Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs All Others

[@jasonbadler]

You're so knowledgable about these products it's amazing. I wanted to leave you a comment, and I subscribed to your channel! I ended up getting a Garmin Montana 700i, and I'm really enjoying it. Thanks again, and keep up the great work!

[@outdooremergencytech]

Thank you so much!! My buddy has the Montana 750i, so I have some limited knowledge about it, but I will be ordering it soon and will be conducting some in-depth field tests here in Colorado, so keep an eye out for those in February. Thanks for the compliment and the subscribe. Rick

[@Ronnieleec]

I am glad my daughter uses the In reach Mini. I am considering the Zoleo, only because after three months I could hibernate the account and because you gain a dedicated phone number and email. I don’t really through hike, so the need to regularly type on the device vs smart phone is not critical.

[@rbelden]

I believe ZOLEO does the best at communicating, so I agree completely with what you’re thinking. Thanks for leaving the comment. Rick

[@outdooremergencytech]

Have you looked at the new Garmin Messenger. It's a lot like ZOLEO, but is smaller and more capable, in my opinion. Rick

[@TheGunna]

Just picked up my mini 2 yesterday for this years fire season, looking forward to using it!! Great review thanks for the info

[@outdooremergencytech]

Glad I could help. Let me know how you like it and if you have any questions. Rick

[@TheGunna]

@@outdooremergencytech thank you I appreciate that and will do!!

[@MyBeomaster901]

Amazing surroundings. Looks so calming and beautiful. Thanks for the great comparison. Looking for the Inreach Mini2 or a smartwatch as a companion or replacement for smartphone navigation. For smartphone only navigation you need an app with offline maps. Have had some good results with Osmand. Couple of maps are free (like complete region for holiday or tour), it contains known long distance walking paths. Also it can create routes and you can load gpx files. One thing to keep in mind Osmand can sometimes consume a lot of battery. That is a big downside.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Thanks for the heads up. The inReach Mini 2 is currently my favorite satellite communicator but the GPSMAP 66i is great and extremely powerful, but with a short battery life. Rick

[@michaelgutierrez4271]

I love the detail super high quality video this helped a ton!!!

[@outdooremergencytech]

Thank you. I'm glad I could help. Rick

[@MaisleyVanGo]

I greatly appreciate your thoroughness and detail. My hubby and I are shopping for a satellite communicator for a road trip to Alaska from NJ. I foresee our greatest use to be getting weather forecasts and am hoping all devices with that capability have access to accurate reports. I also am a day hiker and am currently using AllTrails on phone for navigation. Alot of times I know what trails I would like to hike, and can download those ahead of time, but many times I spontaneously want to explore a certain trail while out of cell range. So to have peace of mind, I download enormous areas ahead of time, while there is wifi/cell, in the possible event that I want to hike a trail discovered while traveling. I am assuming Garmin regional maps are already fully downloaded (in my case all of North America) on their handhelds as they were when purchasing our DriveSmart GPS device so your statements on the Mini2 tracking/trackback capabilities got me excited in hoping that I would never again have to spend all that time trying to anticipate what areas I may want to hike and downloading maps I may not even use. Is this assumption correct? I'm hoping you also have the time to answer: 1) What kind of prep/setup is involved to get the Mini2 to know exactly what route I wish to track in order for it to know I'm off course and do I need wifi/cell for that set up? For instance, as mentioned above, we frequently decide to stop while driving at an interesting looking trailhead when out of cell service. How quickly can I let the Mini2 know that I want it to start tracking this particular trail? 2) Are subscription credits applied when using breadcrumbs, tracking, or backtracking features on the Mini2? Thank you for all the great info you provide in your videos!

[@outdooremergencytech]

I appreciate good questions so let me take these one at a time. The Garmin inReach Mini 2, as with several other Garmin satellite communicators has the maps for North America already pre-downloaded. Most all trail area already there. I have seen in one case at a brand new Open Space trail here in Colorado where the trails were not displayed yet, but that was because the trails were just created. No matter if you are in cell service or outside cell service, you can sync your smartphone to the Mini 2 and create a brand new route in minutes and it's really easy. I think the biggest thing for any new a new Garmin inReach product is to take some time before the trip to know how to setup routes, navigate, TracBack, get weather and know how to message friends and family. I have many videos here covering each one of these topics. There are two types of breadcrumbs laid down that can be used. If you don't start tracking, Garmin will lay breadcrumbs down without you even knowing it (that you are not charged for) and you would still be able to TracBack to the starting point. Those breadcrumbs will disappear after 24 hours. Yes, each track (when you start tracking) will go to your subscription plan but there are two things you can do. You can increase the time interval between tracks being laid down, or you can choose the more expensive plan that has unlimited tracking but suspend the plan after you return from your trip, then you will not be charged again until you re-activate the subscription. I'm glad to help. Please don't hesitate to ask additional questions. Rick

[@MaisleyVanGo]

@@outdooremergencytech I can't believe how quickly you replied! I was just about to edit my comments after watching some of your other videos on using some navigation features on Mini2 without having to pay for tracking and saw you had already replied. Thank you for the excellent info! Im going to take you up on your offer for more questions. Since I do not have the stamina to go very far on day hikes, only use trail navigation primarily to determine how far I've hiked (to know when to turn around if on an longer out-and-back) and whether I'm still on the trail, and don't mind using my phone for trail navigation, would the Bivy or inReach Messenger be suitable for my needs? I did hear on another of your videos that the maps are Garmin > Bivy > Zoleo in terms of detail but wasn't sure if Bivy has good enough pre-downloaded trails in their maps to show me if I'm offcourse on a particular trail. I really like the Mini2 but the price, the expensive activation fees and subscription plans makes me pause and wonder if I really need it.

[@MaisleyVanGo]

After some research, the only navigation capability in the InReach Messenger is the TrackBack feature and can not be used to detailed trail mapping since it is not compatible with the Garmin Explore app. The Messenger app has absolutely no mapping features so that device is a no-go for me.

[@outdooremergencytech]

You are correct. The Garmin Messenger is meant for people who already have a way to navigate or don't care about that feature. It's really about communicating outside of cell service. Rick

[@outdooremergencytech]

I tell people this all the time that there is no perfect satellite communicator for everyone. We all have different needs and priorities. However, I do like the ACR Bivy Stick and several people who comment here regularly really like it. If I was going to give a blanket recommendation without knowing how someone spends their time in the outdoors, I would recommend the inReach Mini 2, however it's never that easy. Let me know if you have more questions and I'll do my best to point you to the right satellite communicator for you. Rick

[@headbangerstrail]

Thank you for the excellent video! I'm planning a two week hike in the wilderness and looking for a satellite communicator that could also replace my gps. InReach Explorer+ is starting to look like winner to me.

[@outdooremergencytech]

For a long trip, considering the features and battery life, I'm with you on the Explorer+ being at the top of the list. I would still carry a portable charger with you. Let me know what you choose and now your trip goes. What area of the world are you taking the trip into? Rick

[@headbangerstrail]

@@outdooremergencytech yeah, the battery life really won me over. I live in Finland and will be doing some longer hikes during the summer in the Finnish Lapland.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Great choice. I look forward to hearing more about your outdoor adventures and your experiences with the Explorer+. Rick

[@headbangerstrail]

@@outdooremergencytech it seems that the inReach Explorer+ isn't available in Finland anymore. Do you know what the battery life is with the GPSMAP 66i if you disable Bluetooth, but still use the 10-minute interval tracking?

[@outdooremergencytech]

I can test that out, but I don't currently know the answer. I do know I was able to make some big improvements with the battery life with a few changes. You can see what those were in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iojTe4iFjbGLsLc. I will test the battery life of the 66i with Bluetooth disables but with 10 minute tracking and I'll get back to you about it in a few days. Rick

[@TheBenny1683]

Very comprehensive. Thanks for the video.

[@outdooremergencytech]

You're welcome! I added the Garmin inReach Messenger to my list of satellite messengers this last week. I just activated it today and will be adding some field test reviews on it this week. Keep an eye out for those and thanks for stopping by. Rick

[@cinemastratv]

Excellent review! Thanks!

[@outdooremergencytech]

Glad to help. Let me know if you have any questions. Rick

[@billtex6583]

Thanks for your research. I am looking for some advice. Here is what I know: We want a communication device, preferably two way; definitely SOS. We want to sync with iPhone for maps. Primarily day trips, occasional over night. Here is what i think I know: back up mapping would be nice (track back?). Here is how we would use device: hiking, snowmobiling, mt biking, boating.Which device would you recommend? THX AGAIN, Bill

[@outdooremergencytech]

Hey Bill. Based on what you've described, the Garmin Montana 700i would be a good fit, but I would only consider that if you primarily attach it to the snowmobile, Mt Bike or Boat. It has some better traffic routing in addition to what you would use hiking. If you primarily hike, with some snowmobiling and boating, than I would recommend the Garmin inReach Mini 2 or the Garmin GPSMAP 66i. The 66i has the on-screen topo maps where the Mini 2 only has maps you can view on your smartphone. All three of these have SOS and 2-way messaging. Let me know if you have additional questions. Rick

[@billtex6583]

@@outdooremergencytech Thank you. I am leaning toward IM2 for several reasons. Big question: would the IM2 function as SOS device on coastal waters (up to 100 mi off shore)? Thank you.

[@outdooremergencytech]

I just got off the phone with Garmin and they have global pole-to-pole satellite coverage and the Customer Service Rep said the Mini 2 actually does better in the ocean as there are no obstructions. I was thinking that was the case but I wanted confirmation from Garmin. I hope that helps. Rick

[@billtex6583]

Thank you! Assume this mean track back feature would work on the ocean as well?! This would make for a great back up to our nav system in an emergency.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Absolutely! The Mini 2 is actually my favorite satellite communicator right now as I mostly day hike, hunt and fish, plus I like the convenience of using my iPhone with the larger screen to type messages and view the larger topo maps. Rick

[@jcholmes9505]

Great video. Thanks much. Do all your garmins have bread crumbs or like that for getting back to camp or starting waypoint? Thank you in advance.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Absolutely! Some are better then others, for example the new inReach Messenger only puts down breadcrumbs every 10 minutes but the inReach Mini and Mini 2 put them down more often. I don't know the exact time but when testing TracBack with tracking and without tracking, the Messenger doesn't do as good as a job as the other inReach satellite messengers. Let me know if you have any more questions. Rick

[@OlegAlferev]

Thank you for very useful and informative review!!!

[@outdooremergencytech]

Glad it was helpful! Let me know if you have any questions. Rick

[@Alex_Coolen]

Thank you great video

[@outdooremergencytech]

Glad you enjoyed it. Rick

[@jowens4883]

My wife and I travel to the Adirondacks a few times a year and loose cell coverage in certain area's. Eventually we might go over sea Italy etc. I was thinking the Inreach 2 would be good for us.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Well, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is my favorite satellite messenger, so of course I'm going to agree with you. Let me know what you end up selecting. Rick

[@jowens4883]

@@outdooremergencytech ok

[@marcibolton5718]

Thanks for this awesome video! What would u recommend for our situation? My 22 year old daughter and her boyfriend are driving cross country from Pennsylvania to Oregon. They are taking 3 +weeks starting in just 2 weeks. They will be hiking on their adventure. What would be the best device for me to purchase for them, and us, for their safety, our peace of minds? Thanks so much!

[@outdooremergencytech]

Hi Marci. Without know anything about your daughter and boyfriend, I would offer two suggestions. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a hard one to beat, because it is so small, yet powerful, and has a great battery life, plus you can sync it to your smartphone, which is great for viewing maps, looking at weather forecasts and is much more convenient with messaging. The Mini 2 is easier to learn right out of the box and is less likely to overwhelm anyone. My second recommendation is the Garmin GPSMAP 67i, which can do everything the Mini 2 and more, plus it is a stand alone device where you can create routes for trails on the device and see maps. The only issue with this one is that it can overwhelm some people as it has a lot more menu items and is best for people that like an all-in-one device and love technology. I would also recommend you look at the ACR Bivy Stick, but I will be honest with you and let you know that I think the Garmin's are a little better. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@marcibolton5718]

Thanks!

[@marcibolton5718]

Thank you so much!

[@marcibolton5718]

​@@outdooremergencytech thanks so much!

[@outdooremergencytech]

Any time. Let me know if you have any questions and what you end up choosing. I uploaded a short video this morning going over the basics of why I would choose the Mini 2 or would go with the GPSMAP 67i. Here is a link to that video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYCykHipgL2jZ5I Rick

[@ScientistPrepper]

Is there a way I can just pay for monthly service for the months I use the Bivy or similar messenger? Or do you think I have to pay an annual service where I pay every single month to keep it active. You seem so knowledgeable as a good person to ask. Thank you for the video.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Yes you can! Every satellite messenger I own and have tested has a "freedom" plan or "monthly" plan. You will pay more per month, but you can suspend it anytime and then re-activate it. There is one catch to be aware of and that is at least one of the satellite messengers requires you to pay three months before you can go month to month. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@ScientistPrepper]

@@outdooremergencytech Thank you. Glad I subscribed, looking forward to more content from the channel.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Thanks Dino. I appreciate it. I'm about to upload a new video comparing the Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs the ACR Bivy Stick, plus I'm heading out tomorrow to review the AllTrails app and how well it works in the Rocky Mountains when you're outside of cell service. Rick

[@chrisgibson2328]

Don't they all need an additional subscription if you want to communicate with mountain rescue etc (I am in Europe).

[@outdooremergencytech]

Hey Chris. You are absolutely right. Thanks for the comment. Rick

[@shaunozs1ra92]

Thanks for the review. I am in South Africa and do 4x4 overlanding. I have been delaying the purchase because it is all so confusing. I was considering the inReach Mini (that will now be the Mini2) and the Montana 700i ( I will make that the 750i because I believe the 700i can't take photos). The things I have considered are one, the significant price difference. Second, is my major fear/concern is a vehicle burn out and I have to wait for assistance with no access to power, this makes battery life important. Third would be satellite acquisition time, I noticed that the Montana only uses 2 GPS networks whereas, I believe, the Mini uses 4. Fourth and last, ease of use. I realise that you cannot make a decision but I would appreciate your insight and maybe highlighting some issues I have not considered. Thanks

[@outdooremergencytech]

The Mini 2 has a great battery life and when synced with your smartphone, you get a lot more functions, including maps. You can mount this in your 4x4 or carry it on your pack. The Mini 2 is my favorite satellite communicator. My buddy has the Montana 750i and I will be buying it soon, but he has an ATV and it has a touch screen and is meant for off roading. It does not have a good battery life and is meant to be powered by your vehicle. the 750i can take photos, is a touch screen and is better with driving directions than the Mini 2 or the GPSMAP 66i. There is another device you may want to consider and that is the Garmin Tread Series, which is definitely meant for a vehicle. I hope this helps some. Let me know if you have other questions. Rick

[@shaunozs1ra92]

@@outdooremergencytech thanks. I will check out the Tread and keep you posted on the decision.

[@uffa00001]

You have to buy the satellite service. Don't look at the price of the device, look at the price of the service.

[@outdooremergencytech]

You're absolutely correct. You need to consider the cost of both. Rick

[@uffa00001]

@@outdooremergencytech I have a Spot-X. My yearly plan (the basic one) is €218,87 per year. That would be the same with a Spot Gen3 or with my Spot-X. So, the minor cost of the Spot Gen3 is moot, you are going to spend some €2200 in ten years that the device hopefully lasts. The same with Garmin. A comparable service would cost more than €3000 in ten years, more than €300 in a year. The cost difference between the Mini and the Explorer is therefore quite less relevant than, let's say, the different cost of service between Garmin, Spot, Motorola etc. When comparing those devices, IMHO it's the cost of service vs performance that should be compared, rather than the cost of the device vs performance. One is not saving money choosing the Spot Gen 3 rather than the Spot-X, or the Mini rather than a more expensive Garmin offer. That's not where the cost lies. Your comparison oversees this important aspect of the comparison, IMO.

[@outdooremergencytech]

I appreciate you bringing this up. I'll create a new video soon and will focus on the subscription cost, including the long term costs. Thanks again. Rick

[@CMPOLO5]

So I’m looking to get a communicator for my father, who is getting older and still takes weeklong trips in the back country for a big game. We recently had experience with a Garman 66i but I believe this one is too technical. He’s comfortable using his phone for topo maps which has any leaning towards the inreach mini 2 or Zoleo. I want him to be able to communicate with other hunters and or Basecamp and occasionally be able to text home. Thoughts ? Thanks

[@outdooremergencytech]

The Mini 2 is my favorite satellite messenger because it is powerful, has a great battery life and is much more simple to use than the GPSMAP 66i. I would strongly recommend the Mini 2 over any other satellite messenger on the market for those who don't don't want all of the tech that the 66i offers. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@ChristiannTyler]

Another question for you Rick! If my phone were to break would I be able to message with the mini?

[@outdooremergencytech]

Absolutely! The Mini and the Mini 2 are both stand alone devices, except that you can't see maps without your smartphone. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@ChristiannTyler]

@@outdooremergencytech amazing thank you!

[@adventurus9768]

Which satellite messengers can you send and receive texts from other satellite messengers?

