Garmin inReach Mini 2 - Everything You Need to Know in One Video

Tutorial for the Garmin inReach Mini 2 - Everything You Need to Know Know!
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📹 CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 Subscriptions
00:05:47 S.O.S.
00:13:37 Reset to Default Settings
00:16:12 Messaging
00:26:16 Tracking
00:34:27 Save Money when Tracking
00:41:28 TracBack
00:52:23 Waypoints
01:03:39 Navigation
01:16:12 Display Course on the Mini 2
01:21:30 TracBack vs Back to Start
01:25:31 Create Course on the Explore App
01:34:36 Create Course on Garmin Map Page
01:44:27 Download Worldwide Maps
01:46:25 Log Interval vs Activity Recording
01:51:25 Weather Forecast Intro
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[@onerider808]

Hot tip: if you live in CO get a CO fishing license. All rescues are free for license holders. Best adventurers’ rescue insurance ever.

[@outdooremergencytech]

I did not realize that, but thankfully I have a Colorado residence annual license. Thanks for the heads up. Rick

[@andrewpassler9369]

I’m 6 minutes in and this is phenomenal. Thank you.

[@outdooremergencytech]

I'm glad you like it and that it's helpful to you. Let me know if you have any questions. Rick

[@TimShelnut]

I'll be back out in Colorado this July can't wait. I've had the original mini and upgraded to the 2. I've only had it for piece of mind but it's good to message my daughter to.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Great point. The Mini 2 is worth the investment over the Mini, and the best things about it are being able to contact S.O.S. and 2-way message family and friends. Rick

[@Hi72827]

Great video!

[@outdooremergencytech]

Thank you for the thumbs up. The complete guide to the Garmin GPSMAP 67i is scheduled for upload this Friday. Rick

[@solutions2exist556]

Great advice.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Thank you. I know it's a long video, but all of the videos are now in one location that should make it easier for some people to find the information. Rick

[@solutions2exist556]

@@outdooremergencytech. Thinking about getting the Montana 700i even though it is expensive.

[@outdooremergencytech]

It's a great device with a touch screen. I chose the 750i because it has the camera built in and then you photos will be geo-coordinated and you can see exactly where the image was taken, plus you can navigate to it. Personally, I use my 67i and Mini 2 when hiking or backpacking and I use my 750i when I'm on an ATV or driving my truck in the mountains. Rick

[@erdalpinar5430]

This is a great video I learn a lot thank you for that. I recently received my mini 2 question is if I have a expedition plan I still get charge tracking internal.?

[@outdooremergencytech]

You will not get charged for tracking on your device that only you see. The tracking charge only comes when you share your tracks with friends and family, such as with the MapShare link. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@erdalpinar5430]

Thanks in advance.

[@outdooremergencytech]

You're very welcome. Rick

[@djjf45]

This is the best video Ive found on the messenging. The only one that answered my question about contacts initiating convo. Trying to decide between mini2, Messenger, and zoleo. Zoleo I think they can initiate? Also, if you lose or break your phone, is it only check in messenging? And/or do you have to have your no-cellphone contacts pre-added?

[@outdooremergencytech]

First, I am going to respond to your first message this evening after I check on a few things. No other brand can initiate a message to an inReach user, at least not as of recently. The inReach user would always need to initiate the first message. ZOLEO and the ACR Bivy Stick will allow you to select SOS and send a Check-in Message, but 2-way messaging will not work without being synced to your smartphone. I know technology never fails, but I don't like being left with nearly nothing when technology fails. If I were deciding between the Mini 2, the Messenger, and ZOLEO, I would chose in this order: 1. Mini 2 - It can do everything as a standalone device, other than see maps. 2. Messenger - You can still send check-in messages, quick text message, type a unique message and get weather when not synced with your smartphone, plus you can TracBack and see the direction, distance and time to arrive at your starting point. 3. ZOLEO - It's great at messaging, using WIFI, Cell service, then Satellite service, but again, you're going to be missing many things if you're cell phone loses battery, or technology fails and you can't sync it. I hope this helps. Thanks for the thumbs up and let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@tomtrowbridge8540]

Great videos! I am thinking of getting the mini 2... you talked about suspending the plan. Does that mean you have the freedom plan? and do you pay the reactivate price everytime you unsuspend the plan? Thanks

[@outdooremergencytech]

I have the annual Expedition subscription, but I can change it to the Safety or Recreation subscription if I want to save money when I'm not using it much, but I'm always using them. On the Freedom Plans, you don't get charged when you suspend or change the plan. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@markolson5857]

Which brand of mounting system do you recommend to attach the Mini2 to my backpack shoulder strap?

[@outdooremergencytech]

I have tried several attachment systems but I recommend the Garmin Backpack Tether. You can find it here on Amazon. amzn.to/3S2Q1do Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@pablo3019WC]

Great review! If I paid for a month and suspend the plan after using it for a week, do I lose the remaining 3 weeks or can I use the remaining 3 weeks on a different time of the year? Thanks

[@outdooremergencytech]

No, you keep the service for the complete month. I do this all the time with satellite communicator subscriptions. I'll start it, then give it several days, then cancel it, so that I don't forget to cancel it and get charged again, but I will have service for the entire month. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@TwoFourCharlie007]

I’m totally new to this, I’m off to Morocco in April riding motorbikes, we are going off the beaten tracks only for a short period, what do you recommend? Thanks mini 2 btw

[@outdooremergencytech]

For off-roading, whether motor bikes, ATV's or 4-wheelers, I recommend you take a look at the Garmin Montana 700i or 750i. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@michaelharrison9445]

Great detailed video. How do you find your current location on the mini 2?

[@outdooremergencytech]

Select the OK button on the right side and then go down the menu until you find "Mark Waypoint." You can also see your location when synced with the Explore App where you can see location on the topo map on your smartphone. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@keithspangler4814]

Hi I just purchased the mini 2 for an upcoming solo bicycle tour around BC and Alberta Canada. I"m planning on getting the Expedition Plan to stay in touch with my family. I've read there is limited if no cell service in many areas; except when you enter a larger town. I think I read and heard you say, the a cell phone must have cell service to sync. is that correct. If so, I will need to message from the mini correct? Any other tips or comments are welcome; I'm a new user so......

[@outdooremergencytech]

You can sync your phone to the Mini 2 without cell service when you're in the field. I would only make sure you have WIFI and/or cell service when you're getting it all set up. Then go out to where you don't have cell service and make sure it works correctly, including sending someone a message and make sure they message you back. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@keithspangler4814]

Thanks! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@jeg569]

When activating the device, do I have to start a subscription right away, or am I better waiting to activate it shortly before I plan my first outing?

[@outdooremergencytech]

I would activate it in advance of you outing so you can test it and make sure everything works. Rick

[@WKR79]

Thanks for the great videos you put out! Quick question for you, or anyone... I do not really like carrying my GPS exposed, as I do a significant amount of my backpacking off trail and bushwhacking, sometimes in knarly downfall in the Wyoming mountains. I have kept my past GPS units in a case on my sternum strap. I am so familiar with the Wind River Range that I rarely need to access the GPS. I have been using the eTrex SE this way with no apparent signal issues. Does anyone have any experience in carrying the Mini 2 in a case? Any signal issues? I am going to test my new Mini 2 for this but haven't yet. Thanks!

[@outdooremergencytech]

I have never carried it in a case but you bring up a good point of different ways to carry it. I'm curious if there is come type of case that protects the Mini 2 but allows the signal to get through to the satellites. I'll start looking in to this. Rick

[@WKR79]

@@outdooremergencytech Thank you Sir! I will be testing it in a case as well and will provide you with feedback. I have seen Chip who does the Garmin Webinar vids say it can be put in a shirt or backpack pocket as long as the antenna is pointing up. I have seen a couple vids with the user packing it high on the shoulder strap, pretty much horizontal. I will continue to use my eTrex SE for navigation. I like it better for that. The Mini 2 will be mainly for the SOS and MapShare, and I don't want it to fail to track unknowingly. Kyle

[@outdooremergencytech]

I look forward to hearing back from you and I'll also let you know what I find out. Rick

[@paulkennedy5021]

Hi Rick. Just bought a Mini 2. I'm really happy with it and found your videos really helpful. A question I haven't seen addressed is this, what is the point of Points? I see how you need a point when you want to modify a course in the Explore app but when using the mini it doesn't notify you that you have reached a Point...at least mine doesn't. It notifys me of the start and finish but thats it. Thanks.

