Garmin InReach® Mini
Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way text messaging with 100% global Iridium® coverage (satellite subscription required).
Launches an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring centre (requires satellite subscription).
Access downloadable maps, colour antenna imagery and more using the free Garmin Earthmate® app and compatible devices.
Technical specifications.
A small pocket in case you're going to carry a Garmin InReach Mini. And look at its dimensions: 5.17 centimetres wide, 9.9 centimetres high, and 2.61 centimetres deep. These dimensions place this device in the top positions in the ranking of performance by size. What's more, it's incredibly light. You won't even notice it's in your pocket, as it weighs no more than 100 grams. As for its display, the device has a fairly small screen size. To be precise, it is 0.9 inches high and wide. This means, as we will see below, that the InReach Mini's ease of use is not one of its strong points. Nevertheless, the quality of the screen is very decent and has a resolution of 128×128 pixels. In addition, the screen is readable even in bright sunlight. The battery, which is quite small in this device, has a maximum battery life of 90 hours according to the manufacturers. This duration refers to the use of the device in its default settings. In case you want to record the satellite signal more frequently, the battery life will be reduced. According to the manufacturers, the battery can last up to 35 hours in 10-minute tracking mode. To make the device even more versatile, it is also waterproof. Specifically, it is rated IPX7. This means that it is water and snow resistant, but not at all recommended for use in water sports.
Value for money.
As is often the case when talking about mountain technology, the price of this small device can be a bit steep. However, every penny paid for the Garmin InReach Mini is well worth it. The price-performance ratio of this device is more than justified. We will gradually unveil the secrets of this communication device, and you will see for yourselves. The nautical version of the Garmin InReach Mini costs 400 euros in the official Garmin shop. The standard version, on the other hand, costs 350 euros. Being a high-end device, its market price is quite high. In the long run, however, the Garmin Inreach Mini may not be that expensive. Satellite communicators require plans and services for messaging. In this respect, the Garmin may be cheaper, as the number and variety of services make it cheaper compared to other models from other brands that have a lower starting price. To finish with the price section, it can be assured that as with almost all devices manufactured by Garmin, it is worth paying for them, because the performance is exceptional.
SOS / Emergency messages.
However, the price is just a number. That is why we will now make a few observations to check the good behaviour and the good performance of the Garmin InReach Mini. To begin with, let's describe how it works to make and send emergency messages. The InReach Mini works on a paid subscription basis. When you need help, pressing the SOS button is enough, as the distress message will be sent to a call centre. This call centre is a company that is managed by Garmin itself. This is a great help, because they will have all your information. The signal will be broadcast via satellite, and already from the call centre they will contact the rescue services. This can be a great help when you don't have a mobile phone in your hands, or when the mobile phone you have is out of service and communication is impossible. In addition, in order to make your search easier for rescue teams, you can also send text messages to provide more detailed information with the Garmin InReach Mini. While not too difficult to use, this Garmin requires some familiarisation with its functions before you can use it. Other devices such as the Garmin InReach Explorer or the Spot X also support this instant messaging service. The GoTenna Mesh, on the other hand, requires a network as a signal source such as a mobile phone or radio station. To be honest, there is little difference between the devices in this area, as they are the most sophisticated emergency notification devices on the market today. This feature is not available in the Spot Gen3 and the Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB1, for example, which can only broadcast the first distress signal. When buying a satellite communicator it is very important to pay attention to this section, as the ability to send more detailed information about your location will make your search and tracking even easier.
Non-emergency messaging.
However, thanks to the many technological advances, emergency communicators have become increasingly sophisticated, and the InReach Mini is one such device. As a result, this small device also offers a conventional messaging service for chatting with colleagues or family. This can be done because the device works with the SMS service, as well as via email. Although there are variants among other brands, there are also other devices that offer a similar service. There are devices such as the Spot Gen 3 that only allow you to send a message saying "I'm here and I'm fine", or other devices that cannot send any other message beyond the emergency message. In a similar way to that of a mobile phone, text messages can be sent with the Garmin InReach Mini. However, it should be kept in mind that it is not a device aimed at fun and entertainment. Therefore, you can forget about emojis, multimedia files and groups of friends. It is rather a function to let family members know what you are up to or to communicate between members of the same expedition. The way of sending messages is very simple and very easy to handle for a user with a basic level of mobile phone operation.
Coverage and signal.
All of the above would be useless if it weren't for coverage and signal. That's why the InReach Mini is a well-prepared device so that you can never be without service. Mobile phones also need coverage to function, but the biggest difference between mobile phones and emergency communicators is that the latter have an antenna set up to improve signal reception. To enable you to send messages wherever you are, Garmin works with the global Iridium satellite network. Therefore, the Garmin InrReach Mini has coverage and signal all over the world. However, it should always be noted that remote locations such as dense forests, steep valleys, crowded buildings... can sometimes compromise or block satellite signals. In those compromised locations, a little patience and understanding is required. However, you will rarely encounter this situation. The big brother of the InReach Mini, called InReach Explorer also uses the Iridium system. Initially, as the InReach Mini is smaller than the Explorer and its antenna is also smaller, there was speculation that its ability to find a signal was lower, but tests did not prove this to be the case. Both devices performed identically in the same situations. To mention a device that is better than the Garmin in this area, one could mention the ACR ResQlink 406. This device uses the Cospas-Sarsat system, and its performance may be a notch better. However, the differences may be imperceptible to the naked eye.
Usability.
As the Garmin InReach Mini is so small is somewhat sacrificed in terms of ease of use or usability. If you are interested in this model you should be aware that you are paying for its small size, not its usability. Because the screen is so small, reading and sending messages can be a little awkward. However, this is not such a serious drawback. Garmin already has a mobile app where you can send all the messages you want. The key is that the InReach Mini offers the possibility to link it to a mobile device and operate it from there. Therefore, you can write messages directly on the device, or you can use an external device that is more convenient to operate. Looking at the messages that are written and read directly on the same screen, it is safe to say that they are annoying. The confined space makes the screen uncomfortable to look at. If the mobile application scores 90 points out of 100 when tested, the messages displayed on the InReach Mini score 20 points out of 100. However, other devices such as the Garmin InReach Explorer suffer from the same problem. Although larger, this model does not score more than 30 points out of a possible 100. Therefore, it is much better to carry your mobile phone with you at all times.
The second disadvantage of this Garmin Mini model is that its battery life is shorter than that of its competitors. Therefore, you will have to recharge it more frequently. Still, the battery life of the InReach Mini is more than decent. In total, the battery can last for about 50 hours of use. For weekend trips or multi-day excursions this is more than enough. Switching the device on and off is very fast, so the battery is consumed by sending and receiving messages. Recharging is also very easy and can be done with traditional chargers for mobile phones or other electronic devices.
Portability.
Now we come to the section where the Garmin InReach Mini stands out the most. The size of this emergency communicator is minimal, and it is unlikely that you will find a model of a similar size on the market. For example, the Spot Gen3 and the OceanSignal RescueMe PLB1 are of a similar size. In case you are one of those minimalist sportsmen who take care of the weight and bulk of the materials, this Garmin is a very good option. It's no bigger than four ounces of chocolate.
Conclusion.
After a thorough analysis of the pros and cons offered by the Garmin InReach MiniIt is one of the best emergency communicators you can find on the market. It is hard to imagine that a smaller device could provide so many services of this quality. In addition, although the initial price is quite high, the cost of the Garmin plans can make this model affordable in the long run. To conclude the review of this model, it is worth mentioning that the InReach Mini is more recommendable than the InReach Explorer. The reason is simple: you can enjoy the same features and services in a device that is three times smaller and lighter.
