Garmin inReach Mini, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator Review

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Garmin inReach Mini, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator Review Australia 2022

For several years now, Garmin has been setting the standard for GPS tracking and satellite communications. The Inreach Mini is essential equipment for hikers and explorers who go off-grid and spend a lot of time away from phone and internet service.

The Inreach Mini is what we call a 2-way satellite communicator or often referred to as a PLB. This indicates that, unlike other gadgets, which can only send messages, the InReach can send as well as receive messages. A precise topographical map position for a visual will be included in messages sent (either to a mobile phone or email address) to a person that also include information about your location. You always provide the following information in your messages:

  • Time sent
  • Date sent
  • Coordinates (example: N 45.247439° W 121.886726°)
  • Speed (if you are moving while sending the message)
  • Elevation
  • Map of location

Bluetooth can be used to pair the Inreach Mini with a smartphone. The agony of typing on the Inreach Mini’s interface is completely eliminated once you are linked to your phone and can create a message as though you were sending a regular text message (there is no keyboard).

Not all messages sent to the device are received right away. To receive messages, you need to have a signal. You can reload your inbox using the “check mail” function if you received any new messages since the last time you checked your mail.

I advise choosing the Garmin Inreach Mini over the Explorer+ if you care more about weight, size, and simplicity than a few functions.

What we like

  • Small and light
  • 2 way messaging, great battery life
  • Can be paired with a smart phone

What we don't like

  • No seamless messaging
  • No instant message receival, you need to “check” for messages

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