The inReach Mini by Garmin [Review]

[@zoomed8122]

I bought one of these before going out on a solo ride in Utah. I spent around an hour setting everything up before I hit the trail. Out of nowhere, my bike lost all electrical power. I had to hike back 15 miles to get to my truck. Luckily I wasn’t injured and was able to text my wife, no cell service in remote UT, to keep her in the loop. Make no mistake, $350 is chump change when you are alone in a remote place with no communication equipment.

[@AdventureRig]

John Compton You’re right about that! Glad it was only mechanical and you didn’t have an accident.

[@sandrasalinas9787]

Omg !!! Are you serious? I’m glad your ok. I love Utah and plan to hike any go camping with friends but would like to purchase this to feel safe. I don’t want to get accidentally killed lol

[@millenium2003]

Do you pay a subscription for messaging?

[@captaincoyote1792]

This was an outstanding review video…direct, to the point, informative. I’m 66, still very active. I was on the fence about buying one of these….but my wife wasn’t. I had a failed AT thru-hike attempt, where an old Navy back injury flared up “ten miles from Nowhere, Pennsylvania”. I had to literally hobble to the top of a peak, to get good cell coverage, and call my wife in Massachusetts to “come get me”. More recently, I fell about 20 ft from a rock scramble while hiking with my dog….cracked a couple ribs…I was able to hold onto my Aussie’s leash and hike out 5 miles to the trailhead…..where my wife picked me up. Her response to me? “You’re getting this damned Inreach thing!” I might be in the doghouse, but I guess I’m not on the fence any more.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for the comment, G M. Sounds like it's time for you to invest in one. We don't do anything without it.

[@Roberta_Esposito]

Greylock 🏠

[@yepimaguyfromoc]

I saw other videos on this device and I kinda got bored. This guy's video review was straight to the point and explained everything well. Good job on keeping me awake and interested in this device!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@jonothandoeser]

A.D.D.?

[@yepimaguyfromoc]

@@jonothandoeser T.r.o.l.l?

[@earlteigrob9211]

Great review!!! I use it mostly like you as well because virtually all my mountain biking and hiking is out of cell coverage. I charge the batters once in a while, run the test at the same time, leave it off and keep it in my pack and only turn it on for an emergency. Only if I am on my own in a very remote area will I turn on the tracking. Its great to know I have a red button to push if I need help for myself or others.

[@AdventureRig]

Yeah agree with all that.

[@colewalliser]

Great review dude!, super helpful. I think I’ll grab one!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Cole.

[@emil7834]

Hey Cole you Glambot genius!

[@alexphoenix6041]

i guess I'm kind of randomly asking but do anybody know a good website to stream newly released tv shows online ?

[@zavierarthur1589]

@Alex Phoenix Flixportal :)

[@alexphoenix6041]

@Zavier Arthur thank you, I went there and it seems like a nice service :) Appreciate it!

[@StephenClarkDobson]

Great video. We just moved to Alaska from Florida in August '21. I just bought this Garmin tonight to carry when exploring, hunting, fishing, and so on. I also feel it is a bit pricey, but like you said, what is the value of your life? I'm setting up service plan soon. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of this product. Godspeed!

[@AdventureRig]

Have fun in AK!

[@lukeswain1752]

I was just about to ask if it required a plan, then you said! Thanks for this review! I'm going to buy one of these soon. Great review!!!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@dons1643]

THANKS for the video, going out hiking on the AT and have never had one of these devices but I think I get this one if I can do the texting from my phone. I bring chargers for my phone so I guess i could use that to charge this up if needed. Just wondering if two people are hiking could you use this to communicate? I guess both people would have to have one...

[@AdventureRig]

Don Schroeder I suppose if you each had one you could communicate with each other via texting.

[@PinkOpal90]

Wonderful explanations and review, thank you very kindly for your thorough efforts and enthusiastic presentation! Safe travels to you guys, and happy trekking!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@therustymokoro]

Hi Tyson, great review. Quick question, for the two-way messaging to work does the other party need an inreach too? you used the example fo your friends meeting up at the dock at Lake Powell, would they need their own device to communicate with yours? cheers, Matt

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching. You can text off the inReach to peoples cell phones.

[@Michael-s2p3p]

I use this as a primary GPS using my smartphone. Google maps and AllTrails now have taken a back seat to the InReach Mini. I prefer this little dynamo even when I have cell service.

[@AdventureRig]

Great input thanks!

[@mefirst5427]

I think this is excellent for when I get lost or injured in very remote places like Alaska or Utah, Arizona, etc. Cell phone coverage is non-existent even in southern california where I live near the mountains, but I would use my Ham radio and connect to a network of linked repeaters that also partners with local search and rescue.

[@AdventureRig]

This will be great!

[@enriquejosekravetzmalabud8530]

Can I use it to follow the track without subscription?

[@AdventureRig]

I'm actually not sure since we've always had a subscription but if you give Garmin a call they will give you a definitive answer.

[@dianeotten6169]

Excellent review! Thanks. I was wondering how it would work linked with my cell phone and not having any cell coverage....but you explained it all! I am going to purchase one. They are currently on sale in Canada for $349!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@BigBlockon60]

We love our inreach. If it’s ever used to help someone it’s worth all to money.

[@AdventureRig]

Absolutely

[@JM17881]

Great video! Quite informative. Going to the high Arctic this summer and was wondering if it connects to your smartphone (for both maps and texting) via bluetooth? Also, would you say it's the best you could get within the 200-400$ range? Thanks!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Marc. Yes it connects via bluetooth and it's our favorite device and excellent for the price.

[@jessemeade7420]

Will it take you back to your vehicle in areas that are new and you dont know?

[@AdventureRig]

No it does not give you turn by turn directions but you can set your vehicle up as a point so you can take yourself there.

[@jearosephotog1152]

Question: trekking n00b and I've heard great things about this device. How about setting a way point and then being able to see your progress towards that on your route? Can you get say navigation info? We are attending a wedding in the desert in 2 months and love the safety features this device offers but need some assistance in navigating to and from the coordinates. Will this device assist with navigation in some way? Thanks!!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching. You can pair it with your phone and then use the EarthMate app for navigation. Check out this link buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/577212

[@sipapito]

Mine comes today via Amazon, great review do I need to pay monthly for a service no matter what ? Great review thumbs up.👍

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching. They have a few different options for payment plans. Check out their website.

[@sdrtyrtyrtyuty]

Does it cost money if they come and rescue you after you hit SOS or is that included in your subscription? What happens if you accidentally push the SOS button, is there a 'Nevermind, please ignore' button? Anyways, great video!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching. Since you can text with it through your phone you can communicate to them if you accidentally activated it.

[@markstenerson6851]

I've seen vids where they pushed the SOS button and a screen popped up with a cancel button and it counted down from 20 seconds to send.

[@AdventureRig]

@@markstenerson6851 Great info thanks Mark.

[@jonsanford2515]

It’s nearly impossible to accidentally hit SOS. you need to open a hard plastic cover, then hit a button, then it asks if you really meant to hit the button, then you can text with SAR. Charges for search and rescue depend on where you are, and what your insurance covers. Some charge, some don’t. The company that operates the network this device uses offers rescue insurance for $25 annually.

[@AdventureRig]

@@jonsanford2515 Thanks for the insight Jon!

[@donaldscott9067]

Thank you. I like all the info with minimal chit-chat.

[@AdventureRig]

Appreciate you watching.

[@corybeaverbone300]

How much does it cost to activate it, a plan?

[@AdventureRig]

Check out all the plans they offer on their website.

[@swoop-it4621]

Curious if the have the paid options for heli rescue, machine recovery?

[@AdventureRig]

Not that I know of.

[@zaptowee6625]

Without a plan it should come with GPS SOS functionality for at least 10 years preferably 20 or maybe however long garmin is in business for free. However any additional options should cost extra, but for someone who needs purely an SOS device if your paying $350 the service should be included.

[@AdventureRig]

Zaptowee That would be awesome.

[@NessyPerth]

I agree. I was thinking of changing from my ACR resqlink to one of these because they’re lighter for hiking. But subscription only is turning me off. What if your credit card expires etc and the payment doesn’t go through and you get cut off without realising.

[@joeremus9039]

There are lots of hikes where I need way points to not get lost. Can I set these up on the mini or is the screen to small to follow them?

[@AdventureRig]

The mini can pair with your phone and you can use the screen on your phone which makes it easier. The mini screen is small but doable.

[@billandyoshisoutdooradventures]

Can you use the mini with your smart phone

[@AdventureRig]

Yeah

[@travisgrimm]

Thanks man, answered all of my questions. AZT will be a little less worrisome

[@AdventureRig]

Glad to help, thanks for watching.

[@amihan99]

Can you use this as a GPS locator and map to where you are and where you are going?

[@AdventureRig]

Yeah you can map your route and use their app on your phone.

[@yasmeenrashid4106]

Does this work anywhere in the world? Malaysia? Is it free to text?

[@AdventureRig]

Yes

[@Milo19970]

So it's basically an GPS with text? Calling the rescue workers isn't possible am I correct

[@AdventureRig]

No, it's a rescue device with GPS. Its main function is to be able to get ahold of rescuers. It's not a phone and you cannot call but you can send texts.

[@Milo19970]

@@AdventureRig I see compared to full on satellite phones the price for me is better, but my only worry is how accurate the gps is? A phone would be better to guide rescue workers I assume if they are slightly off ? If still possible😂

[@AdventureRig]

@@Milo19970 They would be able to find you with this.

[@jasonrosman2379]

Quick question, when you create your map, are there preset maps to follow kind of like using AllTrails or do you just kind of map it out yourself so your friends can follow you?

[@AdventureRig]

Hi Jason - You can do a few different things. You can create your own gpx tracks and upload them, you can download a gpx track from a friend or a site that offers them, or you can have the device track you when you head out (intervals vary with the subscription that you may have, I think we have 10 min intervals which is awesome on motos, a little long for hikes). Hope this helps! Thanks for watching.

[@EricFleming231]

compare it against other devices, like Zoleo, please

[@AdventureRig]

I'll see what I can do.

[@undefeatedgaul3201]

Do you have to pay for that geocenter emergency thing

[@AdventureRig]

For the SOS emergency to work you need to have an active subscription.

[@pirapituche]

Ask: How can I reply or send a message to the person who has the communicator? I already have my contract, I already know how to send the default messages, I even downloaded the program to be able to write free messages and send them. Up to this point, everything is fine and the messages arrive to my contacts, what I have not been able to do or know is how my contacts can send me a message that they received the information. Can someone tell me?

[@AdventureRig]

This should help: support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=o4sYSXP4LC8KhFNWJEVPI7

[@treyjames7757]

Awesome review I got a bad back so if it goes out it will be nice to have

[@AdventureRig]

For sure!

[@ROT8TED]

Is it a subscription service u need with a purchase of the device?

[@AdventureRig]

Yes they have multiple subscription plans depending on how often and how much you use it.

[@ROT8TED]

@@AdventureRig is there any device that stays off until u need it with no subscription of same kind?

[@AdventureRig]

@@ROT8TED You can look into the SPOT. It requires a subscription as well but not sure if you just needed it for an emergency if it would still work without a subscription.

[@jeffcardillo]

I was like..."this totally looks and sounds like that ag-pilot-crop-dusting-guy flying around in an air tractor that I've been watching". Deja Vu, hello on hobby number two! :D

[@AdventureRig]

Haha the secret is out!

[@pappaclutch3266]

I think I messed up, I should have gotten this and not the 66i. I like the long battery life of the mini. I got a Etrex 20 for maps

[@AdventureRig]

The battery life is a big plus.

