Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - InReach GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Red/Black
Average customer rating
4.1
(717 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 717 reviews
5 Stars
411
4 Stars
133
3 Stars
74
2 Stars
45
1 Star
54
Customer Reviews for Garmin - InReach GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Red/Black
Customer Rating
5
Love it so far!
on August 7, 2021
Posted by: runningmt
My recreation activities in the backcountry areas of Montana have always been a double edged sword…..I love the large areas of cellular dead zones in my home state, but not having contact with my family for days on end is unfair to them.
Now, having the InReach Mini, I can send texts to my wife and friends, and if I need to, send an emergency SOS in the event I am hurt or lost.
Bluetooth connectivity with my phone has been awesome, and I can carry a charging cord to plug in to my portable battery charger.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, August 9, 2021
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Long overdue purchase
on August 8, 2021
Posted by: BigWaldo
The peace of mind I had on a 5 day kayak trip in North Cascades NP due to the inReach was priceless. Seamless integration with my iPhone using the Earthmate application gave me access to topographical maps that were easier to use then those on my older model 62s GPS. I opted to “save” battery life by only tracking while underway and was able to get data for all 5 days out on the single charge—can’t wait to try it on a backcountry backpack next.
Response from GarminBy Garmin , Outdoor, August 9, 2021
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Perfect for my use.
on August 8, 2021
Posted by: Trkasten
I bought the inReach Mini for communication in the backcountry. I’ve done some test trip locally to get to know before heading out. Some features are not that intuitive and I found the same with the Earthmate app. I believe a updated app with better maps would be a great start. But there was many resources online and tutorials that are helpful weeding things out. Great piece of mind in the backcountry.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, August 9, 2021
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
it works!
on August 9, 2021
Posted by: Terrance
I like to use it in my plane. It works but seams to be slow at times.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, August 9, 2021
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great device!
on August 10, 2021
Posted by: Bob58
I bought this for trail running and backpacking, especially where cell service is limited. This is a great device. I am able to let my family know that I'm well even when I have no cell service. It is lightweight, and not an impediment to running. For backpacking this was far better than lugging a rental satellite phone in my backpack. Communication with family and friends was easy, whether using preset messages or the Earthmate app and Bluetooth on my phone. I would recommend this to anyone running by themselves or traveling in remote areas.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, August 11, 2021
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Peace of mind
on August 11, 2021
Posted by: JTOutdoors
I purchased this strictly for the SOS and text updates. I have tested it and am very pleased with the function. The set up was a little challenging for an old guy, but it went well. I still carry my larger Garmin unit for navigation but keep the InReach on for emergencies. My wife really likes the preset texts to keep her informed of my progress and safety. Great little unit for off- grid hunting and fishing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, August 12, 2021
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Peace of Mind
on August 12, 2021
Posted by: petiguana
I bought the inReach Mini a year ago for when I solo hike or backpack. The battery has held up great thus far, GPS tracking is incredibly accurate and my family has vocalized that they have felt peace of mind being able to see my progress and check-in points. I pay a monthly subscription to keep the device active, which I think is worth it for the amount of time spent out of service.
The only thing I will say that I wish was made clearer was the software updates. I went on a 2-day backpacking trip in the White Mountains a couple weeks ago. Day 1, the device worked great and still had 100% battery after a long day in the mountains with no cell phone service. I powered it off for the night when I got to camp. The next morning, the device absolutely would not remain powered on, which I found out later was due to a needed software update. This, in my opinion, should have been more effectively communicated to the consumer as something like this can often make the difference between having safety and peace of mind, and unnecessary nerves.
All in all, I'm very happy with the device, the weight, and it's functionality. I would recommend buying one for solo hikers/backpackers/snowshoe-ers/climbers, just make sure you're A) familiar and comfortable with how it operates before you take it out into the woods and B) keeping your software up to date.
And while I'm here, read the book "Where You'll Find Me" if you haven't, for a great perspective one why relying on technology is not always the smart option. The best thing you can ever rely on is between your ears.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, August 12, 2021
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Goodbye Spot Hello inReach Mini - I love you!
on August 14, 2021
Posted by: love2travel
I have used a competitor's device for 11 years. That company recently changed its associated insurance company. That company will not allow me to purchase SAR insurance for all the people who are depending on my emergency device during a backcountry adventure. That won't work - so I switched to a Garmin device that is supported by the insurance company previously associated with my other device, MyGeos. Problem solved and an extra bonus! The inReach has excellent, updated software and is very user friendly. The bluetooth on the inReach allows me to use my cell phone to access my contacts and text on my phone's keyboard. Wonderful improvement. My son just used the inReach for nine days in the Wind River Range, about half of those days spent off trail fishing for the Golden Trout. I knew exactly where he and his buddy were at all times (both with SAR insurance in place - thank you!). Huge piece of mind. I highly recommend the inREach Mini.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, August 16, 2021
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin