Garmin inReach Mini - Full Review

[@garywillis8737]

First proper Garmin inReach review that actually contains user experience and didn't just read off the spec sheet. Good job!

[@MrTian1212]

Can I add one more suggestion when using the device? When in the wildness, it’s better to put the device ON YOUR BODY all the time. Putting the device on your pack jeopardizes your chance of activating SOS under extreme circumstances, like falling off or crossing deep water. Having it on your belt might save your life, when you can’t reach your backpack.

[@jSyndeoMusic]

Totally, especially if you’ve broken a bone or something else that severely compromises your ability to reach back.

[@chrislrob]

This is a deep thought. I just ordered one today and never thought of this.

[@BLane805]

Thank you.

[@basell2007]

What if you fall over and break it? Safer in your pack I would of thought 💭 For example climbing a mountain, if you slipped and rolled it’s possible it may break ...

[@SimonSheehan01]

I have mine paired to my Garmin watch so I can operate the inreach from my wrist, so it ca stay out the way in my pack

[@JeremyOdom]

I have the inReach mini and I love that I can pair it with my Garmin Fenix 5 Plus watch. Unlike the Earthmate app, I can send presets directly from my watch and also get notifications from the inreach on my watch.

[@jSyndeoMusic]

For what it’s worth, while you can’t send presets from an Apple Watch, you will be able to get your notifications on there, if it’s paired to your phone. (I’ve tested this)

[@peakbagger7682]

Great review. I just picked up a Garmin Mini inReach yesterday. I think it is super neat. I have owned the Delorme InReach SE for a number of years and wanted something smaller. The motivation for buying the Mini is the "dive case" that can be bought separately. This allows you to take it underwater for scuba diving. It will not work underwater, but if a dive charter boat in the US or a foreign country forgets and leaves you at sea, you have a chance to be rescued; most divers left behind at sea are never found. I have the InReach for peace of mind for my wife when I am hiking, boating, or fishing. When I did Elephant Mountain in Northwestern Maine, a remote bushwhack, for the Appalachian Mountain Club's New England Hundred Highest club, My wife said when I got back home: YOU WERE REALLY REMOTE! I responded that if I had ever gone down in the stand of thick balsa fir near the summit, I might never be found if I didn't have such a device. Many years earlier while doing one of the AMC's NH 4000-Footers and while bushwhacking through super thick balsa fir with my compass inches from my nose, Both I & my two dogs fell off a 15-foot drop-off. I laid there for sometime before one of the dogs starting licking my face. I didn't have such a device then. Note: I see this device does navigation. It would have been interesting to know how good this function is. My Delorme InReach SE couldn't do navigation.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Glad you were okay from the fall! The mini is definitely the best gear purchase I ever made. Such great peace of mind and truly capable in emergencies. As far as navigation, you can log your location via tracking if you need to leave a bread crumb trail, and you can see your position on a map via the Earthmate app. The tracking seems fine, and the Earthmate app does it's job, but it's nowhere near as feature rich as a paid GPS app like Gaia GPS. If you do serious off trail bushwhacking, and especially if you plan routes ahead of time and need to upload custom maps and location files, I'd use Gaia or something similar for navigation (but of course, the InReach is still immensely helpful as a messenger).

[@brunot7898]

For once, I managed ton convince my wife that I could spend some bucks on a device with her approval, after she watched your review !! Thanks !!

[@DanGoesHiking]

Woohoo! Glad I could be of assistance 😁

[@armyofone33w]

Purchased after watching yours and several other reviews. Love it! I'm using it mainly for cross country motorcycle trips. Its clipped to me so if something happens and I don't have cell, I can get help right away. Also very convenient for wife to check up on me as well as send me a message I need to check in. So far, I'm very impressed with it.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Glad to hear it's worked well for you!

[@peteransel2715]

Great review! I bought the larger inReach Explorer + (before the Mini came out), and it has saved my ass twice while out in the wilderness! About to buy the Mini for my niece who hikes a lot. With today's great offline, smart phone mapping apps, the GPS feature of the larger version is almost obsolete, unless you like redundancy/back up, where safety is concerned, which I do. Plus I'm dirt bike camping, so the few extra ounces of the larger unit don't matter. I don't however agree with the advice of clipping the device to the outside of your pack or to a belt loop. If you have even a small fall while walking or riding on the trail, it may become unclipped, and you may not notice until hours later, when you need it. Keep it zipped in a pocket, but easy to reach.

