Garmin InReach Mini (original) $249.98

Another-Nocturn

Mar 13, 2023 4:19 PM

417 Comments

Joined Nov 2011

Another-NocturnMar 13, 2023 4:19 PM

417 Comments

What "significant" changes would we be missing out on by choosing this over the inreach Mini 2?

Also, can any owners pipe in on the "true cost of ownership"? I know they have month-to-month plans and also allow folks to stop the plan completely for seasonal breaks; but are there additional hidden fees (like re-activation; etc.) buried in the contract that sneak up on you?

(Speaking as a weekend warrior who takes deep desert / Baja trips maybe 1-2 times per year)

3

Kit1331

Mar 13, 2023 4:57 PM

6 Comments

Joined Jun 2019

Kit1331Mar 13, 2023 4:57 PM

6 Comments

Cheapest Ive seen it

Old_Snake308

Mar 13, 2023 5:18 PM

598 Comments

Joined Nov 2009

Old_Snake308Mar 13, 2023 5:18 PM

598 Comments

Quote from Another-Nocturn

:

What "significant" changes would we be missing out on by choosing this over the inreach Mini 2?

Also, can any owners pipe in on the "true cost of ownership"? I know they have month-to-month plans and also allow folks to stop the plan completely for seasonal breaks; but are there additional hidden fees (like re-activation; etc.) buried in the contract that sneak up on you?

(Speaking as a weekend warrior who takes deep desert / Baja trips maybe 1-2 times per year)

Nope, pay as you go. For the price it's nice insurance. Two is one, one is none! I have cell, ham, iPhone 14 with sat, but more options the better

2

timbo80

Original Poster

Mar 14, 2023 12:36 AM

113 Comments

Joined Jun 2019

timbo80

Original Poster

Mar 14, 2023 12:36 AM

113 Comments

Quote from Another-Nocturn

:

What "significant" changes would we be missing out on by choosing this over the inreach Mini 2?

Also, can any owners pipe in on the "true cost of ownership"? I know they have month-to-month plans and also allow folks to stop the plan completely for seasonal breaks; but are there additional hidden fees (like re-activation; etc.) buried in the contract that sneak up on you?

(Speaking as a weekend warrior who takes deep desert / Baja trips maybe 1-2 times per year)

From my research the main differences are battery life and the original lacks the ability to connect to the Garmin messenger app on your phone.

I too expect to only use a satellite messenger like this a couple times a year. I currently take a small ACR emergency beacon with me on trips (no recurring fees) but I'm not sure how much more life it has left so I'm considering upgrading.

I am favoring the $300 Garmin messenger due to the longer battery life and app integration. Seems worth the extra $50 over this

zettler

Mar 14, 2023 12:42 AM

3.7K Comments

Joined Jan 2005

zettlerMar 14, 2023 12:42 AM

3.7K Comments

Have you looked at the Garmin In reach Explorer+?

MadPup

Mar 14, 2023 12:57 AM

13.1K Comments

Joined Jan 2007

MadPupMar 14, 2023 12:57 AM

13.1K Comments

Quote from zettler

:

Have you looked at the Garmin In reach Explorer+?

I had the 66i. Garmin map devices are horrible. There are 3 or 4 different apps you need to use to get stuff onto and off of them and they are not at all easy to use. My smartphone with OsmAnd (via F-Driod) just blows them away. While I might consider one of these Mini's, I would never again consider anything Garmin with mapping. It's like they haven't advanced one bit in the last 20 years.

Last edited by MadPup March 13, 2023 at 06:01 PM.

gravey

Apr 12, 2023 9:33 PM

900 Comments

Joined Feb 2004

graveyApr 12, 2023 9:33 PM

900 Comments

I'm using and older inreach and honestly we only use it once or twice a year but we use the freedom plan where we pay an annual fee but we can activate for one month only instead of paying year round. Honestly device price and fees may seem costly but if something goes wrong while you are off grid and you have no way out... Your life is worth more than the cost of the device and subscription.

I lost a family member who got stuck and injured while off grid... This would of saved them but lessons learned and I bought one for myself just Incase it happens to me.

Rating:	(4.1 out of 5 stars)
Reviews:	481 Cabela's Reviews
Product Description:	Fit global connectivity in the palm of your hand with the Garmin® inReach Mini Handheld GPS Satellite Communicator. This small, rugged, lightweight Garmin satellite communicator enables 2-way text messaging through the 100% global Iridium® satellite network (satellite subscription required) or trigger an interactive SOS message 24/7 to the Search and Rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required). Use your compatible device to access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery, and more through the free Garmin Earthmate® app. The optional inReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your inReach Mini or paired device with basic or premium weather packages available. Use your Garmin inReach Mini Handheld GPS Satellite Communicator to send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including wearables and handhelds. The internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 90 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode. IPX7 waterproof ruggedness lets your Garmin GPS stay operational even after water submersion up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 min. Store up to 500 waypoints/favorites/locations and 20 routes. Bluetooth® compatibility lets you pair your Garmin inReach GPS to other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Manufacturer model #: 010-01879. Small, rugged, lightweight handheld satellite communicator 2-way text messaging via 100% global Iridium satellite network Interactive SOS to 24/7 Search and Rescue monitoring center Access downloadable maps, charts, and more through the free app Optional inReach weather forecast services Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices Runs up to 90 hours in 10-minute tracking mode on rechargeable battery
Model Number:	Availability
Product SKU:	garmin-inreach-mini-handheld-gps-satellite-communicator

Garmin InReach Mini (original) $249.98

$250

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