Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - InReach GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Red/Black
Average customer rating
4.1
(729 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 729 reviews
5 Stars
413
4 Stars
134
3 Stars
77
2 Stars
47
1 Star
58
Customer Reviews for Garmin - InReach GPS with Built-In Bluetooth - Red/Black
Customer Rating
5
on February 15, 2021
Posted by: Blaine K
This little unit has come in handy multiple times while guiding snowmobile tours and hunting trips. I love the app, very user friendly.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Necessary Tool
on February 8, 2021
Posted by: Doc_1707
I purchased the inReach Mini two days before starting my hike on the Lost Coast Trail (LCT) in California. My permit was for Feb 1 which was at the tail end of some of the worst winter storms in the area. I was hiking solo and the need for some sort of SOS device was considered critical. Even with one, the LCT can be very dangerous.
I went with the inReach over other PLBs because of the ability to communicate with the rescue team. Rather than sending out an emergency beacon (it does that) you can also tell them exactly what is going on so they can better prepare.
Beyond that, it gives a ton of peace of mind to family and friends. I'm not a big communicator so the preset messages were all I initially needed to give starting points and stopping points; however, I chose the Freedom Expedition Plan so that I'd have as many texts and such to work out any bugs or issues. I'd read a lot of reviews saying it was difficult to set up and, given the proximity of my departure, I felt that was necessary.
It was very easy to set up. Out of the box, I turned it on, got on the Garmin website, the inReach updated, and I sent texts to a few contacts to test it out. There were no issues outside of that. I am not sure what the reviews were talking about as far as it being complicated. This is my first GPS so maybe that is considered complicated, I don't know. It worked for me, is all.
There is no reception on the LCT or even in the parking lots at either end. The inReach was able to communicate through my car and through thick storm clouds to send texts quickly. Throughout the trip, the inReach communicated fine through my tent and my pack (I kept it either in the mesh side pocket or in the top flap depending on weather). I used the Earthmate map a few times to mark exact grids but I've always been a map and compass guy so I prefer that. The app is a good fall back. Especially since printed maps are typically years old and with an ever-changing route like the LCT, a GPS map is a wise choice.
Overall, I now consider the inReach as necessary as a tent. You can do without either, but I wouldn't recommend it.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, February 10, 2021
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
It works well!
on February 7, 2021
Posted by: Larissa
Works well in all the remote places I bring it!! I’m enjoying it!!
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, February 10, 2021
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great device
on February 7, 2021
Posted by: Edro II
This is my second I reach mini. I gifted my first one to my son who mountain bikes.
I m 68 and I like The security of having one along while hiking.
I m 68 and I like The security of having one along while hiking.
Response from GarminBy Garmin , Outdoor, February 10, 2021
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
2
Slow...Don’t trust it much
on February 6, 2021
Posted by: Kjohnson
I run long distances a one and out of cell range. As an older guy my wife is more comfortable knowing I have a way to get help in a dire emergency. I text her before I start...then again when I am done. Problem is, sometimes it takes upwards of 2 hours for her to get a text. Makes me wonder if the SOS feature would have the same lag. I still carry it because it makes her feel better...but I personally do not trust it as the lags seem to be getting more common.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Outdoor, February 10, 2021
Thank you for your review and your experience with the inReach Mini. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Thanks Jenny
Thanks Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Peace of mind
on January 18, 2021
Posted by: Kenneth K
from Appleton, WI, US
Nice to have that extra layer of protection for backpacking and other backcountry adventures.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
on January 10, 2021
Posted by: Travis B
from Cody, WY, US
This is such a simple device and when paired with your phone it provides quick and reliable 2 way communications. It is nice to have good 2 way communications from the field finally. I have got to be point that I keep it with me most all of the time.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
I don't go into the backcountry without it.
on January 1, 2021
Posted by: Alex W
from Salt Lake City, UT, US
With how small this inReach is, it take it with me every time I am in the backcountry. Biking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, etc. Since having it, I can't believe I ever traveled in the backcountry without it. The peace of mind of the SOS button or simply letting your family know you're going to be a few hours late is worth it's weight in gold. Personally, I only use this inReach for the communication element since I use Gaia for my maps. You always bring your phone with you! Why wouldn't you bring this little guy as well. It can get you out of some sticky situations. It's so easy to use the app on your phone - it's just like texting someone normally. Highly recommend for anyone who spends time in the backcountry.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin