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UOG TOP PICK: Essential Peace of Mind for Remote Adventures: The Garmin inReach Mini 2 combines compact ruggedness, reliable satellite messaging, and life-saving SOS functionality, making it a must-have companion for explorers venturing off the grid
Garmin says:
Home is closer than you think.
This compact satellite communicator helps you keep home with you when you’re off the grid — adding peace of mind to every adventure, without adding weight to your pack.
Our Verdict
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is invaluable for hikers, climbers, and explorers who venture into remote areas. Weighing just 99g, it's compact, rugged, and packed with features that provide peace of mind when you're far from mobile networks. This device has become essential to my kit when venturing off (often alone) into the remote parts of the UK. Its SOS button offers an extra layer of safety—though fortunately, I've never had to use it. Knowing it's there brings immense reassurance for my friends and family back home and me.
While a subscription is required to access the satellite network, it’s flexible enough to activate only when needed, making it ideal for multiweek trips. However, there is also an annual fee of around £35 and the monthly subscription cost. Like many users, I wish there were a daily payment option rather than just monthly or yearly plans, but for the security it provides, the cost feels worth it.
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 messaging capability allows you to stay in touch even when there's no phone signal. You can text those back home or fellow adventurers as you would with a signal. Thankfully, the InReach connects to your phone, so you can text from that as you usually would. The number of messages you can send depends on your subscription plan, so choose a plan that suits your messaging needs.
Regardless of your plan, a big advantage is the unlimited use of preset messages. You can set up three preset messages and assign them to up to three recipients. Personally, I have my mum, girlfriend, and work set to receive regular updates like "I'm setting off," "I'm having lunch, all is well," and "I've arrived safely at camp." These automated messages mean my family and friends know I’m safe throughout the day without using up my messaging quota.
The device also shines in terms of battery life. It can last up to 14 days in standard tracking mode and up to 30 days in power-saving mode. In real-world testing, the tracking feature (which my mum appreciates to check on my location) consumes about 15% of my daily battery.
Despite its compact size, the inReach Mini 2 doesn’t skimp on durability. It boasts an IPX7 water rating and impact resistance, making it tough enough to handle harsh conditions.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Two-Way Messaging - Exchange text messages with loved ones back home or communicate inReach to inReach in the field
- Interactive SOS Alerts - In case of emergency, trigger an interactive SOS message to Garmin Response, a 24/7 staffed emergency response coordination centre.
- Location Sharing - Share a LiveTrack feature link with your friends and family so they can see your current location, track your progress and more.
- Global Satellite Network - Instead of relying on mobile phone coverage, your messages, SOS alerts and location tracking are transferred via the global Iridium satellite network.
- Flexible Satellite Airtime Plans - To access the Iridium network and communicate with your inReach Mini 2, an active satellite subscription is required. You can opt for an annual package or a flexible month-to-month plan.
- Compact, Rugged Design - Don’t let the 4″ x 2″ size and 100g weight fool you. inReach Mini 2 is tough, durable, impact resistant (MIL-STD-810) and water-rated to IPX7
- Trackback Routing - The TracBack routing feature navigates you back to your starting point the same way you came, should you get lost - right on your device.
- Digital Compass - Get accurate heading information — even when you’re not moving.
- Battery Life - The internal, rechargeable lithium battery gives you up to 14 days use at the default 10-minute tracking mode and up to 30 days in power saving mode.
- Inreach Weather Forcase Service - Get detailed weather updates on inReach Mini 2 or a paired compatible device. You can even request forecasts for your current location or other waypoints or destinations on your itinerary.
- Unlimited Cloud Storage & Trip Planning - Get free access to the cloud-powered Garmin Explore website on your computer to plan your trips, create preset messages and quick texts, sync and manage your device settings, and much more.
Specifications
- Weight: 99g
- Dimension: 2.04″ x 3.90″ x 1.03″ (5.17 x 9.90 x 2.61 cm)
- Display Type: Sunlight-readable, monochrome, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
- Display Size: 0.9″ x 0.9″ (23 x 23 mm)
- Display Resolution: 176 x 176 pixels
- Battery type: Rechargeable internal lithium-ion
- Sensors: GPS, GALILEO, QZSS, QZSS, High-sensitivity receiver, GPS compass (while moving)
- Battery Life:
Up to 14 days at 10-minute tracking send interval with standard activity recording with full sky view, up to 4 days with moderate tree cover (default)
Up to 5 days at 10-minute tracking send interval with high detail activity recording with full sky view, up to 2 days with moderate tree cover
Up to 30 days at 30-minute tracking send interval with standard activity recording with full sky view, up to 10 days with moderate tree cover
Up to 1 year when powered off
Material & Construction
- Lens material: Chemically strengthened glass
- Water rating: IPX7