[@outdooremergencytech]

I'm going to have to look into this more but I believe if you set waypoints to create a course that it will alert you when you get close to that location. Again, I'll check into this more but you can always contact Garmin if I'm taking too long to return the comment on this question. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@paulkennedy5021]

@@outdooremergencytech thanks. But Just to clarify. I'm not talking about waypoints, I'm talking about points. When you create a course you place a start and finish point. The app then automatically creates a course. If you want to alter that course you have to hold on the course creating a point which appears as a light blue dot, that point can then be dragged to create your preferred route. I was wondering if those points (apparently you can add 200 on a single Course) serve any purpose whenever you are navigating the course or are they only for course creation. They can only be seen on the online map or the Explorer app. They don't seem to appear on the Mini. No one seems to talk about them and I thought I would ask you the question. Thanks for your help.

[@outdooremergencytech]

That is what I have seen when creating routes on the Explore.Garmin map page and I don't create routes any more, unless I'm showing someone how to do it. But you are correct, you are limited to 200 points, and this is another reason I don't use routes anymore. I create create using COURSE now and you can select points or you can select end points, and Garmin will do most of the work for you. With the Mini 2, the course will show up and you'll see your position relative to the course and if you go off course too far you will get the "Off-Course" or "On-Course" alerts. I may not be answering your question well, but that's because I don't care about being alerted near a point because I can see my course on the device or on my smartphone. Please feel free to clarify your question more. Rick

[@paulkennedy5021]

@@outdooremergencytech No I think you have answered it. The points do nothing except allow you to alter the course to a route of your own choosing. Thanks for your reply.

[@erdalpinar5430]

I recently got expedition plan. Do I get charges extra for anything else in that plan.?

[@davidfisetroberge4]

Only for advanced weather reports , everything else is included and unlimited

[@outdooremergencytech]

Yes, everything is free, except for the weather forecasts. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@bobbader4789]

I need emergency communication when the grid and cell service go down, can I message my wife if we both have a garmin?

[@outdooremergencytech]

It depends on the extent of the power outage. If it's local power outage, and the Garmin serves are not affected, then the answer is yes. If it's a massive blackout and grid down situation and the Garmin servers are affected, then the answer is no. The cell towers are not an issue as the Garmin's can access the cell towers in some cases, but in all cases, they will transmit by satellites. You're better off with a ham radio in a major emergency. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@wutru20]

Is there a way to start navigating, turn off the device to save battery, and then turn it on for tracBack? or is there a standBY function? i am in the middle so i'll write another comment!

[@outdooremergencytech]

One of the best ways to extend your battery life is to put it in Expedition mode. There is more information on maximizing your battery life in this link to Support.Garmin. www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-802DEF62-EBB2-463C-8C51-C58FB29F89E3/EN-US/GUID-47AF89E8-43F5-49C4-8017-2DEDEEEA73C7.html Let me know if you have any other questions. Ric

[@wutru20]

@@outdooremergencytech hi Rick! I read the page you sent; is there a button to switch to expedition mode?

[@outdooremergencytech]

It looks like Garmin recently made some changes to the Mini 2 and Expedition Mode may no longer be supported as the settings are changed elsewhere to extend the battery life. Here's some information from Support.Garmin. support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=FrvUD8cBa53K4MRV1f75g5&productID=765374&searchQuery=expedition&tab=topics Let me know if you have other questions. Rick

[@wutru20]

I want to use the mini 2 just for a trip for one month, i signed a deal for the middle package of the 3, the one from 35$ i believe. Can i cancel that subscription when i get back after 26 days and not be charged with a second month?

[@outdooremergencytech]

You can suspend your membership at any time and you can change from one subscription to another any time you want at no charge to you. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@wutru20]

@@outdooremergencytech hi Rick! Awesome video and thanks for the answer. Like you said; I went out and tested the new device after this video. I noticed that when I walk alot of miles om standard precision it is just a straight line back to the starting point/ not really a path i can follow, and on high precision it is exactly everything i hiked, all the corners etc as well. Battery drains 2% / hour in that mode. Also, i made my home a waypoint, and anytime i hit navigate and navigate to my home waypoint it is a fully straight line. Does this sound normal? Or do I need to change anything?

[@outdooremergencytech]

My settings are not a straight line. It follows a well defined path, in either standard or high activity detail, as long as I start tracking at the start of my hike. If I don't start tracking and head out, it will lay down a hidden track every 10 minutes or so. This is when you will see a straight line, which is helpful, but I prefer to start tracking to see more detail of exactly where I hike. Let me know if you're tracking or if it's using the hidden tracks. Rick

[@wutru20]

@@outdooremergencytech hi, I click start tracking at home.. do i have to wait with walking till the first point is send out? I started walking when it was still looking for the first.. point? Or something like that. I was tracking at the start but yeah^

[@wutru20]

@@outdooremergencytech and when i am tracking and stop tracking, and click navigate --> to waypoint home, it makes a straight line back to it. How can I avoid that? Do i need to start tracking before i can navigate to a waypoint with accurate route?

[@wutru20]

how do you clear all your tracks/ activities?

[@outdooremergencytech]

You can clear your tracks from the Explore.Garmin map page, the Garmin App, and you can clear them on your device. There is some information on this at Support.Garmin www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-802DEF62-EBB2-463C-8C51-C58FB29F89E3/EN-US/GUID-A77734E2-9E1F-4899-8D0F-AFFD840AFD8C.html I have talked about this in several videos and this video here is where I talk about this some at the 6:58 and 8:40 minute mark. Video about Tracking: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn6Qkpihj66VjJo I hope this helps. You can always call Garmin and they will walk you through any issue you have. I would give you a little more advice but I am traveling this week and don't have my Mini 2 with me to give you more information. Rick

[@wutru20]

@@outdooremergencytech hi Rick! I indeed got the answer from the video already. Thanks alot and safe travels! 😁

[@AcrylicGoblin]

It all seems like a hassle... I've been hiking without one for 40 years and never would have used it. As I head out on the PCT, my wife and Mom are really happy that I got a mini2, so for that it's worthwhile even if I don't use it.

[@outdooremergencytech]

I agree with you and am in the same situation. I have never used one in 40 years, but you never know when you may need it for yourself or for someone else. It's a great insurance policy. Rick

[@zippadeedoodah9au77]

@@outdooremergencytech I'm 60, traveled to adventure spots for decades, now finally live in the mountains of SW Colo where there's no signal in many places, plus ditto for S Utah which is basically our backyard. Just bought my first Mini 2 for same reasons. You never know. Sh*t happens, and we've had some close calls here and there. Climbers/skiers/hikers die or sustain injuries regularly around here. Be prepared, use ALL the resources like paper maps, GPS, satellite unit, i phone 14 with another satellite option. Why limit yourself? If it hits the fan, you'll be glad for some backup.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Great points. I'm with you and it's great to have a backup and be prepared for the worst. Rick

[@adamr8628]

3rd way....What about doing "check ins?" Because every time you send a free check in message, it drops a digital bread crumb, so isn't that a free way to let others follow where you are going?

[@outdooremergencytech]

You are absolutely correct, but you need to let people know not to message you back unless it's absolutely important or it will cost you a message when they message you. Rick

[@davidplotkin5173]

I have the Safety plan, and don't need to MapShare with anyone. So here's what I've done to create free ways to get back to my car if needed. PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I HAVE THIS WRONG! 1) ROUTE: import GPX from GaiaGPS or AllTrails into the Explore iOS app on my phone. It syncs to InReach Mini 2. I simply "Return to Start" if I need to. 2) TRACKING: in the Messenger iOS App, I turn OFF MapShare. Then on the Mini 2, I turn on TrackBack and set internals to 10 mins. If needed, I can then TracBack, but since nothing was sent to MapShare then there are no charges against my Safety subscription. -------- Do I have that right?

[@outdooremergencytech]

I'm not familiar with importing GPX files from Gaia but I believe you are correct. The 10 minute tracking interval is only needed if you're sharing your location with someone. I always start tracking at the trailhead, and have my activity detail set to HIGH, which will give you incredible detail on where you've been. This won't cost you money if you're not sending your tracks to anyone else. It will run your battery down a little faster and honestly you don't need the high detail unless you want to define a trail extremely accurately. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@davidplotkin5173]

@@outdooremergencytech Thanks for the fast reply Rick! Yes very helpful! I'll try the High Detail and 5-min breadcrumbs since I'm not sharing. I just do weekly 3-7 hour hikes now; I still am working M-Fr. But in the future I'll need to be more cognizant of battery life. I also carry a 20,000mA portable charger with me which is small and phenomenal and has built-in Lightning and USB-C cordage. So even if it runs low I'm fine. iPhone low power mode also gets me thru the whole hike no problem. Thanks again!!