[@DanGoesHiking]

So you advise to keep the InReach in reach? 😁 Sorry, I couldn't resist 😂 Glad to hear you've had a good experience, and I hear ya about keeping it where you can see it. I used to carry it on the back of my pack for better signal, but that made me so uncomfortable since I wouldn't know if it somehow fell off.

[@jSyndeoMusic]

Dan Goes Hiking I like the compromise of having it on your shoulder strap. Should still have a good signal, and you can see if it’s still there at a glance. If you have the neon orange model, you should also be able to notice it falling off, even from your peripheral vision.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

This thing is still awesome and is the best satellite device. Works world wide . Small and compact

[@devonwharton9244]

I was waffling over the purchase of this device but your thoughtful and informative advice has cemented my decision. I will be ordering promptly. Thank you sir!

[@MisfitsFiendClub138]

Thank you for doing a very honest review. Alawys want to hear what people dislike about a product as well as like. Thanks for being very details specific about the different features. Happy Trails!

[@scottburghart9278]

Extremely thorough and informative review. Thank you!

[@jordan4220]

I bought the spot gen3 then read reviews and was forced to take it back. Also didn't like the subscription ($200) per year. This Garmin is only $20 per month cancel anytime. Though there is a $29 yearly fee on the Garmin as well. I ended up buying the Garmin and I'm quite happy. Also I like the iridium satellite constellation a lot more.

[@thomassibalski958]

Love my mini, like the feature that when sending msg the mini has a sending sound that the spot does not have. Now go to the next level and go through each of the features and the how to. with regards to the mini. This would help many who can't make up their minds. I love the device. And oh yea, nice job. Thanks.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Glad you're a mini fan! I was thinking of doing an in-the-field video with the mini. Perhaps on my next hike! Thanks for watching!

[@thomassibalski958]

@@DanGoesHiking No, thank you

[@Dom-o9q]

A.P.R.S works great! Although you do need to pass a FCC test in order to use this mode. I’ve found it to work very well for me.

[@gjorewicz]

Thanks for the review... My wife wanted me to add an extra layer of security on my backpacking trips, and this seems like the best option out there from a weight/size/functionality standpoint. Cheers!

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks for watching!

[@sKunKeNsTeiN]

Thanks for clarifying about he Personal Location Beacon. Thats pretty much all I need as I don't need to send messages

[@DanGoesHiking]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@thomasd1323]

Hi there. Nice review. I have used the mini for about 6 months and I am really happy about it. Regarding the issue with not be able to send the preset message from app, this can be done with a Garmin watch using their ant communication. I also have the mini hanging on my backpack and with my Garmin fenix 5x watch on my wrist and I can send all the preset and other messages with a few push. I also recieve all the incoming messages and can read them on the watch. I almost never use the mini itself and think this is great. You have to spend the same amount of money on the watch though. Happy newyear from Norway

[@DanGoesHiking]

How cool! I'll have to add the watch to my wish list. That sounds super convenient. Thanks for watching, Thomas!

[@codymac181]

I love my inreach mini, just worth knowing you have a connection to the world and first respondents if you need it.

[@RachelWhelton]

I hope Garmin watches this review and makes a few improvements as you suggest. Also it is cool to read the comments here because others made helpful remarks and positive input. Knowing this thing works for other people helps me believe in it enough to pay the price.

[@DanGoesHiking]

It hasn't let me down yet! One of the best backpacking purchases I made.

[@offthebeatenpath9144]

👍👍🇨🇦. I was bouncing between the mini and spot, mini is the one. Great review.

[@seanemma9559]

Did you buy the mini and do you like it ? I’m looking at the spit or the mini

[@offthebeatenpath9144]

Kawasaki Fan Favourite Bought the mini but if I was buying today I’d be looking at the Zoleo. The inReach Mini works great but I use the messaging feature the most with SOS as a back up. I haven’t used the tracking function at all. If messaging then SOS then route tracking are the order of priority you might want to compare the mini with the Zoleo. Cheers.

[@seanemma9559]

Off the Beaten Path thank you very much

[@mitch60mccoy]

Great review. Very helpful. I had already done a bunch of research, but yours was still far more informative and helpful. Thanks for sharing!

[@alexwbanks70]

Thanks for the really great review Dan. I think I'll be getting one of the mini's. I'm hiking the JMT this year (2019) and do several other hikes each year where I'd like to keep in touch with my wife.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Have fun on the JMT! I'm jealous! I'm sure you'll be very pleased with the mini.

[@BrownFamSpfld]

Very nice review of real-life use and features! Subbed

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thank you!

[@pablosolano4983]

Hi Dan, I think I know why Garmin won’t let you set preset messages from the app on the phone. I am considering buying the device, so I checked your video. I think it’s Garmin’s way to force you to learn the device, just in case your phone breaks and you’re into the wild. Also, for billing? This way it’s clear what are unlimited messages and which ones will count against your plan. See you out there.

[@DanGoesHiking]

That could be it!

[@icychap]

Really excellent review. Thanks for sharing!

[@Mesamanpruitt]

@7:44 its called an inreach for a reason. Thanks for the info Dan.

[@TERMINATOR1959]

You can change your PreSet Messages on the desktop and then just connect the Mini to the PC via the USB cord and sync. "Only" a 2 step process but it is better than the 3 step process you talk about of Desktop -> Phone Earthmate - > Mini

[@PrimevalFan100]

Thanks for the awsome review. I'm currently planning a trip on the PCT next year. Is there a feature to include your current coordinates? Maybe into the pre-set messages? How do you use it for letting people know where you are at? Is there a site where they can follow the tracking points if you have the feature on? Sorry for that many questions :)

[@DanGoesHiking]

Best of luck on your PCT hike! The short answer to all your questions is yes. There's an option in the account settings (have to log in through a browser) to include GPS coordinates with all your messages, including presets. Garmin also has a feature called MapShare where friends can view your tracks on a map via a browser. You just send them the link in advance (you can password protect it if you don't want it public). From there, friends can also ping your location if they want to know where you are (the cost of this depends on your plan). Hope that helps!

[@PrimevalFan100]

That's awsome, yeah it helped for sure. Going to add it on my wishlist. Thank you!

[@thuthiehiker]

Great review. Just set mine up. Thanks for clarifying the earth mate and preset messages. That is definitely weird that they don't allow that. Maybe someday soon. Thank you.

[@advmatt]

Thanks for the review, it was really helpful. I am looking to get one for motorcycle adventures.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@gregkorgeski8159]

Best review I've seen for this! Thanks!

[@MartinPoirier]

Good review Dan. I'm planning a bikepacking trip in November in Death Valley, US on my fatbike and was looking for a satellite communicator. The inReach Mini seems like the best one by your review. Thanks. Martin.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Have fun (and stay safe!). Hope the mini works well for you. Thanks for watching!

[@Trad-Am]

Another big reason for the full size is, if your in cold weather, both your phone battery, and little inreach battery is losing 20-30% of charge.

[@shanedestadler1270]

Just a heads up, I purchased this product but the Inreach weather does not work in all ocean passages, it is quite limited. Check the areas that it has coverage in before purchasing it.

[@normturner]

Good review! Covered most of the questions I had about the device. Thanks.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Glad you found it helpful, Norman! Thanks for watching!

[@JADudley]

I love my irm* picked it up incase of shtf or being in a dead zone as an otr truck driver around the country to keep in contact with my wife and son or if an emergency happens and cell service is down I can alert who needs to get there. I have not needed to try the sos button however when I do need to I expect it to work

[@DanGoesHiking]

Glad it's worked well for you! Yeah, I've also found it to be very reliable. Thanks for watching!

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

get the thing sorted out ahead of time - right now my unit (via the Garmin website) is refusing to add a new contact !!

[@walterwadlow9438]

Thanks for a really thorough, relevant review!

[@tombremer514]

Heads up; why you can't edit your preset messages on your device or your earth-map. The device only sends a (cheap) one digit message, and the real message gets a translation at their site. That makes it free and unlimited.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Aha, makes sense. Thanks for sharing!

[@jordan4220]

But there is no reason to use the website. Your phone has access to the internet, so you could update the message on your phone and behind the scenes it could log into the website and update the entry automatically.

[@davidripley3945]

It does pair with iPad Mimi. I have inReach Mini 2.

[@bicycleninja1685]

Great review! Hits all the important points.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

even in Earthmate on your iphone , you need to type in recipient addresses VERY carefully

[@inflatablegames]

Awesome review! Great job.

[@dghchs]

Great Review. Perfect. Impressed.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

First I looked at an all inclusive GPS/ In Reach like the 66i. The draw backs to that is the cost of an all inclusive unit isn't a whole lot different than separate units. And if you have one device and it fails, you are left with zero devices. If you go with a separate in-reach and a separate GPS, if one fails, you have the other, (assuming your smart phone also functions so as to use the Earthmate app). If you want to upgrade either one it is cheaper as well. I am sold on the Garmin in-reach mini, but I have not decided on the GPS. I think I want one that uses AA batteries. Any store I come across will have AA batteries.

[@JKsouthwest]

Great review, I love my Garmin inReach Mini!

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks for watching!

[@idiotbox37]

Thanks for the review! How long does the battery typically last you? Do you use the tracking points or location pings?

[@DanGoesHiking]

Garmin claims 90 hours with 10 minute tracking. If I just leave it on (no tracking) so it still checks for new messages occasionally, it's gotten down to 75% after two days. I don't typically use tracking or pings, but when I have they worked well. Thanks for watching!

[@FranksBmwAdv]

I just got the Zoleo and am testing it, my first opinion is they need to really do alot to catch up with others on market, the App is terrible, the setup is terrible as well. Very confusing setting contacts for sms and sos. device seems very limited in capabilities but price was only 199$ 20 bucks a month for basic plan. Im heading out west for winter for some hiking and riding MC so I need something for emergencys and checking in here and there.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks for the thoughts on the Zoleo! There seems to be a lot of new entries on the market the past few years

[@stefano.bellelli]

Thanks!! Great video! Are received message counted in the plan or just the once sent home?

[@DanGoesHiking]

The messages in your plan are the number you can both send and/or receive.

[@osvaldorey5118]

Thank you for a useful review.

[@itsjustplainsailing5189]

When you send any of the message types does it send your location to the recipient also , or will that only apply in sos mode?

[@DanGoesHiking]

Yes, it includes your gps coordinates and a link that shows your location on a map. But you need to enable this in the settings

[@itsjustplainsailing5189]

Brilliant, looks perfect. I did look into that cheaper version you mentioned but it’s only available for people with us postal addresses . Will try this out instead, great review thanks

[@adamr8628]

shocking how expensive the inreach mini 2 is. especially compared to other Garmin products. for example, a fish locator has a full color touch screen, detailed maps, GPS, as well as sonar, a transducer, and very detailed menus and features. A locator such as the Striker 4 has all of those feature and is only about $150. By comparison, and inreach mini has way way less to it than that, and shouldn't cost more than $100. Instead, it sells for $300-400 and on top of that you have to pay monthly for it. I understand the subscription fees, but the base unit is extremely expensive for what Garmin sells in comparison, when you look at the piece of hardware and how it lacks so much compared to other Garmin products.

[@leootp22]

Very informative review! Great job

[@ddff5242]

actually a acr prb isnt as cheap as you might think. For example acr requires a professional battery and diagnostics testing every 5 years. The cost? 125-250 dollars.... do the math and thats about the same price as the annual fees on the garmin in reach mini over the course of the same 5 years plus you get way more functionality in an inreach mini type device...

[@aaaaanton1]

A very good review!

[@norwegianoutdooradventuren5376]

Great review. Can't wait to start using my mini :o)

[@iwantcartonsofchocolatemil6999]

Great video! I subscribed!

[@Pimptorious69]

Great product. I think it is over priced compared to its big brothers.

[@alorr4uz]

Garmin in general is overpriced and none of their units is user friendly, they suck every penny they can from you for underwhelming technology.

[@icychap]

Quick question - does your phone need to be on (or even with you) in order to send messages with the device? Thanks.

[@DanGoesHiking]

No, but it's far faster to use your phone for typing messages. It's tedious doing it on the device, but it can be done.

[@icychap]

@@DanGoesHiking In circumstances in which I would be bringing the IRM (e.g. canoeing, ice climbing), my phone will probably be off, and stowed in a waterproof container. Unless I had a problem, I expect I would only use the preset messages. So this sounds perfect for me. Thanks!

[@DanGoesHiking]

That's pretty much what I do too. I keep Bluetooth off on my phone and the IRM to save a little battery, which works fine since I use the presets 99% of the time.

[@sonictech1000]

I've been looking for one of these for my parents who hike and camp in Utah. They're pretty low tech folks (flip phone and paper maps). If they ever had to use the SOS feature do you think it's likely they would be able to text useful info back and forth to first responders using this device alone or is the interface just too limited?

[@DanGoesHiking]

I think it's possible if you show them how. It's fairly straightforward, but it's tedious typing messages on the device. You might want to think of the larger InReach for this reason.

[@jaredwhite489]

So this? Or GoTenna?

