This is the type of product you hope you never have to use. But when you do... it works flawlessly.
We have 2 units and we or our adult kids always travel with one as the cell coverage can be spotty.
Last Christmas a family Member was travelling home when they ended up in the ditch. No injuries but very stuck. There was no cell coverage so the I reach mini came to the rescue and we were able to help our loved get home and recover the truck the next day.
This product has never failed me. If I am in the backcountry snowboarding or camping or fishing, I never have to worry about being able to reach help if I need it.
The main drawback is if you have to type out a message to send, but it more than makes up for that disadvantage with its size.
This is an excellent product for beginners and experts alike. Experts may appreciate more features found on more expensive models, but this device is more than capable.
I wouldn't venture into the backcountry without this device!
on March 21, 2023
Posted by: Tim J
from North Vancouver, BC, CA
The Garmin inReach is a minimalist solution for a satellite communicator without any compromises. Great battery life, robust construction, and clear user interface. The inReach Mini also provides two-way satellite communication as opposed to a SPOT device. This allows to communicate with SAR much more effectively. If you are on the market for a satellite communicator look no further.
When you have an epic back country trip planned 2 days back from civilization but something goes terribly wrong. You want this. 4 days planned on the far side of the Forbes glacier in mid August with no smoke and perfect sustained weather. On the ascent we had a grizzly encounter on a moraine but fortunately standing our ground and having the advantage of a little elevation left the bear with the idea of cutting trail.
Shortly after,probably still feeling the effects of an adrenaline dump, I was negotiating a steep but innocuous spot nearby the bear encounter. Assuming the giant and round bolder was solid I used it to stabilize myself. When I slipped and noted the piece of bolder was still in my hand as I rocketed down the slope. I managed to direct my fall towards another bolder to stop myself. My pec major was clearly ripped clean from my shoulder and I was pretty banged up.
Being 2 hours from our end destination, mons hut, and 9 hours 30kms from the road, and 1 hrs of daylight left we had to make the tough call. Due to the hut having our mattress, sleeping bags and stove we didn't pack them loving the idea of fast and light.
We contacted the call center through the Garmin. Gave our details. With the diminishing light we later learned of multiple plans parks Canada was working on given how tight the timeline was. The helis don't fly after dark. When the rescue tech, Conrad, had a full night of supplies and was prepared to be dumped and hike to us for a night out it was clear the communication the Garmin provided gave us all the best up to date information. While we waited on the mountain we continued to be asked clarifying questions which made for a very efficient rescue. The heli came straight for us and the use of a flashlight assisted in a very quick rescue
Shivering all night with a pec muscle flapping in the wind would have been horrible.
I don't just recommend the product I believe it is a must.
This small device helped us stay in contact with home while on the atlantic crossing by sailboat. Compared to it's competitors, it definitely has the easiest UI and is reliable. No more hassle texting with home while at sea.
This is something everyone in the back country should have. I use it to stay I touch with my family when I'm out of cell service. It works great in case of emergency's. You just need to watch the battery life. This item is great for beginners and experts,