Author Topic: Garmin InReach Mini (Read 4768 times)

Turdle · « **on:** April 23, 2020, 08:19:01 PM »

So, I've been looking to get one of these. Watching price, and they seem to be coming down in price.
Most other sites about 350.00, Amazon 298.49, now I find them here for 261.99. Wondering if I should wait a little while, or just go ahead and bite the bullet.

https://anontee.com/?product=garmin-inreach-mini-compact-satellite-communicator?utm_source=Google%20Shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=101904&gclid=CjwKCAjw-YT1BRAFEiwAd2WRtgVlIhTnV-Wynvk6y7H1eMqJz_RPgDb0HpoE4yZbvHt94eopLnFRjhoCHT4QAvD_BwE

Magnum_Willys · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2020, 08:27:18 PM »

No hurry til you hit the woods. But don’t go without it.

Turdle · « **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2020, 08:36:32 PM »

Also using it for camping and motorcycle riding for areas with no cell service. I think this is going to give me a whole lot more Freedom

, being able to check in with Home.

253shotgunner · « **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2020, 09:40:47 PM »

I have one. My wife appreciates being able to text me no matter where I am in the world. I consider it my hunting partner when I go into the woods alone.

yakimanoob · « **Reply #4 on:** April 23, 2020, 09:45:25 PM »

Quote from: Magnum_Willys on April 23, 2020, 08:27:18 PM

No hurry til you hit the woods. But don’t go without it.

I got one about three years ago, and love the peace of mind and especially the ability to communicate with my lady. Obviously a safety improvement but it's also good for boredom and for sharing the joys of being in the mountains; I do most of my hunting solo.

Joining the Yakima SAR team two years ago gave me an entirely new appreciation for them. I strongly recommend a satellite comms device to EVERYONE going out into the backcountry. If you're not seriously hurt, we can probably guide you out of the predicament. If you are seriously hurt, your chances of survival are MUCH better since we'll know exactly where you are and be able to talk with you while a team is mobilized.

OK, getting off my soap box now...

HikerHunter · « **Reply #5 on:** April 24, 2020, 08:37:52 AM »

I got mine used about a year and a half ago for $220, so that seems like a good deal. Love it btw

Archry · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2020, 08:42:13 AM »

look at the battery life between the mini and the standard size before you buy

birddogdad · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2020, 08:46:05 AM »

Quote from: Archry on April 24, 2020, 08:42:13 AM

look at the battery life between the mini and the standard size before you buy

battery bricks are very cheap on amazon and as you would connect with cell phone (most cases) you have one for that purpose anyway...

Archry · « **Reply #8 on:** April 24, 2020, 08:52:12 AM »

Agree with you on a extra battery for the cell phone. I don't want to have to charge my Garmin out there also though. that's why I went with standard size

Wolfdog2314 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 24, 2020, 01:06:23 PM »

I’ve been checking for deals on the inreach also. Amazon with the 298, free shipping, plus tax.

This annontee seems to have free shipping and no tax calculated for 261. Anyone have any experience with annontee.com? The website is the only thing that could seem somewhat leery?

Stein · « **Reply #10 on:** April 24, 2020, 02:53:01 PM »

Quote from: Archry on April 24, 2020, 08:52:12 AM

Agree with you on a extra battery for the cell phone. I don't want to have to charge my Garmin out there also though. that's why I went with standard size

I have the standard but also pack a tiny USB charge cord for the InReach, it's only about 4" long if that. I usually never use it, but it's good insurance in case something happens. In an emergency, I'm not sure how long the battery would last if you are constantly sending and receiving text messages.

birddogdad · « **Reply #11 on:** April 24, 2020, 03:02:57 PM »

Quote from: Stein on April 24, 2020, 02:53:01 PM

Quote from: Archry on April 24, 2020, 08:52:12 AM
Agree with you on a extra battery for the cell phone. I don't want to have to charge my Garmin out there also though. that's why I went with standard size

I have the standard but also pack a tiny USB charge cord for the InReach, it's only about 4" long if that. I usually never use it, but it's good insurance in case something happens. In an emergency, I'm not sure how long the battery would last if you are constantly sending and receiving text messages.

had minis and cell in id backcountry for 8 days on one brick last year...

Turdle · « **Reply #12 on:** April 24, 2020, 04:32:11 PM »

Battery is not a big concern for me. Also wondering about the anontee site, looks legit. I'm about to find out, still holding out to see if price keeps going down. Thanks for the input....

RockChuck · « **Reply #13 on:** April 24, 2020, 06:09:33 PM »

I have been reading up on the mini and see Some bad reviews about sending/receiving messages to and from at&t, anyone have experience or issues with that?

Magnum_Willys · « **Reply #14 on:** April 24, 2020, 06:13:38 PM »

Quote from: RockChuck on April 24, 2020, 06:09:33 PM

I have been reading up on the mini and see Some bad reviews about sending/receiving messages to and from at&t, anyone have experience or issues with that?

That would explain a few seemingly missed messages to at&t account. No prob with verizon. Did work with at&t just seemed funky.

CaNINE · « **Reply #15 on:** April 25, 2020, 06:49:41 AM »

I use mine to check in with my wife while I’m in the backcountry. It gives her a little peace of mind which means less drama when I’m leaving for trips. Less drama = less stress = more peace in the backcountry. The mini is gold. I link it to the phone app and have a power brick of o feed it. Used it in the Wyoming range last fall for my elk hunt. Several backpacking trips. Fishing in Alaska. No issues.

RockChuck · « **Reply #16 on:** April 25, 2020, 04:46:07 PM »

A question for those that have the in reach, what is the actual monthly cost of the “freedom plan” ? It looks like there is a 24.00 yearly fee and then the 14 or 24 (ish) monthly costs correct? Just wondering if and what other fees there are?

Magnum_Willys · « **Reply #17 on:** April 25, 2020, 04:57:00 PM »

I just turn on the unlimited for two months a year but its like $60/mo

RockChuck · « **Reply #18 on:** April 25, 2020, 05:00:51 PM »

Yeah that’s what I’m thinking it ends up being pretty spendy for a month or 2 per year! Also researching some of the sat hotspots like bivystick

Bob33 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 25, 2020, 05:06:48 PM »

$25 annual fee, 3 months at the least expensive plan of $15 a month is $70 a year. Pretty cheap insurance IMO.

CaNINE · « **Reply #20 on:** April 25, 2020, 06:00:01 PM »

I do the cheapest monthly plan and just let it run year around so I don’t have to think about it. I think it’s 11 bucks. It limits the texts per month but if I go over I just pay the extra buck per text.

Stein · « **Reply #21 on:** April 25, 2020, 06:22:57 PM »

Quote from: Magnum_Willys on April 25, 2020, 04:57:00 PM

I just turn on the unlimited for two months a year but its like $60/mo

I think that's pretty cheap to have near instant, reliable communication anywhere on the planet. I've literally paid $60 for ice at a gas station before, sat communication is a bargain to me.

RockChuck · « **Reply #22 on:** April 25, 2020, 07:03:24 PM »

$70 is not bad for insurance at all just weighing all the options

Magnum_Willys · « **Reply #23 on:** April 25, 2020, 08:05:57 PM »

I was solo on the Montana Rd in Idaho when truck diesel pump took a dump. Used inreach to get a tow back to Lewiston. The cost was well worth it.

I’ve been many miles in hiking and crossing blowdowns solo thinking Id be crazy to do this without an inreach. If you don’t have one get it.

millerwheeler · « **Reply #24 on:** April 25, 2020, 08:55:25 PM »

I have used an inreach not the mini but for 3 years now . Sept Oct and Nov I pay for unlimited and in rest of months it's on the minimum ha saved my butt 3 times in the woods being being stuck, helped friend who was hurt , and was able to send for help with animal down if I had to pay the full 60 every month I would

Tbob · « **Reply #25 on:** April 28, 2020, 01:06:34 PM »

I’ve got the full size and only turn it on to send a nightly message to the wife. I’ve been out for 10 days and battery never even got to half..
Love this thing though. I usually only turn mine on in July and turn it off in December..

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Author Topic: Garmin InReach Mini (Read 4768 times)

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