[@carmeno296]

Hi - I am thinking on buying the InReach but I jut found out the mini 2 is out and cost 50 more then gen 1 - my question is it's worth it to expende 400 when I do not go back packing - I pretty much need it for local hikings and tracking my location - also from your other video I learned the cost of the subscription - so in your opinion should I get it, it is worth it for local hiking and will the Explorer app (new) I will be able to see the hiking trails or will I need to pay more for the maps? Thank you for your time and hope to hear back

[@DanGoesHiking]

Good questions! The Mini 2 seems like a really nice upgrade, in particular the amazing battery life. That's probably not super important if you're mainly day hiking, but it's up to you if the extra $50 is worth it for the Mini 2 (my guess is Garmin will phase out the original Mini so you might not be able to get it much longer). As far as whether it's worth getting at all, I think that depends what kind of hiking you're doing. If you go places where cell signal can't be relied upon, I think the Inreach is a fantastic safety device (I personally think day hiking has just as many safety concerns as backpacking). If you're looking to save money, you could wait until REI has one of their 20% off sales to get a nice chunk taken out of the price.

[@Elbribon1]

Mini or gps 66i what is better?

[@metouw]

Nice review! However I don't fully understand all of the Minis functions. Can it provide you with your exact coordinates (I assume 'yes')? Even further is it possible to make a preset message saying "Hi, I'm fine. Right now I'm here: "? That would be so valuable to me!

[@DanGoesHiking]

Yes and sort of! It will display your coordinates on the mini's screen, and you can see your position on a map of you pair it with the Earthmate app. For the preset, there's an option to include a link that will take the recipient to a map showing your location, and I believe it also includes the GPS coordinates in the text itself. So while you can't program it to say exactly how you said it, functionally it can do the same thing.

[@metouw]

@@DanGoesHiking Fantastic! Just what I need. And thank you for the quick response bud!

[@abseconPC]

Is it worth it for a truck driver if you break down with there's no Qualcomm coverage or cell phone coverage

[@DanGoesHiking]

I've brought mine on long road trips for that very reason. Fortunately I haven't had the need to use it for that purpose, but it could be handy to have to text for help.

[@scottlandb6579]

I couldn’t agree more. One additional thing is I’ve noticed the earth mate app/satellite view is old as fuck. We’ve had a road going through one of our canyons for what has been minimum of 10 years and it doesn’t even show. I’m not sure if I’m missing a map update somewhere or what??? But that is really not good as far as earth mate. The syncing and website then app etc, is so cumbersome but that is so garmin. Everything is such a stupid process. However, they are rad to have for both msg’ing and emergencies. 👍🏼

[@michaelp1856]

How is the experience for those receiving the message? Do they need to be running the Earthmate app, & pre-set as the recipient of your messages, or can messages be sent to any phone as SMS?

[@DanGoesHiking]

For recipients, the message just arrives as a regular text from a phone number (in my case, that phone number that shows up on the recipient's end has always been the same. I imagine the same is true for all Garmin customers). If you include the option, your GPS coordinates will also appear in the text, as well as your signature and a link that opens a map showing the location of where the message was sent

[@sir_cornholio5]

the other thing you didn't mention is it's not about leaving your phone at home or not wanting to use it what if your phone dies while you're on a ten-day Pike. That means you can't use the device. Those are too big factors

[@DanGoesHiking]

You absolutely can still use the device without a phone. You can do just about everything except see yourself on a map. Typing custom texts on the device is a pain, but it can be done. Also, like I mentioned in my previous reply, any backpacker out for that long will probably bring enough external battery storage to keep their electronics charged, so hopefully having a dead phone isn't an issue. But like I said, even if that happens you can definitely still use the mini.

[@JordanVV]

Thanks for a great video. I plan to purchase the inReach Mini. Question: If I hit the SOS button - will SAR know that I've contacted them on a device that can send and receive? I would then expect a message from them to which I can then reply with details on my condition? SAR appreciates receiving those details, instead of just an SOS (which is why I'm getting rid of the spot Gen3). Thanks.

[@DanGoesHiking]

I believe that is the case. You should be able to communicate with SAR through the messaging function (although don't hold me to that!).

[@JordanVV]

@@DanGoesHiking Found this helpful article - sounds like SAR will try to contact you once they receive the message which will identify the equipment as something capable of two way texting. hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/when-to-initiate-a-backcountry-rescue-with-your-garmin-inreach-plb-or-spot/

[@DanGoesHiking]

Awesome! That's for confirming!

