Garmin inReach Mini 2 (Flame Red)

I tested the Garmin inReach Mini 2 on a six-day backpack through Dark Canyon in southeastern UT. New to satellite communication devices, I spent a week testing and learning the unit's features back at home, alternating between using the device as a stand-alone and paired with my phone and the Garmin Explore app.As I will detail below, due to a combination of user error and some irritating design features of the Explore app, on the actual trip I was unable to use the device with my phone. Although that initial experience was very frustrating it revealed that, for such a small unit with a tiny monochromatic screen and clunky set of buttons as the interface, the programmers for the device itself did a really nice job of laying out the menus and features in a ... MoreI tested the Garmin inReach Mini 2 on a six-day backpack through Dark Canyon in southeastern UT. New to satellite communication devices, I spent a week testing and learning the unit's features back at home, alternating between using the device as a stand-alone and paired with my phone and the Garmin Explore app.As I will detail below, due to a combination of user error and some irritating design features of the Explore app, on the actual trip I was unable to use the device with my phone. Although that initial experience was very frustrating it revealed that, for such a small unit with a tiny monochromatic screen and clunky set of buttons as the interface, the programmers for the device itself did a really nice job of laying out the menus and features in a reasonably logical fashion. After two days and with the help of a cheat sheet I brought along, I got pretty good at accessing the features quickly. But typing out waypoint names and sending txt messages without the benefit of one's phone is tedious - I suppose a necessary trade-off for a unit that is barely the size of a credit card.To preserve phone battery life I don't leave apps turned on that I don't use frequently, especially those that require the phone's GPS location feature to be turned on. So I didn't try to access the Explore app on my phone and pair with the Mini 2 until we were near the trailhead. Big mistake, for one needs an internet connection to sign into the app. That, clearly, was user error.But once home I went back and re-read the instruction manual and re-watched the instructional video with Garmin rep, Chip Noble. Both were silent on this seemingly important first step. Yes, in this day and age it should be obvious one needs an internet connection to log in. But this device has a lot of features, it's complicated with a learning curve, requires one to establish an account on-line and specify numerous preferences and then download the app on the phone, figure out how to pair, etc. There is a lot going on and during all my testing I was focused on how to preserve battery life for the Mini 2 and my phone since I was going to be out for six days. With this focus I neglected to keep this obvious step in mind.Frantically walking around Elk Ridge trying to get a signal so I could sign in, at one point I managed to get one bar of 4G service, but I kept getting hung up on a user verification page that requires one to verify they have read the user agreement and that they are older than 13!Really, Garmin? After having to set up an account with home address, credit card info, emergency contacts, etc, I need to specify that I am older than 13 and read the user agreement each time I log into the app? The product designers need to have a sit-down with the legal department and re-think the login procedure.After re-testing back at home I did discover that when you sign out of the app Garmin does provide a warning that you need an internet connection to sign back in. But given the device is intended to be used where there is no Internet connection in the first place, and under circumstances where preservation of phone battery life can be critical, it would at least be helpful to design the app such that login is feasible when you only have one bar of 4G service.Because of the mishap with the Explore app I primarily used the unit for saving waypoints, sending txt messages, using the compass and obtaining a weather report. Not using the tracking features I didn't really test the battery duration.In the upper parts of Dark Canyon where the canyon is wide, txt messages were sent successfully within a minute or two, even under a canopy of ponderosa pine trees. Lower down where the canyon deepens and narrows considerably, it took up to 15 minutes for a txt message to go through.The compass was surprisingly sensitive, even lower down in the narrowest parts of the canyon, a pleasant surprise because without the aid of detailed maps and track points on the Explore app, I relied on the compass and paper maps to determine our location in the narrow goosenecks typical of the lower canyon.The basic weather reporting is, well, pretty basic. High and low temp, chance of precip, presumably, but not specified, for the next 24 hours. Clouds were building the first time I checked the forecast, which gave a 1% chance of rain. 30 minutes later it started raining! Back at home sleuthing around the web I tried to determine the source of the forecast - NOAA, Weather Underground, proprietary - and how large a region it is pulling the forecast from? But found no info.I wish I had been able to test the Explore app in Dark Canyon and provide a more complete review. In general, the unit is well designed, it's super compact and lightweight. It's pricey and although there are two different subscription plans with several tiers within each plan, if you end up using the device most of the year and want to benefit from the device's features you will end up spending at least $400 in monthly subscription fees and an annual service charge. Just remember to login to the Explore app before you leave home!

I purchased the InReach Mini 2 with the intent of having several family members use it when they engage in activities (backcountry skiing, mountain biking) outside of cell-phone coverage—a family share situation. Unfortunately, the "family share" concept does not work easily with the device. Perhaps I don't understand the information correctly but it seems that one cannot add multiple users to a single account, and using the Mini 2 on multiple phones requires deleting any bluetooth history before connecting the device to another phone, making saved routes and other data useless.As per Garmin Customer Support, "Due to recent changes in privacy laws — Garmin inReach subscribers with a personal Freedom or Annual subscription plan can no longer add new users to their ... MoreI purchased the InReach Mini 2 with the intent of having several family members use it when they engage in activities (backcountry skiing, mountain biking) outside of cell-phone coverage—a family share situation. Unfortunately, the "family share" concept does not work easily with the device. Perhaps I don't understand the information correctly but it seems that one cannot add multiple users to a single account, and using the Mini 2 on multiple phones requires deleting any bluetooth history before connecting the device to another phone, making saved routes and other data useless.As per Garmin Customer Support, "Due to recent changes in privacy laws — Garmin inReach subscribers with a personal Freedom or Annual subscription plan can no longer add new users to their Explore account....If you are not a business or professional organization, an alternative is to create a new individual inReach Personal subscription account for each additional user – provided each user will have a device attached to the individual account. You cannot switch or share inReach devices with active subscriptions between accounts."As for pairing the device on the phones of different users, they say, "Not suggested but can be done as long as you can remove the previously paired device from the unit before trying to pair the different mobile device after forgetting any reference of the Mini 2 from that devices bluetooth history before trying to re-pair back to a previously paired smart device." It is essentially one user per device per account.I was happy that our family members would have the extra measure of safety in case of an emergency while they were doing backcountry activities—and that they would have the ability to communicate with us (and us with them) while they were out of cell phone range. It seems that I would need to purchase a separate device and subscription account for each family member who could benefit from such safety protection. Disappointing.My rating relates only to the inability to share the device among different users. I thought it would be helpful to share that information with other potential purchasers. The rating does not cover the functioning of the device, which I was looking forward to using but have not done so yet.

I purchased this because my son was departing on a six week ocean trip, and we wanted a way to keep in touch with him, as well as an extra layer of safety for him while on board. The inReach sends automated track points at intervals preset by us, so we can log in and view his position, and track his progress on his passage. He can also send us preset messages (choosing from three that we predetermined) for free, or he can also type his own custom message or text (that counts against our free monthly alotment.) Further, in an emergency, he can initiate an SOS message anywhere on the globe--real peace of mind. Pros: you're in touch regardless of cell phone service plan or connection; those on land can track the progress and most recent position of those at sea; free ... MoreI purchased this because my son was departing on a six week ocean trip, and we wanted a way to keep in touch with him, as well as an extra layer of safety for him while on board. The inReach sends automated track points at intervals preset by us, so we can log in and view his position, and track his progress on his passage. He can also send us preset messages (choosing from three that we predetermined) for free, or he can also type his own custom message or text (that counts against our free monthly alotment.) Further, in an emergency, he can initiate an SOS message anywhere on the globe--real peace of mind. Pros: you're in touch regardless of cell phone service plan or connection; those on land can track the progress and most recent position of those at sea; free check in messages add to peace of mind; custom written text messages are a nice extra feature for two-way communication if needed; you can operate this unit completely separate from a phone--no need to find the phone, etc.; the SOS feature is an extra safety layer on top of an EPIRB, with the added bonus of the ability to communicate two ways with rescuers, via text message. Cons: it takes a little getting used to the interface, both on the inReach device itself, as well as the Garmin Explore app, and the Garmin website; things display differently on the app versus the website; allow a week to use it and get familiar with it--both the device and the app or website for the land-based party--before you go to sea. Overall, highly recommended for the offshore boater. We will appreciate having the inReach for sailing trips and offshore fishing even after my son returns from his ocean trip.