Thanks for this video, this is the video I needed before a 7 day hike. I got lost and the in reach didn't help much (my fault from not knowing how to use it) because I was tracking at 4 hour intervals so the tracback option did a straight line to the last point saved (4 hours before). Now I know to track at shorter intervals even thought is at the cost of the battery life
Thanks for leaving a comment and reminding everyone here the importance of really understanding your device before heading out on a long adventure. I normally go out for two short hikes, close to home, to work out the bugs before heading out on a long adventure. I have learned that to many times, I have been over confident in believing I had everything worked out, only to find I was wrong. Of course, I can't be to far off, because I spend so much time actually field testing all of these messengers, however I always find that I have missed something. Thanks for the information and the great tip. Rick
Awesome! If you're anything like me, you'll love having it and won't leave home without it on your future outdoor adventures. Let me know how you like using it on the trail. Rick
On my motorcycle garmin Zumo XT (and on most garmin road satnavs) there is an icon ‘go home’. From any destination it will navigate me home. Best thing ever on road. Also on my garmin fenix 5 watch there is an option to save locaton and when I need it will guide me back to it. I use it with success on my trail runs in unfamiliar area, following rough paper map/route sketch. I understand on mini 2 there is similar option to navigate back to starting point rather then track back. Tracking back could be a long and zigzag up/down hills distance if I cover say 10 miles. Sometimes I like to explore a different route and I’ll tell you 100% I never understand where I end up at. I wonder if I’m correct here, just clarifying. If I’m lost I can use navigate to my STARTING POINT and mini 2 will take me back the shortest optimal route using available pathes in area (woods meadows)? Or the only option to take me back only straight line. To take me back via tracks/pathes I need to create route on phone and upload on mini2, on field? It means I still have to take bulky phone with me? Sorry for being confused. Thanks
Hey Kris. thanks for listing all that information and asking the questions. I am testing the Garmin inReach SE+ today, but I'll, switch back my active account over to the Mini 2 tomorrow so I can work on your question more thoroughly. I'll pick a trail that has more than one listed trail and put myself in a position where I know the shortest route back and see what it can do. I love your questions as they make me dig deeper into the satellite messengers to understand them better. I'll let you know when I finish the field test. Rick
There is definitely a lot to learn, but after researching all the GPSMAP 66i has to offer, I feel like the Mini 2 is much easier to pick up and use. You just need to test it out until you're comfortable with it. Rick
I have an extensive training playlist on the Mini 2 if you want to check it out. ru-vid.com/group/PLinHuRHy8OYf_Zf1JVEPHScncOAcJTlb9 Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
Glad I could help! The Mini 2 is one incredible satellite messenger. Let me know if you find any new features or things that can be done better as you use it more. Rick
I really enjoying your inReach Mini 2 videos. I just bought one and am also playing with it. There are a couple of things I’m trying to figure out. One is the number showing upper left when navigating a route (as in the “50ft” at 4:02 in this video). What does that number represent? Another is using the tracking. Is that what sends points to MapShare? And these are what are charged for in the Safety Plan? If tracking is turned off and I navigate a route will my track still be recorded? Im trying to understand which features of tracking and navigation will incur charges.
High Lisa. I apologize for the late reply. First, the 50 feet in the upper left corner is the scale that is displayed on the screen, so when looking at the screen, you can see that from the arrow that indicates my position, there is approximately 75 feet to the edge of the screen. This will let you know how far off the course you get. There were many times in my tests that I purposely went off course, and that scale is really helpful and will let you know approximately how far away from the trail you are. As to your second question, if you're tracking with the safety plan, you will want to pick a tracking interval that will hopefully not charge you extra, as you will be charged $0.10 for each track. That's not a problem if you sent your tracking interval to 30 minutes or so to let others know where you are. You shouldn't need to send tracks every 10 minutes. The recreation plan is one of my favorite plans as you get unlimited tracking with no additional charges. Personally, I use the Expedition plan, but only because I need more information when tracking and testing the device. You can choose to not track, but others you allow to see where you are won't be able to see your tracks. If you don't care about that then you can leave tracking off and the Mini 2 will automatically record your tracks and keep those for 24 hours so you can TracBack with the device. I hope that helps. Rick
Random question, if you wandered off and didn’t have the route planned in the device will it help you with navigating? Or is the only thing it would do is help you track back if you had that feature turned on?
