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
4
Great features but....
on August 29, 2018
Posted by: BigCooly
I finally purchased the inReach Mini! I chose the mini over the inReach full feature models for the size and weight. I figured with what i read about the Earthmate app that this setup would do everything I wanted it to do.
I'll start off by saying I did not find the system and documentation very intuitive. i am a technical guy so I managed. Since this is the first generation of inReach under the Garmin name, they apparently have not done much with the systems that are required to make everything come together. By systems I am referring to the Earthmate App and the Garmin inReach portal site. you really have to learn 3 things and they are all documented separately. 1. The inReach mini unit. 2. The Earthmate App 3. The inReach Portal Web site where you set up your plan, contacts, quick messages and map sharing.
I tested everything. I used the unit along with my iPhone and started tracking a short walk in a local park. I turned off my phones data and wi-fi. Messages sent fine and replies were received. The tracking interval of 10 minutes ( lowest option available with my plan ) worked ok too. I set a logging interval of 2 minutes and that seemed to work as well. You will have to read the documentation to learn the different in tracking and logging intervals.
I then tested navigating to an established way-point. I created a way-point from the map on the web portal and synced up my Earthmate app with automatically synced to the inReach over blue tooth. I used the inReach without the smart phone to navigate to the way-point ( a couple of blocks from my house ) and it worked fine. This navigation is a simple arrow point in the straight line direction of the way-point giving you the distance as the crow flies to that point. I did the same test using the Earthmate App on the iPhone. In both cases the navigation worked. When I got to within a few feet of the way-point the inReach and the App both alerted me that I had arrived.
It seems as if once you buy an inReach mini unit you get all the Earthmate features and maps and the only purpose the mini serves is to allow SAT Com messaging. You could turn the mini off and still get map share tracking points via your GPS on your phone. Don't take my word on that as I have not tested that exact use case. That is next.
Things I find odd:
1. While the Earthmate App will tap into your phone contact list for sending messages through the app, it will not sync those contacts up to the inReach device. To get contacts loaded on the inReach mini you have to add them manually one at a time form the web portal.
1. While the Earthmate App will tap into your phone contact list for sending messages through the app, it will not sync those contacts up to the inReach device. To get contacts loaded on the inReach mini you have to add them manually one at a time form the web portal.
2. While you can use the App and the Mini independently of one another, the app seems to require use of the phones GPS chip rather than using the GPS on the mini for map positioning in the app. I though I could turn location services off on my iPhone to save battery life and the Earthmate app would still show my location on the map by use of the blue tooth paired mini. This appears to not be so.
3. The inReach mini is not compatible with Garmin Connect.
4. You cannot set way-point proximity alerts with the mini. Not sure about the SE or Explorer.
Overall the mini is a strong unit. If I had it to do over again I may have gone with the full Explorer for a few more ounces just to have the better integrated interface on the unit. Earthmate works with all 3 units so there is no sacrifice there. I do recommend this product.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Excellent navigational tool
on August 30, 2018
Posted by: Jackie L.
I bought this primarily for emergency communication use when hiking in unfamiliar areas. While trying it out, I ended up on a route that I could not have completed without the navigation tool - it was spot on and literally got me home, very easy to read and follow having had no previous experience with any kind of mapping/gps/navigation tool besides paper maps. I also like that the subscription service has so many options. I'm looking forward to learning everything this little device can do, but it has already paid for itself!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
2
Promising but falls short
on August 31, 2018
Posted by: Cosmic
I bought my second in reach because I love the Delorme explore. 1st issue I had no choice but create a second seperate account. This means map routes, way points, and sync of the devices to travel in the same spot is a real pain. Garmin won't even provide the option anymore. Not very customer focused.
Response from GarminBy Enrique, Outdoor, August 31, 2018
Hi Cosmic,
Thanks for the review. Due to recent changes in privacy laws — Garmin inReach subscribers with a personal Freedom or Annual contract subscription plan can no longer add new users to their Explore account. At this time, inReach subscribers with these personal subscription plans that currently have multiple users will retain those existing sub users in their Explore account. However, the ability to add any new users has been removed.
Thanks for the review. Due to recent changes in privacy laws — Garmin inReach subscribers with a personal Freedom or Annual contract subscription plan can no longer add new users to their Explore account. At this time, inReach subscribers with these personal subscription plans that currently have multiple users will retain those existing sub users in their Explore account. However, the ability to add any new users has been removed.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Much better than the previous model
on September 3, 2018
Posted by: MtnRanch
I had an inReach for the DeLorme PN-60W and, while it was better than nothing, it was bulky and seriously limited by not having any sort of useful keyboard. Also, the restricted list of contacts created difficulties in communicating on the road. I'd give the Mini five stars but I'm still having mixed feelings about the rechargeable battery. Several times I've gone to use the unit and the batteries have been discharged. Apparently it still draws some current even while shut off and this can drain the battery. The old model had a choice of rechargeable or standard batteries. The small size doesn't allow for standard batteries. As a work around, I've purchased an auxiliary USB battery that can substitute for the internal battery and recharge it at the same time.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Does everything it says
on September 4, 2018
Posted by: braam
The Mini was really a good investment! Messages and tracking working as expected. I have seen some reviews talking about waiting 20 minutes for messages, but in my experience they have all been sent or received in a 5 minute window. Battery life is good provided that you have a clear view of the sky. Taking the unit indoors and leaving it on really drains the battery.
Overall I am very impressed with my purchase
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great security for longer hiking trips
on September 6, 2018
Posted by: Jorgen
Bought this before a longer trip in the mountains where i knew cell reception was bad. Haven't used the SOS feature, and hope i never have to, but the device is great for communicating with your loved ones while you're without cell reception. Battery is also decent for a device like this. Writing texts is a bit slow, but you have plenty of time being outdoors so i don't see that as a problem. Weather forecast feature was also very nice to have, and managed to move the tent to cover before the wind set.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Needed SOS Function
on September 6, 2018
Posted by: Lloyd
Two days ago I used this tiny satellite-tracker device to summon emergency help. It really proved it's worth. It works when there's no cell coverage.
I wrenched and broke my arm while hiking in Utah (USFS - Uinta, Wasatch & Cache National Forests). The mountain slope was steep and I couldn't stand up. I had recently purchased the inReach Mini on advice of my son-in-law because he knew I usually hike alone, and my wife could track my location and progress on our computer at home. This was the first time we used the tracking function.
At 2 pm I activated the SOS protocol and 1) a (GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC)) operator texted me via the inReach Mini about my situation, 2) she alerted Davis County Sheriff Search & Rescue about my situation and location coordinates, 3) she called my wife about my situation and told her help was on it's way, 4) she kept in touch with me from time to time to inquire how I was, 5) rescuers arrived at 3:30, 6) the operator kept my wife updated throughout.
The rescue team stabilized my injury (hospital emergency dept staff said they did a great job) and then used a basket litter to lower me down the mountain, across a steam, and up to a trail. Once on a trail I was able to walk out with my rescuers -- about 45 min, and my family was there at the emergency vehicles when we arrived -- 6:30 pm.
Again and again members of the search and team commented how grateful they were to have my condition on an updated basis and location coordinates right off. So was I. They didn't have to search, rather put all their effort into rescuing.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Great concept,weak execution
on September 11, 2018
Posted by: AB755
This product was exactly what I was looking for, unfortunately the actual performance is lacking. Turns out you have to create Garmin contacts for each text recipient, even though the manual says you can use your iphone contacts. Lots of basic information missing from the manual.
Response from GarminBy Enrique, Outdoor, September 11, 2018
Hi AB755,
Thanks for the review. I would suggest reviewing the following FAQ to help enable your contacts on your phone. https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=e0RyhWkIGf1ChFYi4hGzZ6&productID=592606&searchQuery=select%20contacts
Thanks for the review. I would suggest reviewing the following FAQ to help enable your contacts on your phone. https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=e0RyhWkIGf1ChFYi4hGzZ6&productID=592606&searchQuery=select%20contacts
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin