Garmin inReach Mini 2 Review (Including Real-Life SOS)

“This is Garmin Response. What’s your emergency?” I never expected to hear those words during my gear testing of the Garmin inReach Mini 2, but within 30 seconds of hitting the SOS button, I was connected to a dispatcher who immediately began coordinating rescue efforts. My experience underscored the inReach Mini 2’s true value — not just as a device for weather updates or staying in touch with loved ones, but as a reliable, life-saving tool in the backcountry.

Garmin dominates the satellite communicator market, and for good reason. The inReach Mini is a compact and lightweight orange beacon packed with essential features. From location tracking to two-way messaging and the all-important SOS function, this palm-sized satellite communicator has your back when things go south.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 At a Glance

Lightweight and compact, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is easily accessible at all times from my shoulder strap.

MSRP: $399.99 (not including subscription plans)
Weight: 3.5 oz
Battery: Rechargeable 
Battery Life: Up to 30 days with varying tracking options
Two-Way Communication: Yes

Intended Use

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is designed for anyone heading off-grid (ahem, thru-hikers, we’re looking at you). While its key function is the emergency SOS connectivity, users can also enjoy two-way texting with loved ones back home, location tracking via GPS, weather forecasts, and more. 

Circumstance of Review

I entrusted my life to the Garmin inReach Mini 2 during a five-week thru-hike of the Colorado Trail, where I encountered varied terrain, weather conditions, and drastic altitude changes. Although I relied on the device mainly for weather forecasts and checking in with family, my testing also included a critical emergency scenario when a hiking partner’s severe illness on the trail led me to press the SOS button.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Features

Two-Way Satellite Messaging

The inReach Mini 2 allows you to send and receive text messages through the Iridium satellite network, even when out of cell service. Messages can either be sent directly from the device or by using the Garmin Messenger app on a paired smartphone. Additionally, the Mini 2 now incorporates seamless messaging through wifi to allow users to continue conversations in the same thread, even from the safety of civilization. 

SOS Emergency Response

The vital SOS button on the Mini 2 connects you to Garmin’s effective 24/7 emergency response center, which can coordinate a rescue in case of an emergency.

This feature is easy to activate, but protected by a cover to avoid accidental presses. Even when you deliberately press the SOS button, the device will confirm with you on your phone before sending out an official signal. When activated, a dispatcher responds quickly, maintaining constant communication until help arrives. 

Communication with Garmin’s Emergency Response team via the Garmin Messenger app was clear-cut and rapid.

GPS Tracking and Navigation

Garmin’s reliable tracking allows carriers to share their real-time location via MapShare with friends and family, or use it for basic navigation in the backcountry. The device includes customized settings with tracking intervals to balance battery life.

Weather Forecasting

The Mini 2 provides weather updates, which can include basic and premium forecasts for your exact location or custom waypoints. This useful feature can help avoid dangerous weather conditions (see: intense afternoon thunderstorms in Colorado at high elevations), which is vital in planning out your day.

Enhanced Battery Life

One of the Mini 2’s biggest improvements over the OG Mini was in its battery life. With intermittent tracking, the Mini 2 can last up to 30 days depending on how frequently it’s used. For most users, this means turning it on at key points of the day for messaging or tracking without worrying about it dying mid-trip. Even for those tracking all day with heavy usage, the Mini 2 will last a few days before needing a charge. 

User-Friendly Interface

The device’s interface is simple and easy to navigate with clearly marked buttons, features, and even instructions for activating the SOS button. Although messaging directly from the Mini can be a bit tedious, the device is intuitive to use. Pairing it with your smartphone enhances functionality tenfold and makes it more efficient for sending messages and navigating. 

The Mini 2’s home screen provided plentiful information directly from the device, and utilizing the side buttons allows users to seamlessly scroll through menu options.