Yes to both questions. If you start on your adventure without doing anything, other than turning it on, the Mini 2 will put down hidden tracks that you can TracBack to your starting point if you get lost. You can also use the Explore App to create a course, when synced to your smartphone, then you can navigate anywhere. I have a video showing how to create a course in the field with the Mini 2 and the Explore App. Check out this link. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1hZrWMRd9aA.html I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any questions. Rick
First, you can create a course in the Explore App if synced with your smartphone, then you can navigate anywhere. Second, If you don't do anything other than turn it on at the trailhead, it lays down hidden tracks that allow you to TracBack to your starting point. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
Both! I have tested it with creating routes at home and on the device, plus using TracBack when no route was set and it used the temporary tracks to get me back to the starting point. It worked all three ways I tested it. Rick
That's easy. My Garmin inReach Mini is red, so I wanted to make it easier to distinguish between the two so I chose black for my Garmin inReach Mini 2. They are both the same size and shape so it has helped a lot. I own at least 12 satellite messengers so keeping them organized is helpful. Let me know if you have any additional questions. Rick
100%, as long as it has a good view of the sky. I mount mine in the front windshield and have never had an issue with tracking or sending and receiving messages. Rick
Let me know how you like it or if you have any questions when you get it. The inReach Mini 2 is my current favorite satellite communicator, considering the kind of outdoor adventures I go on. The GPSMAP 66i is a close 2nd. Rick
Absolutely, as long as it has some view of the sky. I have tested this many times on trips and have it mounted in my front window and it tracks perfectly. Rick
You did a really good job with explaining these features. I'm waiting on my Mini 2 to arrive! One question: does pairing the Mini to your phone use up phone battery?
Absolutely Yes! There are things you can do to minimize it though, such as set your tracking to longer time intervals, select longer times for the Mini 2 to fetch new messages. There are a few other things you can do, but the bottom line is don't ask the Mini 2 to track or fetch all the time, unless your on a shorter trip and just want to test things. I have my Mini 2 on really high tracking settings (shorter time intervals), because I'm doing research for videos and articles, but on a multiple day hike, I will change those settings, plus carry a battery backup. The nice thing is you can do a lot on the device itself without syncing it to your phone. One option would be to sync your phone only when you need to and learn to use your Mini 2 as a standalone device most of the time, especially on longer outdoor trips. The Mini 2 is my favorite satellite messenger, even though it does use up my phone battery life more. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. Rick
Great video as I am poised to buy one at this time. I have to say that I was looking into the SPOTX and your review of that system has also helped me to avoid it. So, thank you for your time in creating these videos! Cheers from Maine!
Glad I could help. I did another test on the SPOT X this weekend, testing it's tracking ability. On one 1/2 mile hike, my Mini 2 laid down 4 tracks and the SPOT X only laid down one. You can see the link to that review here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eA3hD5OGCcY.html. I also tested sending messages back and forth to several other satellite messengers and the SPOT X took 15 to 20 minutes to send it's first message, when the Mini 2, ACR Bivy Stick and the Zoleo took no more than 2 minutes. You can see that video here if you're interested: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RokwPckQudI.html. The bottom line is you're making the best decision to go with the Garmin inReach Mini 2. Rick
My Suunto 7 has breadcrumbs with a map in color. Check it out, if you don’t believe me. Yes, there are differences, plus and minus, but I just wanted to point out that Suunto already has this capability. I wish Apple Watch had this, instead of it just being a gym type of watch.
I appreciate you telling me about this. I have made note of it to research it and find out more about it. Thank you so much and I'll be looking into it and possibly buying it to review and test it here on my channel. Thanks again. Rick
I wanted a stand alone unit so the zoleo is not a choice and it was between the Mini and Explorer + but in reality I'm going to be doing short trips and now that the Mini 2 came out and after watching your videos I'm choosing the Mini 2. Plus REI has a 20% off 1 item at full price. Thank you
I'm glad I could help. You'll love the Mini 2. It's my go to messenger and the one I carry all the time, except for when I'm reviewing other messengers. Let me know how you like it after testing it out. Rick
How far off courses do you have to be to get the “off course” icon? For practice I loaded a few of our dog walks. I get the feeling that most mini users just buy it for the 2 way messaging. Thanks for video.
I regularly get off course alerts within 50 feet. The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a longer distance, and I would say on that one, I get off course alerts closer to 100 to 150 feet. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
What happens if I turn on tracking? Is that only for allowing family members to track where I am? Don’t I have to pay for each one of those. Tracking is very confusing to me. I can’t find good information on it. Thanks.
Tracking does two things I have noticed in all of my testing. First, as you said, it is needed if you want your family and friends to see your location when using MapShare. Second, I like the greater detail I see for myself when I start tracking and then select TracBack. It gives me greater information. Third, there is not cost per track if you have the Expedition subscription plan, but if you go over 10 tracks on the Safety plan and 40 tracks on the Recreation plan, you will be charged for each additional track, message or basic weather request. Lastly, I am heading out right now, before sunrise, to an area overlooking Pikes Peak, here in Colorado, to test how to create a course using the Mini 2 and the Explore App. I will start tracking when I begin navigating, plus will use TracBack on the return hike. I should have this uploaded later today. It may give you more information on things you are asking about. Rick
I apologize for the delay in this response. As long as you don't transmit your tracks over the satellite to family friends, primarily when using the MapShare link, you don't get charged for turning tracking on. Tracks and TracBack are free if you don't send them to others. They are also free, depending on your subscription plan. Let me know if that helps, and if you have any other questions. Rick
The arrow points to your course when in TracBack mode, but I have my compass set to point where the antenna is, rather than to north, so when I turn the antenna in the direction of the arrow or course, the antenna points me to it. I hope that helps. Rick
You can set it to point in the direction of travel, regardless of where the antenna is pointing. I like to have the direction up so the antenna is my pointer. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
The way I would do it would be to go to your Garmin.Explore map page. Your course will show up there and you can then save it, rename it or add it to a collection. I'm going to mess around with this a little to make sure what I'm telling you actually works and I'll respond back to your question again within 24 hours. Rick
@@outdooremergencytech Thanks for the reply. I have kept at it and got it up and running. Uninstalled and reinstalled the app. The reinstall gave steps to pair phone I don't get with first install.
I apologize for this late response. When you create a course on your computer, you need to sync it to the Explore App, which then will automatically have it show up on your device. You can also create a course on the Explore App, and again this will automatically be saved on the device. Let me know if you have any other question. Rick
I really appreciate this rundown of the navigation features. was trying to decide between the mini 2 and the messenger. But all the reviews say there is some basic navigation on the mini2 that the messenger doesn't have. But mention nothing about what those features are
You're exactly right on the differences. If I didn't have a satellite communicator, I would absolutely go with the Mini 2 due to having the navigation, and when synced with your phone and the Explore App, you get some great graphics and other features for navigation. Rick
This is a hard question for me, but let me give you what shows up on the Mini 2. Under settings, you can select between "GPS Only" and "Multi-GNSS." Under "Units" and "Position Format" then "Format" you can select UTM UPS, plus probably 50 other settings. Is UTM UPS the same at UTM Coordinates? I hate to not have an answer for you but I'm not sure about this question. Rick
@@outdooremergencytech Thanks! Yes, I’m just wondering if there’s a screen you can navigate to that shows the coordinates of your location, ideally in USNG/MGRS or UTM format.
From the Explorer app, you can select your blue triangle icon on the map page and it will show your location and coordinates. Mine shows it as Northing and Westing. From the Garmin inReach Mini 2 home screen, you can go to "Mark Waypoint." Your coordinates will be listed there. You can change the format of the coordinate system by going to "System" then "GPS" and select the format you want. Unfortunately, you need to call Garmin customer service if I have been no help to you at this point. Either I have mis-understood your question or what you're asking needs to be answered by someone with more knowledge of the Garmin inReach Mini 2. I hope I have helped some. Rick
@@Mike___Kilo if you go to the navigation screen you can use the up and down arrows to select the compass and another screen that shows your grid coordinates and elevation.
Each of the subscriptions gives you a different amount of messages and tracks. I use the Expedition plan, so I get unlimited tracking and messages, but the Safety and Recreation plan have a limit and you will be charged when you go over that. One solution is to go monthly and upgrade to the Expedition plan when you need more tracking and messaging, then you can go back the cheaper plan after that or suspend you subscription until you need it again. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
Yes and no. It depends on what subscription plan you have, plus... If you're tracking on your device and it's only for your benefit and the tracks are not being sent over satellite, such as when you share your location via MapShare, then there is no charge. Anytime you share your location and tracks, there can be a charge, depending on your subscription plan. Rick
Depending on what subscription plan you have, the tracking is free. The tracking is also free for any subscription plan, as long as you are not sharing the tracks over the satellite system. The bottom line is, if you want to start tracking and it's only for yourself and getting back to safety, there is never a charge. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
I just tested mine today and came looking for an answer. I loaded an alltrails map into the app and then navigated with the inreach mini 2. It worked beautifully and told me when I was off course. My question is, every 30 seconds or so it alerted me that I was on course. I really don't want the little chirp every 30 seconds. I just need the chirp if I go off course. Is there a way to set it up so it only chirps when off course?
Under SETTINGS, in the Menu, you can change your sounds or mute them. This isn't something I have played around with, but I will add it to my list to field test this week. Let me know if the settings in the menu help you out. At this point, if you still need help, I would call Garmin Customer support until I can learn more about it. Rick
I apologize for the delay responding to your question. I did not see the comment notification. I know you can turn the sound off for the course alerts, but I'm not sure if you can turn it off only for the on-course alerts. I'll check this out and respond back here tonight. Rick
what happens if you start the route from the middle of the trail? does it adjust your starting location or steer you back to the "route beginning" to proceed?
You do bring up a good point that I will test. I'll turn it on, then start tracking later and see if it takes me back to my actual starting point or to the point I started tracking. Rick
First, if you turn the Mini 2 on at the beginning of your hike, it will TracBack to the beginning. If you start tracking somewhere on the hike or start navigating, then it will lead you back to where you started tracking. The nice thin is that you can see where you are on the map if you have it synced to your smartphone, then it's really hard to get lost. Rick
Thank you for these explanations. What subscription do you have? Can you use the navigation by route with the basic subscription (without paying extra!)
Yes you can! There is no additional cost for that. I have the expedition plan, primarily for the 2 min tracking intervals that helps me test the devices better, plus the free basic weather and unlimited text messages. Honestly, if I were not testing these, I would probably go with the recreation subscription, unless you really like to message a lot, plus 10 minute tracking is plenty good, and it helps save your battery life. On a multi-day hike I would probably use 10 minute or 1 hour tracking. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
Go with at least the safety plan and turn off all tracking . You want to make sure it’s always active and can send a signal . Nothing worse then needing it and not having active plan ….
I have the Expedition Subscription plan, but you can create a course, navigate, and TracBack without having any subscription plan. That's all part of what comes with the Mini 2 when you buy it. You only need the subscription plan if you want to use SOS, 2-way message, get weather forecasts, or share your location with family and friends. Rick
Hi sorry for the long question but I have a decently bad visual impairment I’m looking at getting one of these for my of coming through hike of the Appalachian Trail. Obviously I want the mini for the SOS and communication system however I want to get the trail map for the Appalachian Trail from Garmin. So am I correct in saying if I load the route for the trail it will be able to follow along and tell me if I get out of my house before I had assumed this would only show him as the crow flies navigation but it looks like if you have the proper map it will follow a route. Would this work well for following the Appalachian Trail route for simple emergency navigation?
You can create and load routes/trails on the Garmin. You need to do that at home before the trip on the Garmin Explore map page. Once the trail is created and loaded, you can navigate by it, and you can sync to your smartphone. I have a large smartphone so it's needed if you want to see a map, plus the larger screen helps if you have bad eye sight. The Garmin inReach Mini will follow the route, but you can also navigate by waypoint in a direct line to wherever you want to go. The Mini or Mini 2 also has a TracBack feature that will help you get back to safety, and it also follows your tracks when you hiked in along that route and not in a direct line. I hope this helps. Send me another question if you have more. I'll do my best to answer your questions. Rick
@@outdooremergencytech really appreciate the information after all of your information and speaking with them directly I ended up going with the 66 I Keep up the great work you have some awesome content
Thank you for the compliment. I love hiking and it's nice to feel like I'm helping others stay safer when outdoors, so this is something that comes easy for me to do, except the video editing. That takes time. Rick
I apologize that I missed this comment. To answer your questions in a word. YES. Once you create the course on your computer or in the Explore App, it will show you incredible detail along the trail, both on the Mini and Mini 2, plus on the Explore App. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick
