$249.99* | Garmin inReach Mini 2 Compact Satellite Communicator (2 Colors) at Amazon

BluegrassPicker

Pro

Jun 14, 2026 2:50 PM

22.4K Comments

Joined Jan 2007

BluegrassPicker

Pro

Jun 14, 2026 2:50 PM

22.4K Comments

This device could save your life or the life of another. Not cheap with the required subscription, but the best SD ever if you should need it in an emergency, or if you need assistance when you're off the grid and there's no other solution. It does happen.

signalsoldier

Jun 14, 2026 6:31 PM

1.4K Comments

Joined Sep 2004

signalsoldierJun 14, 2026 6:31 PM

1.4K Comments

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank signalsoldier

I have this with me as I type this from Honduras. If you are scuba diver you should never get on a boat without it being a permanent part of your setup!!

2

1

Riptide360

Jun 15, 2026 6:56 AM

1.4K Comments

Joined Feb 2015

Riptide360Jun 15, 2026 6:56 AM

1.4K Comments

So an additional $40 setup and then $8 a month and then pay per message? Apple SOS satellite is free.

1

i3ighead

Jun 16, 2026 2:27 PM

4.7K Comments

Joined Jun 2004

i3igheadJun 16, 2026 2:27 PM

4.7K Comments

I don't know the specifics since I have the mini one. There's just news out that Garmin is giving free SOS for the two and other versions. No free messaging.

Go Google it if you are interested.

I have used the mini one before to help a fellow hiker which broke his ankle.

Topspin14m

Jun 16, 2026 2:36 PM

1.1K Comments

Joined Feb 2010

Topspin14mJun 16, 2026 2:36 PM

1.1K Comments

Quote from Riptide360

:

So an additional $40 setup and then $8 a month and then pay per message? Apple SOS satellite is free.

This is for situations where you are in serious trouble in a remote area -- like 100 miles out in the ocean floating in salt water. Yes you could rely on Apple SOS satellite, and that's great as a backup device, but not the smartest idea to have it as your only life saving device in those conditions. Not just the water intrusion but also the battery life. Also, Garmins' folks are trained to find you help from the airforce/coast guard. I believe Apple SOS goes to the police/fire first. No serious offshore boater goes out without one of these. They have uses for hiking, rock climbing, etc. too.

1

new_yorker

Jun 19, 2026 6:41 PM

1.3K Comments

Joined Dec 2010

new_yorkerJun 19, 2026 6:41 PM

1.3K Comments

Quote from Riptide360

:

So an additional $40 setup and then $8 a month and then pay per message? Apple SOS satellite is free.

Activate only when you need, there's no lock in

ArxU3971

Jun 19, 2026 11:48 PM

4 Comments

Joined Dec 2012

ArxU3971Jun 19, 2026 11:48 PM

4 Comments

Have this, works well and good to have in case of emergency for hiking and multiple other scenarios. Garmin even changed up its service plans so you can at bare minimum, still SOS with a suspended subscription.

BluegrassPicker

Pro

Jun 24, 2026 7:31 PM

22.4K Comments

Joined Jan 2007

BluegrassPicker

Pro

Jun 24, 2026 7:31 PM

22.4K Comments

Quote from new_yorker

:

Activate only when you need, there's no lock in

Good luck trying to activate the plan when you are far out in the boondocks and off the grid, facing an immediate life and death emergency........

One of these without being activated is like an unloaded firearm. Worthless when you need it.

$249.99* | Garmin inReach Mini 2 Compact Satellite Communicator (2 Colors) at Amazon

$250

$400

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