This device could save your LIFE! Garmin inReach Mini 2 Review.

Here is my review of the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator Review.

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact satellite communication device with two-way texting and SOS capabilities1. Purpose-built to support outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels, the lightweight Garmin in Reach Mini 2 communicator provides up to 30 days of battery life2, as well as integrated location and situational awareness features such as TracBack navigation and Garmin Explore™ Mobile app compatibility. Explorers will feel confident knowing the Garmin inReach 2 Mini provides two-way text messaging, location tracking, and weather updates thanks to the global Iridium® satellite network. Additionally, should an emergency occur, inReach Mini 2 users can trigger an interactive SOS message to the Garmin IERCC, a 24/7 staffed professional emergency response coordination center.

Enduring battery life

inReach Mini 2 users can explore longer, knowing their device features up to 14 days of continuous run time in default 10-minute tracking mode. To further extend battery-life, users can customise inReach Mini 2 tracking intervals and receive up to 30 days of continuous use when in 30-minute tracking mode2.

Situational awareness

inReach Mini 2 automatically records a user’s activity and passively stores their route. If a user becomes disoriented, they can simply engage TracBack and an on-device digital path will retrace their movements.

To further aid in navigation, inReach Mini 2 features an electronic compass. In addition to the GPS satellite network, inReach Mini 2 also leverages GALILEO, QZSS and BeiDou satellite networks for faster initial satellite acquisition time and more coverage in challenging environments than GPS alone.

Thanks to inReach Mini 2’s intuitive user interface, individuals can check location updates, weather alerts and messages faster than ever before.

Garmin compatibility

inReach Mini 2 can pair with more than 80 Garmin devices, including smartwatches. When paired, users can easily view incoming messages, respond to messages, or control the inReach Mini 2 to start and stop tracking and — in the event of an emergency — trigger an interactive SOS directly from the paired device.

Users can enhance the navigation and communication of their mobile phone with inReach Mini 2 by downloading the Garmin Explore Mobile app. This Garmin app is made for off-the-grid adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts alike to map, track, sync and share their trek from anywhere. When paired to inReach Mini 2, customers can use their mobile device to quickly type messages, get up-to-date weather information, download a variety of maps, review their trips, and use the new Course Creator to mark their start and finish to receive an automatically generated course line. Additionally, when starting navigation in Explore Mobile, the inReach Mini 2 will automatically begin on-device navigation.

Share your adventures in real-time
inReach Mini 2 customers can virtually bring their friends and family on a trip, even when they’re alone, using the location sharing features on inReach Mini 2. Through the inReach MapShare™ page or by sending GPS coordinates embedded in their message, users can update loved ones on their location at a moment’s notice.

24/7 emergency response

Thanks to a dedicated SOS button on inReach Mini 2, users can quickly declare an SOS should an emergency occur. Once an SOS is declared, inReach Mini 2 will send a distress signal to the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC), a 24/7 staffed professional emergency response coordination center. Through the two-way communication provided by inReach Mini 2, the IERCC can communicate with the inReach user and then notify the applicable search and rescue organisation to respond. The IERCC will deliver a confirmation that help is on the way and provide updates on the status of the response effort. The IERCC may also reach out to the user’s designated emergency contacts.

Measuring just under 4 inches (10 cm) tall by 2 inches (5 cm) wide and weighing 3.5 oz (100 g), the rugged inReach Mini 2 is water rated to IPX73. InReach Mini 2 represents the newest innovation in Garmin’s expanding family of global satellite communication devices and is available now for a suggested retail price of £349.99.

To communicate using an inReach Mini device, an active satellite subscription plan is required. A variety of plans that range from flexible month-to-month options to an annual contract package are available for individuals or professionals. Plans are available for as little as £12.95 per month.

If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping then please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK

Thanks, Andy.

#garmin #hiking #backpacking

[MancunianWanderer]

Good to have a hands on review mate. My Garmin watch has track back which i've had to use a couple of times :)

[allancrewdson]

Great video, I’m about to do some outdoor target shooting in a poorly covered (EE) network area (UK lakes) and have just ordered my Mini 2, having a heart condition and poor mobility I see this, like you say, an insurance policy and a safety net for my family. Well done, great content 😊

[Gerryvip]

I got too. Gives you peace of mind and not taking chances on getting lost. 👏🏻

[keithmiddlechilddesantis]

Great review, I'm planning on getting one of these for my girlfriend who is about to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. Thanks for the great video!

[banjopluker]

great review thanks, I do need to point out however you do not need a subscription to use the SOS service this is a free with the device. The subscription is for standard messaging and weather etc.

[lomino]

Good bit of kit, could save your life

[camperp]

Not sure if you’re aware andy, there have been issues with these, as in, the messages taking too long to get through to the relative emergency services, not sure if garmin have sorted it, but some people have had messages take up to 40 mins to get through!
May be too late for some people, reason why i havent bought one as yet.

[jamesbriscoe]

Nice break down, just out of curiosity, what you you say your annual costs have been. Been looking at one for multi day hiking here in the UK, but being a dad to younger kids im not sure i will be getting out enough to warrent the costs each year? Can you opt to pay some months and opt out others?

[markswishereatsstuff]

Weird. I am in the process of buying this same unit for my hiking and offshore deliveries of yachts. Got a friend at Garmin that can get me the friends and family discount.

[vvs]

is there a weather cast on 1st in reach?

[johnthomson]

hi - does this give OS map grid coordinates???

[simonward]

Well explained and I see this on a few you tubers who have reviewed this product. I am no expert but never clip to your rucksack. Drives me crackers seeing this. Needs to be on your person. There maybe a situation where you have to ditch your rucksack quickly, maybe a fall into a river. Sorry abit negative otherwise a clear well explained review.

[pfote]

Ridiculously overpriced, if you ask me

[captaindiabetes]

Well it didn't save the two couple who got eaten by a bear the other day in Banff

[glennoverhoff]

Question from Canada. If I'm working w a map, how do I determine my UTM coordinates w the Inreach Mini2?

[radekczadek]

Garmin inReach mini 2 can be used for tracking. I mean offline activity recording. Based on your experience, what is the highest interval of activity tracking on this device? Is it possible to record 2m direction changes every 1s? Is it possible to create a log for every 1s? In documentation I see only “high detail activity recording” - does it mean even every 1s?

[edwardhealer]

Hi Andy! Another good one! You may have already done this but I’m looking for a cheaper alternative to a Hilleberg Soulo (if their is such a thing) anyway I’ve narrowed it down to the Terra Nova Helm 2 compact and the Terra Nova Pioneer 2 as they both seem to have 4 season attributes. Any chance of a review video on these or something that you think with fit the bill?