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Garmin InReach Mini Review

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Being outdoors in contact with Mother Nature can be very relaxing for the soul and the mind.

However, with that being said, being outdoors does not come without its risks.

This is true whether you are mountain climbing, hiking in the woods, or scuba diving fifty feet below the ocean’s surface.

When you’re outdoors, safety is of paramount concern.

This is especially true when you are in a very secluded area with no one else nearby.

This article reviews a high-quality satellite communicator that can save your skin when times get tough.

This communicator enables you to communicate with other people, call for help, keep track of the weather, and more.

Garmin InReach Mini Review

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you may be familiar with  Garmin, known for its fitness trackers, smartwatches, and this Garmin InReach Mini Satellite Communicator.

Garmin is a trusted brand that produces high-quality electronics and equipment with excellent customer service and fantastic warranties.

The Garmin InReach Mini is the smaller version of the original Garmin InReach Satellite Communicator;  it’s smaller, making it ideal for portability.

Still, it doesn’t really sacrifice any of the features or functions of the larger original version.

So no, this is not the cheapest piece of gear around, but you get what you pay for, and here you get quality and functionality.

Who is This Product For?

The Garmin InReach Mini is designed for people who are outdoors a lot and need an excellent way to keep safe and in contact with emergency services.

This satellite communicator allows for two-way text messaging, emergency contact, weather monitoring, and more. 

Suppose you are somebody who goes hiking in the woods, mountain climbing, or anything else that involves being in the middle of nowhere, without a suitable means of communication.

In that case, something like this Garmin InReach Mini may one day save your life.

What’s Included?

When you purchase the Garmin InReach Mini, you get the communicator itself, a charging cable, and a carrying case.

Let’s not forget that this unit is small and portable, just to make carrying it a bit easier for you.

Overview of Features

The Garmin InReach Mini has quite a few notable features, so let’s get to it.

For one, this unit measures 4” x 2” and weighs just over 4 ounces, making it one of the smallest, lightest, and most portable units around.

Not only is the Garmin InReach Mini very portable, but it’s also very tough.

It has a tough impact-resistant shell and an IPX7 waterproof rating, so it can get rained on or dropped in a puddle without much worry.

To ensure that you can always communicate with emergency services, the Garmin InReach Mini utilizes the global iridium satellite network, so you never have to worry about spotty or no coverage.

In addition, the Garmin InReach Mini can be paired with your phone, so you can send and receive messages in places where your regular phone would not get a signal.

Moreover, this unit is also connected to GEOS, a service that tracks and sends help when SOS signals are detected; when you are in trouble, the Garmin InReach Mini can send an SOS.

Once an SOS has been sent, you will receive constant updates in terms of the status of the response team.

You can connect this unit to a variety of Garmin devices and smartphones.

When you have it connected to a phone or tablet, you can use the free app to check out US NOAA charts, aerial imagery, and maps.

The Garmin InReach Mini also has access to a detailed and accurate weather forecasting service.

Tutorial

The Garmin InReach Mini is not very hard to use at all, but there are a few different features and functions that you will need to master.

To make this a bit easier for you, we have included a tutorial video on setting up and using the Garmin InReach Mini.

[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3w5t5qmX2E”]

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Very durable
  • Waterproof
  • Text message from anywhere
  • Automatic SOS to GEOS
  • Weather forecasting
  • Access to charts, maps, and more

Cons

  • Not cheap
  • No virtual keyboard – must pair with phone or tablet for messaging

Wrapping Up

At the end of the day, the Garmin InReach Mini is a great satellite communicator for hikers, scuba divers, mountain climbers, and everyone in between.

Read our Best Dive Computer Guide Here

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