Key Differences Between Original Mini and Mini 2

Garmin released a second generation of the ever-popular inReach Mini a few years ago, which included incremental updates to the first model. Most notably, the inReach Mini 2 boasts:

• Extended battery life: Compared to its predecessor, the Mini 2 lasts significantly longer between charges, reportedly up to three times the battery life. Depending on the frequency of tracking and activity, Garmin reports that the Mini 2 can last anywhere between two and 30 days when in use. 
• Refined user interface: With the Mini 2 being so, well, mini, the tiny screen received an upgrade from Garmin to make it more user-friendly straight out of the box. Navigation and menu scrolling are reportedly more intuitive than the first edition of the device.
• TracBack: Never got lost again with an added automatic track-back feature. This routing option helps users return to their starting point, a new bonus for the Mini 2.
• New app: The Mini 2 pairs with the Garmin Explore and Messenger app, as opposed to the Earthmate app previously used by the Mini. For longtime Garmin users, this would just require another new interface to learn. 

Breakdown of Subscription Plans

Garmin’s inReach Mini 2 requires an active satellite subscription plan to unlock its full features, including messaging, tracking, and weather updates. Garmin offers three main plan tiers — Essential, Standard, and Premium — each catering to different user needs. These plans vary in terms of price and capabilities, and selecting the right one depends on how you plan to use the device, which can be overwhelming at first glance.

As of September 2024, Garmin also simplified its service plans. All consumer plans are now month-to-month (no annual contract option) and require a $39.99 activation fee.

You’ll notice that the plan perks for all three tiers include different levels of voice and photo messaging. This is for users of the new inReach Messenger Plus and does not apply to the Mini 2 or any other devices, which do not support voice or photo messaging.

Essential Plan (formerly Safety)

The Essential Plan is the most affordable option, but it’s a bit limited in terms of communication and tracking. If you only need basic SOS capabilities and minimal messaging, this plan will work, but overage fees can quickly add up if you exceed your allotted included messages.

• Price: $14.99/month
• Messages: 50 texts and weather forecasts included, $0.50 per additional message or request; unlimited check-in messages
• SOS: Unlimited SOS messages with no additional charges
• Tracking: $0.10 per location request; no live tracking included
• Ideal For: Users in need of an inReach Mini 2 for occasional check-ins or minimal use or primarily as an emergency communication device during sporadic weekend trips or short excursions.

Standard Plan (formerly Recreation)

The Standard Plan is the sweet spot for most users, providing a more generous allowance of messages and unlimited tracking points. It’s great for those who need to communicate with loved ones and want reliable tracking throughout their thru-hike at a decent monthly cost.

• Price: $29.99/month
• Messages: 150 texts and weather forecasts included, $0.50 per additional message or request; unlimited check-in messages
• SOS: Unlimited SOS messages with no additional charges
• Tracking: Unlimited 10-minute tracking
• Ideal For: Weekend warriors or section hikers who want more flexibility in messaging and tracking without breaking the bank

Premium Plan (formerly Expedition)

The Premium Plan is Garmin’s top-tier option, providing unlimited messages, tracking, and weather reports. I utilized this plan for the Colorado Trail and found it best suited for those on extended journeys who need to stay in constant communication and require frequent weather or location updates.

• Price: $49.99/month
• Messages: Unlimited texts, check-ins and weather forecasts included
• SOS: Unlimited SOS messages with no additional charges
• Tracking: Unlimited two-minute tracking
• Ideal For: Thru-hikers and long-distance backpackers who require continuous communication, frequent location tracking, and real-time weather updates for months on end

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Pros

Small But Mighty

At just 3.5 ounces, the Mini 2 is barely noticeable on your pack’s shoulder strap. Yet for a tiny device, it sure packs a big punch with all the features it comes loaded with. For ultralight hikers who are constantly assessing weight and space, the Mini 2’s size is a huge plus. A life-saving device that’s as big as your palm? It’s hard to get much mightier than that.

I kept my Garmin inReach Mini 2 clipped on to my shoulder strap, which made it easy to pull weather forecasts or send location pins while hiking.

Home Is Never Far Away

When living on trail and sleeping in the dirt for weeks at a time, it’s nice peace of mind to know that the support of friends and family is not far off — virtually. My mom could likely vouch for this feature more than I could, but I enjoyed updating my loved ones each night when I made it safely to camp due to the Mini 2’s reliable messaging.

