Garmín inreach mini

[db36046]

Does anyone have experience with the Garmin InReach Mini? I have one and like it but have only used it in US and Mexico, (including some littoral waters) outside of cellphone range. It’s been doing the job for me, but if anyone has tested it in really remote areas (Amazon, Middle East, Sahara, Alaska, Sahara, Gobi or Kalahari, sailboats in blue water...) I’d like to hear your opinion. Thanks.

[db36046]

Ok, no takers. Here’s my opinion after having one for a while. I like it. The system for sending text messages by satellite is very clunky but since you can link it to a cellphone and use the keyboard on the phone that’s not a problem. This works even when out of cellphone network range. With the Earthmate app installed this also allows you to see your position on a map even when you are out of cellphone range, which has saved my hide a couple of times. The inReach devices serve as: 1. a basic GPS navigator, 2. an emergency locator beacon/ satellite tracking device so my office/wife can find me a usherette in the world, posting my location to a map on a website. 3. Two-way satellite-based text messaging 4. An SOS system that will launch a Search and Rescue in a worst case scenario, with communication to a global emergency response center. I have not had to use that feature yet, thank God.

[Kurt]

Oddly the only time I have been outside of cell phone range in my recent travels has been in parts of Wisconsin.

[Darcy]

Haven't tried it, but seriously impressed with my Garmin 60cx, that thing works anywhere, and has gotten me out of some serious jams. Garmin is the shit for aviation too. Most flight management systems can't compete.

I use mine for navigation when I get way off the beaten path (often), and I carry a separate ACR ResQLink for coverage. Would be nice to have both in one unit though. I'm pretty sure anything of Garmin's would be awesome.

[Ozymandias]

Ok, no takers. Here’s my opinion after having one for a while. I like it. The system for sending text messages by satellite is very clunky but since you can link it to a cellphone and use the keyboard on the phone that’s not a problem. This works even when out of cellphone network range. With the Earthmate app installed this also allows you to see your position on a map even when you are out of cellphone range, which has saved my hide a couple of times. The inReach devices serve as: 1. a basic GPS navigator, 2. an emergency locator beacon/ satellite tracking device so my office/wife can find me a usherette in the world, posting my location to a map on a website. 3. Two-way satellite-based text messaging 4. An SOS system that will launch a Search and Rescue in a worst case scenario, with communication to a global emergency response center. I have not had to use that feature yet, thank God.

Thanks, this is really handy! We're on the hunt for GPS navigation gear for an upcoming remote river kayaking trip in 2022. The setup we had for our Angola trip in 2016 was pretty crap (Garmin GPSMap 64 + Iridium 9555 satellite phone + Thuraya SO-2510 satellite phone). But that Thuraya was a piece of junk!