The new Garmin inReach Mini, a powerful two-way satellite communicator, is so small that it fits in the palm of your hand. But it lets you send and receive messages through the Iridium satellite network and it has an emergency SOS function that operates 24/7. Not bad for a device that weighs 3.5 ounces and is 4 inches tall and 2 inches wide.
With the inReach Mini, you don’t have to worry about being out of cell range or off the grid, as long as you have a subscription to the worldwide Iridium network. And you can pair it with an Earthmate app via Bluetooth to access maps, aerial imagery and NOAA charts or get an optional weather service for detailed updates. You also can plan future trips with specific waypoints and routes and create preset messages and quick texts, just to let the people at home know you’ve arrived safely at a waypoint or destination.
Dan Bartel, the Garmin VP of global consumer sales, says the inReach Mini is “small enough to stow nearly anywhere so it can be out of sight but still give you – and your loved ones at home – peace of mind that it’s there when you need it.”
The new inReach Mini is impact resistant and includes an internal rechargeable lithium battery that runs for up to five hours in its default 10-minute tracking mode, or up to 20 days at the 30-minute interval extended tracking mode. Retail price is $349.99. Read more:
