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

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.

I got 5 InReach Minis as an alternative to satellite phones for emergency packs.

The pairing was ok with the phone . It was having a very hard time finding a satellite out in the clear . messages could take up to an hour to send . I am sure if I needed the SOS it would be a slow process .

I purchased the inReach mini to help me keep connected while on an offshore sailboat passage. The device performed poorly in all areas that were needed.

I think the user interface is pretty basic and easy to use. Its nice to have the comfort of reaching family and friends while on a hike regardless of cell coverage and also knowing that you will be able to be rescued if something happens. You will need to pay a monthly fee for the service. Mine is $27 I think, but to me that is more than worth the safety this device offers. It is small and light. I clip it the shoulder strap and its barely noticeable its even there.

To set the context, I carry a personal locator beacon almost exclusively for SAR contact capabilities and the GEOS backcountry evac insurance plan. I have the overdue messaging configured, but havent needed to use it. I have a standing rule with friends not to call SAR unless I havent checked it by noon the day after which Im supposed to be out.

I apologize if this gets too long but some of you may benefit from my experience if you are on the fence about the inReach Mini.

Just got through using it for the first time and found it fairly simple to use. Lightweight and small so it doesnt add much weight to your pack. I do a lot of solo hiking in remote areas so it gives me peace of mind that if an emergency came up I can call for help.

My parents got this from me for Christmas knowing I hike and fish and recently had a heart attack. I am not in any way unfamiliar with technology. Im a software engineer and have been building computers and using electronics my entire life.

Used this device ONE time to send a test message in the wilderness, it didnt even send until I return to Denver. Then tried it again a year later...The device will now not even power on, and Garmin support wants me to pay $130 to exchange my device when Ive already dropped $400 on this. Save your money please.