The Garmin inReach Mini is surely one of the best handheld GPS we have used throughout the years. Not only as a GPS but also as one of the best satellite communicators, this device has a reputation. The size and weight of this device are extremely remarkable for the features it offers. If you’re one of those people who are looking for more information about this groundbreaking device, this post got you covered.
The Garmin inReach Mini is perfect if you want to have peace of mind in the wilderness. The inReach is the perfect 2-way satellite messenger. However, Garmin put it in a much small package while losing nothing in the transition.
The Garmin inReach Mini provides detailed GPS maps, email, texting, and weather through the Iridium satellite network. It works worldwide whatever the latitude. This is a remarkable device to use, especially if you are somewhere without cell coverage. It’s also useful when there’s an emergency or you simply need to check in with the rest of the world.
What Makes Garmin inReach so Famous?
The Garmin inReach Mini is a very reliable and user-friendly GPS-enabled satellite phone. It could send SOS messages to emergency rescuers, email, or text your friends or relatives. It follows your track, and it helps steer in the backcountry, and marks GPS waypoints. Similar to Garmin in Reach Explorer+, the Mini updates you once the message is delivered successfully. What’s more, it could also receive messages from other people. It can be used for search and rescue personnel and friends in any region of the planet. Garmin inReach Mini satellite communicator offers you peace of mind for the time used off the grid.
Features:
- Wearable or handheld device integration
- Smartphone integration
- Weather forecasts
- Location sharing
- inReach-to-inReach communication
- Send SMS
- Send SOS signal
Garmin inReach Detailed Review
Take a closer look at our Garmin inReach mini handheld GPS review:
User Interface
The user interface of the Mini is a hierarchical menu system. That allows you to navigate both up and down. It’s not documented well, but it’s simple to understand. Scrolling the menus will present you with the active item in big letters. Pressing the OK button will initiate it.
The inReach Mini is a functional tool. You could pair it along with your phone via Bluetooth and the Garmin Earthmate app. That will offer you a richer interface to the function of the unit. It makes composing messages easy as you have a full keyboard at hand. However, employing Bluetooth consumes the battery of the device.
Battery Life
Compared to its predecessors, the Garmin inReach Mini has shorter battery life.
- Thirty hours at the ten-minute tracking along with one-second logging
- Fifty hours at ten-minute tracking along with two-minute logging
- Twenty days at the thirty-minute interval power save mode
- On lengthier journeys, the shorter battery life can be negated with a portable battery charger.
Peace of Mind and Safety
The Garmin inReach Mini has the power to send an SOS to search and rescue teams. The good thing here is that the satellite service emergency plan guarantees you have a helping hand when the situation gets worse. You will know that aid is on the way with delivery confirmation.
Portability
The Garmin inReach mini GPS is probably the lightest and smallest satellite phone available on the market. It’s much more compact than a smartphone. In fact, it only weighs about 3.5 pounds. You could carry this on a trail run or extended backpacking journey without noticing the added weight.
Text Messaging
The procedure of sending and receiving text messages on the device is simple and very straightforward. Nonetheless, it might be difficult to use it for non-emergency messaging. You need to understand how to employ a virtual keyboard or use the Earthmate mobile app on your other devices.
Posting to Social Media Platforms
You can connect the Mini to Facebook, MapShare, and Twitter. You can create an account on the official website of Garmin inReach. When connected, your device is synced to the platform via the Earthmate app or the Garmin Sync app. After that, “Post to Twitter” and “Post to Facebook” will show in your messaging contacts. The procedure works flawlessly, and it’s extremely elegant and easy to use.
Weather Forecasts
You can use this GPS for hiking to receive a weather forecast for the next two days. The request could be commenced from the device or from the Earthmate app. DarkSky.net provides the forecasting and looks to be as precise as you could hope for.
The Gamin inReach Mini will present existing weather conditions on its home screen when you request a weather forecast. You could also sequence through the hourly weather forecast to know the weather for several days. You will also find a marine forecast selection.
Service Plans
A Garmin inReach Mini plan is required to use this handheld satellite device. It will cost you around $11.95 to $99.95/month. The cost hugely depends on your plan and whether you do annual or monthly billing.
If you prefer monthly billing, you could easily suspend the service. That allows you to pay for the months when you’ll be utilizing the device. The cost might be a bit expensive, but you could save money by opting for the monthly plan.
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- The Earthmate app enables downloadable maps. It offers a simple way to share tracking details
- Utilizes the Iridium Satellite Network
- Moderately accurate GPS tracking information
- Simple to understand and user-friendly interface
- Enables 2-way text messaging
- Offers GPS waypoints and coordinates
- The most lightweight PLB
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- Doesn’t work in steep mountains/canyons
- It might difficult to use it for non-emergency messaging
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Final Verdict
If you will be adventuring off the grid, the Garmin inReach Mini is your ideal way to stay connected as you wish. That’s true especially if you’re only texting your loved one back home or using the SOS emergency feature.
What are your thoughts about this Garmin inReach Mini review? Share your thoughts with us by leaving your comments below!