Garmin 010-01879-00 InReach Mini, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Orange

I use this for just in case, but I am able to continue to send and receive messages anywhere I go. so I assume if I needed SOS they would get my message and be able to communicate with me to get me help.

I took it out on a 2 week unsupported hike on the Ozark Trail. Most of the trail is without cell service so It was my primary means of communication. It allowed me to keep family updated on my progress and wellbeing as well as coordinate pickup when I was done. I did have the tracking set to 30 min. I checked the weather probably daily. I did have to recharge a couple of times for my sanity. I dont like the charge getting too low. I could have done the whole trip with just one recharge from empty to full in the middle. I like the ability to send messages when necessary and unlimited pre-recorded messages.

The main reason I got the inreach mini was to be able to send and receive messages while in remote locations with no cell phone service. It does work, however, it is very expensive and the Earthmate app it pairs with does not work well. It is clunky and non intuitive.

Hardware is great. Battery life OK. Only issue I see is the Android app is very buggy and unreliable when paired to mini for texting. Improvement in that area would get this up to 4-5 stars for me.

Easy to use, Performs well for exactly what you need.

Unfortunately this product is not working for us. We have a cabin in National Forest on a river. I bought it for my husband to use when he is fly fishing alone. The tree cover here does not allow connection with satellite. By moving around to other areas , satellite can eventually be reached but that defeats the purpose should he fall and injure himself.

Appareil compact et très performant. Couplage Bluetooth avec app Android de Garmin rend la navigation des menu très facile

The mini is a great device and an inexpensive insurance policy that saves lives and summons the calvary when needed. It doesnt lead you by the hand in the wilds. If you need that, stay home! It tells where you are, your loved ones that you are safe and, if you want, where you are on an internet accessible map. InReach got my friend off the PCT with a compound fracture in good order. Ive had difficulties communicating sometimes but that was because the satellites were blocked by trees or canyon walls. Contrary to what other reviewers say, my messages have gotten through always though sometimes delayed by aforementioned obstructions. If you dont want to pay for breadcrumbs, turn them off. This is an economical system. I found syncing with my phone easy and reliable....be sure to check your mini before you go out for updates. Then you may need to reconnect bluetooth and remember that theres no connection until the phone app is open. I owned the InReach SE for years and have found my mimi to be more stable and reliable. I was wrong to think Garmin would screw it up.

The GPS service was sometimes tricky to pick uo at the beginning, but it was still effective enough to be able to track our routes in very remote areas. Unfortunately it stopped consistently picking up a signal after that month and now has effectively become useless. Hopefully the warranty repair or replacement will be better.

I am often in the wilderness offloading to far to hike out. This device gives me peace of mind, knowing I can get help if needed. Well worth the money.