Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - inReach Mini 2 Compact Satellite Communicator 1.3" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
Average customer rating
4.4
(1,289 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 1,289 reviews
5 Stars
907
4 Stars
186
3 Stars
92
2 Stars
41
1 Star
63
Customer Reviews for Garmin - inReach Mini 2 Compact Satellite Communicator 1.3" GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Black
Customer Rating
5
Great Features Awesome Functionality
on August 24, 2023
Posted by: Trob
We purchased this inReach Mini 2 for work, given that most of our fieldwork occurs in high alpine wilderness or often in canyons where phone service is limited. I used the unit for a week-long camping trip for work and felt secure knowing my wife knew I made it back to camp safely every night. That sense of security is excellent when you are 13 miles into the backcountry. Additionally, being able to use the tracking and waypoint features was phenomenal. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but it works pretty smoothly directly from the inReach or on the Explorer app. However, I often struggled to get my location to show up accurately on the app, so I had to use the inReach itself to mark and pin locations, a tedious task on the small screen. I need to play with it more to learn how to use the unit effectively.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, August 28, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Security in the Backcountry
on August 24, 2023
Posted by: Kate V.
I had considered purchasing a Garmin inReach for a couple of years, after researching the advantages/drawbacks of satellite communicators, and having seen/spoken to several hikers - especially female, solo hikers, as I am typically - who had many positive things to say about their devices.
I purchased and used my inReach for the first time in early August 2023, and was so grateful for the sense of security it provided. I didn't have to worry about establishing a satellite connection through my phone in case of emergency, because I could link to the network through my inReach before hitting the trail and knew it would hold strong all day. I and my family had peace of mind knowing that I could message them at any time, with or without cell phone service; and that they could track me and knew I was safe, even from 300 miles away. It was especially gratifying when my day ran unexpectedly long, and I was hiking out at 10:30 pm, several hours later than anticipated. My backcountry excursions take place almost exclusively during the warmer months, so the option to suspend/re-activate service is also a major benefit!
There was a bit of a learning curve during set-up/operation, as I familiarized myself with terminology, the location of certain features, and how the device interfaced with the Garmin Explore app. However, the Garmin site and other online resources were incredibly helpful, and I carried the user manual in my daypack, just in case. Overall, none of this was a significant detractor from the many benefits of the device. I definitely, and without hesitation, recommend it!
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, August 28, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Great features! Not intuitive!
on August 24, 2023
Posted by: Lcad
I've been wanting to get an emergency GPS beacon as I hike and backpack regularly. After researching, I decided to purchase the inReach Mini 2 for its features. In typical Garmin fashion, the UI is absolutely frustrating and archaic. It is not intuitive and even after watching their 1 hour webinar, I'm still somewhat wary that I will be able to use some of the features easily without spending some time trying to figure out how to use it all over again. I'm also quite upset that they changed preset messages to non-customizable presets which was one of the main reasons I purchased the unit but didn't realize they changed those options. For those two things I removed 2 stars.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, August 28, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Perfect way to keep track during a 100 mile race!
on August 25, 2023
Posted by: CS13
I got the mini as a way to track my race as I was on course, and for my crew to be able to adjust as I ran. Because it updates so often, my crew was able to predict when they needed to be the aid stations which made it so much easier for them. In addition, it ensures you stay on course when the markers aren’t as easy to follow. I just hope the companies that make nutrition/hydration vests design a unique pocket to protect/carry it vice using tape of some alternate method to secure it.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, August 28, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
This thing is great!
on August 26, 2023
Posted by: JohnnyBugs
Bought for an extended cross country solo trip through areas with no cell service and it has worked flawlessly
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, August 28, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
easy to use.
on August 29, 2023
Posted by: scottgthomas
I purchased it recently and have tried it out on a trip to put in bay and another one to Mackinac Island. It worked great and let my friends know where we were along the routes.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, August 29, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Wont Travel without it
on August 29, 2023
Posted by: Fathom2
Love being able to keep the family updated on my status. Wife loves the peace of mind that she gets from the map location feature so she can see my progress while moving the boat in remote locations.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, September 6, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Love the safety!
on August 31, 2023
Posted by: XT Carol
I mainly got this because I roam remote areas alone, sometimes without a cell signal. I like its tracking ability, although I have a tracking app also on my phone. My friends can view my whereabouts on either MapShare or the tracking app, which I like. I use my phone as a topo mapping device, with downloaded maps so phone signal doesn't matter. I carry the little Mini-2 everywhere. I am still on a learning curve using the Explore app, but getting better.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Garmin, September 6, 2023
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin