New inReach Device - Mini

[[email protected]]

They just announced the new inReach Mini. Looks interesting in that it is significantly smaller. See the review here:

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/05/garmin-inreach-mini-satellite-tracker-in-depth-review.html

Not in the market for a new device, but this may change that.

[Ben Hirashima]

I like the looks of it. This can replace the PLB I keep in my pants pocket in case I have to bail out. The bigger InReach devices are too bulky.

[[email protected]]

On Friday, May 4, 2018 at 11:06:25 AM UTC-7, Ben Hirashima wrote:
> I like the looks of it. This can replace the PLB I keep in my pants pocket in case I have to bail out. The bigger InReach devices are too bulky.


Doesn't look like much has changed, except its smaller. And the old one is small enough for me.

[Ramy[_2_]]

Ben, these shouldn’t go in the pocket. They need good satellite reception. They go in the parachute strap so size doesn’t matter much.

Ramy

[Ben Hirashima]

On Friday, May 4, 2018 at 7:24:55 PM UTC-7, Ramy wrote:
> Ben, these shouldn’t go in the pocket. They need good satellite reception. They go in the parachute strap so size doesn’t matter much.
>
> Ramy

Good point, Ramy. Still, if I'm going to strap something to my body, the smaller the better.

[bumper[_4_]]

On Friday, May 4, 2018 at 4:15:17 PM UTC-7, wrote:
> On Friday, May 4, 2018 at 11:06:25 AM UTC-7, Ben Hirashima wrote:
> > I like the looks of it. This can replace the PLB I keep in my pants pocket in case I have to bail out. The bigger InReach devices are too bulky.
>
>
> Doesn't look like much has changed, except its smaller. And the old one is small enough for me.

I like smaller and new! But I think I'll be keeping my Garmin inReach Explorer +. Compared to the original "black box" style, the Explorer + isn't bulky, though it's at least twice the size of the new Mini.

The Mini doesn't appear to have a map display. It does have a compass pointer to help in a hike out situation and will allow a topo map on a paired smart phone running the Earthmate app. The Explorer + will do all that also, and has a usable map included in case the phone is toast or gone.

Both inReach units I've had caution to make sure they have a clear view of the sky. And both don't seem to much care if they do or don't - just completed a test laying flat in the middle of my living room. Clear sky is best of course, and upright too, but they don't seem fussy or miss cues like Spot..

I sent a message from the bottom of a steep walled river canyon in Idaho. Had only a narrow slice of sky to work with. Took about 5 minutes, eventually a satellite came trundling across. Impressive.