[@nealp4089]

Hi, great review! I'm looking for satellite capabilities since unfortunately I've needed to contact search and rescue twice in the past 3 years for members of my hiking group (one was a very bad ankle break less than 2 months ago), and getting help was very difficult (hiking in Colorado wilderness where there was no cell service). This would have made everything a whole lot easier! I already have a Garmin Oregon 700 (and iPhone w/ Apple Watch), so was thinking this might be the way to go to augment the Oregon 700. Don't know if you've looked at the Garmin GPSmap 66i, as this looks like it might combine both the inReach Mini and the Oregon?

[@DanGoesHiking]

I hadn't heard of the 66i, but it seems like an interesting device. For mapping, I rely on my smartphone paired with a solid mapping app (such as GaiaGPS). The screen is 100 times better than a standalone GPS device, and I already bring my phone with me anyway so there's no weight or price penalty. But if you already have the Oregon 700 and prefer using that for mapping, then yes I think the inReach Mini would make a great companion device. Thanks for watching!

[@MovinOnBob]

Great review.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks for watching!

[@leo2944]

You can send a message to a normal cellphone?

[@DanGoesHiking]

Yep, any normal cell number. And that person can text you back.

[@leo2944]

@@DanGoesHiking thanks!!!

[@ginam2618]

If I want GPS and SOS, do you recommend the Garmin 66i instead of using Gaia GPS and the Garmin Inreach Mini?

[@DanGoesHiking]

Ultimately it's personal preference, but for me I would rather use Gaia GPS with the mini. I've never used the 66i, but I absolutely love using my phone with Gaia for navigation. Screen is so much bigger and nicer than a handheld like the 66i, not to mention the mini plus Gaia is cheaper.

[@Mannix007]

Dan, I'm curios about something. Why would you use your Garmin to send a text (after connecting it to a phone or iPad) instead of just using the phone to send a text?

[@DanGoesHiking]

I use the Garmin when there's no cell signal. Connecting it to your phone just let's you type the message more easily, but when you press send it actually gets sent through the Garmin.

[@Mannix007]

@@DanGoesHiking ahhhh, that makes perfect sense. You can STILL do it thru the phone even when there's no cell service, as long as the inReach is connected via bluetooth. Many thanks Dan!

[@DanGoesHiking]

Exactly! Thanks for watching!

[@christianb8228]

So wait is it possible to use Gaia gps app with the garmin in reach mini?

[@DanGoesHiking]

You don't use them in conjunction with each other. Gaia is a standalone app that uses your phone's GPS, so it has nothing to do with the inreach

[@charlyguyetand842]

Hi Dan, that's a great review man! But two questions : can I see how many miles or KM I walk per day? So can I check it on the earthmate app using my smartphone (which is on airplane mode) ? Thanks, have a good day :) Charly

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks for watching, Charly! Yes, you can use tracking and set different intervals like 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. The more frequent intervals will be more accurate but use more battery. And yes, you can see your tracks on the Earthmate app even when it's on airplane mode. Hope this helps!

[@charlyguyetand842]

@@DanGoesHiking Sure it helps Dan, thank you very much for your answer! :)

[@hike2024]

With texting, can you text anyone with a smart phone, or does it require the person you are texting to also have an Inreach device?

[@DanGoesHiking]

You can text anyone with a cell phone. The recipient doesn't need an InReach.

[@hike2024]

@@DanGoesHiking Thank you for the quick response. I just ordered mine. Also, enjoyed your video, it was very helpful.

[@kevinstarski1598]

If I dont want to bring my cell phone with me while hiking (since theres no reception anyway) is there a advantage to Mini over Explorer or vice versa?

[@DanGoesHiking]

If not bringing a phone, the full size Explorer is easier to use because of the larger size, and the "+" version can have maps loaded on the device. But in my own opinion, bringing a phone is worth it just to be able to pair with the Earthmate app, which you can do with both the mini and regular. Maps are much easier to use on your phone, and so is typing messages. Hope that helps!

[@gomitch2]

Can you send that text message to anyone who has a cell phone number, even in OTHER COUNTRIES? Such as USA to the Philippines?

[@DanGoesHiking]

Yes, you can text any number. You can also have the message sent to an email, or both. Thanks for watching!

[@setholiver8481]

Just curious if all received messages to the inreach count against you monthly message limit, or if they could be used as preset messages too? For example, if I preset message "Okay" can I get a preset "Okay" back from my wife. Just trying to decided on plan size. Thanks for the review.

[@DanGoesHiking]

All messages received count against your monthly text messages. There's no way to have your wife send a "preset" message; it can only be a custom text. Keep in mind that messages over your limit are only $0.10 each, so depending on how many you send/receive it might take quite a few messages before it's cheaper to go with a pricier plan. Hope you like it!

