Garmin inReach Mini - GPS Navigator

I purchased the inReach Mini 2 so that I could update my wife daily while backpacking. I used this for the first time recently on a multi-day backpacking trip in the White Mountains, where cellular service is almost nonexistent. When paired with a smart phone (in my case an iPhone), the user can send previously scripted messages from the inReach device or he/she can send text messages from their smart phone. I exercised most of the features several times throughout the trip. The inReach worked perfectly. Thankfully, I did not need to use the SoS feature, but I assume it works as well as the other options.Like most hiking/camping trips, a good deal of success with the inReach Mini 2 is due to advance preparation. Plan on spending an hour or longer setting up the ... MoreI purchased the inReach Mini 2 so that I could update my wife daily while backpacking. I used this for the first time recently on a multi-day backpacking trip in the White Mountains, where cellular service is almost nonexistent. When paired with a smart phone (in my case an iPhone), the user can send previously scripted messages from the inReach device or he/she can send text messages from their smart phone. I exercised most of the features several times throughout the trip. The inReach worked perfectly. Thankfully, I did not need to use the SoS feature, but I assume it works as well as the other options.Like most hiking/camping trips, a good deal of success with the inReach Mini 2 is due to advance preparation. Plan on spending an hour or longer setting up the device, subscribing to a Garmin subscription plan, downloading a Garmin app onto your smart phone, and testing the functionality.As a veteran backpacker with several decades of experience, I recommend the inReach Mini 2 for those who want or need to maintain some contact with the outside world.

5 stars are not enough. Amazing little device, full featured and easy to use if you study ahead a little bit. Definitely takes pre-planning to set it up to support your trip unless you just want it for SOS. Weather-proof, tiny, ergonomically great with easy to use buttons.I bought this because I wanted to minimize the risk to my family when we were in the backcountry. Of note, when out on trail with this recently, we had the opportunity to guide to safety two separate parties who were lost in failing light and worsening conditions. One was relying on just a paper map; the other on AllTrails, but had forgotten to download the proper map and was running low on phone battery.Of note, this is not ideal as a primary navigation device given small screen and interface. ... More5 stars are not enough. Amazing little device, full featured and easy to use if you study ahead a little bit. Definitely takes pre-planning to set it up to support your trip unless you just want it for SOS. Weather-proof, tiny, ergonomically great with easy to use buttons.I bought this because I wanted to minimize the risk to my family when we were in the backcountry. Of note, when out on trail with this recently, we had the opportunity to guide to safety two separate parties who were lost in failing light and worsening conditions. One was relying on just a paper map; the other on AllTrails, but had forgotten to download the proper map and was running low on phone battery.Of note, this is not ideal as a primary navigation device given small screen and interface. We used Gaia to create courses on a desktop computer, then used Garmin tools to put these on the inreach well before trip. On trail, this device pairs well with a paper map or GaiaGPS/AllTrails on a phone. The inreach alarms when you are off course, reasonably accurate. Also updates online map with your position so others can track your progress.We checked in with family at home twice daily, worked great.Only negative is that typing texts is like a throwback to candy bar style cell phones, slow and torturous. You can connect it to your cell phone with BT and use the Garmin Messenger app on the phone to type quickly. Keeping BT on on the inreach mini drains the battery, so need to be conscientious about turning it off after messaging.Finally, this is overall not a cheap option. Device seems fairly priced for what it is, but service plans are expensive. For me, added safety and great design were worth it.

Let me start by saying "I'm the tech guy". I'm the one people turn to for help with technology. So when it took me two days of constant screwing around with this thing to get it to work properly, I was more than frustrated. If the set-up had worked the way it was supposed to, it would have been easy. But it absolutely would not pair with the either of the two Garmin apps I had downloaded to my phone. Without being able to pair the device, it's basically useless except for the SOS function. Can't use the check-in feature. Can't sync to update contacts of install updates. Theoretically you can text using just the device but good luck with that on a 2" screen. I came so very close to returning this to REI and then calling Garmin to cancel my subscription and refund my ... MoreLet me start by saying "I'm the tech guy". I'm the one people turn to for help with technology. So when it took me two days of constant screwing around with this thing to get it to work properly, I was more than frustrated. If the set-up had worked the way it was supposed to, it would have been easy. But it absolutely would not pair with the either of the two Garmin apps I had downloaded to my phone. Without being able to pair the device, it's basically useless except for the SOS function. Can't use the check-in feature. Can't sync to update contacts of install updates. Theoretically you can text using just the device but good luck with that on a 2" screen. I came so very close to returning this to REI and then calling Garmin to cancel my subscription and refund my money. But after several attempts and deleting the reinstalling apps it finally paired. I've used it a little bit and think it will serve my needs. I'm still not happy with the prices of the subscription but I'm willing to pay it for now. The activation and reactivating fees for when you snooze the device seem like price gouging.