Keeping you connected where cell phones can't, Garmin's inReach Mini 2 compact satellite communicator adds peace of mind no matter how far off-grid you are. In an emergency, just send an interactive SOS message to Garmin's communication center, allowing you to get help, no matter where you are. Your messages, SOS alerts, and location tracking and sharing use a global satellite network instead of relying on cell phone coverage. (Active subscription required, see Garmin for flexible, affordable plans). Imported. 4" x 2"; 3.5 oz.
Keeping you connected where cell phones can't, Garmin's inReach Mini 2 compact satellite communicator adds peace of mind no matter how far off-grid you are. In an emergency, just send an interactive SOS message to Garmin's communication center, allowing you to get help, no matter where you are. Your messages, SOS alerts, and location tracking and sharing use a global satellite network instead of relying on cell phone coverage. (Active subscription required, see Garmin for flexible, affordable plans). Imported. 4" x 2"; 3.5 oz.
Keeping you connected where cell phones can't, Garmin's inReach Mini 2 compact satellite communicator adds peace of mind no matter how far off-grid you are. In an emergency, just send an interactive SOS message to Garmin's communication center, allowing you to get help, no matter where you are. Your messages, SOS alerts, and location tracking and sharing use a global satellite network instead of relying on cell phone coverage. (Active subscription required, see Garmin for flexible, affordable plans). Imported. 4" x 2"; 3.5 oz.
Keeping you connected where cell phones can't, Garmin's inReach Mini 2 compact satellite communicator adds peace of mind no matter how far off-grid you are. In an emergency, just send an interactive SOS message to Garmin's communication center, allowing you to get help, no matter where you are. Your messages, SOS alerts, and location tracking and sharing use a global satellite network instead of relying on cell phone coverage. (Active subscription required, see Garmin for flexible, affordable plans). Imported. 4" x 2"; 3.5 oz.
Last updated at 03/21/2026 14:12:29
GARMIN InReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
Delivery $51.70
Garmin inReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Hiking Handheld, Two Way Messaging, Interactive SOS Alerts, Location Sharing, G
Free delivery between 31 Mar – 3 Apr
Garmin - inReach Mini 2
Free delivery
originally posted on REI
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.
originally posted on REI
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.
originally posted on REI
I loved my Inreach, while it still worked. I never got the device wet and I kept it powered off and charged while storing it. Last week I reactivated my subscription plan for the season. I purchased the $24.95/month plan and paid the one time activation fee of $29.95. I tested my device the night before an ultramarathon I was participating in that took place in the mountains. I wanted the service so that my crew knew where I was and I could signal for help if I got myself in a bad situation. I also wanted my family to be able to keep track of my progress. Unfortunately, the next morning I was not able to power the device on. Of course, I could not deal with this during the race.I tried all of the troubleshooting methods on Garmin's website, and spoke with the ... MoreI loved my Inreach, while it still worked. I never got the device wet and I kept it powered off and charged while storing it. Last week I reactivated my subscription plan for the season. I purchased the $24.95/month plan and paid the one time activation fee of $29.95. I tested my device the night before an ultramarathon I was participating in that took place in the mountains. I wanted the service so that my crew knew where I was and I could signal for help if I got myself in a bad situation. I also wanted my family to be able to keep track of my progress. Unfortunately, the next morning I was not able to power the device on. Of course, I could not deal with this during the race.I tried all of the troubleshooting methods on Garmin's website, and spoke with the support team. They said I would need to pay $130 and send the device in for repair. I do not feel comfortable being charged that much for a device that was originally $400 and I do not see what I did to break the device. Thankfully, I did not need to use any of its features while out in the wilderness this past weekend. I expect better quality from a life saving device.
GARMIN InReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
Delivery $51.70
Garmin inReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Hiking Handheld, Two Way Messaging, Interactive SOS Alerts, Location Sharing, G
Free delivery between 31 Mar – 3 Apr
Garmin - inReach Mini 2
Free delivery
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.
