Am I really the first one here?

I've been waiting for the refresh and scooped up a Mini 2 as soon as REI had them available. I've survived a lifetime of hapless hiking all over the world. (I once spent 4 days lost in a remote jungle canyon on Molokai.) If I'm going to keep wandering into the wilderness alone, I think it's time I have help button wherever I go. Less than 24hrs in, I'm still trying to figure out the basics of integrating the inReach with my fēnix 6sPro, GC, Explore, etc.

I'm curious to hear impressions from longtime users and newbies like me.

Watch this space...

Top Replies

ItsMeKen over 3 years ago +2

I am on my second InReach and currently have the original Mini. I have the Mini 2 on order and looking forward to evaluating it. Looking forward to the enhanced screen resolution and interface as well…

All Replies

0 ItsMeKen over 3 years ago

I am on my second InReach and currently have the original Mini. I have the Mini 2 on order and looking forward to evaluating it. Looking forward to the enhanced screen resolution and interface as well as the quicker GPS acquisition.

0 atlas_cached over 3 years ago in reply to ItsMeKen

I have both, and while they are virtually indistinguishable from each other on the outside, the MINI 2 is full of so many improvements over the original there really is no comparison between the two.

0 ItsMeKen over 3 years ago in reply to atlas_cached

This is great to hear! Looking forward to getting my Mini 2. Once I do I'll reply with first impressions. My only regret is no solar charging. With solar charging being so prominent on their watches (Fenix/Instinct) I fully expected a device like the Mini to be updated with solar. Of all the devices this one should have solar charging.

0 atlas_cached over 3 years ago in reply to ItsMeKen

Maybe on the MINI 3 !!!

0 WD over 3 years ago in reply to atlas_cached

With having compared both, would you say that the Mini2 is more operational as an independent GPS device now? By looking at some of the information, it reminds me of something like an original eTrex, without maps and altimeter, but with tracking, storage, and InReach satellite capabilities.

0 Steve over 3 years ago in reply to WD

It does have GPS based altitude, but you have to dig for it as a static measure.

0 atlas_cached over 3 years ago in reply to WD

Yes, very much like that, and with a 3D magnetic compass also!

0 ItsMeKen over 3 years ago in reply to WD

@WD - While my Mini 2 has not arrived yet I can safely answer your question with a no. It is not a standalone GPS navigation device. Could it be helpful with the track back feature yes. However, the lack of maps, the size of the screen, and lack of color prevent it from being a standalone GPS device for navigation. Personally, I wouldn't want it to be all of these things. For me it is for two way communication in the back country. I want to keep the size small and the weight light and battery life long so it is available for that solitary function. Had they added solar charging the Mini 2 would have been perfect.

0 atlas_cached over 3 years ago in reply to ItsMeKen

Except for, all those things can be seen and done with your smartphone, in real time. Create waypoints, routes, courses, view tracks etc all on topo and or satellite imagery maps, on your phone, while syncing all data to the device, your phone, and the inReach cloud. You can even view and send messages via Iridium satellite neteork from the phone. Win. Win. Win.

0 Steve over 3 years ago in reply to atlas_cached

@ItsMeKen and atlas_cached, I agree, all I wanted was the connectivity and SOS. For the weight of a pocketknife, both my phone and watch are connected to space and back! The Mini can live in the pack, for all I care.