Discussing the Garmin inReach Mini 2 with Garmin Senior Product Manager Chip Noble

Introduction

Garmin released the inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator this week. This video presents my interview about the new inReach Mini 2 with Garmin’s Chip Noble, the Senior Product Manager responsible for the Outdoor Traditional and inReach device product lines.

Chip and I discuss several new features of the Garmin inReach Mini 2, including:

improved battery life
the new user interface
changes in how TracBack works
the new electronic compass
integration with Garmin Explore.

The Interview

In the following sections, I will discuss the primary differences between the 1st generation Garmin inReach Mini and the inReach Mini 2 and how important they are to me. The commentary that follows is my own and is not influenced by my conversation with Chip or Garmin. Instead, it relies on my extensive experience with radio and satellite communications devices during my expeditions and 34 years of outdoor guiding experience. In addition, I have spent hundreds of hours of study and testing into how the Garmin inReach works, which led to the development of our How to Use the Garmin inReach Mini Masterclass.

Commentary: Significant Updates

Here are what I perceive to be the significant new features of the Garmin inReach Mini 2:

New Core Processor

The processor upgrade is the most significant change from the 1st generation Garmin inReach Mini and the inReach Mini 2. The practical impact for the user is that the device will run more powerful (feature-rich) software, run it faster, and save battery life.

Improved Battery Life

Expect at least three times more battery life than the 1st generation inReach Mini (for similar tracking settings, messaging, and navigation use. It is important to note that the improved battery life is primarily the result of a silicon upgrade (the processor chip). Therefore, you will see improved battery life across the board and not just while tracking.

Garmin Explore Integration

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator says goodbye to Garmin Earthmate and joins the Garmin Explore software family. Earthmate, the legacy inReach software, never entirely made it to the modern age of UI/UX design. In contrast, Explore is more capable, powerful, and easier to use for trip planning, navigation, and analysis on mobile and desktop devices. Both pieces of software are addressed in our inReach Masterclass.

Always-On TracBack

In our How to Use the Garmin inReach Mini Masterclass, I recommended turning the TracBack feature off to save battery life. However, this is a valuable feature for beginners or off-trail travelers exploring dense vegetation. Hikers who like to wander (hunting comes to mind) in timber may appreciate it. I have used TracBack when camped in forested areas when I have had to hang my bear bag (or find an eco-friendly spot to poop) at night, far away from camp. TracBack allows me to quickly find my way back to my tent without wandering.

On the Garmin inReach Mini 2, TracBack is always on and running in the background. The new battery optimization of the inReach Mini 2 will be a welcome safety feature for some users. Knowing that they will not have to remember to start the TracBack program when they begin their trip will come as welcome relief.

Commentary: Minor Updates

The inReach Mini 2 also received some minor updates worth noting:

Electronic (digital) compass. A true digital compass that does not require motion to orient direction (unlike older GPS-based compasses).
Higher screen resolution. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 has a screen resolution of 176 x 176 pixels, up from 128 x 128 pixels on the 1st generation inReach Mini.
Improved user interface and user experience (UI/UX). More straightforward device navigation, more akin to outdoor watches from Garmin like the Instinct and Fenix product lines.
USB-C for charging and data transfer. The 1st generation inReach Mini uses a micro-USB port, and the new inReach Mini 2 uses a USB-C port. The port upgrade will primarily impact charging in the field. The hiker may need to pack a new cable type (i.e., USB-C) or may already use USB-C rechargeable devices. I am looking forward to when I no longer need to carry multiple USB cable types for my battery charger.

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator gets a user interface (UI) facelift familiar to Garmin Instinct and Fenix outdoor watch users. Photo: Garmin.

Other Issues of Note

In addition, there are some other changes that most users will not perceive to impact their user experience, including:

Satellite networks: The ability to communicate with a wider variety of worldwide satellite networks may speed up your location fix time in complex geography for North American users. However, access to Galileo, QZSS, or Beidou satellite networks will primarily impact users outside of the Americas. In addition, reliable GLONASS support will not likely be introduced with any satellite communicator that uses the Iridium network for communications because of the known susceptibility to interference between the GLONASS L1 band and the Iridium frequency. This interference has been known for more than a decade [source].
Use as a standalone device: Most users will pair their Garmin inReach Mini 2 with a smartphone to maximize efficiency and ease of use, especially when typing messages. However, updates in the UI/UX, the addition of a digital compass, and the ability to see tracks on the device may tempt more hikers to use the device unpaired.

FAQs

I already own the Garmin inReach Mini (1st Generation). Should I upgrade to the Garmin inReach Mini 2?

Every hiker has to answer this question for themself. For me, the ability to use a device on a long trip without recharging is an improvement. In addition, the upgrade from Earthmate to Explore makes for a more enjoyable pre-trip and post-trip experience on my desktop. Explore is also more user-friendly to use than Earthmate on a mobile device. The other features do not play into my decision to upgrade. I use a digital compass primarily on my watch. I use the TracBack feature sparingly (e.g., perhaps one or two times during a 10-day expedition). More satellite support is not a significant need for me because most of my hiking is in the mountains of the North American west. Improved battery life and Explore integration are enough to justify the upgrade for me.

Will the 1st generation inReach Mini get a firmware update that will make it compatible with Garmin Explore?

While the 1st generation inReach Mini will still be supported by Garmin with firmware updates as needed, forward compatibility with Garmin Explore will not be possible. The 1st generation inReach Mini uses a different Bluetooth protocol that is not compatible with the Explore app. In theory, it’s possible, but because the Mini 1 has so little unallocated memory, it doesn’t have enough memory margin to support the new protocol.

I do not yet own a satellite communicator. Is the Garmin inReach Mini 2 the best entry point?

I will not say that it is the best because “best” will always depend on users’ needs. However, the inReach Mini 2 is undoubtedly the most powerful and capable standalone satellite communicator available. That is a critical designation because it gives me duplicity of function in case of a smartphone failure. Plus, the opportunity to leave the smartphone at home is always welcome. That said, there are other capable satellite communicators on the market, and you will find our current recommendations in the Gear Shop.

Should I buy a 1st Generation Garmin inReach Mini?

With the introduction of the Garmin inReach Mini 2, the 1st generation inReach Mini’s will start flooding the used gear market. They will (likely) be closed out by retailers at sale prices. At a price of less than $200, the 1st generation inReach Mini would be a very good deal. However, suppose you are interested in pre-trip planning or post-trip analysis or want the most positive user experience possible with desktop and mobile apps. In that case, Garmin Explore (Mini 2) is more capable and user-friendly than Garmin Earthmate (Mini 1st generation). In addition, Earthmate is now a legacy package. It will receive minimal maintenance and support from Garmin, having reached the end of its development cycle. Look for continuous development and improvement of Explore.

Zoleo or Garmin inReach Mini 2?

I would only recommend the Zoleo if you need seamless message threading across satellite, WiFi, and cellular networks. I would recommend the inReach Mini 2 if you want a smaller, lighter package more capable as a standalone device. In addition, the inReach may be a better option if you want to integrate your satellite communicator into a Garmin ecosystem that includes Instinct or Fenix watches and Explore software. Other differences between the two communicators are otherwise relatively insignificant.

Learn More

Learn how to use all Garmin inReach models, including the Mini series, in our How to Use the Garmin inReach Masterclass.
Read our review of the Garmin inReach Mini.
Research & discover more about the Garmin inReach Mini 2 in the Backpacking Light Gear Shop.

Where to Buy

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is currently available at REI (REI Membership Required).

DISCLOSURE (Updated April 9, 2024)

Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage. Some (but not all) of the links in this review may be affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and visit one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently place an order with that retailer, we receive a commission on your entire order, which varies between 3% and 15% of the purchase price. Affiliate commissions represent less than 15% of Backpacking Light's gross revenue. More than 70% of our revenue comes from Membership Fees. So if you'd really like to support our work, don't buy gear you don't need - support our consumer advocacy work and become a Member instead. Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.

This topic has 23 replies, 18 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 6 months ago by Josh B.

Viewing 24 posts - 1 through 24 (of 24 total)

Author

Posts
Feb 4, 2022 at 5:08 pm #3739022

Ryan Jordan
Admin

@ryan
Locale: Central Rockies

Companion forum thread to: Discussing the Garmin inReach Mini 2 with Garmin Senior Product Manager Chip Noble

In this video interview, Ryan Jordan and Chip Noble (Senior Product Manager at Garmin) discuss the new features of the Garmin inReach Mini 2, including its improved battery life.

Feb 4, 2022 at 7:12 pm #3739047

Matthew / BPL
Moderator

@matthewkphx

Wow. I surprised how much they have been able to improve battery life. It’s wonderful that we are finally getting to the point where battery life is being extended significantly due to chip design. Apple has made similar strides with their recent m1 processors.

I didn’t hear anything about battery savings when sending, receiving and checking for messages. Did I miss something?

Feb 4, 2022 at 7:49 pm #3739053

Rex Sanders
BPL Member

@rex

Ryan,

Thanks for the interview with Chip and your additional information. A few thoughts:

– The new chip makes a big difference in battery life, but the lower limit is likely the energy needed to send Iridium messages. For example, lengthening the message checking interval from 10 minutes to 30 minutes extends battery by almost three times on the Mini 2. A bigger antenna might help, but that’s a different form factor.

– Seems like the engineering crossover from Garmin watches to the Mini 2 was a big win for the chip design and user interface.

– First I’ve heard of Iridium interference with GLONASS reception. But the abstract you linked to focuses on simultaneous GNSS reception and Iridium transmissions. One obvious workaround for devices like the Mini 2 is to stop listening to GNSS signals during short Iridium message transmission intervals every 10-30 minutes. That’s not an option for the other GNSS receivers and uses reporting problems. I’d appreciate any other references that explore these issues, since my searches came up short.

– If the battery life is really three times longer (or I can do more on shorter trips), and if the Mini 2 user interface is appreciably improved, and since (as you said) the Explore app is significantly better than Earthmate, I could be tempted to upgrade sooner rather than later.

— Rex

Feb 4, 2022 at 9:32 pm #3739059

Ryan Jordan
Admin

@ryan
Locale: Central Rockies

Rex, you are right – the primary interference is when GLONASS and Iridium are simultaneously operating. I can imagine that part of the issue with a device using both is that there is a cost (energy and time) to shut down and reactivate these frequencies. In practical use, that wouldn’t matter much to us, but it could create some algorithmic havoc on programming the processors and antennae.

Transmitting messages will always have the highest cost in a satellite communicator, as these transmissions consume the highest amount of power. Will the new chip help with that? Unknown as of yet, but we’ll figure it out once you send me your testing protocol ;)

Feb 5, 2022 at 3:16 pm #3739116

NoCO-Jim
BPL Member

@noco-jim
Locale: NoCO

On my old Oregon 600 I encountered track scatter measured in miles, on summits when my old inReach was on. In 2013 I contacted Garmin engineering and asked if the scatter could be due to interference OR700/inReach. Garmin’s response was: ” It is possible for both Class B devices, your Garmin Oregon 600 included, to produce and be susceptible
to RF interference.” I encountered the same scatter on my OR700. I cancelled my inReach subscription, and never experienced that scatter again (on summits, or any where else).

The abstract of the ref paper indicates: “The proximity of the Iridium frequency band with the L1 frequencies of the GPS, Galileo and GLONASS systems leaves GNSS receivers susceptible to interference from Iridium data transmissions.” Garmin excluded GLONASS in the Mini2, but I wonder what about GPS?

Feb 5, 2022 at 4:24 pm #3739120

Arthur
BPL Member

@art-r

The increased battery life is impressive, but the poor interface still requires me to bring a phone in order to realistically send a text message. Earrings on a pig.

Feb 5, 2022 at 4:53 pm #3739124

Jerry Adams
BPL Member

@retiredjerry
Locale: Oregon and Washington

I almost always just send one pre set message at end of day – “I’m camping here, all well”

Mini works pretty good for that

Feb 5, 2022 at 8:52 pm #3739162

CS
Spectator

@covecs

I think it’s important to talk about the reliability testing they do to ensure the software works under real world conditions. I’m not talking about radio problems, but really bugs.

My Fenix 6 worked great at home, and then one of the first trips out, it got stuck in a route calculation loop for 30mins. My inReach was paired with my Fenix 6 and that in conjugation with not having a clear view of the sky drained the battery in a few hours. That’s a bug too.

I understand how these things happen, and Garmin isn’t the greatest sinner, I think it’s more akin to how automotive safety wasn’t an issue until consumers demanded it. So we should demand it not habituate to it. :)

I have my map and compass and a mental model of my route, I look back to make sure I’ll recognize where I came from and bring a little trail tape if I go off trail, the electronics I expect to work 90% in ideal circumstances at a developer’s desk is all.

Feb 6, 2022 at 1:50 pm #3739234

Eric Blumensaadt
BPL Member

@danepacker
Locale: Mojave Desert

Is there a new InReach (nota Mini) available withjimprpved battery life?

I currently use a SPOT 2 but may chamge to a full sized InReach. Int do NOT want to carry a “paired” cell phone in addition to a GPS. My current GPS is an old Garmin Colorado that still works well but is not a GPS/rescue beacon combination. As a geezer who often backpacks alone in the mountain west I want a rescue beacon/tracker that’s the info available online for my wife.

Feb 6, 2022 at 3:14 pm #3739246

Joel K
BPL Member

@joelyrock

I just bought the inReach Mini a year ago and am not overly excited about the idea of buying another anytime soon. I agree the Earthmate app leaves a lot to be desired; do you know if there are plans to integrate the original Mini into the Explorer app?

That would be an ideal situation for the likely thousands of users (if not many more) in the same situation. Hope to hear it’s on a short term road map. Thanks!

Feb 6, 2022 at 5:06 pm #3739283

Philip Tschersich
BPL Member

@philip-ak
Locale: Kodiak Alaska

Just out of curiosity, I downloaded the Explore app even though I have an old Mini. Under ‘Devices,’ there is a category called ‘Unsupported Devices,’ and my Mini shows up there. That’s not to say they won’t make them reverse compatible in the future, but if that were the case you think they would’ve implemented it from the outset.

Just poking around in the Explore app, I honestly don’t see it being that different than Earthmate. It has the same general layout and navigation. Maybe the magic happens when you connect it to a compatible device, but so far I really don’t see the point.

Garmin makes some good hardware, but the totality of the 1nReach environment feels like a kindergarten class project.

Feb 6, 2022 at 7:52 pm #3739294

Joel K
BPL Member

@joelyrock

@philip

Thanks for the intel, will do the same to see what’s up. Agreed that their software and interfaces are stuck in the 80’s, is a shame really as you’d think that would be easy enough to fix up. Thanks again!

Feb 7, 2022 at 7:13 am #3739309

Arthur
BPL Member

@art-r

I have a whole closet full of Garmin products including the early Garmin 50, its weight measured in pounds. I used to like their products. I have a friend who just bought a Cirrus jet with Garmin Avionics which are spectacular. Granted, he paid close to a Million for those screens, but you would think a couple of Garmin engineers on that project might drift down the hall for a few hours and make are real upgrade to the Mini. Certainly disappointed with this go around.

Feb 7, 2022 at 11:24 am #3739337

Dylan J
BPL Member

@dylanmj

Amazing update to this device to improve battery life! Do wish that Garmin would make a couple of tweaks to their OS which would greatly assist with SAR efforts when a device is used in an emergency situation.

1. Increase the message checking interval once the SOS button is pressed to 10 minutes. As listed in the user manual the Mini 2 will check for messages IF/when the user has the device tracking turned on (which is a default 10 min interval), but otherwise will check for messages 10 min after a message is sent and then hourly intervals after that. In actual SOS activations, this has proven to be problematic in a number of activations, because the user does not understand that they need to be manually checking for messages once the initial 10 minute period has passed.

2. Alert the user when an attempt to check for message fails because the device cannot connect with a satellite, since the device will not attempt to recheck for new messages until the next default interval tells it to do that.

With the improvements to battery life, it seems possible to default the message checking frequency to 10 minutes (regardless of whether tracking is turned on or not) without punitively affecting the useful battery life.

Feb 7, 2022 at 2:36 pm #3739360

Indrit S
BPL Member

@grivola79

Same doubts as @PhilipTschersich above… Till now (I’m in Europe) I have almost never actively used the Garmin map (Earthmate), but Gaia GPS, not sure if the Explore is much better to be worth using the map. I’m a little angry at my self though because I bought the mini 6 months ago and was expecting a couple a years before an upgrade to take place hence half of me wants to switch to the new one and the other half tells me to wait for evidence before upgrading such a critical device to a new untested (in time) product.