[@outdooremergencytech]

All of them, except for the SPOT Gen 3 and Gen 4, however, only the ACR Bivy Stick, ZOLEO, SPOT X and Somewear Global Hotspot have dedicated phone numbers so anyone who owns these can initiate a message to any one of these. The Garmin's can also message well, but the Garmin's have to initiate the message with these other manufacturers before they can message back to a Garmin user. inReach Garmin devices can initiate between each other with no problem. It's only the initial message from the Garmin devices to other manufacturers that is an issue. Let me know if this answers your question. Rick

[@adventurus9768]

Yes, you did answer my question. Thank you.

[@Isidore22]

Great stuff!

[@outdooremergencytech]

Thanks! Glad you liked it. Rick

[@MrAnd84]

I have a spot gen four and I want two way messaging. I used AllTrails for mapping. I am looking at the spot x Bluetooth or the zoleo what are your thoughts

[@outdooremergencytech]

Hey Tony. They both will do the job, but the SPOT X is a little large in my opinion. The ZOLEO is really good at messaging but can I make another recommendation for you to consider? Take a look at the ACR Bivystick and the new Garmin Messenger. Let me know if you have any other questions or need some additional direction. Rick

[@MrAnd84]

I don’t mind the size of the spot x and I like the price, it’s the same price as the zoleo on spots website. And the spot plans are cheaper then zoleo. What one is better with two way messaging? I have had a spot gen 4 for a while and I like the tracking spot offers. Thanks

[@outdooremergencytech]

From my field testing, I believe the ZOLEO is better at messaging, plus there are no holes in the satellite coverage as SPOT has, which isn't a problem as long as you don't travel to areas that SPOT doesn't have satellite service. Rick

[@MrAnd84]

With the testing you have done does the zoleo offer tracking like the spot. That’s one thing I liked about the gen 4 spot. People could follow along and see where I was. Thanks

[@outdooremergencytech]

Hey Tony. Yes, ZOLEO does offer Location Share+. You can see how it works in this article hikingemergencybeacon.com/zoleo-review-and-field-test/, and in this KZbin video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYjaooSbm7Kij7c. Let me know if you have any other questions. Rick

[@PeterKnagge]

I already have an ACR Res-Q-Link View, arguably the best and most reliable PLB on the market. With a 10 replaceable battery, and registered with the government on a more reliable global satellite network, no subscription required. It's not an off grid two way communication devices though. I dislike the Garmin mini because of the price and (subscription) cost. Also according to your videos, I wouldn't call the mini2 a true 2 way communicator as you demonstrated other devices can't initiate messages with it. Which I think is a dangerous and inconvenient major flaw in the device. As I already have a PLB I was holding off for maybe a bivvy stick when ACR improve the features. However I think the Apple emergency satellite, Qualcomm Snapdragon satellite, and Bullitt satellite communication inbuilt to your mobile phone will cause a major upset and make all these older 2 way communication devices obsolete and irrelevant. (I suspect in 5 years all high end mobile phones will have satellite communication capabilities.)

[@outdooremergencytech]

You make a lot of great points, but after trying out most all of the satellite communicators on the market, the Mini 2 is by far my favorite. I don't mind the cost and subscription plan costs but I understand that is an issue for a lot of people. As far as the Mini 2 and 2-way messaging, I agree that it would be nice to be able to initiate a message from another manufacturer, and hopefully they will fix that in the future. This is not a big issue for me though as I make sure my family and friends that I want to be able to contact me, know my inReach email address, so true 2-way messaging is possible, with them at least. The problem that may come up in the future is if there are people in my backpacking group that have other types of messengers, then I may get a little more irritated. As for the Apple SOS system. They are not even close to being competitive now, but as you brought up, watch out for the next several years of changes in the technology and what they provide, then Apple will start taking a big bite out of the satellite communicator market. Thanks for the great thoughts and comments. Rick

[@PeterKnagge]

@@outdooremergencytech thanks for your reply. You mentioned that you don't recommend your favourites only what works in the particular situation, and I appreciate that. Check out Qualcomm Snapdragon satellite or even Bullitt satellite as they are much more sophisticated than Apple emergency satellite. For example, Bullitt on the CAT rugged phones they manufacture are promising video satellite communication. Thanks again.

[@PeterKnagge]

@@outdooremergencytech p.s. if you like Garmin look at Qualcomm Snapdragon satellite as Qualcomm are partnering with Garmin on their InReach Iridium network. Happy trails, my friend.

[@outdooremergencytech]

Thanks Peter. I will check them out. Rick