inReach Mini 2: What You Should Know 

Very pleased to see mapping coordinates on it. That’s the main thing I was looking for really. I can’t not see myself with a paper map anywhere (serious) I go

Great video in showing how this works. I just bought this from using the bigger In Reach for years. I also bought a screen protector for mine which helps avoid the screen getting scratched.

Thanks much for your content on satellite comms. Needed a way to keep my wife from worrying when bowhunting remote public land. You were the most credible voice and quickly garnered my trust for unbiased information. Just purchased the Mini 2 using your link. All the best to you.

I have the Garmin InReach Mini (#1) not the Mini2. I was hiking on a trail with a lot of tree cover with NO cell service AT ALL, and I could NOT GET A SIGNAL. It took 28 minutes for it to find a signal, I looked everywhere I could for open space. I even stood on a bridge over a river-no trees over me at all, but still no signal. By total random chance, I ran into a guy with an InReach Mini2. I asked him, "are you getting a signal? I can't get one". He looked at me totally puzzled. "Yeah, I have a signal" he said "I just got a text from my mother". Meanwhile I am hiking totally alone, and NO ONE knows where I am, and I can't get even a simple message sent. It was pretty amazing that I was able to do an "in the field" trial like that. I just bought the Mini2, because I live in the Pacific Northwest and I am ALWAYS under heavy tree cover. I got home and said to my kids, So, if I get mauled a cougar or fall and break my leg, I have to crawl along the trail for 25 minutes hunting for a signal?" For me, often hiking in the trees alone, The Mini 2 is worth it. I WISH I had known that, but it's just the sort of thing you have to find out by doing,

Microwave signals do not refract as well depending on size of what’s blocking them…as an Extra Class HAM it effects what frequencies you choose…for communication from a remote location…I’d choose a long wavelength…40 meters or maybe 20 meters…maybe longer…if there were lots of obstructions and mountains…I want waves big enough to get around the trees and the drops and maybe mountains…then there is the antenna and power supply…for a hike, I like this.l.perfect size…

thanks brother. im 2 years into hiking and bought a mini 2. you are very helpful. appreciate you.

Thank you very much for this video. It was exactly what I was looking for.

I stumbled across your pages, and have to say I appreciate your information and knowledge. I look forward to getting more into hiking, kayaking and camping.

Really insightful video with tons of relevant details, thanks!

Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

Another impartial and very informative review, thank you

Thank you so much for this video. This one really helped me. Safe trails

Very interesting, thanks! Didn’t realise tree cover would affect battery that much.

If you're looking for a simple GPS that won't get you lost go for the garmin foretrex 601. Very simple, lightweight and runs on AAA batteries

Great report, thanks!

This was very helpful, thanks alot!

Great review and recommendations, thanks. I was going to get the garmin but it is becoming cost prohibitive here in Australia. Will go for Zoleo.

Outstanding. Thank you. Great job.

Amazing amount of information. Good stuff.

Great articulate review

I love my mini 2. Its my first GPS locator and I picked it over the Zoleo after comparison because of Garmin technology and features. Plus I already have a Garmin watch and both devices sync very well.

Great details, thanks!

Awesome advice, thank you! I didn't know tree cover runs down your phone battery. Being mostly a solo hiker, it's important for me to know the ins and outs of this device. I considered the Zoleo but decided I wanted something a bit more powerful since I hike constantly in all seasons (and because I don't necessarily want my loved ones messaging me constantly when I want to disconnect. I intentionally got a limited messaging plan, lol).

Thank you! Super helpful!

Thumbs up and became a sub because you were clear, concise, and appeared to be logic/fact based, therefore unbiased.

RE: Run time, my Mini(1) has used very little battery power in Extended Tracking (“XT”) Mode with 4 hour ‘Send’ interval. If I were to become immobilized, my location should eventually show up on MapShare without further action on my part. Since the inReach is still ‘On’, a MapShare user (or even the Rescue Coordination Center) can successfully send out a ‘Locate’ request. I can still ‘wake’ the Mini from the XT ‘Sleep Mode’ at any time to activate ‘SOS’ or send messages. Incoming messages also seem to eventually show up, even when the Mini is ‘asleep’ (despite what Garmin states about XT use).

Thank You so much, Great video!

Thanks, great informative video as always. On a side note, the UI looks to me, very similar to the eTrex SE’s

I use to have the inreach SE and selling it to get the inreach mini 2. I primarily use the 755T for backcountry guidance and 2- way radio and getting the Marq Adventurer. I can use the mini 2 with the watch for smaller hikes and use with the 755T for backcountry sledding/sxsing. No one unit does it all, but I like the mini 2 for it’s compactness and versatility without carrying a heavier integrated inreach GPS device. Now if I wanted the multi-band 66SR I get that full functionality and still maintain the same inreach.

