GarmininReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Hiking Handheld, Orange - 010-02602-00

Very reliable in areas without any mobile phone reception. It makes me feel a lot more safe on long solo back country hikes! The breadcrumbs feature is also extremely useful to backtrack to known waypoints. I bring the InReach on every hike. The setup was very easy, but it takes about 24 hours post activation to fully register and provide reliable connectivity.

Absolutely love my mini garmin! Its perfect size is great for travel and easy to attach on my backpack. The battery seems to last for quite awhile. If turned off when not using it can last for weeks. The satellite signal works well and best to test out at home before starting your trip just to make sure. I ended up testing it out and sending test messages to family members. It says to connect as well to your phone with the Bluetooth feature. Make sure that you get the membership to allow the texting from the device and SARS assist when needed. 10/10 would recommend if you are not into the watch. Although I am thinking of the watch just because I would like to be able to track my trips rather than use an iPhone.

This device has all the features one could need and features are customizable. I spend a lot of time in the deep wilderness of Alaska and am able to send and received important messages to friends and family. The most valuable feature for me is setting it up to send a location ping to the server every few min (customizable) to give my most approximate location if something terrible would happen to me or my partner. This information is protected by a login that can be shared by whomever you have at home waiting for you to return. The weather updates are also accurate and easy to use. Finally, you can use this as a standalone device or pair it with your smartphone to make texting quicker and view your topo maps, waypoints, and travel data if desired.

I have always been a fan of Garmin products. I have used them throughtout myilitary career and in my civilian career.We watched alot of YouTube hikers and did alot of research prior to our hike which is and kept us out of cell service for several days. Several of the seasoned hikers had the Mini clipped to their bags and spike highly of it.You do have to pay for the service. I don't remember which one I subscribed but it allows for limitless check in messages. There are pre-determined messages. You can select the individuals you want to receive the messages when you set up. I would send a message prior to starting my day and another when I was done for the day.You can also send out perusal message and get weather updates.But the sole purpose of the Mini is to be able to call foe emergency services when needed. There is an SOS button. I never pushed it nor did I ever need to so I can't give details about who receives that message. I felt confident having it and my loved were able to track my progress. I would recommend clipping one to your bag before heading out.

Likes:+ Strong satellite signal in remote terrain. I was able to send my loved ones brief texts and keep them posted on my location throughout my hikes in Zion National Park.+ Small and compact.+ Comfortable material.+ The product is robust and durable.+ Sleek color and design.+ Decent coordinates accuracy.. Considering it can save a life-or-death situation, many would say it's worth the value for the money.Non-likes:- Limited options to customize your messages.- Limited buttons and functions in general (considering modern smartphone standards).- If you don't traverse the wilderness often, you'd be hard-pressed to justify the overall expensive expenses, including the recurring service plan to keep this radio operational. Lately I hike alone only once or twice a year. Since I often go with friends these days, I use various other tools, such as Strava, CalTopo, and HikingGuy guides, to stay on track and keep my friends safe. Free options suffice. Save money on any excessive extortionate options.

Easy to use, flexible subscription options, they even have a free service to test positive calls. It works well in areas without cell reception. You can text or email using the keyboard of your phone, via Bluetooth. There are some excellent youtubes that show you how to set it up and use it.

This is a great tour. If you know someone who’s going to be going out of cell phone range it needs a satellite phone. We paid for a Cell Phone plan for this one, and are very happy with it. When our son was up in the mountains with no service, he was able to contact us via call and text. When his truck broke down he was able to get help. Well worth it all the way!