Garmin makes products that are engineered on the inside for life on the outside. Its GPS navigation and wearable technology allow customers to maximize time spent exploring their passions in aviation, automotive, marine, and the great outdoors. With so many people returning to nature at a greater rate over the last few years, it makes sense that Garmin would launch the Garmin InReach Mini 2 satellite communicator.
The company is set to release an update for the last-generation InReach Mini. In all of the markets Garmin serves, its products are highly sought after because of the compelling design, superior quality, functionality, reliability, and overall value. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect with the inReach Mini 2.
Key Features of the inReach Mini 2:
- Compact, rugged, and lightweight design
- Satellite communicator allows two-way messaging and interactive SOS worldwide
- TracBack routing allows you to navigate back to where you started
- Share your location via your MapShare page or embedded in your messages
- The digital compass will indicate your heading even if you’re not moving
- Compatible with the Garmin Explore app and website on your smartphone when synced to your Garmin device
- Pairs with Garmin wearables/handhelds to send/receive messages or trigger an SOS
- Battery Life is up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode, up to 10 days in Standard Activity mode
- USB-C connection
- Includes Carabiner Clip, Spine Mount Adapter
General Overview
Compact and lightweight, this satellite communicator with GPS adds peace of mind to all of your adventures without adding excessive weight to your pack. Two-way communication and interactive SOS capabilities make it easy to stay in touch when you’re off the grid. The TracBack routing feature helps you return to your starting point the exact same way you came.
You can also share your location with family and friends using your MapShare page or by including your coordinates in your messages. You can get accurate heading information even when you aren’t moving with the digital compass. Using the Garmin Explore app, you can plan trips, access topographical maps, create waypoints, sync your routes to your smartphone, and more. Everything here is to allow you to stay on your adventure longer.
The Design
On the outside, the device looks essentially the same as the Garmin inReach Mini 1. However, one thing that’s noticeable is the addition of a USB-C port. As opposed to the micro-USB of the previous generation, this was a highly sought-after feature amongst inReach users. This will make it much easier to plug in the device when wearing gloves, when your hands are cold, or when you are rummaging around in a dark tent.
The Improvements
The most important upgrades appear to be on the inside. The GPS chipset has been updated. Additionally, the inReach Mini 2 syncs with Garmin Explore but not Earthmate, which looks to no longer be an option. The functionality and screen itself seem largely unchanged. Although, you’ll find some enhanced navigation settings in the menu. Many beloved features are still present on this unit, including InReach Weather. There’s also increased battery life, a significant improvement over the previous battery. This alone could convince a lot of people to upgrade from their Mini 1 or to acquire their first GPS for outdoor adventures in the backcountry.
Wrapping Up
Overall, the inReach Mini 2 should be a favorable improvement to its predecessor, even though the general form factor looks to be the same. Garmin’s GPS products tend to rank very high among satellite messengers and personal locator beacons. This product does everything that a device on the market should do. It’s also one of the smallest products available. It’s a solidly constructed and compact tool for communication and custom messaging. Some of the features do require an active satellite subscription (some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices).
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is should be available soon in two colors: Flame Red and Black.
