Why We Like The Garmin inReach Mini 2
The inReach Mini 2 gives us the same compact communication means as its predecessor but now with loads more battery life and features. Rather than lasting hours, it lasts days, letting us use it for much more than just check-ins on our multi-day missions. With the new ability to sync with Garmin Explorer, we can plan our course on the computer screen and save it to this palm-sized device. As we venture well beyond cell coverage, the new electronic compass gives us an accurate heading as we stand still, while the addition of Galileo gives us a quicker and more precise satellite lock, even with some tree cover. If we get turned around, the addition of TracBack routing helps us find our way.
Details
- Compact satellite communicator for making contact when off-grid
- Impact-resistant, submersible housing for your rugged pursuits
- Rechargeable battery lasts 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode
- Two-way messaging and location sharing give loved ones peace of mind
- Interactive SOS connects to a 24/7 staffed emergency response center
- Increased memory holds 1000 waypoints, 100 courses, and 200 trips
- Detailed weather updates and unlimited cloud storage for trip planning
- Please see size chart for complete list of technical features
- Item #GRMF038
- Housing Material
- plastic
- Digital Compass
- yes (accurate heading when not moving), GPS compass (while moving)
- Technical Features
- see size chart
- Operating System
- Bluetooth, ANT+, USB-C interface, [compatability] Garmin Explore app, Garmin Explore website, Garmin Pilot app
- Backlight
- yes
- Battery Type
- rechargeable internal lithium-ion
- Battery Life
- [10-minute tracking with standard activity] (full sky view) 14 days, (moderate tree cover) 4 days, [10-minute tracking with high detail activity] (full sky view) 5 days, (moderate tree cover) 2 days, [30-minute tracking with standard activity] (fully sky view) 30 days, (moderate tree cover) 10 days, [powered off] 1 year
- Low Battery Indicator
- yes
- Dimensions
- 2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03in
- Claimed Weight
- 3.5oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
- Activity
- backcountry riding, backcountry skiing, backcountry splitboarding, backcountry showshoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, cross-country, mountaineering, paddling, fishing, nordic touring, ultra running, travel
- Submersible
- IPX7 (1m for 30min)
- Face Size
- [dimensions] 0.9 x 0.9in, [resolution] 176 x 176px
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 1097 ratings
Review Summary
Customer Images
Here's what customers have to say
The Garmin satellite communicator is a compact and lightweight device that provides safety and connectivity for outdoor activities. Many users praise its long battery life, ease of use, and valuable features like messaging, location tracking, and weather forecasts. However, some find the subscription plans confusing or expensive, and a few experienced connectivity or battery life issues. Overall, the device is considered a reliable tool for staying connected and accessing emergency services when venturing off the grid.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJuly 16, 2025
Works great!
Being a charter boat Captain this is a must have tool for safety and the ability to text home.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 14, 2025
Works perfectly and makes everyone more comfortabl
I bought this a couple weeks ago, signed up and have had 2 occasions to go offshore fishing and use the device. My grandson, age 12, was with me the first time and both my wife and his mom were happy to get a couple of update notices from us. I was out solo the second time and again, the unit worked perfectly and I easily kept my wife informed as to my status and when I was heading in. I will tell you that it also makes me happy to get a response and know that, in fact, someone got my message.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 14, 2025
Ok
Instruction and video seem to be out of date. Can only get some of the features to work.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 12, 2025
Disapointed
I can’t send my position to my family. I bought it only for this!!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 11, 2025
Very capable tool.
My family bought one for a backpacking trip to keep family at home confident about us and our whereabouts. Worked exceptionally well. Great comfort
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 7, 2025
Works great, not easy to use.
The device tracks position well on off shore trips. Rather complicated to set up for sending texts with tracking location. 2 trips now it did not send any data. Seems complicated by need to use mobile phone and device to start sending tracking info. Will keep trying.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 5, 2025
Will not adventure without my Mini2
I am a Ham Radio Operator and participate with the SUMMITS ON THE AIR program. On a recent trip to West Virginia I experienced several days with No cell service. I took the opportunity to test my iPhons’s satellite messaging system and was prompted to find a clear area to point toward the horizon. After 2 satellite passes the message was finally sent. The time and effort I thought would be too much if an injury was involved. This was my first outing with my Garmin mini 2 and feel safer with the SOS button to call for assistance.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 3, 2025
Works great, better to have a plan, than no plan at all in the event of a emergency! Worked well in the mountains, had I not lost my first one.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
July 3, 2025
Connection for Family Health Crisis
I bought this the week before traveling for work in Alaska knowing I would be in an area with no service multiple days. But it gave me the connection with my family back home to help ensure I was in contact with them during a health crisis with mom.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
July 2, 2025
First Trip
Definitely a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it does what it’s supposed to do. Very good battery life
Originally reviewed on Garmin
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