Garmin Satellite Device

This is my new “must carry” device! Hang on to the end of this review, I have a suggestion for Garmin. This thing works perfectly - I love the way check in messages are supplied with a map of your current loc - brilliant! Battery life is excellent as is signal acquisition. I own an iPhone 14 with satellite SOS but wanted the InReach as a “rugged” backip and to send “non-emergency” texts which the iPhone can’t in satellite mode. In fact I like it so much I told an older friend who has had heart trouble about it. He lives on a farm without cell service and the InTeach can get him help in an emergency he otherwise had no access to! SO! Here is my suggestion for Garmin (and 1st time users). I read all of the reviews and most if not all of the low ratings (undeserved) had to do with problems initializing the device. To avoid problems START, STEP 1.0 is GO TO EXPLORE.GARMIN.COM and SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT FIRST!!! You only need to turn the device on to obtain the IMEI and device codes for registration - do EVERYTHING ELSE on your smartphone or PC. After you set up your account, (should take less than 5 minutes) turn on the InReach, walk outside and wait for it to activate. Again should take just a few minutes! It is my opinion that if Garmin emphasized this sequence (rather than simply stating “you need an active account to use the device”) there would be less confusion and more user satisfaction. Thank you Garmin for an amazingly compact layer of security!!

I had considered purchasing a Garmin inReach for a couple of years, after researching the advantages/drawbacks of satellite communicators, and having seen/spoken to several hikers - especially female, solo hikers, as I am typically - who had many positive things to say about their devices. I purchased and used my inReach for the first time in early August 2023, and was so grateful for the sense of security it provided. I didn't have to worry about establishing a satellite connection through my phone in case of emergency, because I could link to the network through my inReach before hitting the trail and knew it would hold strong all day. I and my family had peace of mind knowing that I could message them at any time, with or without cell phone service; and that they could track me and knew I was safe, even from 300 miles away. It was especially gratifying when my day ran unexpectedly long, and I was hiking out at 10:30 pm, several hours later than anticipated. My backcountry excursions take place almost exclusively during the warmer months, so the option to suspend/re-activate service is also a major benefit! There was a bit of a learning curve during set-up/operation, as I familiarized myself with terminology, the location of certain features, and how the device interfaced with the Garmin Explore app. However, the Garmin site and other online resources were incredibly helpful, and I carried the user manual in my daypack, just in case. Overall, none of this was a significant detractor from the many benefits of the device. I definitely, and without hesitation, recommend it!

I was needing a satellite communicated that could help me everywhere that I go hiking in The garmin and inreach mini to does that great product love it!!

Great little satellite communicator. Long battery life. Connects with several other Garmin products like the Fenix watch. Works great with an iPhone. Mapping apps are pretty dated as for planning routes but there's some good third-party options.

Even in indoor this Garmin DriveCam 76 acquire satellite signal within 5-10 seconds after turn on. (My other two Garmin GPS, model 61,65 takes about 1 min to acquire satellite signal)

Love this device would but it again. Works super well with garmin app.

Card was recognized in the Garmin Nuvi 3597 device and works flawlessly

I had another satellite communicator from another company that was very unreliable. It would not confirm that messages had been sent which was not comforting in the back country. I went on a 7 day backpack trip and ended up buying this InReach Mini 2 the night before because I had such unreliable experience with the previous device. This device worked perfectly I came into some really bad weather and felt very comfortable that I had this device with me and knew that it would work perfectly. Battery life was as advertised as well.

All I needed to get solid signal disbursement in my home was a base unit and this Satellite device. Easy to setup and provides a very strong signal away from the base unit by the router.

As I often venture out to the middle of nowhere I thought it would be wise to invest in this satellite communication device. I have successfully used the text and email features to report all is well to those on my contact list. I feel confident that the Mini 2 will work when absolutely needed.