[@westsidehiker5736]

Awesome review, super informative and the point. Thanks!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@Monza3669]

Question, it might have been asked but when you pair your phone with this can you use the apps that are on your phone? Say for instance I have Gaia maps app on my phone can I use this app if my phone is paired with the inreach, or is it only the inreach apps that can be used? Thanks

[@AdventureRig]

Just to make sure I'm clear on the question are you asking if you are somewhere that does not have cell service can you connect to the inreach for service and then use apps that may require service like the Gaia app?

[@Monza3669]

@@AdventureRig yes that is correct.

[@AdventureRig]

@@Monza3669 No the inreach does not act as a hotspot.

[@naps3386]

You missed one huge feature...you can download weather to your phone.

[@AdventureRig]

👍🏼

[@jasonmiller6704]

Do you have to pay to use it

[@AdventureRig]

Yes

[@NycX360]

Looks cool, id choose a ResQLink over this for emergency, the text option i wouldn't need

[@AdventureRig]

For sure, whatever works best for your needs.

[@NycX360]

@@AdventureRig Great video regardless. thanks for putting out content!

[@sultansaeed5701]

I trust all because of the magic of his awesome mustache 😎

[@AdventureRig]

Haha!

[@markstoll9636]

excellent video. thanks

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@kasun-vf1bt]

it need a simcard?

[@AdventureRig]

No

[@Terax56]

Thank you. Wonderful!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@elli003]

Scrap the $11/mo. fee for S.O.S. feature only. GEOS should be delighted to know your exact rescue location and situation before they launch tons of resources. Charge a fee for non-emergency text comm.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesgerboc]

Really nice review. However, I think it should cost a lot more that that, maybe $1.2M or so if Im pricing my life. lol $349 is a lot with another $12/month+ unless you use it every day. The average person really needs it only a couple times a year when there's no cell coverage.

[@AdventureRig]

They do offer plans that are month to month if you find you only need it a few times a year.

[@keiththurston9024]

Well done, thank you

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching.

[@troymckaskle]

I had to watch 2 ads to see an ad.

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Troy!

[@troymckaskle]

@@AdventureRig Thanks for the review. It was very helpful and very much to the point. Nice work.

[@StefanZivkovicMedia]

Fo you need to subscribe to some kind of satellite-plan provider that you pay extra every month or is can you use it for free when u buy it?!

[@AdventureRig]

You have to subscribe to one of their plans. You can see all the options on their website.

[@yycmtbr5087]

Great review!

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@EternalDestiny48]

Great review! Brief and to the point

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching!

[@PedroMartinsEnduro]

What if you fall and get unconscious and cannot press any button?

[@AdventureRig]

Then help will not be coming.

[@samik83]

Some Garmin watches have "Incident detection" meaning if you fall it detects that and sends a pre-defined message to your chosen contacts. It does not however send it to emergency services and it only uses cell service.

[@earlteigrob9211]

You can turn on tracking and send the link to someone who can monitor your trip (I usually have my brother check it before he goes to bed to make sure Im back) If they see that you have not returned, they can contact emergency services and give your exact location.

[@bc_usa]

@@AdventureRig 😃🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@samielbadramany3272]

Can you tell us what desktop application you’re using at 3:30 in the video?

[@AdventureRig]

That's the Garmin Explore website.

[@cruiser_b9779]

4 inches isn’t that small

[@AdventureRig]

That's what she said.

[@thaitrails6206]

Dint for get unlimited preset text

[@AdventureRig]

Thanks for watching Thai.

[@theshadowman1398]

It’s utterly annoying that it is subscription based. I hate subscriptions

[@AdventureRig]

I hear where you’re coming from.

[@Beatles123ful]

Oh another monthly subscription cost hate that shit

[@AdventureRig]

Then you better find an alternative!

[@Blastfence1]

Boy that thing is really really gay like your Village People mustache!

[@AdventureRig]

I take it you don’t like the stache?

[@Blastfence1]

@@AdventureRig No I like it! Reminds me of the Village People that’s all!