Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications
Garmin inReach Mini 3 keeps the proven emergency capabilities of the Mini 2 and makes them easier to access. It’s a straightforward upgrade for anyone who already trusts the inReach system.
Garmin says:
HOME IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.
Stay connected with inReach Mini 3, the rugged SOS satellite communicator1 with a colour touchscreen display. When your adventure takes you beyond cellular range, inReach technology lets you send and receive text messages with an active subscription.
TEXT MESSAGES - Use the keyboard on the touchscreen display to exchange text messages1 directly on the device. Or, connect your compatible smartphone to the Garmin Messenger™ app and exchange text messages, send emojis and reactions, or start a group chat.
SOS MESSAGING - Explore with peace of mind knowing you can send an interactive SOS message1 with your GPS coordinates to Garmin Response, our 24/7-staffed international coordination centre, for help in an emergency. And, instead of relying on tower-based mobile phone coverage, your messages are sent via the global Iridium satellite network.
LIVETRACK™ SHARING - With an active inReach satellite subscription, you can easily let friends or family follow your location while you’re on the move; no need to point your device directly toward the sky to find satellites. They can see your progress, including distance, time and elevation.
STAY ON TRACK- Use the Garmin Explore smartphone app to enhance your experience; plan your trip and follow your course to your destination and back.
GARMIN WEATHER - Get weather reports and request forecasts for your destinations.
TRACBACK® ROUTING - Use this feature to navigate back to where you started the same way you came.
Our Verdict
The Mini 2 is widely regarded as the benchmark for a compact satellite communicator, and the Mini 3 closely follows that template. In the hand, it seems a very similar size to the Mini 2, and at 123g it is only 22g heavier, so it still fits neatly on a shoulder strap or harness without getting in the way.
The obvious change is the colour touchscreen. Menus are clearer, moving around the interface is quicker, and you can now type messages directly on the device. Live tracking, check-in messages, weather, TracBack routing and basic mapping are all straightforward to find once you have spent a little time with the new layout.
Battery life remains strong for multi-day use, provided you keep tracking intervals sensible and avoid unnecessary screen time. The device retains the same rugged feel, with an IP67 rating and a casing that inspires confidence when clipped to a pack or belt.
You need an active inReach subscription to use messaging, tracking, and SOS; the current plans are clearly laid out on Garmin’s website. These are initial impressions rather than a long-term verdict, as I have not yet had it out for a whole week or more of continuous use. If you want a microphone and speaker, photo support, and longer messages, it is worth considering the inReach Mini 3 Plus Satellite Communicator.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- CHECK-IN MESSAGES - Send simple check-in messages that do not count toward your allotted text messages.
- SYNC YOUR CONTACTS - Easily find your contacts with the Garmin Messenger app and your compatible smartphone.
- SEAMLESS CONNECTION - Use Wi-Fi wireless technology or the cellular connection of your smartphone to send messages. Once you’re beyond mobile service or Wi-Fi connection, the device seamlessly switches to the satellite network.
- CONTROL REMOTELY - Send and receive text messages, or send an interactive SOS message remotely by connecting selected compatible Garmin products.
- GPS ACCURACY - The built-in antenna automatically acquires satellites to update your latitude and longitude positions. You’ll get global satellite reception in wooded, dense and remote locations.
- GARMIN SHARE - Easily share saved locations and courses with friends’ compatible Garmin devices.
Specifications
- Weight: 123g
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 9.80 x 2.67 cm (2.16″ x 3.85″ x 1.05″)
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Display Type: Transflective colour MIP
- Display Size: 38.56 x 28.98 mm, 48.26 mm diagonal (1.52″ x 1.14,″ 1.9″ diagonal)
- Display Resolution: 306 x 230 pixels
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
- Water rating: IP67
- MIL-STD-810: Yes (thermal, shock, water); bare unit only
- Battery type: Rechargeable internal lithium-ion
- Lens material: Chemically strengthened glass