Generally fast and dependable, most messages sent in one to three minutes, even with tree or cloud coverage. However, in stormy conditions, messages could take 20-30 minutes to send. Most nights, I found I could even send messages quickly from the covered shelter of my tent.

No Charge, No Problem

I primarily kept my inReach off while I was hiking during the day, only using its battery life to check in when I left camp in the mornings and arrived safely in the evenings. Typically, my Garmin device was on for three to five hours per day to send messages, occasional tracking points, and daily weather forecasts. With low to medium usage, my device never needed an extra charge between resupplies.

At my longest stint on the Colorado Trail, my inReach survived six days of medium usage with plenty of battery to spare as I rolled into town. For those wanting to utilize their Mini 2 for daily tracking, I felt that my conservative use of the battery was likely overkill — and was impressed that such a small device could last for so long.

SOS Functionality

In a real-life situation where a hiking partner required evacuation, the SOS button was easy to access. The device also requires you to confirm your SOS activation, preventing accidental presses. 

After activating it, Garmin Response contacted me within 30 seconds to confirm my emergency and assure me that help was on the way. They notified my emergency contacts, stayed in constant communication with me for hours while local Search and Rescue teams were being mobilized, and tracked my location with hourly check-ins once my hiking partner and I self-evacuated. 

Pricey … But Worth the Investment

I contemplated adding the cost of the Mini 2 to my cons list, but ultimately, I feel that the device is a true investment into safety on trail. Purchasing the device itself costs nearly $400, not to mention the month-to-month upkeep of an active subscription plan, but in the grand scheme of a life-or-death situation in the backcountry, these feel like nominal expenses.

For what you receive, which is life-saving access to search and rescue teams, plus reliable weather forecasts and peace of mind messaging loved ones, I would never thru-hike without an inReach again. 

Additionally, Garmin just simplified its subscription plans as of this month, which allows users to select a plan that works with their budget or even pause their subscription during the off-season. 

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Cons

Slow Messaging at Times

While the Mini 2 was reliable in eventually sending messages, there were occasional delays of up to 20-30 minutes in sending messages, even with completely clear skies. In stormy weather, these slower send times were to be expected. More often than not, however, these delays would occur in open fields with no tree or cloud cover.

Though rare, these delays could be frustrating, particularly in urgent situations when trying to communicate with emergency dispatchers. 

Phone-Dependent 

Just like our generation, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is pretty co-dependent on another screen — a smartphone. I primarily used my Mini 2 through the Garmin Messenger app, rarely utilizing the actual device’s buttons for messaging or other features. If your phone dies, texting directly from the Mini 2 is cumbersome. Much like a throwback to early 2000s flip phones, it requires endless button presses to type each letter. 

Using the paired app on your smartphone makes messaging much easier, but it’s important to be aware that the Mini 2’s onboard messaging is far from user-friendly. That said, the SOS feature can be activated from both your phone and Mini 2 device, which is a pro in my book against relying solely on a smartphone.

When it comes to messaging, the Mini 2 functions significantly better while using the Garmin Messenger app on your smartphone.

Confusing Garmin-to-Garmin Messaging

Sending messages to family and friends back home is quite simple. Yet, Garmin devices use an obscure email system (your email, ending in @inreach.garmin.com) to communicate with each other, which is not intuitive … or listed anywhere on one’s Garmin device.

Both I and several other Garmin users struggled to initially figure this out, which added unnecessary confusion in communicating with other thru-hikers on trail.

Overall Value

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is an invaluable investment for anyone headed into remote areas. While the messaging interface could use some improvements, especially in situations where your phone is out of commission, the device’s vital SOS functionality, long-lasting battery life, compact size, and reliable performance are more than enough to justify its price tag.

In life-threatening situations, having a satellite communicator can certainly make all the difference. My own experience assured me that it works as promised, providing swift access to emergency response.

In short? Don’t leave home without it.

Shop the Garmin inReach Mini 2

Comparable Products

ZOLEO Satellite Communicator

• MSRP: $199 (not including subscription plans)
• Weight: 5.3 oz

Garmin inReach Messenger Plus

• MSRP: $499.99
• Weight: 4 oz

Somewear Global Hotspot

• MSRP: $280
• Weight: 4 oz

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 was donated for purpose of review