Thanks. I used your link to REI because they have deal right now, so we will see how it goes. Apparently I don’t have much choice as far as devices. In Europe we had cell connectivity on all hikes but in Alaska spot is spotty and Garmin and Zoleo are the only option.

Great information regarding the location information “Activity Recording” vs “Send Interval”. I almost returned my Mini 2 because I mistakenly thought I was going to be charged $0.10 cents every time the unit recorded my position each 10 minutes. Activity Recording is FREE but Send Interval to MapShare cost 10 cents, I don’t use that feature and just turn it off..

Hi, I have viewed a number of GPS sat nave reviews Yours are very good and helpful. I like the in reach M2, but I am also looking for a watch. like your where pointing out. I would use the combination as backup unites.

Thank you you sold me on it I will be thru hikeing the PCT this year I need to upgrade from my spot system thank you again for a great video (walkingman)

OK thank you. You addressed my concern. I would just turn it off and on when I want to use it in the case of anemergency.

Gresat review and advice, thank you

I love my mini2. Take it on all backcountry backpacking and canoeing trips. I’m always with my son and he does solo trips as well so it stays with him. Nice to send updates to husband about progress and 🆘. I rarely use weather or tracking. Never had a problem with battery life. Generally use cell phone gps app like Gaia for planning and navigation. I do have iPhone with SOS feature but it is too soon to know for sure how useful that is. I have programmed in the number for my Global Rescue plan to cover evacuation and medical all the way home. ❤

I picked up the Zoleo a while back based on your recommendation and the fact that it was on sale for $150 at the time. I’ve been really happy with it so far. I like that it keeps the same phone number and it’s easy to suspend it for the months that I don’t plan on using it. Messaging with the Zoleo app works just like normal text messaging. I also used your REI link from your site ;-)

Great information

I always go to hiking guy first!

Very helpful to someone new to the civilian side of these devices. Thank you.

Worthy of a subscription, thanks for the data. I was toying with Iridium's turn your cell phone into a satellite phone... Great info.

Good job

Great summary thanks Cris

I pair my IR2 w/ my phone for canoe tripping. Setting waypoint makes navigating across big water easier and more efficient.

I have two of the Garmin mini's. The "group" plan is great as I can "assign" either of these devices to anyone in my family. When they are assigned a device, that individual's personalized settings get assigned as well. This is a great way to share the devices between family members.

Good man, thank you.

Some good knowledge right here.

Thank you very much

Thanks for the tip on the Zoleo. I’m going to check it out, as a gift for my son. I have a mini v1, and the setup/UI is somewhere between bad & abysmal. I’m told the new Garmin app is an improvement, but I’m happy to look into something different.

I carry the older version. Plan for me is to never turn it on but nice to have. Very much appreciate these videos. Your one if the few people whose reviews I trust

Ive been using a Mini 1 for a solid year now. Combination of both out of cell service camping/forest trails and offshore fishing. It has been awesome! Highly recommended, great safety and peace of mind knowing i have it with me and has worked well.

excellent explanatioin!

All of your videos are very helpful and well done. I'm looking for something in the Garmin line for jeeping, and I'm concerned about the line of sight to the sky. Do these communicate through glass?

Here in 2024 🤙🏾

Love all Your Videos Man. they definitely helped me narrow down my choices as to what i want to purchase. I have a question that I hope you can answer about the inreach explorer plus. In this video you mentioned that they Mini 2 does have trackback ; Allowing you to turn on the mini and start walking and have the ability to use the track back function to get back to your original starting point.Can you verify that the inreach explorer plus has the same function?Without any intervention just turn it on and start walking?Thanks much man

Great video, tanks so much for that. I Just got the the InReach Mini2. After a recent hike through the Smokey Mountains my wife was uncomfortable how much of the time we were out of cellular. So, since I do this a lot and Im getting older, I got this. The number one thing for me is the ability to use a satellite transmitter to call for help and to send preset msgs that all is well. The ability to send longer messages (up to 160 characters) is nice especially for my wife. However, few of us probably go to the woods without a cell phone. Besides the fact that is nearly everyones primary telephone nowadays, it has a camera and othr useful apps. Even in the Smokies I had several opportunities throughout the day to catch a signal and send an update. Only one night at one of the shelters did I have no signal at all. Anyhow, This fit the bill for emergency communications. I use the On X app on my iphone for navigation and it is great. Uses the gps antenna in my iphone13 and provides me detailed map informtion and extremely accurate location information, including elevation. I also saw where iphone 14 users will be able with the iOS 16 update, be able to send SOS calls to satellite. I suspect satellite comms is next especially at the rate Musk and others are deploying satellites spefically for that purpose. So its probably not long before iphone can do everything my new garmin inreach mini can do and I only need to pay my cell phone bill each month.

