Brand: Garmin
Category: Communication
Recommended by Jarrod Blundy, Founder/Guide at Onward Mountain Guides — Adirondacks, NY
Highlights: lightweight
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 Red is a lightweight satellite communicator designed to keep you connected and safe during your outdoor adventures. With its compact design and robust features, it ensures you can message, share your location, and send emergency signals from virtually anywhere. 1. Weighs only 3.5 ounces, making it ultra-portable for any expedition. 2. Two-way messaging capability allows you to communicate with friends and family, even without cellular service. 3. SOS functionality connects you to a 24/7 monitoring center for emergency assistance. 4. GPS location sharing lets others track your journey in real-time for added safety. 5. Pairs seamlessly with your smartphone for enhanced navigation and mapping features. 6. Long-lasting battery life supports up to 14 days of tracking in power-saving mode. 7. IPX7 water-resistant rating ensures durability in challenging weather conditions. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 Red is ideal for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts who venture into remote areas where traditional communication methods fail. It excels in rugged environments, providing peace of mind during solo expeditions or group outings. Perfect for all skill levels, this device is essential for anyone seeking adventure in the wilderness, especially during unpredictable weather or in emergency situations.
Price: $350
- Who it's for
- Solo or group backcountry travelers — hikers, trail runners, fastpackers — who regularly go out of cellular range and want family/rescue services to track their location. It suits anyone prioritizing emergency SOS capability and two-way messaging over connected terrain.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise its small size, ease of use, live tracking, two-way messaging, and peace of mind for both the user and people at home. The main caveats raised are the cost of the device and the required monthly subscription.
- Worth noting
- Charges via USB-C; battery lasts several days even with live tracking active. The Mini 2 is discounted now that the Mini 3 is out — hosts note it still covers all core features and is slightly lighter than its successor.
Jarrod Blundy's review
It's expensive, but the peace of mind is priceless. I use it mostly for checking in with my wife when reaching milestones, but I've also got it set up so that she can see my movements online whenever she wants. So if I'm unresponsive, she can still see my GPS track. Plus, extra map in case my phone gets smashed!
Recommended by Jarrod Blundy, Founder/Guide at Onward Mountain Guides
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for?
Solo or group backcountry travelers — hikers, trail runners, fastpackers — who regularly go out of cellular range and want family/rescue services to track their location. It suits anyone prioritizing emergency SOS capability and two-way messaging over connected terrain.
What do experts say about the Garmin inReach Mini 2?
Hosts consistently praise its small size, ease of use, live tracking, two-way messaging, and peace of mind for both the user and people at home. The main caveats raised are the cost of the device and the required monthly subscription.
What should you know before buying the Garmin inReach Mini 2?
Charges via USB-C; battery lasts several days even with live tracking active. The Mini 2 is discounted now that the Mini 3 is out — hosts note it still covers all core features and is slightly lighter than its successor.
What does Jarrod Blundy say about the Garmin inReach Mini 2?
It's expensive, but the peace of mind is priceless. I use it mostly for checking in with my wife when reaching milestones, but I've also got it set up so that she can see my movements online whenever she wants. So if I'm unresponsive, she can still see my GPS track. Plus, extra map in case my phone gets smashed!
Why does Jarrod Blundy recommend Garmin?
Jarrod Blundy recommends the Garmin Garmin inReach Mini 2 for communication. It's expensive, but the peace of mind is priceless. I use it mostly for checking in with my wife when reaching milestones, but I've also got it set up so that she can see my movements online whenever she wants. So if I'm unresponsive, she can still see my GPS track. Plus, extra map in case my phone gets smashed!
Is the Garmin inReach Mini 2 a good communication?
Yes — Jarrod Blundy recommends the Garmin inReach Mini 2 by Garmin as their communication pick. It's expensive, but the peace of mind is priceless. I use it mostly for checking in with my wife when reaching milestones, but I've also got it set up so that she can see my movements online whenever she wants. So if I'm unresponsive, she can still see my GPS track. Plus, extra map in case my phone gets smashed!
More from Jarrod Blundy's Winter Hiking Kit
View Jarrod Blundy's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
11 experts recommend the Garmin inReach Mini 2.
It used a USB C Charging cord which simplified all of my charging, and the battery life could last a few days even with live tracking
Recommended in Appalachian Trail FKT
I always carry my inReach Mini to share my location with my family and to send an SOS message if something goes wrong. I’m still using version 2 instead of 3, because it has all the features I need and it’s slightly lighter.
Recommended in Mountain Running Safety Gear
Laurel Walker, Mountain Athlete, Guide, Coach
I don't go into the mountains without.
Recommended in Climbing and Mountaineering
Click “buy at REI” to see the sale price! 🫶🏼 The inReach is a must have! I do not hike without this. Your safety lifeline when going on hikes/trail runs
Recommended in Hiking/Trail Running
Clara Maynard, AMGA Apprentice Rock/Alpine Guide & Wilderness Medicine Instructor
Two-way messaging with rescue is crucial for them to know your location and assistance needed. This one is currently on sale because the mini 3 was just released!
Recommended in First Aid & Emergency Equipment
Safety in a small package that can deliver. Requires a monthly subscription but vital for check in's.
Recommended in Ski Touring
John Willard, Founder & Lead Guide @ Willard Mountain Guides
A must have for any outdoor activity. This is my preferred GPS and SOS device. Please add this to your kit ASAP if you frequently go to places that don't have service. A MUST HAVE!
Recommended in Avy Rescue Gear & Splitboard Gear
Dreama Walton, Trail & Ultrarunner, Coach and Founder of DreamAdventures and Dreama Team Way
Stay connected even without cellular data!
Recommended in My Mountaineering List
Great device to have incase of an emergency.
Recommended in My favorite gear
Meg Cooke, Mountain Athlete, Materials Scientist
It's nice to have a backup plan on solo or group missions, this thing is small, easy to use and I like the different tracking modes. Although I have had messages while fastpacking saying "this doesn't count as running, go faster ;)"
Recommended in Tech/Gadgets
