Check out my INREACH vs ZOLEO video! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fJh9g7Bq0LayZqc.html

I've had my Inreach Mini 1 for a couple years and really don't see enough improvement to spend $400 to go to the Mini 2. The biggest improvements are the battery life, the new phone app, and the tracking features. The battery life on my Mini 1 has always been abysmal, so I bring along a battery pack to recharge it on longer trips. I'm not sure I'd trust the battery in the Mini 2 anymore than I do the Mini 1. If they do something like a trade-in deal, I'd seriously consider it, but otherwise the 1 is good enough. Nice review.

Great video, Justin - great comparison between the two devices and very thorough. I'll be looking forward to your next one!

Thanks for the comparison video. I've had the InReach 1 for about a year now and it does everything that I need, so I can't justify an upgrade at this point.

Oh man. Your videos are always so quality. Thank you thank you for this! I’ve been wondering what the differences are!

Nice, concise analysis of the new model upgrades over the original. Thank you.

Also to note both of these devices are top choice for SCUBA divers when using in conjunction with the Garmin dive proof case! It’s great to be able to keep this device on person while diving at depth and know if you need to hail help once you surface you have solid technology on board in the smallest form factor currently available! Cheers, SeattleRingHunter

Thanks for the review! This really helped me make the choice. I went with the In Reach Mini 1. Amazon here had it on sale for $350(cdn) and free shipping, but the Mini 2 was $520 + $70 shipping! Almost a $200 difference all said an done.

I'm keeping my inReach 1. It's an SOS device and I use it for tracking in the 4x4. I get the navigation features in the inReach 2 using other devices that provide much more information. I am almost always connected to car power so the increase in battery life is not useful for me (and it's not a lot more as you commented). The additional GPS systems may make it a little faster to acquire a position fix but mine does just fine. Great review, I am a new sub for your channel.

Thank you for this comparison video. I just purchased the mini 2 for a trip and and I'm glad I went with the newly released version. I've never used the original but based on what you and others have mentioned, for new purchases (as opposed to upgrades from mini 1), the mini 2 was a better choice.

Thank you so much this video was really helpful as I’m planning on getting an InReach Mini for my planned backpacking adventures this summer.

Love the input and details on the product, we sell this as well as other Garmin items so it’s nice I can inform customers more in depth! Appreciate !

Great video! Just ordered the InReach Mini 2. Looking forward to checking it out in more detail👌🏼

Great review. Well researched, no waffle. Appreciate it!

I'm a frequent hiker and SAR volunteer. I've been using my inReach MINI 1for a few years now mostly as an SOS device and for low-fi tracking. I will not upgrade to the inReach MINI 2. The new features seem interesting, but nothing revolutionary. Like you said, it's a nice iteration and it would probably be my choice if I was a first time buyer, but it doesn't feel like a required upgrade for me. I wouldn't do navigation on any inReach MINI device if you already have a phone with a great navigation app which many people already carry around. Thanks for the great overview.

Thanks Justin. Appreciated the thorough review. Hope they figure out some tweaks to improve your bluetooth experience.

Dude, thanks for answering this!! Haha I was just wondering about this. I have the 1 and it’s been great.

Great review! Would love to see more tech reviews

Awesome video Justin very helpful my friend thanks 👍 be safe on your travels peace ✌️

Great info, thanks. Ordered a mini 2.

great review Justin 👏

Nice video - thanks for putting it together. I have an inreach mini 1 and will stay with it. Garmin has changed their plans and it appears that instead of 3 fully customizable preset messages, you get 3 messages that they have already set up. As this is the only feature of the inreach I ever use, and my 3 messages are customized to my use cases, this would significantly change the cost equation for me. Any new purchase (or at least new account) forces you to the new plan. Using it primarily for back country skiing or mountaineering, I get about 10 days of battery life (I turn it off at night or in camp). That's all I need. I use a GPS66st for navigation, so if my trip got too long I could turn the inreach off when it wasn't in use (sending 1 of my 3 messages). As keeping weight down is always an issue on my kind of trips (plus don't we go to the back country to get away from always being connected to the outside world?) I would never take a cell phone with me - so the different cell phone app isn't a benefit to me either. I do like the improved menu structure - the inreach 1 is a bit clumsy - but like anything, with practice you get use to it.

I was so close to buying the 1 when the 2 came out, glad I waited. My REI rewards more than negated the price difference.

Good comparison. Many thanks!

Thanks for the review. Some nice new features not sure if i would upgrade…. But USB-C alone may force me to! 😆

Thanks for the comparison. I think I agree based on your arguments that it's not worth upgrading. A real upgrade would be one one of the bigger navigation units, but I prefer to use my phone for that, it's just so convenient to swipe and pinch to zoom and whatnot. I'm not a hardcore hiker going on a 7 day trip without recharging though, so I've never had any issue with battery life (this depends greatly on how often it tracks and uploads your position in my experience). I think definitely somebody new to this should get the newer version because of the UI on the phone and on the device itself. The mini 1 really feels outdated in this regard. I wish something could be done about the latency of this thing. Sometimes it won't send a message for 20 minutes :-(

Thank you very helpful in my purchase decision

Very helpful summary

I've had the same issues with messages not coming through on my phone or watch. I would upgrade just to fix that problem, although I'll probably wait a bit for people to get more long term use to see if any bugs appear with the new model. Getting rid of that terrible earthmate app is also a win for sure.

Thank you for a quality review without an annoying intro and background "music"

Great review! I have the InReach mini 1 for several years. Use my phone for navigation (BC nav pro). . Mini is just an emergency SOS tool to me. The mini 1 works just fine, not going to spend $400 to upgrade.

This was great - thanks!

Great comparison, it doesn’t look like there is enough of a difference for me to up grade. The gps on theses aren’t good enough for when you are deep in the bush or the mountains trying to navigate in heavy fog/rain:snow etc. For this reason I carry a stand alone gps, so yeah I’m just going to keep my inreach 1 😎

Great video. My mini 1 is fine for my uses so I’ll stick with that.

Love my inreach 1. Great they are improving it though.

Thank you for the comparison, I still have the big Delorme device and I love it to death. The upgraded maps on the phone would be the biggest upgrade from Earthmate

Great video. In search for a new locator and looking at the all. And seeing the mini 1 is about $70 cheaper than the mini 2 and was wondering which route to take.

The mini 1 is on sale for $299 at cabelas right now so it's hard to justify the $200 difference. Thanks for the vid

Finally! USB-C. Garmin is finally getting on board with it.

Nice side by side Justin! Just gave ya quick shout out at the end of my latest video, you might be rubbing off 🤣 I really thought you were leaning towards making the 2 worth it over the 1 but I agree with you, if you have the 1 already the 2 doesn't seem to be significantly better. How about the price points? Has the 1 come down at all? Is the 2 more than the cost previously of the 1? Also, quick heads up, I wasn't able to see your end video link, not sure if it's a glitch or what.

Does the mini 1 include the Spine Mount Adapter in the box? just got a mini 2 and didn't see it in the box

I was close to getting a zoleo but I dropped my phone on a Backpacking trip. It didn't break but I realized it's best to get an independent device that you can communicate with. If you stop communicating than more than likely your family or friends will think something happened when in fact your phone died or broke.

Dang it, there are some things to really like about the 2! Had I had a crystal ball, I would not have bought a 1 last year, lol. Tough decision . . . :)

Good objective review.

I really like my Mini 1 and I actually like the Earthmate App and I don't see that the Mini 2 is all that much better, but I'm still considering the upgrade. Thank you for the helpful comparison.

Looks like they've fixed some of the issues with the original mini. I've had mine a few years and it's safe to say I only use it for Comms, it's nav capabilities are woeful.

I’ve still got the original inreach and it still works good for me, now more than 10 years. Still holding a charge somehow…. I might get the new one just bc I’m buying into the ultralight hype.

What an excellent *and helpful* comparison -- thank you! Since you have been following this, can you tell me if you sense that Garmin will be pushing out an *updated* InReach Mini version 3 anytime real soon? also, fwiw -- consider adding an amazon affiliate link -- more ppl will be able to buy from them (even tho they're problematic) than from REI.

I used to use the large in-reach and recently got the in-reach mini 2 & have spend a ton of time messing with it. PLEASE put out a video on how to use the mini. Please please please I wanted it specifically for messaging and I found it to be a struggle to figure out

Is getting a used mini 1 for $200 worth it and a good deal. I only need the SOS feature.

One thing I never hear people talk about is the cheap carabiner they give you.It's just waiting to snap open and drop off in the bush, which is what happened to me! Luckilly it was on, so I was able to ping it and find it before it died. For over $500, they should include a twist lock carabiner.

Awesome review. I am a new sub for your channel and I've been trying to figure which Garmin Satellite Communicator I should get.

I bet the mini 1 is going on sale! It sure isnt yet, though.

Thanks for the video. Is the satellite subscription mandatory for SOS call? Thanks.

Thanks!

Facebook updates are to a "page" and not a "profile". So you do have to create a specific page that people would use to see your updates.

I would think that Garmin would push the Go Back option in the firmware for the inreach 1, since it is a safety feature in my opinion.

I have the mini 1 and haven't seen a reason to upgrade. I'm sure, like most folks using the mini's, they bluetooth it to their phone, and they will have ways to charge both devices, so an extra day of battery life is nill. A quick search on Amazon and you'll find usb charging cables with multiple ends for various devices. I switched from Android to Apple and have noticed how much quicker the mini connects to the iPhone. The apps, though, are interesting to me... is the Explorer app that much better than Earthmate? And, since I use the mini in my Jeep off-road, having either the Explorer or Earthmate app in Carplay would be fantastic. I'd dump Gaia if Garmin made this happen. Curious to all input. Thanks in advance and cheers! Pete

Oh well. Hindsight being 20-20, I would have waited for the 2 had I known I wasn't going on the trip I bought the inReach mini for last year.

Does the Mini 2 send/receive messages faster than the Mini 1? The 1 can take a really long time. Does the access to more location satellites help with connecting to Iridium?

I wish Garmin had an InReach option on future versions of their GPSMAP product line.

Funny how many reviews on all these communicators have problems with messages never going through or going through days later and not knowing until you go home. Sounds greeeaaattttt..... 😂

I'm developing a similar product called Out of Reach, it is an actual potato 🥔 and will only connect to the carbs network. People will have to guess where you are and if you're alive. The potato will retail for $139.

Does the Mini 2 have a brighter screen?

I am finally going to cave and get one. This review was helpful. I didn't see the end screen pop up that you mention at the end........

Gonna buy my first one soon, so I have a question. I like the back track feature of the 2, but can’t you just set a way point of where you start with the 1 and do the same thing? Good video, thx!

I have an InReach Mini1 and my only gripe is that sometimes it takes forever to connect to the satellites. I’m an East Coast/Appalachian hiker so always tree cover. It often takes 20+ minutes for it to establish a good connection. Once connected, messaging is very quick though. I’ve learned to just use it (1) for SOS as needed, or (2) when taking a long lunch break or in the evenings when I turn it on and let it find satellites while I set up camp.

So am I correct in my assessment that you can use this device to send and receive texts both on the device and on your phone, but it isn't per se satellite wifi in the woods, right?! You can't still do internet right?

When looking at map on phone you keep it on the entire time? The way I do it is to open the app (OsmAnd), try to remember where I am and where I have to go. Then I close the app and when I'm not sure, I reopen the app (which activates GPS) and do the same process again to save battery. Not sure if this is how people navigate on their phone when doing lots of miles.

Original Inreach has Tracback Justin. The difference between the 2 and the 1 is that the 2 records them passively while the 1 does it only if you have uploading of tracking points enabled. Its a small thing but the battery spec is also 1250mAH for both. I didnt notice really any difference in charge time but both are quite acceptable at 3 hours from flat dead.

Never had one but I will get the latest and greatest one considering what it’s for. Too bad it’s that much more.

Hey Justin, been a big fan of the channel for a while. Question, The Mini is now available online for $249. If you had neither device would you get the Mini for that price or the Mini 2 at 400?

I do not have the mini 1 so the mini 2 will be my choice. The bread crumb tracking in itself and alone makes the mini 2 worth the extra money for me.

Best regards from the Lower Chitral District of Pakistan!

I’m going to doing a self supported R2R Grand Canyon run in November and I’d like to get the 1 to save some money but I’d hate to have the software be useless in a few years.

Can you please do a vid on I reach with the new Garmin Messenger App. NOT the messenger device. I have 66i to connect and use w the new app.

Great review. Just going to keep my 1 for now. My headlamp uses the same micro USB as the Mini so it wouldn’t save me a cable. I don’t pair it with my phone, do turn it off at night, and don’t send tracking so I get more battery life. The only thing that really annoys me about the 1 is when I input contacts directly into the Mini. Wish I could attach a name to the contact number in the Contacts List. Sent a suggestion to Garmin about this. Does the 2 fix this?

Is there any word from Garmin to do a software update/upgrade for the mini one? Nice piece of gear though but I’ll stick with my original mini . Thanks for the comparison

I think, if the battery is the same size, but you're seeing a large discrepancy in how both perform, they could probably send a software update and solve that... I don't think, as a safety device, that that is out of the realms of possibility. I don't know if it's worth it to get the new one if you already own one and you only use it casually. I do agree the old interface is clunky, but it's still functional.

Do you have any experience with the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator... It looks like a cheaper option if you are willing to always have your phone on you.

Is it possible that the older, more used battery of your 1 could effect the battery life or is it mostly unused?

If you dont use the navigation on the garmin inreach mini, why not use the garmin inreach messenger? I believe it has a much longer battery life

All those functions your mention need a subscription. Can you please tell us what is the functionality of the device without the subscription?

So these are used in case ur in trouble out in the wild and u can send an sos?

Why is the inreach explorer seemingly impossible to get?

You mentioned they both have 950 mAh batteries but both Mini and the Mini 2 actually have White 1250 mAh batteries. There is a Blue replacement battery available that is 950 mAh. Was that just misstated in the video?

Use your watch and phone for navigation 🤔 don't you mean, use your paper map and compass for navigation and use your phone and watch as back up if needed 😉

I've been thinking about getting one of these as I never have a single were I go camping I'm not the best when it comes to technology so are they easy to use thanks for the video atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

Great review. Unfortunately I'll no longer be using any Garmin products. Their customer service is the worst I've ever encountered. They are all about 💰 💰 💰 and could care less about customers. Makes it easy for me to throw away my inreach mini and start the search for something else for my back country saftey.

Pro-cessor. Is that a Canadian pronunciation? I've only ever heard it pronounced as process-or.

Question - do you have incident coverage with the IERCC for the SOS feature ? Considering dropping the $30 for a year of coverage. Do you happen to know if there are stipulations for being responsible for search & rescue fees? Is it only negligence or perhaps regional rules around this ?

I don't see the link

Carry a solar panel if you're going in the bush.

Congratulations GARMIN SATELLITEFON IDOL'S OILFIELDS global success 💎🎶💕💖🌎

Hello Eh. I'm a Canadian ex-pat originally from T.O. Anyway, I travel a ton in 3rd world countries and I've had every iteration of inreach. I currently have a large Inreach and a mini. Always wondered the difference between the large in reach and the mini since they do the same except for form factor. To be honest, I just use Inreach to bluetooth text on my iPhone, track my travels with breadcrumbs and emergencies. Does the mini2 get the same signal strength and coverage as the big in reach? I've had both - small for hiking and large for long motorcycle travel -- but never really tested.

Trackback on all the time is a good idea. When you realise you need trackback it’s too late to switch it on 😋 Looks like #2 is the way to go…but when is #3 coming out 😳

I think I'm going Zoleo.

I have a hard time trusting Garmin products. Not sold.

It’s not pronounced “pro”cessor.

Crap device. Doesnt stay charged for more than a day