Garmin inReach Mini 2 Review: The Ultimate Outdoor Safety Companion
When you’re miles from civilization, having a way to communicate can be a literal lifesaver. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is designed for exactly that — and after testing it across several hiking and fishing trips, I can confidently say it’s a must-have for serious adventurers.
Key Features
- Two-Way Satellite Messaging: Communicate via the Iridium network anywhere in the world — no cell coverage needed.
- SOS Emergency Beacon: Connects you to a 24/7 global rescue monitoring center.
- Compact Size: Weighs only 3.5 oz — easy to clip onto a pack or belt.
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode.
- Weather Updates: Get forecast data directly to the device when off-grid.
What We Loved
Ridiculously Small and Lightweight
At about the size of a deck of cards, the inReach Mini 2 disappears into your gear. It’s light enough that you’ll forget you’re carrying it — until you really need it.
Reliable Global Communication
During field testing in deep canyons and dense forests, messages consistently sent and received in under two minutes — a huge improvement over older satellite tech.
Simple User Interface
While the device has a small screen, it’s intuitive. You can navigate with a few button presses, and the companion app (Garmin Explore) makes longer message typing much easier.
Peace of Mind
Knowing I could send an SOS from anywhere brought a level of comfort on trips that’s hard to overstate. Even if you never use the emergency button (hopefully), it’s priceless backup.
A Few Drawbacks
Expensive Satellite Plan
To use messaging and SOS, you’ll need an active subscription plan starting around $15/month. Frequent adventurers will find it worth it, but casual weekend hikers might hesitate.
Tiny Screen
While usable, composing messages directly on the device without the app can feel clunky. Pair it with your phone for best results.
Final Verdict
If you spend serious time outdoors — hiking, fishing, backcountry camping, overlanding — the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is arguably one of the best investments you can make for your safety.
It’s compact, reliable, and delivers true global communication and rescue capabilities in your pocket.
Rating: 4.8/5
