Garmin 010-01879-00 InReach Mini, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Orange

I bought this for my trip down the Grand Canyon last fall. Not only does it maintain a great connection to satellites, the user interface with an iPhone is excellent. In the Garmin app, you send text messages in just the same manner as with a normal cell connection - the texting software looks the same and works the same. It just takes a little longer - like 1-2 minutes. The text message automatically includes gps location as well. It worked perfectly for text messaging and sending my location from the Grand Canyon. Further, the guide company and the park service rangers all agreed this device has worked very reliably for other people in the canyon. Sadly, on our trip, a participant broke his arm in a rapid, and we had to evacuate him from the trip. We were able to communicate with the outside world to arrange pickup for him at a trailhead. Also, we had a severe storm on the 3-week trip. Checking the weather forecast feature with the InReach helped us to plan our days and campsites around the worst of the storm. Lastly, I was able to text my 6 year old daughter, and she could click the link to see a satellite image of my location, which made being away from her a little easier. Another great feature is the website and account subscription. It is easy to use and clear about charges, and the best thing is that you can turn it on and off in 1-month intervals! No annual fee here. Prices are very reasonable for what you are getting. You can use it without a cellphone too, and the interface is pretty good, but a cell is easier. One last thing: a park ranger explained that this is actually BETTER than a Sat phone because the audio on a sat phone can be difficult to hear, or can cut out when it loses its satellite, or can cut out as the battery dies. This device gets a simple clear text out, and saves you the frustration and misunderstanding that comes with bad phone connections. Makes sense. I used a solar charger to keep it charged. This device is of the highest quality and the service is just outstanding.

Great product & quick service

Awesome product

I have used this device on many mountain adventures the last couple years, and the device has worked nicely. Recently Garmin has made a bunch of changes to their billing panel that allows you to put your subscription on pause. But be warned, if you click the suspend subscription button twice, it will not suspend your subscription even though it will display that it has. Whats worse Garmin will refuse to refund the charges. I had to spend 20 minutes with a customer service agent, who knew and even informed me of their glitch, but refused to give a refund until I informed them that I would have to charge back the bills if they werent going to fix it over the phone. Be careful about using Garmin subscription products.

like the size of it and no contract for its use

This thing is really impressive. *not a touch screen* The fact that it pairs to a smart phone means none of the clunky UI of clicking the side buttons will bother you. Its a SatComm the size of a Tomagotchi bro...Its dope. Instantaneous speed, bearing, coordinates that resolve to a hilarious degree of accuracy, weather reports...maps on your phone...pre-fab or custom texts when you need them. Anywhere you go, the piece of mind is worth way more than this little doodad. Rad AF. If youre buying your first GPS, this is the one to get.

Stupid! You have to pay for a service. An SOS call should be free.

excellent device

My wife and I travel a lot in our motor home and sometimes theres no cell service available if we need to summon help while on the road. I can send a message via satellite and get roadside assistance if needed. Plus, we use it when hiking in case we get lost or have an emergency.

Works awesome for my hiking trips. Product arrived exactly as shown. Have taken it on 80+kms of backpacking now and it’s worked great in being able to contact family members in the mountains with no service. Great piece of mind. Plans are relatively good priced as well. I’d recommend going with the highest priced monthly plan if you are doing a lot of hiking, then just deactivate it during your slow times. The internet tracking/ mapping app takes awhile to get used too, but with YouTube tutorials it’ll show you how to track and map, and you are able to download map files to your Earthmate app on your iPhone. I used it to backpack a decommissioned trail and it kept me on track.