Garmin Inreach Mini

Foxster

Section Hiker
Having a satellite emergency gizmo like this is a lot like insurance. You'd pay some money and probably never need it.

However, I'm planning a solo trip and the missus wants to know if I've had a stroke or fallen down a well. So was thinking of investing.

Anyone with experience of this device? What plan should I get for rare usage?
 

Balagan

Thru Hiker
At the risk of sounding like someone touting Paramo in a Goretex thread, I recently got a PLB for the same reason. Pay once, no plans and no subscription fees, unlike Inreach, were the deciding factors. Sure I don't get two-way messaging, GPS and weather info but I do have the insurance package I hope I will never use.
 

Arne L.

Thru Hiker
I have used mine quite a bit: a week in Norway, a week in the French Alps & recently along the Cape Wrath Trail.

It works very well. The connection with the phone is easy & fairly foolproof. It doesn't take up a ton of space and the battery life is ok.

If tracking doesn't seem interesting to you (so that the lady at home can follow you) you could take the cheapest plan, that's what I tend to do on shorter trips. You get 10 text messages (in- & outcoming counts as two messages) & if you go over that limit you'll pay € 0,10 per text (160 sign limit). It also works great for weather forecasting if you don't have a signal for a couple of days.
I type the text with my phone & your Inreach sends it. Very straightforward.

I like that you can just end your subscription whenever you want.

To be honest, I like being 'in reach' with the home; if more so for my own peace of mind.

I know that @edh & @theoctagon also own a Mini, so maybe they'll share their experiences as well.
 

DuneElliot

Section Hiker
I have the regular InReach (old DeLorme version). I did a lot of research on them before I settled but what sold it for me was the two-way communication ability to gives any potential rescuers extra info (and the occasional message for pick-up after my filter froze and needed a new one). I also like that it confirms that a message was sent/ received so you are never left wondering if the message got out.
Also, the satellites used by the InReach are generally better in my experience...more reliable as they are govt ones
 

edh

Thru Hiker
If tracking doesn't seem interesting to you (so that the lady at home can follow you)....

:rolleyes: really :D

I know that @edh & @theoctagon also own a Mini, so maybe they'll share their experiences as well.

Pretty much what's been said.

I'm running a pro contract of several at the moment and it's easy enough.... so far

Met a colleague of yours doing the CWT Arne...a lady not at home :D
 

craige

Thru Hiker
I was quite impressed with @Arne L. Inreach mini. Worked really well, although weather forecast was wrong a couple of times :rolleyes: I think he was on the middle price plan, but the basic would be good for shorter/not too far from phone signal trips. Good that there are various options... the expensive one is way too much though imho.

@edh, we were both surprised about that given how well you must blend in with that camo pack :p
 
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edh

Thru Hiker
:D

The the presets on the inReach will do most usage for me, so basic contracts work ok.
 

DuneElliot

Section Hiker
:D

The the presets on the inReach will do most usage for me, so basic contracts work ok.

This is another thing I like...you have 3 pre-set messages that you can edit from your InReach account online and then sync with your device. Sending them costs nothing, and doesn't count towards your text allowance. I use them to check in twice a day with family just to say I'm doing fine. The others are...doing okay, but running behind schedule, and, need help but not an emergency (those are the gist of the messages anyway).
 
This is another thing I like...you have 3 pre-set messages that you can edit from your InReach account online and then sync with your device. Sending them costs nothing, and doesn't count towards your text allowance. I use them to check in twice a day with family just to say I'm doing fine. The others are...doing okay, but running behind schedule, and, need help but not an emergency (those are the gist of the messages anyway).
Yep, I concur I have the 'Safety' plan would be about 10 pounds a month in Euro cash. Send one 8am, 8pm and each stop. A lot of of my walking is out of phone reach and alone -sold my PLB for this and very glad. Weather reports (Basic-counts as one of my paid texts) for me very accurate. Sends location (detailed map on email) via SMS and email to whomever I want.
 

cathyjc

Thru Hiker
Just started using my InReach Mini. Previously had a Spot (x2).
Glad I changed - the Spot on/off button broke on both handsets - not impressed. And their customer service is Sh*te.
So far InReach much better. Safety package (annual) £15 a month (in UK) plus annual subscription. So not cheap.
 

DuneElliot

Section Hiker
Just started using my InReach Mini. Previously had a Spot (x2).
Glad I changed - the Spot on/off button broke on both handsets - not impressed. And their customer service is Sh*te.
So far InReach much better. Safety package (annual) £15 a month (in UK) plus annual subscription. So not cheap.

I'm still paying in $ and even with the foreign transaction fee I'm paying about £11 a month
 
Just started using my InReach Mini. Previously had a Spot (x2).
Glad I changed - the Spot on/off button broke on both handsets - not impressed. And their customer service is Sh*te.
So far InReach much better. Safety package (annual) £15 a month (in UK) plus annual subscription. So not cheap.
Just checked -$20 aud per month and $29 activation, no yearly fee. Don't tell me I am getting a reasonable deal.:eeker::eek::eek:
This will be a first! We usually pay far more than you euros and the the yanks to boot.
:thumbsup::thumbsup:
Oh well I suppose a price hike is imminent:o o:
 
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