FOUND: Garmin inReach Mini

[joosttx]

Looking to buy a Garmin inReach Mini in orange.

[jh_on_the_cape]

https://www.rei.com/product/140110/garmin-inreach-mini-2-way-satellite-communicator

rarely on sale but $250 now at REI

I own one and have never had to use it, but in solo winter backcountry skiing situations without cell coverage it potentially could save my life.

[s_curran]

https://www.rei.com/product/140110/garmin-inreach-mini-2-way-satellite-communicator

rarely on sale but $250 now at REI

I own one and have never had to use it, but in solo winter backcountry skiing situations without cell coverage it potentially could save my life.

Do you just use the monthly plan during the winter? I might need it some months in the summer since I have no cell service where I ride MTB's, so might want to activate for random months, does that work?

[s_curran]

https://www.rei.com/product/140110/garmin-inreach-mini-2-way-satellite-communicator

rarely on sale but $250 now at REI

I own one and have never had to use it, but in solo winter backcountry skiing situations without cell coverage it potentially could save my life.

also, thanks for posting, just ordered. Been eyeing one for a while, and while I know its not great, I end up solo a bit, or even with my partner without any cell service.

[doomridesout]

FWIW Spot came out with the Gen4 which does a better job competing with the InReach Mini at a lower price point for both the initial outlay and the subscriptions. Anyone in the market should double check Spot.

[jh_on_the_cape]

I use the base plan all year. I just want to be able to grab it and go any time. It's not that expensive ($12.59 incl tax) and last I checked they charge you to turn the sub on and off so it's not worth turning it off unless you want to put it away for about 4 months.
Basically I got it for places where I am out solo without cell service and am not prepared to spend a night out in the woods and would also likely not be found by another skier/biker/runner that day. I also drive late night in places with no cell service in very cold weather and I am not sure I would survive a night in my car (or my kids).
I also pay like $25 a year for rescue insurance. Seemed cheap since I have heard horror stories of huge heli bills.

Do you just use the monthly plan during the winter? I might need it some months in the summer since I have no cell service where I ride MTB's, so might want to activate for random months, does that work?

[seahuston]

Another recommendation for this device here.

I keep the subscription all year for the same grab and go reasons. I did use the SOS function once and was able to get through to SAR. Another party had a Spot and the signal was never received. Sample size of 1 but that sold me on the two way functionality of the InReach. Serious piece of mind to get a response back.

The biggest benefit IMO is the ability to message when things are okay but you're late. I can let my fiancee know we won't make our check-in time and not have to be spending energy worrying about her response or worrying at home. Really valuable!

[nublar]

FWIW Spot came out with the Gen4 which does a better job competing with the InReach Mini at a lower price point for both the initial outlay and the subscriptions. Anyone in the market should double check Spot.

I think the ability to send and receive messages is invaluable and while the spot x has a built in keyboard it has not gotten favourable reviews.

[DrewK]

@joosttx : I use a regular inreach... believe Explorer+... a lot. Let me know if you have specific questions.

[deluxerider]

You can do the month to month plan. I activate mine only when I need it. When you do use it to send messages the easiest thing to do is pair it to your phone and type the message there. Super easy.

[joosttx]

https://www.rei.com/product/140110/garmin-inreach-mini-2-way-satellite-communicator

rarely on sale but $250 now at REI

I own one and have never had to use it, but in solo winter backcountry skiing situations without cell coverage it potentially could save my life.

thank you. I took advantage of the offer.

[jh_on_the_cape]

thank you. I took advantage of the offer.Hope it is never useful

[joosttx]

Hope it is never useful

exactly!