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

Setup has taken hours, with multiple calls to Garnin because of contradictory web instructions and because it just does not work much of the time. The support staff has been very friendly and responsive, but not always too helpful. They tell me it only works with the browser in incognito mode. Then they say it only works if I clear my browser cache, but are unable to say how to do that. I even got on a different computer and the thing will still not import contact edits to the InReach. If there were some other brand that does similar things satellite communication , I would send this thing back

Got the Garmin InReach Mini for a 7 night backpacking trip in the Eastern Sierra. Wanted to be able to receive weather updates and to be able to call for help if needed. Did not have to use the SOS function but it brought piece of mind to myself, my hiking buddies and my girlfriend (who was not with us) just in case someone got hurt. The texting function on the device was a little difficult to figure out but you can sync with your phone and text like normal. Super easy. Lightweight and compact. Battery lasted 5 days or so and it charged up quickly with the battery pack I brought. Very happy with the purchase!

Nice device but the kicker is that you can’t do anything with it unless you get one of there pricey monthly subscriptions. Kind of overkill if you only need it for a week tops at a time.

I bought this product to connect to the Garmin GPS on my boat. After many failed hours, tech support told me that I needed to buy the Mini and that the more expensive Explorer was not compatible. Non of these details are listed on the description.

A must for my Overland travels, and worth every penny.

Save yourself in an emergency and give your loved ones peace of mind.

So far I have only used it for kayak fishing so haven’t tested under the trees of the Florida trail yet. Bought it for backup during emergencies and so honey bunny would know where I was. Some of the tech could use a refresh, but works flawlessly so far.

Beside the SOS which sends your location, you can text a loved one if you will be late and it will send them your location. You can give them a login to track you live and you can look at your live track from your phone. Just download the maps to the Earthmate app and when you are out of service area you can see what route you took and where you are and if you are on the right track on the way back. This is a must have even with the iPhone 14 Pro Max I would rather rely on this!

The app often fails to pull messages from the device. The battery life is about 1/3 of the advertised battery life even if I turn off all tracking features.

If you are looking for a TINY and LIGHTWEIGHT satellite communicator and SOS device that is used primarily for check-ins and emergencies, this is it. If you want a device for mapping and GPS navigation, get the inReach Explorer or something else. I use my mini for backpacking and turn in on a couple of times a day to send a preset message and check in with my wife. If it is used this way the battery will last a very long time. The user interface is very small (it has to be for the unit to be so tiny), but it pairs with a smartphone for easier operation. The mini is pretty cheap insurance for off the grid activities.