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
Peace of mind
on February 7, 2019
Posted by: Norm
I like to solo trail run and hike where I lose cell signal. My wife is is much happier when I take this with me.
Response from GarminBy Chris, Garmin, February 7, 2019
We are very happy to hear this is working well for you. If you had questions or wanted some more information about its operation please visit our online support center : https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?productID=592606&tab=topics
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
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
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
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
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
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
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