Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

$400.00

$400 | 100.8 g (3.6 oz)

Garmin Reach Mini 2 are an increased battery life of up to 30 days, faster GPS acquisition, an electronic compass, and it automatically records a user’s activity and passively stores their route so they can retrace it. It also has a new user interface based on Garmin watches

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a great choice for top communication reliability and most powerful feature set of any satellite communicator. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 has the most reliable message send (only unit to get every message out), it has by far the largest and most robust feature set, including exceptional tracking. It’s the smallest and lightest unit to boot. All your information is available from its screen display, and all features can be activated from the unit without a phone, including reading messages. It also allows group texting, and email messaging. And it has detailed and accurate weather reports. The inReach has a public/private web interface for people to follow your track or see waypoints/message locations on a map. For years this has been the unit we relied on when guiding, doing a challenging/sketchy trip in difficult and remote terrain, or documenting a new route we’re scouting.

All of this performance has been refined and honed over a decade. But that seniority does come with a downside. The inReach shows its venerable roots in its aging and creaky user interface, which by modern standards is complicated with nested menus and tons of features to navigate through (many are power user features not of interest to the average user). You’ll need to do some user manual reading and then practice to learn how to best use the Mini. Unlike the ZOLEO and Somewear, the Mini does not use tri-network communication to seamlessly message between WiFi, Cellular, and Satellite connectivity — that’s because it’s a satellite only device.  It adds to cost (e.g. Somewear and ZOLEO Cellular and WiFi transmitted messages do not count against your totals) and and is serious downside vs. ZOLEO and Somewear. Finally the inReach Mini 2 does not have a dedicated phone number. This adds confusion, especially from folks at home trying to message you via text/SMS.

PROS Lightest and smallest, almost all functionality, messaging, and data available via the front screen; excellent message send reliability, excellent tracking, downloadable waypoints and GPS track. The inReach has a public/private web interface for people to follow your track or see waypoints/message locations on a map and message you, downloadable maps allow you to navigate and see your track via the phone app, detailed weather reports, group texting and emailing (Somewear and ZOLEO do not), and a large number of custom pre-set messages that reduce typing.

CONS High price — double the price of the competition. One of the more expensive monthly data plans. Dated and complicated user interface, no cellular and WiFi messaging, no dedicated phone number, complicated for users to message you back.