[@setholiver8481]

@@DanGoesHiking It's definitely in my shopping cart. We had a girl I work with get lost over night with her 80 year old grandma earlier this week. They were found safe and sound, but it finally sealed the deal for me.

[@DanGoesHiking]

It's probably the most responsible piece of gear I own. Definitely a great safety item!

[@graciel3725]

If you push the sos, do you get a bill for rescue?

[@DanGoesHiking]

Not sure how that works, but it probably depends on a lot of factors, such as what exactly had to happen for a rescue (park ranger walking a half mile vs. a helicopter), your health insurance and if you purchased extra SOS insurance, etc.

[@bjschofied1]

I got caught in a really bad storm offshore fishing yesterday. All of my fishing buddies were calling and texting me to warm but we all know there is no signal out there. Would they be able to text me with this device?

[@DanGoesHiking]

Yes they would, as long as they had the number for the InReach.

[@bjschofied1]

@@DanGoesHiking thanks! Ordering today.

[@Xmaster_404]

Do i need to have a suscription to send the 3 preset messages ? Or is free of the suscription ?

[@DanGoesHiking]

You needed a subscription to send any messages, including preset and SOS.

[@david894]

Does it work at all without the subscription? For example, will the SOS itself work without the subscription?

[@DanGoesHiking]

No, a subscription is needed for all messaging and tracking features, including SOS.

[@colinisnowlostincolorado]

Do your have to preset text (phone numbers) through Garmin online before sending a message out in the middle of nowhere? Or can you text a message to anyone using Bluetooth from your phone. I do bike rides here in NW Colorado and once you hit the mountains (no cell service) and it would be great to be able to send a message to my wife that I'm alright, just checking in, or in trouble.

[@DanGoesHiking]

For your three preset messages (the ones that don't count against your text message quota) you need to specify those phone numbers in advance online through your account. But for custom texts, the Earthmate app pairs with the contacts in your phone automatically, or you can type in a specific number.

[@colinisnowlostincolorado]

@@DanGoesHiking is there a limit of preset numbers you can communicate with?

[@AnthonyJoh]

Can you communicate with SOS responders through the app?

[@DanGoesHiking]

Yes you can. One of the great benefits versus an SOS-only device like a PLB.

[@AnthonyJoh]

@@DanGoesHiking Great thanks. I really enjoyed your cost breakdown video as well. Made it clear for me which plan I should sign up for.

[@stevecarlisle3323]

How would you expect to send a text, created in the earth mate app, when you have NO cellular connection. The whole reason for the InReach is that it is SatCom! Am I missing something ?

[@DanGoesHiking]

I'm a little confused by the question... When I say send a "text", I don't mean to imply that your phone actually transmits an SMS message via cell towers. What I mean is your recipient is able to receive a text message from your inreach via satellite. On the recipient's end, it's no different then receiving and replying to any normal text message. Even on your end with the earthmate app, it feels very similar to texting, but again it of course transmits via satellite, not cell towers. Hope that clears it up!

[@stevecarlisle3323]

@@DanGoesHiking thanks, so your earth mate app creates the text, sending it to the mini, via Bluetooth? Thanks for the quick response, great video

[@DanGoesHiking]

Exactly! You can also write the message from the inreach itself, but that takes forever.

[@curtkautsch]

I’m a new mini owner. I’m finding the free preset messages are emails only which is really disappointing...

[@DanGoesHiking]

The presets can also be text messages. You need to enter a phone number for the recipient(s) in the messages section of your account through Garmin's website. I only use texts for presets because it's easier for my recipients to reply to me that way.

[@tooner8283]

Is the weight saving worth buy a a sat phone with pre paid Minutes and text.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Unless you're a guide leading expeditions/tours, I don't think sat phones are worth the cost for the average backpacker. A simple SOS button and check-in features are more than enough for most.

[@tooner8283]

I am glad that the KZbin community has my back

[@tooner8283]

I wanted to let you know that I broke down and got this unit. My wife is more than “super” pleased that I can at least let her know where I am. Solo hiker.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@karinhart489]

If you are using the Freedom plan can you use it on one kind of service most of the tim (say basic), but switch to expedition for one month, then switch back?

[@DanGoesHiking]

Yep, you can switch back and forth between plans.

[@karinhart489]

Thx for answering so quick. I am looking at something like this for a long car camping trip I’m planning next summer, much of which goes through cellphone dead zones. It seems to me it would be worth paying extra for a month of Expedition service well in advance of trip so you can figure out how everything works so you can get questions answered. Sometimes I’m a little slow at figuring out new gizmos.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Depending on how many texts you plan on sending, you might be okay with a cheaper plan. Texts beyond your allowance are only $0.10 each, so you'd have to estimate how many you plan on sending/receiving and see what's the best option for you. In any case, in sure you'll love the device! Have fun on your trip!

[@traveling_on_2wheels]

Do you need cell phone service to use all features of the inreach? Or can you still have all features even if your cellphone has not service

[@DanGoesHiking]

No, you don't need cell service.

[@traveling_on_2wheels]

So in reality the inreach mini offers basically the same features as the explorer if paired with the smartphone? Thank you for your help!

[@DanGoesHiking]

Yes, pretty much all the same features as the Explorer, just smaller, lighter, and cheaper. You can actually type on the mini itself without a smartphone, but it's slow and tedious. Also, the Explorer+ has the ability to add maps right to the device. But there are so many great map apps for your phone so I don't think it's worth it (your phone's gps still works even without cell signal)

[@DanGoesHiking]

You do NOT need cell service to use all the inreach features

[@stevek8829]

Is there a phone app that lets you type texts without using the joystick method on the Garmin?

[@DanGoesHiking]

Yes, use Garmin's Earthmate app. It pairs with InReach devices so you can text on the app.

[@juandemin2930]

Hello!!! do you need ans active subscription to be able to connect the Garmin with Earthmate in the phone? Or, without any cost you can navigate with the screen of your cell phone? thank you!!!

[@DanGoesHiking]

The Earthmate app actually uses the GPS built into your phone to find yourself on its map (but it uses the InReach for tracking). If you're just looking to use your phone for navigation (not satellite messaging) I'd recommend you check out a different standalone GPS app, such as GaiaGPS. It's way more feature packed than the Earthmate app as far as maps and navigation go.

[@drive-n-seek]

I believe Juan is asking the same question as I am. However, I am already using Gaia on my iPad and would like to know if the InReach subscription must be active to have it navigate. I want to use the InReach as a GPS antenna on a device that does not have GPS capability. I know there are less expensive options, from Garmin, and from Dual, but I would like to have the option to activate the subscription for trips that I feel more require the safety of what that device offers. I would like to use it without messaging for simple trips where I'm only logging waypoints. Thanks!

[@ReneaDooserider]

Does this offer a SOV like the spot 3 ? Save my vehicle. ?

[@DanGoesHiking]

No, this isn't intended to be used to detect if something was stolen

[@ninjatops99]

How much does the earthmate drain cell phone battery? I find that anytime you have to pair devices it drains the cell phone battery.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Technically, it shouldn't drain your phone battery any more than pairing to other devices, but it all depends on how much you use your phone. I tend to only turn Bluetooth on when I need to pair the device. Likewise with the inReach itself. I found a noticeable difference in battery life of the device if I leave Bluetooth off except when I need it. Hope that helps!

[@traceefrick2338]

I just bought the mini. Overall I really like it but I noticed the milage is way off. I hiked 14.6 miles but the mini reported 12.7. I was with two others who used different tracking apps and they both logged 14.6. Anyone else have this issue?

[@janicekennah1824]

following...I'd like to know also

[@robertm3951]

I think it is good to have a PLB along with any of these devices. That way you will have something else when the battery runs down

[@DiviTivi]

What's the difference between a "tracking point" and a "location ping"?

[@DanGoesHiking]

Tracking is something you turn on yourself as the hiker to plot your route. A ping is when someone back home can go on the Garmin website and "ping" your location to see where you are. The plans have different options for tracking and pings. Hope that helps!

[@DiviTivi]

Dan Goes Hiking Thanks for the explanation!

[@dirtfarmers]

Fantastic video, thanks for posting!

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks for watching!

[@ahgefen]

Hey, is this device is good for hiking and boating? Cheers

[@DanGoesHiking]

I would think it'd be fine for boating. It's waterproof rated to only 1 meter, so you'd have to be careful not to drop it overboard. Garmin makes some marine GPS units that float, but I don't believe they have messaging capabilities. Thanks for watching!

[@scottmuck]

It’s good for activities that take place on the surface of the Earth. I wouldn’t recommend it for deep sea exploration or spelunking. Or for activities outside of the sphere of Iridium coverage, for example exploring the surface of the moon or other planets besides Earth.