Hi, thank you very much for next very usefull video! Could you please advise how correct to hold the mini device in the compass mode in your hand. When I move it up or down, the parameters change even though I'm standing in the same place.

Great information, thank you! What would you recommend for a primary navigation device?

Thank you! This was very helpful, as always! I purchased the Mini 2 and set it up with the Safety plan a couple of days before I went to the Eastern Sierra to do some hiking. I fiddled with it enough before I left to make sure I knew the basics of how to use it. I used the preset messages to let my sister know when I was starting a trailhead, when I reached the turnaround point, and when I arrived back at my car. Even though I paired the Mini with my phone, when I was on my trip I couldn't figure out how to use the keyboard on my phone when I wanted to write and send a text message using my Mini when I'm out of cell tower range. I didn't find the user manual helpful to explain how to do that. Can you point me in the right direction regarding that?

I like it. It works

Great video. One thing I'd say is the zoleo plans aren't necessarily cheaper. For what I'm looking for they're actually more expensive.

Thanks so much for this great information!! What would you recommend for someone who just wants an SOS capability? I am going to CO in a few weeks to hike, am very comfortable with my own navigation capabilities, and I do not rely on technology for route finding. I just want my loved ones to be able to track where I'm at and signal SOS since I travel by myself. Thanks much!!

for scuba divers the inreach mini 2 is nice as you can pair it with a garmin diving computer and activate the sos feature from your dive computer instead of taking the inreach out of it's protective case

Liked & Sub’d - great real world review.

I have Mini and Instinct Solar. I use Mini for messaging (and for sending my coordinates to MapShare) and the watches for tracking only (what is called logging in Mini). And it looks like the watches (Instinct, not Instinct 2) already have all the improvements of Mini 2 vs Mini. The downside is that improved navigation is available only in the watches. Therefore Mini have problems with GPS fix in a canyon where Instinct logged my track really well.

Thanks for the video. I asked question regarding the tracback on a different video on your channel but I have one interesting questions regarding the menu "Tracking Settings". If I switch OFF the "Send Interval" does that mean I can use the Tracking Feature without being charged (since no points are send over satellite system)?

Hi! Thx for this info. I’m going to purchase the Mini 2. Question: which app would you recommend as best to use with my iPhone? Thank you!

Great video and appreciate your suggestions on device selection. Although the usage is primarily for land trails, have you any experience or suggestions using the inReach Mini 2 for canoe tripping? If not familiar with this, essentially this is solo canoeing with pack and equipment, and lake/pond/river hoping for multiple miles, and making camp in back woods. Many times this is done completely solo, or with a partner, but the focus usually is in remote regions of North America. Many times there is spotty mobile service. Having a satellite backup safety system is ideal, and needless to say there is opportunity for disaster, or severe injury, in which remote SOS or evacuation might be needed. Fellow canoeists I have seen using similar systems; but not until recently has this pushed me to get my own device. Having topos, weather alerts, barometric, messaging (satellite), waterproofness, battery life, etc. seem to point to an inReach Explorer+ system. However, what do you suggest? Non-Garmin options, if any? Also, as I'm an avid hiker/ camper/ climber/ as well, purchasing multiple systems is not my desire.

Just picked my mini 2 today on sale for 199.99 at sportsman's warehouse. I do a lot of adventures and urbex things and needed a tracker with SOS functionality.

I thot u did a great job here !!! I think,,,,,, imho,,,, the 2 is a real change from 1. !!!!! But reg vs mini. Is like flip phone vs smart phone !!!!!! But a emergency beacon/locater is so worth it if u r NOT 🚫 a campground squirrel !!!! If u travel alone in the outback ur life is worth it !!!!

Being somewhat of a garmin Rookie, I would love to see a vid tutorial on how to integrate my fenix6 pro, the inreach mini2, and garmin explore. I'm clueless on how to use them integrally. And how to sync all the info in a comprehensive manner. Any advice out there?

Have you looked at (or plan to) the new Inreach Messenger? It looks like a direct response to the Zoleo. It's much cheaper than Mini2 but slightly more than the Zoleo however, here in the UK the Garmin plans are slightly cheaper than Zoleo so they work out about evens. The Messenger doesn't seem to have much navigation ability though but it does have a bigger battery and antenna.

For In Reach mini 2, considering the enhanced navigation features, do you use FarOut as well?

One of the things you said in your review of the inReach mini 2 was "if you want a satellite communicator with the most affordable cost and plans, go with the ZOLEO." When I look at the plans for both devices it seems the inReach is cheaper because of the annual plan. After a couple years you would eat up the extra cost of the mini 2. Also, though I expect it to be the case, with the inReach can you do your actual texting from your phone? I assume you do but I just haven't seen anywhere where it actually says so. Will be buying one of these two through your site soon because my Somewear battery is failing after two years. Thanks.

Hi, how do you set up off course alerts when navigating a route on Garmin gpsmap 65? Thank you

Hi. Just wondering if you have had a chance to review/compare the new Garmin inReach Messenger device with the Zoleo device.

Hi Cris, thanks so much again. A question. Would the Garmin InReach Mini2 be suitable for navigation in the middle of the Amazone forests? Do you know if there are other possibilities to navigate there? Thanks a lot again!

What app did you mention at 9:10

Hi there, I’m planning an overlanding trip to the US from Canada and I’m trying to think of ways to bypass the exorbitant fees of texting while out of country. Would it be possible for me to put my phone in airplane mode and send texts/navigate via the Garmin inreach to avoid the cost of using a cell phone when not on wifi?

can coordinates be changed from Lat/Long to UTM?

Does it have a live data page like 66/fenix showing distance travelled, elevation gain etc etc or does it just record 'in secret'

Do you have a video on the plans? For someone who may go on 1-4 trips a year which is the best plan, pausing the plan, activation fee etc. If you do more than x trips a year then upgrade to x plan?

Can you sync the Inreach mini 1 to the Garmin Explore?

I do not have a locator yet, I run and walk in the mountains mainly in the country and there is civilization everywhere. However, I have a Fenix ​​6X Pro that helps me navigate. I am planning a trip abroad, 8-10 days in the mountains (Madeira), so I am looking for a satellite device. In my case, is the Mini One enough (it currently costs 30% less) or is it better to buy a Mini 2?

Can I share or see the locations of my hunting buddies? We hunt in areas with no phone service. I would like to meet up with them if they need help packing out.

I'm planning a multi--month jaunt through 30+ countries via Eurail. I'm thinking of using InReach Mini instead of paying for cellular through all those countries. I'd love to hear you comments on that.

I know nothing about these devices other than they are used for emergency purposes. That is why I want one. Great idea and peace of mind. I looked at one online that had a monthly fee. Do all of these gadgets require a monthly subscription fee? Also, as with a cellphone is there a solar battery charger available for this device and/or a supplemental power bank? If not, can I buy an additional battery or two as backups? Can you actually install a battery yourself?

Hi! I just received an in reach mini 2 as a gift for my jetski trips. But I was playing around and looks like that I need to pay just to activate it. Am I correct? I cannot do anything with it without paying a minimum of $35 ? I will activate when it is time to cross to Bahamas, but at local waters, with my VHF and ACR I do not want to pay anything, just pay with it and understand it better. Is it possible? Or I am the one that do not know how to do it?

Thank you for your very helpful review as always, Cris. I recently bought a NEW InReach Mini 2 and used it for the first time in my R2R one day hike in Grand Canyon. I only turned it off during the last 4.5 hours of the hike from Indian Gardens and upwards. Battery was at 91%. I did try sending 2 Preset messages to 15-20 people. It showed that it was trying to get Satellite Connection. I did not pay attention to it during. After 4.5 hours, the battery was down to 12%. I did not use any tracking or GPS or any other function at all. Is this expected or a faulty unit? Thank you.

So for SOS who do they call and how much is the rescue service? If you use it to help someome else are you liable for the rescue fees?

Looking for advise on purchasing Mini vs Mini 2 I can now purchase the original Mini for $250.00 vs $400.00 for Mini 2. What would you recommend for someone skiing or snowmobiling in the back country of Colorado? I appreciate any knowledgeable advise from anyone with experience. Thank you

What is a handheld if the operators couldn't talk to each other?

Great device we purchased for an ocean crossing. Our departure was delayed and the subscription plan ran out half way across the ocean. Sadly there is no way to Re activate using the device even though they had my credit card details. It caused more heartache for our families than not having it at all and completely negated purchasing the device. Emails sent to support remain unanswered. The device enables you to check your plan so why can’t it have a renew option?

Any thoughts on using this as a more accurate way to collect GPX track data than you might get with a Smartphone? The use case is collecting geospatial data for mapping purposes. I understand you are paying for satellite communications features with this hardware, but for my use case satellite communication would be a "nice to have" feature used only very selectively.

If you were in the market for a plb or a product like a zoleo would you still recommend buying the mini 2 instead?

I’m a hiking guide. I’ve thought about getting this solely for emergencies when out with clients. Do you think it would be ideal for that or should I go with something simpler that doesn’t cost as much?

Hi, I was wondering if mini 2 has fall/crash/ incident detection function that would activate emergency messages? When you have an accident you could be unconscious:) Or if it can transmit detected incident of fenix or enfuro wearable? Thank you and take care,Jan

I have this device. Someone said that you can set tracking interval to OFF, and then use tracking for yourself without paying for track points. Apparently its more detailed than the backup tracking that runs in the background?

There's a road i travel with no services for 100 miles and limited cell service. Would i have to text a friend and have them send a tow truck? Not sure how this works or if its appropriate for my needs.

Which watch are you wearing in this video?