Van Life Safety: Garmin inReach Mini 2 Review

The Garmin in Reach Mini 2 is a compact satellite communicator with GPS.
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Thanks for watching!

[@captlynhall]

I have had this device for three years. I am a 73 yr old lady, traveling alone in my RV. I always turn it on when I get on the road so my kids can track me while I am in route to my next camping spot. I do boondock in areas with little or no cell coverage so this gives me a way to communicate in the event I run into trouble and need help. So far have never had to activate the SOS, but I feel better knowing it’s there.

[@jeanneprice6736]

What does your family need to track your locations. Between camps? What device?

[@stphns1737]

As a solo female hiker, mountain biker, kayaker and camper I have my Garmin In Reach Mini clipped to my pack all of the time. The battery life is truly amazing. When I activated mine there was an option to purchase insurance to cover costs you may incur if you are rescued. The Garmin gets people to you, but it doesn't pay them. Shortly after I activated mine, a buddy had a bad crash on his mountain bike and had to be helicoptered to the ER. The costs were astronomical. I don't remember the details on the rescue insurance option but it was very cheap in comparison.

[@awalktowardsglory]

Great to know. Thanks for the heads up!

[@nomad4k]

That's smart to get insurance. Especially when the cost involved is high, like helicopters, and LE / EMS accessing remote places.

[@WisconsinWanderer]

As an old guy I will give this serious consideration. I appreciate the breakdown on this device the cost and activation fees. Thanks Brian

[@dianemurphy7625]

I just got one of these last week. I also hesitated because of the price, but am planning to travel solo full time starting next year and decided that my safety and peace of mind are worth it. REI had it on sale for $50 off, too!

[@jenne8180]

Solo next year for me too Diane Murphy!

[@VideosOffRoad]

I went with the Garmin InReach Explorer Plus instead of the Mini. Yes, it's a little bigger and a little heavier, but it is a complete, standalone unit. You do NOT need your phone to be working (with a charge) in order to communicate back and forth with either the SOS monitoring center, or loved ones, because it has it's own keyboard. The "keyboard" is very cumbersome to use, but you can do everything with a single device while still having the option to Bluetooth pair it to your phone, so if your phone IS working, you can use the phone app for much easier back and forth communication with others. Maybe consider doing a separate video on the Explorer Plus?

[@skooliecarol8542]

Brian...as usual..excellent info...I love how you explain things..so simple...but thorough...you are So talented....ON...and OFF camera..Thnx for all you do for us...74 FT.. solo female nomad...youre one of my life lines...youre the perfect teacher for me!!

[@karentalley4591]

After watching a previous video with Bob about 3 different satellite communicators, I decided to buy one. I boondock mostly alone, am in the "elderly" arena, female n clumsy to boot. Back home I carried my cell phone when doing "risky" stuff like climbing on the house roof for repairs, for the "just in case." After being in a boondocking spot with no cell whatsoever, I got to thinking about the what if situation. I bought the Garmin inreach explorer+. Now my son knows where I am when he can't get me by cell. It provides me good peace of mind knowing someone is always within reach for what if.

[@Birdzy100]

Thanks! Loved the turkeys in the background!

[@buckjones6334]

This is really something, as a senior, I’m really going to consider buying this device! Thank you Brian for this video!

[@waronfearmongering6751]

Couple things to keep in mind. First off I have seen others with devices such as this, being kept in their packs and have their pack accidentally fall off a cliff. I use Garmin for hunting and tracking paths, and there have been times where I wouldn't get a good signal, from too much tree coverage or too far into a canyon, so keep that in mind. Keep your Garmin or emergency device on you at all times, in a protective case that keeps it secure, just In case you fall. Even with modern technology, things can happen to make them worthless, so I would still personally tell friends and family where you are going, just to be on the safe side.

[@booniebuster4193]

You are absolutely right! I keep mine in my pocket when off-grid. Since I don't use it for Tracking, I keep it turned off most of the time. I use Gaia GPS on my cellphone for tracking. Gaia GPS automatically syncs back to my home computer. That way my friends can track where I am and I have a permanent copy to review later.

[@stphns1737]

Great point - hiking in a narrow canyon mine had no signal.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

I keep mine in the official water proof case

[@captlynhall]

That’s right. Always let someone know your whereabouts, destination, ETA, in case you are unable to establish communications, whether with this device or your cell phone. Safety is dependent on many factors.

