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
3
Untapped Potential
on December 30, 2018
Posted by: Doug B
I assume the mini will work for the main reason I bought it, to save me in the woods if I don't have a cell phone signal and need help. Beyond that, I'm a little disappointed because this item has so much untapped potential. For example, I would like to upload GPX files into the companion map, Earthmate. This is possible but you must convert tracks (thousands to tens of thousands of points) to routes (limit of 200 points). I uploaded a 100 mile gpx track file and when I converted it to a route, it took over 20 miles off the course. This is because it reduces the points and makes a straight line between the reduced points. Since trails are windy, much of the run is missed. I would like this product to work like some of the free apps so I could upload a GPX file and keep every track point so I can follow a very detailed course in the Earthmate app to make sure I am not going off course. In the area I run, there are many intersecting trails so the potential for error with only 200 track points and straight lines between them is great. How can I get this from a free app, but a leader in GPS technology fails to provide this feature?
Also, I would like the ability to have family accurately track my location. If you use one of the less expensive subscription plans, you are limited to sending a track point out every 10 minutes. When it does this, it only sends your current point. Why can't it send all the track points for the previous 10 minutes so it accurately plots your route. One point would be fine if your family could follow you on an accurate route, but as previously mentioned, the routes aren't accurate because they reduce the track points to 200. Since there are straight lines between the points, I would guess I would be "off course" most of the time.
The Earthmate app is clunky as is the website. It is clear Garmin hasn't put much thought into this portion of the company since acquiring it from Delorme. I also have a Fenix watch and use the Livetrack option. This is a great feature which works wonderfully, but requires a cell signal. I was hoping to get the same via the InReach Mini and a satellite signal, but this has not been the case. Since Garmin is collecting money from InReach customers every month, I would think they would invest that money in product development.
Overall I am happy I have it so I can communicate in an emergency or just to send a quick text, but I hope Garmin invests some time into improvements.
Response from GarminBy Jenny, Outdoor, December 31, 2018
Thank you for your review and sorry to hear about your experience with the inReach Mini. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you could please email us at social.support@garmin.com.
Thanks
Jenny
Thanks
Jenny
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Amazing range of capabilities.
on December 31, 2018
Posted by: BigAl
The small unit seems great. The menu takes a bit of practice to understand. It would have helped to find a detailed menu directory in the owner's manual. I have been able to send personal messages but writing them takes practice. There appear to be built-in short cuts for message writing but I can't figure out how to make use of them. Again, more detail in the Manual would be helpful. It is a very impressive device.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Great Hardware. Software is acceptable.
on January 1, 2019
Posted by: Ron & Jane
This is better than the competition. That being said, the insurance part of the subscription only covers the owner, not the party or the user. Be aware, It took 3 days to activate. The app is clunky and could do a lot more. It works well for texting, tracking is OK, but should be easier to access maps. Overall it covers my needs
Response from GarminBy Chris, Garmin, January 14, 2019
We are pleased to hear you like the product. The Earthmate companion app does allow download of many other highly detailed additional maps
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Multitude of technical problems
on January 3, 2019
Posted by: Rish
I received this as a Christmas present and am returning it to REI. The first problem occurred on December 26th when the unit did not send a test message. When I called Garmin support, the gentleman couldn’t explain why the unit did not send the test message. He said, “Well, you’re receiving your preset messages, so it should be okay.” The second issue occurred on January 1st when the unit sent out a preset message without me actually doing so. When I called customer support the next day, he updated the latest software and said that should take care of the issue. Finally, today, January 3d, I sent a preset message twice and it did not go through to any of my listed contacts either time even though the unit itself said two messages were sent. Not only do I not have the confidence that this unit will actually work when I need it to, customer service’s answer of “That should be okay,” is less than comforting. I will be returning and putting my children’s and my safety in the hands of a more reliable manufacturer.
Response from GarminBy Chris, Garmin, January 14, 2019
Sorry to hear you did not like the product. There can sometimes be a messaging delay due to line of sight with the satellites. If you sent the preset indoors for example it will not send till it is outside and comes into range
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
great compact size for my needs
on January 5, 2019
Posted by: JimD
Just needed emergency service capability as well as messaging for family. Fits the bill perfectly.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
2
Good but could be Great
on January 5, 2019
Posted by: GarminFanBoy
The device is small, which is nice. Build quality is good, Menu system works, the Earthmate app for ios is dysfunctional, definitely seems like a hack job but it does connect and work, just could be so much cleaner like other Garmin apps. When the inReach Mini is moving, it will send/receive tracking and messages at custom intervals, default is 10 minutes. However when the device is not moving, it will send/receive tracking and messages every 4 hours, Garmin fails to mention this anywhere and I feel it is misleading that the manual mentions Stationary Interval but only applies to professional customers. The battery life seems to work well in Extended Track mode, but be aware the display is off and you have too press the power button to wake, the device will not make any sounds on new messages and will not connect to bluetooth or ant+ devices. With Extended Track mode off and bluetooth on, I would expect to have to charge every night. For my use as a communication device in the backcountry with other inreach users, it's limited, probably not the best choice.
Response from GarminBy Chris, Garmin, January 14, 2019
The track interval default to 4 hours is based on movement of the device and is a battery saving feature, once you started to move, check a message or sent a message it would default back to 10 minutes. It is possible to set an alert tone for message received in the devices menu : (setup/sounds/ Message Rec)
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Underestimated the Value of the Maps
on January 20, 2019
Posted by: GHSMITH76
I bought the InReach Mini to give me a more complete satellite communication device especially with my upcoming backpacking trip to Norway. However, I did not expect to appreciate the mapping link options as much as I do.
Response from GarminBy Chris, Garmin, January 29, 2019
We are very pleased to hear you are enjoying your Inreach Mini. The map downloads and easy messaging via the Earthmate app is a very useful addition. If you wanted more information on use we encourage you to visit our online support center: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Great functionality in such a small package
on February 3, 2019
Posted by: WDB88
Bought this for hiking & motorcycle trips off the grid. Everything works as advertised. LInking to the phone is great for texting custom messages.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin