There is only so much juice they could fit into such a small package I guess. Send lots of preset messages to tell loved ones that you’re okay. What is our final score for the Garmin Inreach Mini? Review: Garmin InReach Mini The Garmin inReach Mini is a small but mighty unit for the backcountry. Contacts that you sync from your online dashboard, Phone numbers that you type in manually (when connected to phone), Contacts on your phone (when connected to phone). © 2021, The Broke Backpacker. Note that you can configure your preferred units (imperial vs metric) on the device in settings. The case felt much cheaper than the inReach products. And that’s the whole point of getting outdoors. Related Manuals. Use the weather onboard in an emergency or when backpacking. When testing only about 3 out of 4 messages actually got through. I turned on the Garmin Mini and checked to see if my iPhone was synced. It isn’t possible to change your pre-set messages in the field, however. At just under 100g, the inReach Mini weighs less than your average cell phone and is slightly more compact, to boot. So before any trip, think carefully about what you want your messages to say and who you want to send them to. After using my dad’s InReach Mini on a week-long backpacking trip in Utah, I like both. Features & spec Stories & reviews Size: 5.17cm x … How reliable is the Inreach Mini? Arguably, the Garmin inReach Mini is probably the most feature-rich and powerful product when compared to all satellite communications devices that weigh less than 5 oz. As well as for fundamental navigating, a compass shows bearing and distance along a path or to a waypoint. One of the biggest draws for me to the Inreach Mini is its size, or should I say lack of size. The inReach Mini was just announced today and is one of the smallest satellite trackers out there. Spot devices do not allow you to further communicate with emergency responders on the other end, which makes it impossible for you to provide them with the details of your situation. I find it easy enough to update settings on the Mini itself. Every day on that trek I sent messages to people without any connectivity issues. Price is also a factor here as the Explorer+ costs $450 while the Inreach Mini Costs $350. The same goes for when I was in a no-man’s-land part of Southern Kyrgyzstan recently. Learn about key features and functions of the Inreach Mini, messaging capabilities, subscription plan options, weight/packability, the Iridium satellite network, competitor comparison, and much more. Therefore, do obtain good, robust travel insurance before you leave home. There is no doubt as to where the inReach Mini gets its name. DON’T HIT SOS WITHOUT SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. Getting your pre-set messages set up is easy and only takes a few minutes to complete. Looking for financial freedom? This means that you can quickly (and cheaply) send pre-determined messages to your partner, mother, or colleagues. Chris is also a founding member of, Airbnb's Most Unique Properties Worldwide, I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. People who do most of their backpacking or traveling in North America or traveling in Europe don’t necessarily need to rely on the Iridium satellite network. Garmin inReach Mini Review By Derek WILDING, ACMG Rock Guide May 2019 . It is very important to understand though that response time greatly depends on many factors. If you want the latest tech, chipset, etc., get the Mini. Check out out epic review of the Best Handheld GPS on the market right now. Garmin’s main competitor for years now has been Spot. Life is unpredictable. And they’re standing by 24/7 to respond to your SOS, track your device and notify the proper contacts and emergency responders in your area. I found that 160 characters, while limiting at times, is more than enough to get your point across IE “I’m alive, don’t worry” or “HELP! Li-on internal battery recharges with a (supplied) micro-USB cable. read more about your privacy and HikingGuy.com here. ), Pair the Mini with your phone and sync with Earthmate, Charge the device fully (it comes partially charged), Size: 3.9 x 2 x 1 inches (it’s really small, any smaller and it would be a watch), Weight: 3.5 ounces (about the same as a deck of cards), Display size: 0.9 x 0.9 inches (128 x 128 pixels, black & white), Internal compass: No (direction calculated based on movement), Internal barometric altimeter: No (elevation calculated from GPS signals), Waterproof rating: IPX7 (can be immersed in 3 feet of water). Perhaps the most important aspect of any satellite communicator is not how it is to write messages on the device but rather how it is to actually send them. You have the same pricing and customer service issues that you do with the Spot Gen 3. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 September 2018 I bought a InReach Mini direct from Garmin. For my own messaging needs, the Recreation Plan was more than enough to cover what I needed. This means that the device can both send and receive messages, unlike other devices that can only send messages. Given the realities of sending communications through a satellite messenger, it is important to have realistic expectations of the Inreach Mini and all other satellite communicators. , you can actually have a two-way conversation through text messages with a rescue coordinator. The Lowdown: The Mini combines the best of a GPS unit and satellite messenger into a tiny, dental floss-size package with an LCD screen. I always tended to keep my Inreach Mini’s display at around 10%, thus maximizing the amount of time between charges. This in-depth Garmin Inreach Mini review covers all of the important need-to-know aspects of this truly remarkable satellite messenger device. Is it complicated? Garmin’s Earthmate app allows users to navigate through sending/reading messages, message history, tracking history, some device settings, view detailed maps, view weather forecasts, and use a compass tool if need be. At the same time, if you want to buy one device that will cover you everywhere on earth, going with the Inreach Mini is the obvious choice. Messages sent (either to a mobile phone or email address) to a person will also include data about your location including an accurate topographical map location for a visual. The Iridium network provides pole to pole coverage with no black spots (areas without coverage) including being out in the middle of the ocean thousands of miles away from land. As I mentioned before, the Inreach Mini integrates easily with your smartphone via Bluetooth. Allows you to control Mini device settings from your phone. If you’re doing a day hike, check the weather before you leave home on your computer. The main SOS feature is much the same as the Inreach Mini, with one major difference. I think that’s really very good going. In terms of the Garmin Inreach Mini vs Explorer+ (also by Garmin), there are a couple of key differences between the two models. Here is a breakdown of each plan Garmin offers: Let’s now take a look at how the Inreach Mini stacks up against other satellite messenger devices. The two-way messaging is reliable, and audio sounds confirm that a message has been sent and when one is received. The subscription options are broken up into four categories: Safety, Recreational, Expedition, and Extreme. This past summer I spent two weeks trekking to K2 Base Camp in one of the most remote parts of Pakistan. Messages – you can toggle “ring until read.”. The safety features don’t stop there. Save the battery for when you need it. Use it on a hike or walk close to home first. You should attempt to self-evacuate, and if in doubt, you can use the inReach Mini to have a text conversation with emergency professionals. Glossary. I have GPS on my phone (and standalone GPS device) so I don’t really need to use it for navigation. Once logged into your Garmin account online, you can write pre-set messages and log recipients from there. Search. You pay for incoming messages. This Garmin Inreach Mini review would not be complete without talking about the most important feature of this device: the SOS button. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. The default is to get the time zone and value automatically from the GPS signal. 100% coverage even in dark spots, thanks to the Iridium satellite network connection. Personally I think it would be much more gratifying to push the physical button on the device itself, but that’s just me. Likewise, the network coverage of the GoTenna Mesh device is nowhere near as impressive as the InReach Mini. 5 out of 5. Whilst still a bit larger and cheaper than the Inreach Mini, the Spot Gen3 does not have the same functionality including no 2-way messenger function. Bluetooth – all of the settings to pair with your phone. Select Your Cookie Preferences. The inReach Mini by Garmin [Review] Garmin Inreach Mini: Key Features and Performance Breakdown. For backpackers and explorers who go off-grid, spending time away from the comforts of phone/internet signal for extended periods, the Inreach Mini is a must-have piece of gear. Time – customize the format and zone. This is standard best practice for any device, but in the case of the Spot X, it didn’t even work out of the box. The Garmin inReach Mini packs some powerful features into s small and reasonably priced package. In order to activate and operate any Garmin satellite device, you’ll need to purchase a subscription. Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way GPS Satellite Communicator Review Editor's note: Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the affiliate links above. I made Thrunotes Shop now. The tracking function allows users to track, save, and share distances. Let me know in the comments below – thanks guys! Weather reports count as one text message. Despite its relatively short battery life, frustrating message writing interface, and initial high purchase cost, the Garmin Inreach Mini remains my all-around favorite 2-way satellite messenger device for the average backpacker or traveler. Don’t expect a helicopter to swoop in and bring you home like you see on TV. He is an advocate for off-beat responsible travel and the preservation of the world's wild places and spaces. It is a good idea to tell your friends and family not to reply to every single message multiple times so you don’t run out of message credits within your first week out. Uses the GPS signal from the Mini to plot your position on maps. Other devices like Somewhere and the Bivystick also operate on the Iridium network, so the signal coverage zone (the whole world) is on par with Garmin devices. The device must be able to communicate with a satellite moving in space miles above your head. All Rights Reserved, If you’re messaging another inReach, you can simply respond to a message (if you got one first), or add the device to your contacts. Tracking – you can set the intervals here. Most evacuations involve people carrying you for hours on a stretcher or helping you walk out. It’s nice to have those functions in a pinch though. SPOT X (6.7 oz.) Garmin inReach Mini Review | Field Test. Get the affordable search & rescue insurance. David Davies – October 28, 2019. Coordinates (example: N 45.247439° W 121.886726°), Speed (if you are moving while sending the message). When in the mountains, I used my Inreach Mini just about every other day to calibrate my watch which was super helpful. Have options other than the inReach Mini for navigation. Once outside of western civilization though, the Spot Gen3 is notoriously unreliable as it does not use the same advanced network as Garmin. My Garmin inReach Mini has a permanent home on the strap of my pack regardless of what pack it happens to be. Language – lets you change the interface language. -> Interested in more fully featured GPS/Satellite Devices? Gear Review: Garmin inReach Mini The Garmin inReach Mini set the standard for lightweight backcountry communicators when it was introduced in 2018. Personally I used this function often just to know how far I was trekking each day. This compact device allows you to send and receive text messages, track and share your hike as you go, and send out an SOS alert if you are in serious trouble. Messages are NOT sent instantly. No search has been performed. The inReach Mini Review Overview; Unboxing; Satellite Messaging; Tracks and Maps; Watch Integration; Subscription Model; Summary; Found This Post Useful? Almost every message we sent was confir… For its small size and abilities, I don’t think another satellite messenger device can match the Inreach Mini’s all-around performance. Basic forecasts provide a 3-day forecast broken down into 6-hour intervals. Nice and easy to set up and the battery life is truly brilliant and it also looks great. So how does the SOS function work? It’s much easier than doing it on the device. This can function just fine in the middle of the ocean. At its core, the inReach Mini is a two-way communication device that, at the press of a button, can get you the service and help you need if you find yourself in an emergency situation. Premium forecasts ($1/each) give you a 7-day forecast reported in decreasing intervals:  1-2 hour intervals for the first day, 3-6 hour intervals for the next day and 12-hour intervals for the remaining 5 days. I am skeptical about that number. Keep the unit off. All subscription plans (except the basic Safety Plan) come with unlimited tracking points. Index. Turn it on periodically to send a preset message and check in with your position. English. SEE LOCATION!”. As a guide, I am normally carrying a silly amount of gear, so any corners I can cut to save weight are greatly appreciated. The Spot Gen3 boasts 150 hours of battery. Once connected to your phone you can compose a message as if you were sending a normal text message, which removes the pain of typing on the Inreach Mini’s interface altogether (there is no keyboard). Bundle includes screw down mount, power cable and lanyard. What is it like to use the Inreach Mini? If prioritizing weight, size, and simplicity at the expense of a few features is important to you, then I recommend going with the Garmin Inreach Mini vs Explorer+. Hopefully, there will never be a time on any of your adventures which requires you to use the SOS/emergency function. While you can use it for navigating, it’s not really great at it. All rights reserved. It was so light that it was barely noticeable. You can get the unique (email) address of a user in the. It comes with a mount to hold a carabiner clip, as well as a … In many remote parts of the world cell signal and wifi are not available and on rare occasions, being able to call for help can be a matter of life or death. The Spot devices are functional enough, but where they fall short, in my opinion, is three-fold. (PSSSTTT – If you are headed of grid into remote areas, you should think about packing a good First Aid kit). Show add to cart button: true. Garmin inReach Mini Review. Once you’ve triggered a distress signal, you can expect a delivery confirmation that help is on the way and be continually updated on the status of your response team. garmin-inreach-mini-review-g4. Sounds – customize all the beeps and alerts. My messages never failed to send and my confidence in the Iridium satellite network was properly established. Don’t forget to tell them not to text back unless it’s an emergency. The “check mail” function allows you to refresh the inbox in case another message was sent to you after the last mail check. heavier. How much does a Garmin Inreach Mini subscription plan cost? When you trigger a search, you put other’s lives in danger. If you have a GPS navigation device (and hopefully backup) and do shorter hikes (1-3 days), get the Mini. Why? APT Outdoors reviews it and puts it through its paces. Certainly, its weight and size will never be an issue for you. The only device that even comes close to hanging with the Inreach Mini is the SPOT Gen3 Satellite Messenger. The Explorer+adds preloaded DeLorme TOPO maps with onscreen GPS routing plus a built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter, and accelerometer. Well, not exactly. I’ll put it to you this way: without the Earthmate app, the Garmin Inreach Mini has some serious shortcomings (mostly related to writing messages on the device). S.O.S. Allows you to use your phone keyboard to type messages (and read them). Syncs your contacts, preset messages, navigation items, and settings from your online dashboard. Please note that you will be responsible for the cost of evacuation, search and rescuse and these costs tyoically run into the several thousands of dollars. SOS button. The Inreach Mini can be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth. Point being, if you spend most of your time in western countries, you don’t necessarily need to be tapped into Garmin’s badass satellite network. It is often said that good things come in small packages, and the Garmin inReach Mini undoubtedly lives up to this idiom. What are your thoughts? We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The Garmin Explorer+ is feature-loaded and is capable of more than the Inreach Mini. In this review I’m going to talk about the primary features and my experience with the device during the first month of owning it. I never went over my 40 message monthly limit but came close a few times, I must admit. The general mechanics of the SOS function across all of these devices are more or less the same. Bluetooth runs the battery down quicker (more in my battery section later). Durability 100% 100%; Battery life 90% 90%; Value to weight ratio 100% 100%; Value for money 70% 70%; B Pros. Is the inReach Mini the Right Choice for Me? If you send out the SOS call the response is basically identical. The Garmin Inreach Mini is the answer to all of your off-grid communication worries— in the smallest possible package imaginable. If you are concerned about size and weight, the Explorer+ is definitely bulkier and 4 oz. Garmin has been leading the way for GPS tracking and satellite messaging for decades now. Coverage is on a different satellite network, the Globalstar satellite network, which doesn’t have as good coverage as Iridium. You only need a clear view of the sky to acquire satellite connections. The inReach Mini is 2.04” x 3.9” x 1.03”, has a rubberized feel, is waterproof up to 1 meter, has a 0.9” x 0.9” monochrome screen, four buttons for navigation, and the all-important SOS button which is protected with a cover. Units like the inReach Mini are a great way for hikers to stay safe, but a lot of search and rescue professionals are not big fans. Turn off ANT+ unless you are using it to save battery. I had done my research and testing of the Garmin inReach Mini at home, so I thought. Allows you to request a view a weather report. Frankly, the Garmin Inreach Mini is the only 2-0nly satellite messenger device you’ll ever need to stay connected even on your wildest adventures. If you want something minimal and lightweight, get the Mini. With the Earthmate app, the device is transformed into a whole other machine, allowing you to easily compose messages as if you were texting your mate in the city. Whenever I needed to get a message out, check the weather, or track my progress, the Inreach Mini came through for me in a big way. The InReach Mini has the same messaging capabilities and GPS as the Explorer+, but without the visual maps function. Add To Cart. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Garmin 010-01879-01 InReach Mini, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Black at Amazon.com. If you want a backup GPS navigation device, get the Explorer. It is important to note that Garmin, Spot, and other competitors like Bivystick and Somewear also use the same GEOS emergency responder services. You can charge it with, The USB port is under a rubber cap to keep crud out on the trail, It takes about 2 hours to fully charge (from dead), 30 hours at 10-minute tracking with 1-second logging, 50 hours at 10-minute tracking with 2-minute logging (default), 20 days at the 30-minute interval power save mode. Send some messages, get the weather, navigate. Contents. Put aside an hour or two to set the unit up, enter info into your online dashboard, and sync your phone. GEOS is the world leader in emergency response solutions and monitoring. The last thing I would want is to be in the middle of Pakistan, in an emergency and carrying a satellite device incapable of connecting to a network. All looked great at this point. Each plan offers different per month messaging limits (pre-sets are unlimited across every plan) along with other usage differences. Display brightness and timeout – set them lower to save your battery. The main issue is not all of these devices have the same connectivity capabilities, meaning with devices NOT on the Iridium satellite network, it is not guaranteed that your device will have sufficient signal to get an SOS call out. Note that all messages must stay under the strict 160 characters limit, otherwise the message won’t send. Establish monitoring on the Mini. Previous Topic; Next Topic; Download PDF; Print Page; Share Link; Units Settings. Find 100's of Garmin inReach Mini Satellite Communicator reviews by customers from Cotswold Outdoor. Can I use the Inreach Mini with my smartphone? A sprained ankle is not a reason to hit SOS. Even the most uptight ounce cutting ultralight backpacker can appreciate just how packable the Inreach Mini really is. My final major qualm has to do with the Spot’s SOS function. Connection times vary, but we rarely waited more than 5 minutes to get a solid one. Inreach Mini review covers all of the important need-to-know aspects of this truly remarkable satellite messenger device. You have to update the firmware right away. Weighing in at just 3.5 oz (100.0 g), the Inreach Mini’s weight will likely be the least of your concerns. Our recomended provider is World Nomads who specialise in Insuring backpackers and adventurers. I was never able to register the device, activate it and hence purchase an Iridium plan. Close, Chris Lininger is a writer, photographer, and guide from California. The Garmin inReach Mini is great for having peace of mind when in the wilderness. You can likewise share your route on social networks. The ratings say it’s waterproof and dust-proof, but my (subjective) opinion was that it felt cheap and breakable. Bikepacking with a Satellite Messenger + Garmin InReach Mini Review (video) Plan / Accessories / Finding Your Way In our latest video, Neil dives into the world of satellite messengers, explaining their features, the differences between one-way and two-way devices, and the pros and cons of carrying one while cycling. When you activate the Inreach Mini for the first time, Garmin takes some basic information about you including your emergency contact details, so they know who to contact. The Garmin inReach Mini is the smallest, lightest, and most powerful satellite messaging device on the market. The Garmin inReach Mini 2-way Satellite Communicatoris a real breakthrough in terms of convenience, giving you the ability to signal to Search and Rescue in an emergency and communicate with them (or friends and family) by text or email, anywhere in the world, over the Iridium Satellite Network. Sometimes it takes a few minutes for the Inreach Mini to find a signal, but once it does the GPS interface displays the coordinates and altitude of your location. Allows you to download maps for offline use on the device (great feature). Sometimes a week would go by without me sending an Inreach message. Satellite messenger devices struggle if you are inside of a building, under thick vegetation, or in a narrow canyon. I mean that’s the whole point of carrying one of these devices, no? That said, the Inreach Mini has a legit 50 hours of battery life. Garmin support in the UK were useless and wasted many hours … How does the Inreach Mini compare to other satellite messenger devices? By the end of this review, you will not have any doubts concerning whether or not the Inreach Mini is right for you and your adventures…. The Spot Gen 3 does not receive messages–you can only send them out into the ether, not knowing if they were received or not. Note that the inReach Mini can only be paired with one phone at a time. Overview. I can’t imagine being in a remote part of the world and having my satellite messenger fail to find a signal. Sell To: true. BOOM! At 3.5 ounces, it’s the lightest two-way satellite communicator on the market. That really defeats the entire purpose of having the thing. You can also communicate directly with GEOS  (if you are able to in an emergency scenario) to provide them with more information/details regarding your situation and needs. The inReach was already the best two-way satellite messenger, but now Garmin put it in a much smaller package while losing nothing in the transition. Backpacker can appreciate just how packable the Inreach Mini is pretty weak in wilderness. That … Looking for financial freedom I say lack of size can actually have signal. In western countries an underwhelming 100g a Fenix or other mapping solution everyone inreach mini review to! Providing a decent signal in order to receive messages pre-determined messages to tell them not to text back it... Colorado, and rescue insurance, getting the best offline maps on the market & Subscriptions, put. When you don ’ t have any dependency on cellular service hours ) before needs! Device settings from your online dashboard, and settings from your phone can even activate SOS! Travel and the battery life, like when on an extended multi-day backpacking trip, you see. A Rating of 4.7 out 5 stars reputation inreach mini review providing a decent signal in western.... 4 messages actually got through 1-2 minutes after pressing “ send ” message... 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