[@joeglennaz]

You’re absolutely right you make a great point. There is so much misinformation and confusion about these devices. The satellite communicators are good for keeping in touch with friends and family, but they are not a personal locator beacon. Make no mistake. They are very under powered compared to a personal locator beacon. I have a personal locator beacon from a CR and has a 45 W of power it’s part of the nation, wide and worldwide search and rescue net work using government satellites, unlike Garmin, and spot that use private satellites. It also works anywhere on the planet unlike Garmin in spot. Also, it’s got a full five want to power so I can get out from under a snow covered canopy or deep in a canyon. You cannot text back-and-forth with it but it will let you know that your signals been captured in your location has been captured. Also, it sent out a homing signal on 1 to 1.5 so when the rescuers get close to you taken home in on you in less than a mile so if you are under a canopy, they can find you. The spot in the Garmin don’t do that. It’s best if you can have both but if you have to only have one device by all means, go with a true personal locator beacon made by ACR.

[@cathyjay2569]

Somehow I missed this video when it first came out. So glad I found it now! Just what I need as a disabled widow living in a Minnie Winnie with my dog. My family can keep up with me. Side note: those wild turkeys were cracking me up in the background of the second half of the video. Like “don’t mind us; we’re just waddling through.” My dog thought I was crazy as I was laughing hysterically at the television!❤TN Nana

[@booniebuster4193]

I also have a Satellite communicator, but it isn't a Garmin. My comment is not about one particular brand. It is about having one of these devices in the first place. I Boondock camp a lot, and mostly I'm by my self. Sometimes I just get lonesome out there and want to talk with someone back home. Once the devices, yours or mine, are connected to a Smart phone, you can send and receive a message just like normal TEXT messaging. I have found that getting a clear view of the open sky is very important. In my case, battery life is not as important and features. I leave mine turned off most of the time and only turn it on when I want to use it. Doing it that way makes the battery last weeks or more. You can also carry a small power pack to recharge it and the cellphone if necessary. Some of these power packs are not much bigger than a pack of cigarettes. I have never had to use the power pack, but I do carry it anyway. One other nice feature is the flexibility of the TEXT messaging. Anyone with any cellphone can send a message to me at any time. I don't need to initiate the message first. I considered purchasing the Garmin first, but the cost was the deciding factor in which one I finally got. I have never had to use my device in an emergency. The only time I can think of where the communicator really came in handy for me was when I went camping off-grid with my son. I went up to a predetermined camp site a day ahead of time. But when I got to the site, I found that it was occupied. I had to move several miles away to another off-grid boondocking site. Using the communicator, I was able to notify my son of the change and give him the coordinates of where the new site was located. I just send the message to his cellphone. I highly recommend that any camper, hiker, or anyone routinely traveling off-grid have one of these. They could very well save your life.

[@dolores2716]

Thank you - great information.

[@zimbabs]

Can you please share what brand/model you use?

[@booniebuster4193]

@@zimbabs I didn't mention my brand in the original post because I didn't want this to be a "mine is better than yours" post. But now that you asked, I have the ACR Bivy Stick. I have been very happy with it so far.

[@terryvictor1]

Why connect to a smart phone to text? Why not just use the smart phone? or does the bivy someow text via gps when connected to the smart phone?

[@booniebuster4193]

@@terryvictor1 Yes, even if you are off grid and out of cell range you can send a TEXT message through most of these communicators by using an app. It is so much easier to use the app.

[@jeremytorgersen]

Great overview on this, I have been planning on purchasing one for my nomadic and backpacking adventures, especially as I often go solo.

[@shannonmcdonough6052]

Something I did NOT consider for me going to a nomad lifestyle next fall. Definitely will add one to my list of things to acquire!! Thanks!!

[@jenne8180]

My son said the only way he will allow (or support) me nomading or even hiking is if I get one for his peace of mind.

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Great video. Very helpful with the detail on the plans and options. I've been considering a Garmin IRM2 and really appreciate the detail you provided. Also, love that you were photo-bombed by the turkeys! 🙂

[@robertalynch5433]

As a 71 year old solo woman traveler....I never leave home without it.

[@tedbecker7484]

It doesn't get any better than this watching the wild turkeys behind him.

[@RVingwithLuck]

As a solo RV full time boondocker, I have looked into this before, but your video reminded me that I need one. Thanks!

[@martinrogers9545]

I had a heart attack on a hike all alone, (7 weeks ago) thank god I had cell service, I just ordered the Garmin, I look forward to having the device on my hike in mountains next week

[@wheretonext7577]

I love this channel and i don't even live a nomad life.

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you, Brian for this video. I had a SPOT Gen 3 for 8 years. I am considering upgrading to the Garmin InReach Mini, because I do wilderness backpacking and want the two way communication. I am older now and two of my friends had accidents out on trail and managed to self rescue. I consider those incidents a wakeup call that I need to upgrade. I also realize I am less likely to use the SOS feature on the SPOT, because I have no way of communicating the urgency level. I would not want to endanger first responders for help if it were not a life or death issue. My friend fell and broke her arm. With the SPOT, because I could not communicate that the injury is non life threatening I would not have used the SOS. With the InReach I would be able to communicate that I need assistance, but that I am safe and could wait. That all said the InReach is less expensive than the SPOT, plan and you get so much more. Thank you again for this video it really helped me make a final decision.

[@RescueDogTreats]

Thanks Brian..I bought this model a few months ago after repeatedly being without cell service. This solves that problem!

[@kevinholland4156]

You should only press the button for life and death situations. A lot of agencies will charge you for their services like ambulances and also small towns. So be careful what you use it for and make sure you have health insurance that will cover these charges.

[@imapisces1]

This goes on sale between $299-$350 often. Catch the sales. It's also ideal to spotlight helicopter airlift insurance to backpackers, which is about $150/year. Health insurance does NOT cover this. An airlift can cost $40,000 to $60,000!

[@JM1701ABCD]

This is a life saver. The cost vs peace of mind is well worth it

[@gratefulgram]

This is perfect for nomads and so worth it, thank you so much for the informative review. Much love and many blessings

[@sonjah1913]

Thank you, Brian, another great recommendation!

[@GatorLife57]

Thanks Brian ! You`re awesome man ! Good info. Gator from central Florida.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Checked these out. I saw starting prices $400. As a “townie” (for now) I think I’ll wait until I start traveling to spend that much. My Apple Watch lets emergency personnel know when I’m in trouble just by pressing the crown. Can also alert them by pressing my phone’s on/off button 5X. If I ever start traveling I’ll definitely consider it!

[@marye.castellow3875]

Great information! Never considered one before today.

[@awalktowardsglory]

Sounds like a great product! Thanks for sharing! ✌🏽❤️

[@brianleonard6885]

Thanks, brother this is an option for a very important device we all should have a personal plan for.

[@mm-oe7tk]

Nice Turkeys in the background... Especially since it was Thanksgiving.

[@wrylife57]

Great video, thanks for all the details!

[@OverlandOne]

Great information, thank you.

[@bromptonboy]

I am looking to get this for my in-laws in the Ukraine. They are going through constant power outages, which causes great distress when we cannot 'check in' with them. This device looks like it might fit the bill and give us (and them) some peace of mind.

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for video. Blessings to you.

[@ToniAdventures]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@fidelnuevo5754]

Thanks Brian 💕🙏

[@mommadw2010]

great gadget, to have for safety. I will add this to my van life

[@untetherednomad6393]

$400 for device and a monthly subscription $11.95 cheapest. I have the original Garmin mini...best safety device I take every hike.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

I never leave my house with out mine . I also have inreach 66i and in also a ham and I like useing APRS to get info and I can communicate with people near by !

[@johnnesheim7719]

Thank you Brian for reviewing this Garmin device and providing your feedback. I especially appreciated learning about the flexibility of the plans. Totally off topic, but I like your hat. If you'd let me know where I could get one like that, I'd be grateful. Best,

[@lightwarrior432]

Thank you for this!

[@stanbyme7874]

Female hiker, boondocker. Always have on me. I don’t put in backpack. I keep wrapped on my body. My only issue is my old eyes. Those buttons are TINY! I’ve memorized as much as possible. Mine is always off so power isn’t an issue but do carry power bank.

[@joeyt684]

Just an FYI. There are sattellite transmitters around $250 that don't have any monthly fee such as the McMurdo Fast Find.

[@lindahurley5642]

I have a spot locator. A few months ago I took a fall stepping out of my van, could not get up or even crawl. (Broken hip) Didn’t have my spot on me. I was in a motel parking lot so thankfully someone walked by and called 911. These are great devices but have them attached to your body 24/7

[@lindahurley5642]

Just to add a note. I had EA+ insurance that flew me home first class after 2 weeks in hospital also arranged for my van to be driven back to my home ($150 ish for the year) spot is $269 for the year once you buy the device.

[@hsubuzz6948]

What is the cheapest option (upfront & maintenance cost together) for satellite sos device? Arc resqlink has no subscription but need battery replacement fee every 5 years.

[@stevemueller7376]

Great info !!!!

[@cotter9751]

Nice review. I’ve no experience with these. And it looks like a smart piece of peace of mind!

[@GypsyJvan]

good info. thanks..

[@raymondhorner1360]

Hey man I like your show the whole nine yards you're very informative a wealth of information as I'm listening and watching I seen a four or five possible what look like at first first to me was pheasants but then I started thinking no they're too big so they got to be turkeys and then all of a sudden they just disappeared I don't know if you did that on purpose or what that's pretty good but anyway I like I said I really enjoy your show it looks like I'm a possibly get one of the gadgets you got there as I'm going to be boondocking I thank you very much peace and God bless 🇺🇲🙏🙏🏿🙏🏾🙏🏾🇺🇲✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@squishybrain]

I could be wrong but I think they were Pea-fowl (female Peacocks).

[@orvaroth1613]

Great vid as usual, how long before battery needs replacement/cost? Most lithium last about 4 yrs. Cheers

[@lynettesharp7728]

Hi Bryan! I think it's a really good thing to get. I don't have one yet but will get one once we are on the road..love to hear as you mentioned if anyone has used theirs and how the experience was. Thanks!

[@mrkim5644]

I just read the new IPhone 14 has a SOS satellite feature. Interesting new technology for a phone.

[@Anthony-lg6wl]

Good for scuba too, they even make a dive case for it.

[@njanderson4342]

Thanks

[@nomad4k]

I always carry a portable, super light weight 60W foldable solar panel. It produces enough juice to charge a phone, a substantial battery bank and a device like this - all 3 simultaneously, comfortably for most part of the day. The solar panel weighs less than a pound, and gives me unlimited power and flexibility in situations when I am off grid for days or weeks. Cost me less than 100 bucks.

[@cirrus820travelers9]

Didn't mention you can preset messages. We've used these to update family member on our travels when we go off grid & check in afterwards; especially great peace of mind. Bad situation occurred once when an accidental preset message was sent while powering down unit. Important to communicate with contact that we will use S.O.S. mode first.

[@talea5604]

FYI, the new iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max have an emergency SOS satellite feature that will automatically call rescue if it detects a crash or fall. Obviously this wouldn’t help in many situations but perhaps you could have both devices.

[@CalFunInSun]

Yes, ~$10K or ~12K+, usual ATT/Verizon monthly fees, and after two years Apple will start charging unannounced $ to keep satellite working. Also it can’t send messages to loved ones, but at least they can track you in the boondocks to see your progress. “You can send your location [manually] once every 15 minutes”. I just ordered one so been researching it.

[@joeglennaz]

Hi, thank you for the video since you ask I just wanted to make it clear. There is a big difference in the satellite communicator such as this and a personal locator beacon. A personal locator beacon one made by ACR has a full 5 Watts of power that can get out from a snow covered canopy or a deep canyon. It’s also part of a worldwide search and rescue Network with most governments of the world subscribe to it. They also use three different satellite constellations in two of those are government owned. This is in comparison to the Garmin in reach using our buying time on a private satellite system just like the spot does. There have been cases where people have died because spot did not send rescue people because they thought it was a false alarm. This cannot happen with a ACRpersonal locator beacon’s. Devices like the Garmin in reach another satellite communicators usually have about 1/10 of 1 Watt Compared to five full watts on a personal locator beacon. Also, the personal locator beacon broadcast a separate homing signal on 121.5 so once the rescuers get close so they can actually find you. They may not be able to see you. You may be under a heavy canopy. Also, the personal locator beacons will have a strobe light as well as an infrared light. They send your exact GPS coordinates as well. As a pilot I trusted my life to Garmin avionics and Garman is a great company. I’m not saying satellite communicators are bad, but what I am saying and I want to make this very clear if you only have the option choose a personal locator beacon not a satellite communicator. Don’t worry about trying to tell them what kind of rescue it needs to be. they’re going to dispatch rescue as they see fit. They are the experts. If you’re in real trouble, don’t worry about and over response. Better than you end up dead. You cannot have two way communication with a personal locator beacon but again that’s OK. Now I’m talking about a life-threatening emergency. if you want to keep your husband or wife or family informed, and want to send messages then get a satellite communicator as well BUT don’t trust your life to it. Do you research look at the survivors club on the ACR website. There are tons of stories of real life, activations and rescues. Another thing is what if you forget to charge the Garman. The ACR personal locator beacon has a battery the last five years. There’s no forgetting to charge it. I can go on and on, but it will be too long, and I need to do a video myself to help tell the story anyway thanks again and please look at their survivors club on the ACR website for all kinds of description of rescues and how it went down in a real activation.

[@myrthravenswood475]

I just ordered this yesterday. I agree the safety plan makes the most sense. Since I am often out of cellular range, this gives me peace of mind. Also, since you also hike in forested areas, please update us on how well it works with some tree cover.

[@fredwebster1091]

nice turkeys

[@1robertmkelly]

I’ve had m6 inreach mini for a year now. I haven’t used SOS, but I have sent messages to cell phones and the 14:28 recipients are able to respond to the messages.

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you, Robert, this was one of my questions.

[@davidg.johnson7574]

Can you acivate the plan when you are already in a remote no-cell-phone area?

[@terryvictor1]

would love to see a comparison with the gps capabilities of the new iPhone 14 which is apparently included at no charge for the first 2 years.

[@anitasimmons3599]

This is a great option, but if you wilderness backpack, smartphones often get damaged or destroyed. They are very complicated and sensitive to environmental factors like dust and humidity. Just my thoughts and they may not be worth the time it took to read. I just know I can't depend on camera or smartphones to still be functional at the end of a backpack trip.

[@bigjoe4020]

I would be interested in the cost of rescue that people have incurred. Obviously if your life is in danger that is irrelevant, but I wouldn't use it just in a breakdown situation that has a chance of getting help the conventional way. How much did the rescue cost ? Stay safe out there

[@anitasimmons3599]

You can get your answers from online research. It really varies by location and situation.

[@bigballz4u]

Hi Bob, there's a space heater that recently hit the market that's perfect for nomads. It's very efficient, it's called Instaheat, and I suggest you do a review with it.

[@pianogal853]

Instaheat? What brand? I've been wondering if those gadgets work 🤔

[@bigballz4u]

@@pianogal853 GoGoGadgets

[@sierramantrvlnus]

Yay!

[@richardbillin5190]

With a device like that and if and when “SOS” is activated does the monthly/yearly cost also cover the cost of search and rescue?

[@pianogal853]

I think that's something that should be covered here - SAR is very expensive and giving a false alarm can cost you a lot.

[@ItsEverythingElse]

No, Garmin sells insurance for that.

[@thomasdildine8222]

I remember reading that one such device if you need to be airlifted out of somewhere, that fee is paid for you where with all of the other such devices, you’re charged for that. Can you tell me which device it is that will pay for such a thing and not charge you?

[@anitasimmons3599]

It varies by device, SPOT has an insurance included in their activation and use plans, but it is more expensive than an insurance plan. I am upgrading to something else after having the SPOT Gen 3, for 8 years. You sort of have to research using your unique situation. Best wishes on finding your perfect emergency device.

[@jennifermagee9131]

What kindof birds are those in the background?

[@jaredwhite489]

It’s for life threatening situations. You don’t deploy an entire s&R team just cuz you’re stuck.

[@ginacardarella]

Confused is that monthly those numbers are giving us

[@KelpieMindTricks]

Does the Apple watch do this?

[@ItsEverythingElse]

You'd have to buy 10 months before the monthly cost exceeded the cost of the annual plan.

[@JaniceLalla]

did you see the turkeys behind you? and how are they able to have service when cell service is not available, do they have a different frequency?

[@alchristensen8121]

They use a satellite network. that also means you need a clear view of the sky.

[@Sage-Preston]

Isn't this the same thing spot has been doing since 2007?

[@michaelotoole8958]

Having had two garmin devices fail on me within a year of purchase and getting no reply when I reached out both times, I personally will not give that company another dime.

[@kenandlinmarie]

Garmin just dropped the price to 299.

[@knockali]

Or get iPhone 14

[@ladikmk]

Thanks for the great rundown Brian! It definitely helped me make up my mind about what I’ll be using in the future. Great info!