Goodbye Garmin InReach Explorer+ and Hello InReach Mini 2

[ARD]

I purchased a Garmin InReach Explorer + when they first came out because I do a lot of hiking alone. I never used it to its fullest or to be honest minimum capabilities because I found it so hard to use. A few days ago I was staying with some friends in Boulder, Colorado and they use the Garmin Mini 2. He is a master diver and brings it along on his dives using the Garmin mini dive case. It is so easy to use and small. I picked one up at REI, transferred my subscription and activated it and it works great. It pairs with your telephone. Using the Garmin Explore app on your telephone, you can see maps, text friends and when you are in dire straights, you can utilize the SOS button on the device.

I highly recommend for hiking or just when you don't have cell service. You can change the plan easily so if you know you will be in Alaska with no cell service, for example, you can get unlimited texts and keep in contact with work, friends, etc. It's on sale right now for $349 and there are different subscriptions available depending on your needs.

Garmin inReach® Mini 2 | Satellite Communicator | Messenger

inReach Mini 2 is a compact satellite communicator that provides peace of mind off the grid. Features include global satellite coverage & emergency SOS messaging.

www.garmin.com

Happy and Safe Travels.

Renee

 

[Joe Hogan]

How is the Inreach MINI working out for you?

 

[Neal]

I upgraded my inReach 1 to 2 and it works great. I need to sell my inReach 1, will list it one of these days.

 

[ARD]

How is the Inreach MINI working out for you?

I love it! It is so much easier to operate. I definitely recommend.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Can the service be activated or reactivate by the Mini 2 without other signals? i.e. cancelled service but stuck on trail somewhere and need to reactivate for help?

 

[Neal]

I'm not sure about reactivating when needed. I was looking at changing my plan to one that offers 10 minute location tracking for when I take long cross countries but it looks like you can only change plans annually I believe so you can upgrade/downgrade as needed based on usage.

Garmin Explore™

Manage your Garmin Explore or inReach account. With Explore and inReach, you can communicate, map, track, and share your trek from anywhere on Earth.

explore.garmin.com

 

[Neal]

Garmin inReach FAQ: The Questions You Forgot to Ask - HikingGuy.com

9 most frequently asked questions about Garmin inReach that you should know but didn't know to ask

hikingguy.com

Can I use an inReach without a subscription?​

You can use functions that don't involve satellite communications, such as navigation functionality. However, you cannot use SOS, messages, presets, location sharing, or satellite weather.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Still trying to optimize this item. 99% of the time when i'm home, I know where I am, it is the those times i'm away (from the house) that it is sometime difficult to pin down where i am....

 

[Neal]

With Starlink I'd offer this is less of a necessity. Add into the mix an iPhone 14 or later. For me as a pilot, it's a must have. RVing only per above, not sure I'd have it unless going somewhere like Alaska, Canada, wherever unless you're sure you have coverage from the above items.

 

[Joe Hogan]

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