Feb 8, 2022 at 7:21 am #3739418

Josh J
BPL Member

@uahiker

I’m very new to the GPS world but from my understanding the mini, Zoleo, bivy stick or name your device has trouble sending messages when under tree cover like a forest, but yet my cell phone doesn’t seem to have an issue when I look at Gaia maps….. why is that?

This seems like a huge flaw since so many of us travel in tree coverage……

One day I’ll probably pick up the mini 2 bc I’m planning on doing trips where there is zero cell coverage and my wife would freak out not knowing I’m ok or having a way of getting help if injured. Plus I rather have a stand alone unit than needing my phone as well.

Feb 8, 2022 at 4:13 pm #3739513

Rex Sanders
BPL Member

@rex

Josh,

Hiking through thick redwood forests, often in steep canyons, my old inReach SE and now inReach Mini sent tracking messages through very reliably – but not instantly.

GPS coverage is similar. Sometimes all your device needs is a short look at a clear patch of sky to receive GPS signals, or to send and receive satellite messages.

Making a satellite phone call or similar long connection under challenging conditions is a whole different story.

Like you, my inReach more and more has become my “permission ticket” to go solo backpacking. And many backpackers find smartphones much better for following maps using Gaia and similar apps.

Lots of background here:
https://backpackinglight.com/satellite_communications_sotmr_part1/
https://backpackinglight.com/gps-good-bad-ugly/

— Rex

Feb 8, 2022 at 4:21 pm #3739514

Adrian Griffin
BPL Member

@desolationman
Locale: Sacramento

Josh–When using GaiaGPS with previously loaded maps, all the the iPhone has to do is get a fix from the GPS satellites. To send a check-in message from a satellite tester, the device has to first get a GPS fix, and then wait for an Iridium satellite to come within range. Only then can it send the message. The tree cover might be letting the GPS through, but blocking the Iridium signal.

A nifty iPhone app for cheating the health of the GPS signal is GPSdiagnostic. Alas, I haven’t found anything comparable for Iridium. When you have an internet connection, you can see the positions of the satellites at iridiumwhere.com. This shows possible gaps in coverage if a satellite is out and the spare has not been moved into position. Something like this that would work offline would be great, but I haven’t found anything.

Feb 8, 2022 at 6:53 pm #3739614

Adrian Griffin
BPL Member

@desolationman
Locale: Sacramento

BTW, the Zoleo and the inReach aren’t the only games in town. ACR has cut the price of the BivyStick to $200. Can’t beat that with a stick. Some thoughts based on on my use of the Bivystick are in my posts near the end of the Zoleo vs Somewhere vs Garmin thread.

Feb 8, 2022 at 9:23 pm #3739624

Chris FormyDuval
BPL Member

@chform
Locale: RTP

Adrian, I used to have an app that worked offline. I think it was Orbit it it doesn’t seem to work after latest phone update. It was helpful to see where the nearest iridium was and why if I was in a narrow cove or the wrong side of a mountain it may take a while till one got in a workable position. Other times it was obvious why a message sent very quickly. Also note that with the inreach it’s an option as to wait for gps fix or just ahead and attempt to send. And trees, especially certain pines can be very effective at attenuating rf transmission. I don’t think I’ve ever had a message not go thru but with lots of foliage and a narrow sky view it did take a little while.

Feb 9, 2022 at 3:32 am #3739637

John S.
BPL Member

@jshann

One downer of the ACR Bivystick is the battery can’t be replaced by the user. On PLB’s getting the battery replaced can cost over $100.

“The battery is internal and non-user-replaceable for various purposes.”

Feb 9, 2022 at 6:57 am #3739641

Josh J
BPL Member

@uahiker

Rex and Adrian: thanks, i appreciate the education!

Feb 11, 2022 at 9:53 am #3739933

Merritt D
BPL Member

@tmdraney
Locale: No Mountains Close-by VA

Anyone know if the antenna reception is improved at all. Mine seems to be rather slow. The mine struggled where someone with a regular larger one was communicating almost freely? Thanks.

May 8, 2023 at 7:29 pm #3780598

Josh B
BPL Member

@jbalisteri
Locale: Western New York

Thank God there’s a BPL article on this. Thanks Ryan.
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Discussing the Garmin inReach Mini 2 with Garmin Senior Product Manager Chip Noble

By Ryan Jordan

Introduction

The Interview