I loved my Inreach, while it still worked. I never got the device wet and I kept it powered off and charged while storing it. Last week I reactivated my subscription plan for the season. I purchased the $24.95/month plan and paid the one time activation fee of $29.95. I tested my device the night before an ultramarathon I was participating in that took place in the mountains. I wanted the service so that my crew knew where I was and I could signal for help if I got myself in a bad situation. I also wanted my family to be able to keep track of my progress. Unfortunately, the next morning I was not able to power the device on. Of course, I could not deal with this during the race.I tried all of the troubleshooting methods on Garmin's website, and spoke with the ... MoreI loved my Inreach, while it still worked. I never got the device wet and I kept it powered off and charged while storing it. Last week I reactivated my subscription plan for the season. I purchased the $24.95/month plan and paid the one time activation fee of $29.95. I tested my device the night before an ultramarathon I was participating in that took place in the mountains. I wanted the service so that my crew knew where I was and I could signal for help if I got myself in a bad situation. I also wanted my family to be able to keep track of my progress. Unfortunately, the next morning I was not able to power the device on. Of course, I could not deal with this during the race.I tried all of the troubleshooting methods on Garmin's website, and spoke with the support team. They said I would need to pay $130 and send the device in for repair. I do not feel comfortable being charged that much for a device that was originally $400 and I do not see what I did to break the device. Thankfully, I did not need to use any of its features while out in the wilderness this past weekend. I expect better quality from a life saving device.
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'm a long-time inReach user. I recently upgraded to the Mini2 from the original Mini. For some reason, the original Mini had a poor GPS receiver which would take forever to figure out its position, and would easily lose its location under any kind of tree cover. Given that Garmin has long been a leader in GPS, this was an inexplicable flaw. Happily, this is fixed in the Mini2, which works as a modern GPS receiver should- it finds its position quickly, even under obstructions. This is important because even if you don't use the inReach as a navigation device, it'll tag messages with your location, which would be really nice in an emergency.I use the inReach for two purposes: to keep in touch with family and friends when I'm in the backcountry, and for the SOS ... MoreI'm a long-time inReach user. I recently upgraded to the Mini2 from the original Mini. For some reason, the original Mini had a poor GPS receiver which would take forever to figure out its position, and would easily lose its location under any kind of tree cover. Given that Garmin has long been a leader in GPS, this was an inexplicable flaw. Happily, this is fixed in the Mini2, which works as a modern GPS receiver should- it finds its position quickly, even under obstructions. This is important because even if you don't use the inReach as a navigation device, it'll tag messages with your location, which would be really nice in an emergency.I use the inReach for two purposes: to keep in touch with family and friends when I'm in the backcountry, and for the SOS feature. It is infinitely more flexible than a personal locator beacon because of the ability to communicate detailed messages. There are plenty of scenarios where you might have a problem and need to get help, but it's not at the level of "OMG emergency I need a Blackhawk helicopter now!" This is what the inReach does well that a PLB can't do.I've never had to use the SOS feature, just as I've never had to use the seatbelts in my car. I'm glad they're there.On all three inReach models I've used, the satellite messaging has worked reliably. Messages are sent and received quickly– typically within a minute. However, the process is more fiddly than just sending text messages through your phone.Looking through reviews, I see a lot of complaints about the cost of Garmin's service plans. I don't get it. I use the "safety" plan with annual contract. There's an annual $35 fee. On top of the annual fee, I pay $12.86/month (including taxes) when the service is active. You can activate and deactivate service at any time through Garmin's web site, and I've never had problems doing that. I no longer bother, because the monthly fee is low enough that I just don't want to take the chance of finding myself in a remote area and I've forgotten to activate service. If I need additional messages (10/month included in this plan), I just pay a-la-carte. To me, the cost seems completely reasonable given the inReach's global coverage, which is downright miraculous. I know people who spend $60k on a new 4x4 truck so they can travel into the remotest areas but they flinch at the $13/month service plan which allows them to summon help, FROM ANYWHERE, if they need it.
Most complicated device ever! I’ve had my Garmin inreach mini 2 for two years now and still can’t figure this thing out for the life of me and I hope for the life of me, I never have rely on it for my safety! Seriously, besides turning it on and knowing where to locate SOS feature is about all I can figure out with this thing! The battery life is terrible! I’m lucky if it’s not dead halfway through an all day adventure on the trails and forget about adding contacts! I’ve never been able to figure that one either! It’s like using a cellphone from back in the early 2000’s when you have to push the numbers on your cell phone 1 to 3 times to get the letter you want to use and if you ever successfully are able to add the entire contact information WOW! Lucky you and how ... MoreMost complicated device ever! I’ve had my Garmin inreach mini 2 for two years now and still can’t figure this thing out for the life of me and I hope for the life of me, I never have rely on it for my safety! Seriously, besides turning it on and knowing where to locate SOS feature is about all I can figure out with this thing! The battery life is terrible! I’m lucky if it’s not dead halfway through an all day adventure on the trails and forget about adding contacts! I’ve never been able to figure that one either! It’s like using a cellphone from back in the early 2000’s when you have to push the numbers on your cell phone 1 to 3 times to get the letter you want to use and if you ever successfully are able to add the entire contact information WOW! Lucky you and how do you save it after all that frustration? I use a lot of Garmin products and this one is a complete let down and we won’t get started on subscription costs! Anyways good luc if you make this purchase! Hope your experience is better than mine!
After watching a few hours of confusing tutorials that scroll through the option so fast and use so many technical labels that it is hard enough to watch them, let alone keep up by trying the same functions on your own device, I gave-up. This thing is marginally helpful if you go from point A to point B and can't find your way back to B, but otherwise the functions and user interface are obscure and counter-intuitive. The subscriptions required to make use of any of the tracking, SOS and messaging functions are ridiculously expensive. The smart phone Apps that are supposed to enhance the user's experience are likewise confusing and require even more subscriptions to obtain maps that are at all useful. I don't get how or why smartphone manufacturers and Google Maps, ... MoreAfter watching a few hours of confusing tutorials that scroll through the option so fast and use so many technical labels that it is hard enough to watch them, let alone keep up by trying the same functions on your own device, I gave-up. This thing is marginally helpful if you go from point A to point B and can't find your way back to B, but otherwise the functions and user interface are obscure and counter-intuitive. The subscriptions required to make use of any of the tracking, SOS and messaging functions are ridiculously expensive. The smart phone Apps that are supposed to enhance the user's experience are likewise confusing and require even more subscriptions to obtain maps that are at all useful. I don't get how or why smartphone manufacturers and Google Maps, etc. can make GPS/mapping programs that are so easy to use and even talk the user through the navigation steps, but Garmin can't make a GPS that is user-friendly and doesn't require expensive subscriptions and supplemental Apps to be even marginally useful to the average user? I have tried this GPS model, a Garmin watch, and the larger (supposedly advanced) GPSMAP 67i, and returned them all in utter frustration. I have never gotten lost using a map and compass for land navigation, so I am not a complete dummy, but I have concluded that apparently I am not smart enough to use Garmin GPS's for much of anything besides an expensive paperweight. Oh, yeah - it cost me $138 just to cancel the lousy subscriptions that I never used to any benefit at all.
I purchased several of these for my line crew who work in extremely rural areas where there is no cell service and even our UHF radios and repeaters cannot be accessed in deep ravines and canyons. Overall these work great. Messaging is often not as instant as text, as essentially you are having to hit a satellite 14 miles up and it to come back down the same too. Another thing my crew have noticed is that these units do not work very well inside their service trucks. They have to place them on the roof to get good satellite, and that risks them leaving it on the roof and driving off accidently! My personal Garmin Rino works great inside the cab, so not sure why these do not. Battery life drops considerably when in use, and some crew have found they cannot operate ... MoreI purchased several of these for my line crew who work in extremely rural areas where there is no cell service and even our UHF radios and repeaters cannot be accessed in deep ravines and canyons. Overall these work great. Messaging is often not as instant as text, as essentially you are having to hit a satellite 14 miles up and it to come back down the same too. Another thing my crew have noticed is that these units do not work very well inside their service trucks. They have to place them on the roof to get good satellite, and that risks them leaving it on the roof and driving off accidently! My personal Garmin Rino works great inside the cab, so not sure why these do not. Battery life drops considerably when in use, and some crew have found they cannot operate the Garmin and charge at the same time, yet another crew member with exactly the same charging set up can. Overall though this is a great communication tool when nothing else is available, which is why they were purchased for the safety of all linemen.
I bought this a few months ago because it was $100 off and I thought it would be good for safety while hiking/backpacking. It works fine and I’m glad I have it however there a few things that don’t sit right with me:1. The subscription service. I can understand the yearly fee, okay. But Garmin tacks on an additional monthly fee too. You can’t use the SOS feature without an active sub. The device itself is already expensive. To block access to potentially life saving communications behind a paywall seems wrong. I feel privileged that I was able to afford this device and I hope one day it will be more affordable.2. Their apps could use some serious work. You have to download multiple apps to be able to properly use the inreach it seems. And they’re not the most ... MoreI bought this a few months ago because it was $100 off and I thought it would be good for safety while hiking/backpacking. It works fine and I’m glad I have it however there a few things that don’t sit right with me:1. The subscription service. I can understand the yearly fee, okay. But Garmin tacks on an additional monthly fee too. You can’t use the SOS feature without an active sub. The device itself is already expensive. To block access to potentially life saving communications behind a paywall seems wrong. I feel privileged that I was able to afford this device and I hope one day it will be more affordable.2. Their apps could use some serious work. You have to download multiple apps to be able to properly use the inreach it seems. And they’re not the most intuitive. Understanding the features of the inreach has been challenging and I’ve had to look up videos to see how to get the most out of this.3. The buttons are not ergonomic. Takes effort to press them and it’s awkward when you do it one handed.4. Battery dropped a lot faster than I anticipated when on my backpacking trip and that was with me turning it off at night.Overall, I’m glad I have this so I can communicate that I’m okay while in an area with no cell service.
The supporting app (Garmin Explore), which is used for navigation, messaging and other core features, is usually good but logged me out while I was in the wilderness and required me to have cell service/internet connection to log back in. This left me without access to the app and the resources it provides (messaging and navigation) for 5 days while trekking through the mountains. If I didn’t have a paper map I would have been completely without navigation (because the navigation on the inreach itself doesn’t work). I could still message with the inreach but that’s a miserable experience.There is no reason an app designed to be used in places without cell service should log you and out and require cell service/internet once you have logged in and registered your ... MoreThe supporting app (Garmin Explore), which is used for navigation, messaging and other core features, is usually good but logged me out while I was in the wilderness and required me to have cell service/internet connection to log back in. This left me without access to the app and the resources it provides (messaging and navigation) for 5 days while trekking through the mountains. If I didn’t have a paper map I would have been completely without navigation (because the navigation on the inreach itself doesn’t work). I could still message with the inreach but that’s a miserable experience.There is no reason an app designed to be used in places without cell service should log you and out and require cell service/internet once you have logged in and registered your account and satellite device with it. I used to view this product very highly but now I cannot trust this tool knowing that it can leave me stranded. For a company and product that you are supposed to trust with your safety this is unacceptable.(I reached out to customer support about this issue and have yet to receive a response a week later. For a complete failure of their product, Garmin has shown zero concern.)
