Garmin’s inReach Mini 2 is a compact satellite communication device with two-way texting and SOS capabilities.
Purpose-built to support outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels, the lightweight communicator provides up to 30 days of battery life. It also has integrated location and situational awareness features such as TracBack navigation and Garmin Explore Mobile app compatibility.
Garmin notes that… ‘Explorers will feel confident knowing the inReach Mini 2 provides two-way text messaging, location tracking, and weather updates thanks to the global Iridium satellite network.
‘Additionally, should an emergency occur, inReach Mini 2 users can trigger an interactive SOS message to the Garmin IERCC, a 24/7 staffed professional emergency response coordination centre.’
“Whether on a casual afternoon hike or climbing a mountain on an extended expedition, inReach Mini 2 is the perfect choice for a rugged, ultra-light tool to help you stay connected with friends and family around the clock,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales.
“Its compact size, robust location features, and significantly increased battery life add peace of mind to any trip without adding weight to your pack.
“Moments of communication can become critical on any adventure, and the best plan is to always be prepared, which is why Garmin satellite communicators, like inReach Mini 2, have become trusted tools for anyone who ventures outdoors.”
The device features up to 14 days of continuous run time in default 10-minute tracking mode. To further extend battery-life, users can customise inReach Mini 2 tracking intervals and receive up to 30 days of continuous use when in 30-minute tracking mode.
inReach Mini 2 automatically records a user’s activity and passively stores their route. If a user becomes disoriented, they can simply engage TracBack and an on-device digital path will retrace their movements and guide them back to their point of origin.
To further aid in navigation, inReach Mini 2 features an electronic compass that displays a heading even when stationary. In addition to the GPS satellite network, inReach Mini 2 also leverages GALILEO, QZSS and BeiDou satellite networks for faster initial satellite acquisition time and more coverage in challenging environments than GPS alone.
Individuals can check location updates, weather alerts and messages. Using the new glanceable ‘quick view’ users can scroll through device widgets. Individuals can also select each widget for additional details, which are provided on inReach Mini 2’s new high-resolution display optimised for viewing in all conditions.
inReach Mini 2 can pair with more than 80 Garmin devices, including marine chartplotters, in-vehicle navigators, aviation systems and smartwatches. When paired, users can view incoming messages, respond to messages, or control the inReach Mini 2 to start and stop tracking and — in the event of an emergency — trigger an interactive SOS directly from the paired device.
Users can enhance the navigation and communication of their mobile phone with inReach Mini 2 by downloading the Garmin Explore Mobile app. This Garmin app is made for off-the-grid adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts alike to map, track, sync and share their trek from anywhere.
When paired to inReach Mini 2, customers can use their mobile device to type messages, get up-to-date weather information, download a variety of maps, review their trips, and use the new Course Creator to mark their start and finish to receive an automatically generated course line.
Additionally, when starting navigation in Explore Mobile, the inReach Mini 2 will automatically begin on-device navigation.
Through the inReach MapShare page or by sending GPS coordinates embedded in their message, users can update loved ones on their location at a moment’s notice. Friends and family can also reach out directly to inReach Mini 2 customers to provide encouragement or congratulations along the way.
Thanks to a dedicated SOS button, users can quickly declare an SOS should an emergency occur. Once an SOS is declared, inReach Mini 2 will send a distress signal to the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC), a 24/7 staffed professional emergency response coordination team.
Through the two-way communication provided by inReach Mini 2, the IERCC can communicate with the inReach user and then notify the applicable search and rescue organisation to respond. The IERCC will deliver a confirmation that help is on the way and provide updates on the status of the response effort. The IERCC may also reach out to the user’s designated emergency contacts.
Measuring just under 4 inches (10 cm) tall by 2 inches (5 cm) wide and weighing 3.5 oz (100 g), the rugged inReach Mini 2 is water rated to IPX73. It has a suggested retail price of £349.99.
To communicate using an inReach Mini device, an active satellite subscription plan is required. A variety of plans that range from flexible month-to-month options to an annual contract package are available for individuals or professionals. Plans start from £12.95 per month.
