InReach Mini
Why We Like The InReach Mini
We bring Garmin's InReach Mini along when "getting away from it all" includes going beyond cellphone reception. While we appreciate the lack of work emails, phone calls, and social media notifications when we're appreciating the great outdoors, there are some situations we like being prepared for. The ability to send an SOS to GEOS—Garmin-powered International Emergency Response Coordination Center—brings peace to our minds whenever we're biking, climbing, skiing, paddling, and backpacking off the beaten path. Our loved ones especially like the ability to send us messages on extended hut trips and mountaineering missions.
Details
- Compact satellite communicator for off-grid contact
- Two-way messaging allows texting, posting, and inReach communication
- SOS alerts triggers messages to GEOS in emergencies
- GPS tracking location shares with folks back home
- Global Iridium satellite network goes beyond cellphone coverage
- InReach weather forecasting gives detailed weather updates
- Impact-resistant housing water-rated to IPX7 standards
- Rechargeable battery gives up to 90 hours in default mode
- Please see size chart for complete list of technical features
- Item #GRM009K
- Housing Material
- plastic
- Technical Features
- see size chart
- Operating System
- Bluetooth, ANT+
- Battery Type
- rechargeable lithium ion
- Battery Life
- [10-minute track mode] 50 hours
- Dimensions
- 2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03in
- Claimed Weight
- 3.5oz
- Face Size
- 23 x 23mm
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
- Activity
- backcountry riding, backcountry skiing, backcountry snowshoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, flatwater paddling, gravel, hiking, mountaineering, river paddling, ski mountaineering, snowshoe hiking, snowshoe running, trail, trail running, travel
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 706 ratings
Review Summary
Customer Images
Here's what customers have to say
The satellite communicator is compact, lightweight, and praised for its reliability and functionality in remote areas without cell service. Users highlight its ease of use for sending messages, tracking location, and accessing weather information. However, some find the setup and interface complex, and express concerns about battery life and subscription costs. Overall, it is widely recommended as a valuable safety tool for outdoor activities, despite a few usability and cost drawbacks.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJuly 10, 2025
InReach doesn't work well in Blue Ridge mountains
I bought this to stay in touch in the mountains since where I horseback ride has limited to no cell service. I tried to send a couple of messages, however where I am in the Blue Ridge mountains has dense canopy so it won't send out the message until you can see the sky...so that's not helpful if it was a real emergency. Out west, where there are no/limited trees it would be great. Back to the drawing board for me.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 8, 2025
Failed the first test
The first time I took it out into the field it failed me. I turned it on and synced it to the satellite before I left on my hike in the bush upstate NY. It kept telling me it was waiting for a satellite when I’m standing in the middle of an open field. Then it kept shutting off like it was over heating or something. Very disappointed.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 8, 2025
Hard to use
Hard to set up, hard to use, web interface difficult, at best.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 20, 2025
Terrible Garmin Support
The inReach Mini is a fantastic little device. I've owned it since 2019 and it has been great but Earthmate is by far the worst connection app I have ever had to use. The fact that there is still no way to connect to Garmin Messenger like you can with the inReach Mini 2 is in my opinion a cash grab by Garmin. They make the app so terrible that you have to get a new device instead of being able to use your old one. I know it says to focus on the device when writing a review but seeing as you have to use Earthmate in order to use the device it's one in the same in my opinion. If you could use Garmin Messenger it would be a five star. Please make something happen for us long time customers.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 14, 2025
Great features
It works, it connects super fast to my phone and it’s easy to use
Originally reviewed on Garmin
April 22, 2025
Service/signal is not very reliable
I used this during my hiking trip in the Appalachian trail, it was not what I expected, signal was not good, there was a huge delay in getting/sending messages to my contacts.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
March 22, 2025
Great Messagner
This was great for what it is... However, my only regret was not waiting a few months before the new unit came out. Only to be able to use the more up-to-date app. Earthmate is great, but the Explore/Messanger apps are better for pairing with mobile devices.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
March 9, 2025
Cheaper options
There are better options out there that don’t require a monthly subscription fee
Originally reviewed on Garmin
March 4, 2025
Amazing device i love it!
I bought it 1 year ago finally set it up i love gping hunring and being able ti send a mesaage from anywhere.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
March 1, 2025
Bought the old model and wish I didn't
So I'm cheap and bought the old Mini rather than the Mini2. I mostly day hike but do hike some overnights and all of my hikes are in remote areas where there is no cell service. I use it to communicate with my family during the hikes. I was a little surprised at how quickly the battery drains. I believe it is because the trails are under pretty thick canopy so the device struggles to maintain a clear signal... While I do carry a battery bank for emergency charging, I would really rather not have to use it to charge this device. So far I have not had to use the battery bank but the battery in the Mini does drain pretty quickly. I wish I would have spent the extra $$ and bought the newer model that has a significantly longer battery life. I am only giving this 3 stars because of the battery life and the terrible app. I think the old app is well known to be terrible... And I agree.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
Do you have a question about this product?
July 15, 2021