Garmin inReach Mini 2

Features

Overview: The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact satellite communicator that lets you keep in touch with others when you're out of cellphone range. inReach Mini 2 can send and receive two-way text messages via the global Iridium satellite network (satellite subscription plan required). The palm-sized device has a long-lasting rechargeable battery, and comes with a carabiner to clip it to your backpack or belt.

Iridium Satellite Network: The inReach Mini 2 communicates on the Iridium Satellite Network, a group of 66 active satellites that provide 100% global coverage. inReach Mini 2 lets you send and receive custom and preset text messages or emails. In addition, when an emergency arises, you can send an SOS message to Garmin IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Center), a professional global monitoring system operating 24/7. The IERCC staff can respond to your message, track your device, and notify emergency responders in your area. Use of the Iridium Satellite Network requires an active subscription. Annual plans, with a 12-month contract, are ideal for year-round usage, and feature lower monthly fees. For seasonal or occasional use, Monthly Freedom plans (minimum 30-day commitment) let you pay for airtime only when you need it.

Global Positioning: The device is equipped with a high-sensitivity receiver that uses overhead satellites to pinpoint your location. It uses GPS, the US-based Global Positioning System, as well as Galileo, the European Global Navigation Satellite System, and QZSS, the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System from Japan. The Mini 2 has an electronic compass that shows your heading and speed.

Garmin Explore App: The Mini 2 is compatible with the Garmin Explore app, which lets you plan and navigate your next adventure. When loaded to your smartphone, the app lets you use your mobile device for outdoor navigation, mapping, and trip planning with or without cellular or Wi-Fi service. You can download detailed topographic and street maps, aerial images, USGS quad sheets, and other navigation aids direct to your mobile device. Your created routes will automatically sync to your Garmin Explore account in the cloud whenever you're in cellular or Wi-Fi range. Garmin Explore is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch running iOS 13 or later, and Android devices (version varies with device).

Display: The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is equipped with a 0.9" x 0.9" monochrome, transflective memory-in-pixel display. It has a resolution of 176 x 176 pixels, and is easily readable in sunlight.

Rugged Design: The device is rugged and lightweight, weighing only 3-1/2 ounces. Its rubberized covering is weather-resistant, and gives it a water rating of IPX7 (withstands exposure to up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 mins). The control buttons are fully covered, and the USB-C charging port is protected by a protective rubber flap. You can clip the inReach Mini 2 to your clothing or backpack using the supplied carabiner clip. There is also a slot on the top for attaching a lanyard (not included).

Controls: inReach Mini 2 has controls on both sides for maneuvering through the menu selections. There are up/down arrow buttons for scrolling through the menus, "OK" for selecting an option or to acknowledging a message, and a "back arrow" to return to the previous page, or canceling a command. The power button is located on the top of the unit.

Messaging: inReach Mini 2 sends and receives text messages using the Iridium Satellite Network. Messages can be sent to an SMS phone number, email address, or another inReach device. You can create a list of preset messages using explore.garmin.com for later use on the device. You can also send a custom message. To write custom messages, you will need to use the arrow buttons to select one character at a time. (There is no QWERTY keyboard on the device.) The device checks for newly received messages at regular "listen" intervals. You can also manually check for messages. To receive messages, the device will need to be in view of satellites.

SOS Button: A dedicated SOS button is located on the right side of the device, covered by a protective cap. If you need help in an emergency, you can press the button to send a default message to the Garmin IERCC. The center will determine your location and notify the appropriate emergency responders in the area. You can communicate with the rescue coordination center while you wait for help to arrive. For the first 10 minutes after sending the SOS, inReach Mini 2 will send an updated location to the response service each minute. After the first 10 minutes, location data will be sent every 30 minutes if you are stationery, or every 10 minutes if moving. You can cancel the SOS message by pressing the SOS button a second time.

Tracking: Tracking records your path as you travel. As you track, the device logs your location, and updates the track line at a specific log interval. You can choose tracking intervals from 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, or 4 hours. You can also set the level of detail used in your activity recording. The High Detail option logs your location and updates the track line more frequently in the device memory than the Standard option. The recorded track log is transmitted over the satellite network at regular intervals. Friends and family can view your track and location on the web-based MapShare portal.

Note: The Send Interval frequency and Activity Recording levels affect battery life.

Waypoints: Waypoints are locations you record and store in the device, marking your current location, your destination, or where you've been. Once recorded, you can include a waypoint in a message you send to another device. You can navigate to a waypoint, edit or delete a waypoint. The device has a flash memory that is capable of saving up to 1000 waypoints, favorites, or locations, up to 500 courses, and 200 activities.

TracBack: If you get lost, you can use the TracBack feature to retrace your path back to its beginning.

inReach Weather: inReach Mini 2 can lets you receive weather information through your inReach subscription. The device can send a message to request basic, premium, or marine weather forecasts. These forecasts can be for your current location or a new location, such as a saved waypoint. There are additional charges for requesting weather forecasts.

Battery Information: The device has a 1250 mAh internal Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which charges via USB with the included USB-C cable. Typical life of a fully-charged battery is as follows: