InReach Messenger VS InReach Mini 2 // Which Garmin InReach to Get?

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I thought you were going to answer the question, "Which one do I bring on most of my adventures?" Maybe I missed the answer.

[@pringerx]

i was waiting for that too...

[@CandyLV72]

Checking the comments for which is the Go To

[@jamiejfowler]

So which one do you find more useful?

[@Dorkbike]

Exactly what I was questioning

[@mattchrabot7799]

@@Dorkbike same. I think if you have a Garmin watch that can integrates with inReach, the Messenger would be my choice. If I'm in trouble, I'd like something with a robust battery life. It does seem a bit clumsy since there isn't a solid way to fix the device to yourself or pack. Sure it has a lanyard attachment, but that's it. I typically have my Mini 1 zipped up in my running vest or backcountry ski bag, and typically operate it through my watch.

[@DrofJustice]

I love my mini2. We bring it every time to check in with my husband for his peace of mind. I mostly use my phone to type messages but have sent presets from the device. Hope to not ever need the SOS function, but glad to have it.

[@daveevans7151]

Just checked and Garmin has them on sale right now...mini2 is at $299 USD and the messenger is at $249 USD! I have the original mini and do not use the nav functions. I rely on my Gaia app for that as well as my watch...thinking about selling my mini and upgrading to the messenger (better battery, sat connection, and reverse charging). Good video!

[@jazzwyld1]

I'm planning to purchase the messenger with a Garmin watch and use Gaia for routing

[@Andyb2379]

Which is best? The one you have with you in an emergency 😁

[@jeromebullard6123]

How much is the subscription per month???? That’s like a really important factor for most people that aren’t millionaires.

[@hikebeyond]

Thanks for the great video and explanation, I couldn't decide which one to get but I'm going for the Inreach Messenger! Thanks Justin!

[@smeeglesapprentice1468]

What's your navigation system? Which one do you bring?

[@BluStarGalaxy]

Such useful little devices. Expensive but could save a life.

[@markgreen6437]

How do you carry the garmin messenger? In the mesh part of your backpack? Can you receive messages / good service like this still?

[@MattCooperKay]

They work in the top of your backpack pocket, even through fabric.

[@markgreen6437]

oh awesome thanks!@@MattCooperKay

[@NoOne-yt6yf]

The one that you don't carry on your shoulder strap. That's better.

[@sammmm87]

.why?

[@davidlocke1668]

⁠@@sammmm87maybe in case you fall? Or if you don’t want a “bad guy” to see your sos device

[@usanz94]

Good comparison, thanks. Makes my decision easier.

[@davidalderson7761]

The golden rule . Take a tracker whichever you can afford I use SPOT myself but Inreach 2 ( not one as battery is pants ).

[@fcalfo]

Super helpful info! Thank you so much!

[@marcrobyn4844]

I am on the fence with these for motorcycle travel. I want the device attached to my body somewhere incase of a crash and you can not get back to your bike. I like the messenger, but trying to figure out how to attach it to my jacket or gear vest.

[@j3hikes444]

another great review, keep em coming

[@90Zook]

Thanks for your review

[@Jdub970]

How can you strap/connect the garmin inreach messenger?

[@eddielmoss10]

Does the messenger have the same satellite antenna reception/gain performance as the Mini2

[@Chrissers2010]

I'm still researching this, but from what I am seeing, the "patch" antenna on the Messenger has a bit better reception than the antenna on the Mini 2. I would be glad to hear from anyone who has more information.

[@edduff875]

Any future reviews of ULA Equipment Backpacks or Slingfin tents ?

[@_Caffeine_1]

Could you do a inreach mini walk through for basic payment

[@alexherrera3918]

Do they work if inside of a school bus? I just need to track my son because cell signal is terrible in my area. Thanks.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Why would you need to track your son on a school bus? Are there lots of school bus jackings where you live? These things only update their track points every 10 minutes, unless you want to spend the big bucks for 2 minute updates ($65US/mth). A bus can travel a long distance in 10 mins.

[@ynotjf]

Pointless video! You said you were going to tell us which one you take with you most of the time, SO WHICH ONE??

[@bluestormcloud791]

He never said he was going to tell us. He was asking us a question. The correct answer would be “I don’t know which one you take on most of your adventures”.

[@anneli1735]

🤔 pointless comment @ynotjf as obviously you missed the end of the vid when he was pointing out the big advantages of the small one? BATTERY LIFE and compatibility with his phone (reverse charging and using the big screen on his phone) 😂

[@bwarrior6340]

Sometimes, just sometimes you need to make your own decisions.

[@Daniel-uj1nu]

If you don’t have something nice to say, best not to say anything at all.

[@ftrujillomunizaga]

So...?

[@Bikepacking]

What about live track website

[@dbgfwbe1497]

Thank you for your video, basically you confirmed that Messenger works exactly in the same way as the MINI 2 in respect to inReach functionalities related Fenix 7X. Right? Thank you so much for your feedback.

[@wolfeadventures]

So you can type custom messages on the messenger without your phone?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Yup

[@stevemartin8994]

Great comparison video!

[@j3ah0o]

Crazy how I watched the Mini 1 vs Mini 2 video before this, and he said the Mini 2 can get 30 days. Here he says 14 days...

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

For more demanding, remote destinations... I would not recommend either of these model devices. The fully-featured, standalone units (Explorer+ for example) are what I would highly suggest the way to go when considerations concern more challenging environments/conditions, venturing truly remote, outfitting, and when others in a group setting are potentially involved. With regards to these units in this video... Overreliances on Cell-phone integration/meshing is somewhat too much of a vulnerability issue in many respects due to likely dependencies of combination/fusing tech strategies. The other glaring major mistake many make (continually marketed & demonstrated) is the half-witted, ill-advised practice of clipping units onto packs, bags, bikes, boats, snowmachines, atvs... or exposed loops, belts, etc. Carry should be on-person, concealed/well-protected with loss prevention and damage safeguarding as paramount. Thoughtful tactics should be employed when it comes to loss-prevention and/or damage scenarios with reliable methods for retention (securities that may involve including retention redundancies).

[@bk6271]

shut up

[@breannanagy1342]

The InReach Mini2 can be used without a phone.

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

@@breannanagy1342 However... Not my relevent point here. Mini are designed to mainy integrate with cell phones. Limited otherwise. Fully featured stand alone units are indeed the far more suitable, optimal way to go in truly remote destinations as well as multi person use within a group.

[@breannanagy1342]

@@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397 I get what you're saying, but you can absolutely use these as stand alone units for their intended purpose. The cell phone integration just makes things much more user friendly. I personally would rather have an all-in-one unit that was user friendly and did not need to be integrated with a cell phone for those capabilities. I'm waiting for the day Garmin releases an outdoor watch like this - InReach emergency capabilities built into the watch that do not require it to be connected to a second device. I hate the idea of needing two devices to serve one purpose. However, the InReach Mini and Messenger absolutely don't need to be connected to a phone.

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

@@breannanagy1342 When I was an InReach dealer (Delorme timeline before Garmin days) One of the features I said to 'Delorme' these units should have and become a go-to must have is a Camera!!! This way you could FastTrack data from 1-tool/1-click-pic option (or several)... capture image and fill in data-points, edit, or whatever later in the day, trip, back home etc. It was a no-brainer... yet still waiting.

[@RowVsWade]

Justin says you don't need to connect to your phone--BUT you must initially set up the mini 2 with a smart phone and maintain it using a smart phone. If you don't have a smart phone the mini 2 DOES NOT WORK with just a computer. Hours spent with Garmin. Trust me on this!

[@JustinOutdoors]

I update my InReach mini 2 with my computer all the time

[@RowVsWade]

@@JustinOutdoors But . . . you need the phone to set it up. The first mini (not #2) is the only one you can enable w/o a smartphone. I wish this was not so! Spent a lot of time with Garmin tech support to confirm & had to return mine.

[@r-3675]

Wow someone without a smart phone

[@uploadtime1780]

​@@r-3675lightphone possibly

[@dustyroads834]

Just buy a Zoleo

[@______4790]

subscription is more, its heavier, and not standalone from the phone for any messaging. Both use iridium sats . garmin probably better

[@thatareis4260]

Up

[@Hike_and_Yap]

The in-reach has worse battery life and satellite range. And it costs $100 more 😂

[@Chrissers2010]

Both are "in-reach"

[@dayforit1750]

InReach 1 or 2 model?

[@jeromebullard6123]

I just read the reviews on these and there are LOTS of negative reviews. In fact, I’m willing to bet most of the positive reviews are “fake” paid reviews. Most people don’t even leave a review unless they have a bad experience.

[@kevinvesey5263]

Strange. I’ve had the mini 2 for a couple years now and it’s been great. I use it to keep in touch with my wife when our son and I are in the mountains dirt biking and camping. It’s really nice to be able to keep in contact and let her know where we are.