[@outdooremergencytech]

No problem and let me know how your tests go on the battery life with how you're testing it. Rick

[@adamr8628]

I agree that you don't always want 10 minute tracking, but I can see where it would be nice in some cases. My job involves flying on a smaller private plane and I can travel 40 miles in 10 minutes. So if the person tracking me gets a location, it could be 9 minutes old, and someone could potentially be searching an area larger than 40 by 40 miles if I would need assistance. Hopefully they could plot the course based on the history if no turns were made, etc. But quite an area on the lowest setting if you need immediate help, but much better than not having a location sent at all.

[@outdooremergencytech]

I am also a pilot and if I were flying, I would update to 2 minute tracking that I get with the Expedition Subscription, but I believe 5 minute tracking is provided on the Recreation Plan. You can change the tracking time at any time so you can switch back and forth. This combined with the signal your plane sends out should suffice. Great question though. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@gassi0112]

Doese somebody have experience regarding buying a used inreach2?

[@outdooremergencytech]

I have seen a lot of used inReach satellite messengers on Ebay. I would start their but you might also look at Craigs List or other sites like it. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@BOTG_Adventures]

What does it cost if you need help and they come to rescue you, i heard they charge 60k for helicopter.

[@outdooremergencytech]

That will vary wildly. I know from some rescue team members here in Colorado, that depending on who responds, the cost can be a lot different. That's why I pay a few dollars every months for the rescue insurance. I haven't heard of 60K for a helicopter, but that would depend on how long the crew was out and how difficult it is to get to the person. I have heard the cost to be more in the 10K to 20K, but I'm not the expert on that. Rick

[@carlellyn1624]

Love the video but what's up with your look? Has this taken years? Are you a character actor? Secret agent? So off topic, LOL

[@outdooremergencytech]

Well, as I'm not sure about "the look" you're referring to, it's hard for me to answer you. If I were to guess at what you're referring too, I would say that some people say I have a resting bitch face and my look my be more serious then I intend for it to be. Other than that, I would need more feedback from what "the look" really is that you're making reference to. On a serious note, I'm always looking to improve my videos and how I present information so I really would like to know more of what you're referring to. Thank you. Rick

[@tjcapp]

Has anyone noticed this software/firmware bug on the Inreach mini 2 and the Garmin explore app (or is it just me)? After changing the north reference (in settings) from true to magnetic north, the compass heading (in degrees) is incorrect when navigating to a waypoint. For example, in my part of the country, true north and magnetic north differ by 9 degrees. So the navigation bearing to a waypoint should change by 9 degrees when the north reference is changed from true to magnetic north. This doesn't happen in the inreach mini 2 and Garmin explore apps, the compass bearing to the waypoint stays the same. Navigating to a waypoint only works correctly if you set the north reference to true north. If you change the north reference (in settings) to magnetic, your navigation heading to a waypoint will be off by an amount equal to the magnetic declination in your area of the country.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Great point to bring up. I would talk to Garmin about this and I'm making a note to research this plus call Garmin. Thanks for bring it up. Rick

[@tjcapp]

I called Garmin and the said they've never heard of this issue. They suggested I do a reset of my inreach mini 2. I didn't do a reset because I noticed the Garmin Explore app acts the same. After starting navigation to a waypoint on the mini 2 I went to the Garmin explore app and in the top left of the map page you can click on map settings. At the very bottom is the units settings. There you can change the north reference under "Bearing". At the bottom of the map page the heading reads out as degrees plus T for true or M for magnetic. And same as the mini 2 the navigation heading doesn't change whether or not you're set for true or magnetic north.@@outdooremergencytech

[@tjcapp]

I compared this with my handheld etrex Venture HC and when navigating to a waypoint, if I swap my north reference from true to magnetic, my bearing to the waypoint changes 9 by degrees. So it works correctly.

[@outdooremergencytech]

I appreciate you bringing this up. I'll be checking into this more in the next few days. Garmin has told me several times if there is an issue and enough people let them know, they are more likely to act quickly, but in this case, it looks like their is a problem they need to correct, no matter how many people contact them. Rick

[@shaner2037]

As a motorcyclists, mostly on road. Here in the blue ridge mountain area, terrible cell service. Will the tracking work with the device in a tail bag, or does it need to be out in the open?

[@outdooremergencytech]

If you're connected to the Messenger App, then it will connect to cell towers and you could have it inside a backpack, but if you have services issues as you stated, then you need the Mini 2 hooked some place where it has a clear view of the sky. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick