Why We Like The Garmin inReach Mini 2
The inReach Mini 2 gives us the same compact communication means as its predecessor but now with loads more battery life and features. Rather than lasting hours, it lasts days, letting us use it for much more than just check-ins on our multi-day missions. With the new ability to sync with Garmin Explorer, we can plan our course on the computer screen and save it to this palm-sized device. As we venture well beyond cell coverage, the new electronic compass gives us an accurate heading as we stand still, while the addition of Galileo gives us a quicker and more precise satellite lock, even with some tree cover. If we get turned around, the addition of TracBack routing helps us find our way.
Details
- Compact satellite communicator for making contact when off-grid
- Impact-resistant, submersible housing for your rugged pursuits
- Rechargeable battery lasts 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode
- Two-way messaging and location sharing give loved ones peace of mind
- Interactive SOS connects to a 24/7 staffed emergency response center
- Increased memory holds 1000 waypoints, 100 courses, and 200 trips
- Detailed weather updates and unlimited cloud storage for trip planning
- Please see size chart for complete list of technical features
- Item #GRMF038
- Housing Material
- plastic
- Digital Compass
- yes (accurate heading when not moving), GPS compass (while moving)
- Technical Features
- see size chart
- Operating System
- Bluetooth, ANT+, USB-C interface, [compatability] Garmin Explore app, Garmin Explore website, Garmin Pilot app
- Backlight
- yes
- Battery Type
- rechargeable internal lithium-ion
- Battery Life
- [10-minute tracking with standard activity] (full sky view) 14 days, (moderate tree cover) 4 days, [10-minute tracking with high detail activity] (full sky view) 5 days, (moderate tree cover) 2 days, [30-minute tracking with standard activity] (fully sky view) 30 days, (moderate tree cover) 10 days, [powered off] 1 year
- Low Battery Indicator
- yes
- Dimensions
- 2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03in
- Claimed Weight
- 3.5oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
- Activity
- backcountry riding, backcountry skiing, backcountry splitboarding, backcountry showshoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, cross-country, mountaineering, paddling, fishing, nordic touring, ultra running, travel
- Submersible
- IPX7 (1m for 30min)
- Face Size
- [dimensions] 0.9 x 0.9in, [resolution] 176 x 176px
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4 based on 425 ratings
Review Summary
What do you think about this product?
View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageApril 23, 2024
Awesome device!
Worked great in the backcountry. Was able to message my wife when cell service is nob existent.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 19, 2024
Feels like a downgrade from my previous device
Overall, just an average device for SOS and tracking points. I've had it for a little over a month: Not happy with the Mini 2. Bluetooth connection technique is arcane and unreliable. When it disconnects one has to jump through hoops to reconnect. My preference would be having direct access to Bluetooth as my previous Garmin inReach SE device did. Haven't yet been able to discover a way to easily determine if all tracking points have been sent. Previous device had a red flashing LED for that. Likewise for new unread messages I would prefer the flashing green LED on my previous device. I "upgraded" principally to take advantage of the Mini2 integration with my Garmin XT2 without realizing how minimal that integration really was. And then of course there is the Garmin EXPLORE app and the Garmin Messages App which require separate installs but are somewhat integrated after installation.On a positive note Garmin has really improved the EXPLORE App to the point where it is sometimes useful. The only positives for me are that it is small and easily attached to my backpack harness and the charge port is USB C.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 18, 2024
Must Have!!!!!
How do use it on the very first trip with it. Thank God, it wasn’t for me! We really didn’t want to spend the money on it, but due to running into rattlesnakes, I figured it would be best. Just do it!!!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 16, 2024
My Mini 2
I bought the mini 2 a few weeks ago after my original mini that was about 4 years old died and couldn’t be revived. I absolutely loved the original. The mini 2 has more features, but is also more difficult to use. I’m trying to get use to it but I still miss my first mini and wonder if I should have bought another one. I’m sure I’ll adapt to the mini 2. I can say the battery life is better and the sync with my phone is great. Also being able to store tracks is really nice. I’m going to have to practice using it more and I’m sure it will grow on me. Definitely Garmin is still the best for navigation and tracking devices in my opinion.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 15, 2024
Piece of mind for me and those at home
I bought this for a boat trip to the Bahamas. The ability for family at home to track my progress throughout the crossing and subsequent week sure took the anxiety level down for them. I loved the chance to use the check-in messages as well as to receive weather forecasts for crossing and island hopping planning. All in all a VERY USEFUL device.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 14, 2024
Works well, not impressed with the battery
I have used this for a few trips, overall it has nice features. However after using it for one 4 hour hike, the battery depleted greatly. I’m disappointed in this as I would like to use it on backpacking trips.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 14, 2024
Feel much safer going offshore
Bought this for extra safety going offshore fishing with no cell service. Every thought I have an EPIRB it is nice to have extra security and the fact that it has extra SOS that has text communication so you can communicate with a person and send GPS location. Also has ability to check it with wife to let her know if plans change or just heading home. Very glad I bought it
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 13, 2024
Peace of mind
Friends, family, & I love the tracking and messaging capability.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 12, 2024
First time using Mini 2
I bought the 3.5 oz Mini 2 to replace my older inReach Explorer, mainly to save some weight. Used it last week while hiking Colodado’s Front Range. Loved it! Text messages were sent fast.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 10, 2024
What’s your life worth?
I was tempted to use only the SOS feature on my iPhone, but for a number of reasons chose the InReach as my primary. I keep it on my person when climbing, hiking, adventure biking, backcountry skiing. Garmin’s reliability is key, and I’m saving up for a Montana and a Fenix, as well.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help
Cancer and Reproductive Harm - P65Warnings.ca.gov