FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Do you have a User Guide for the device?

Yes! See the bottom of this page for both the inReach Mini and Mini 2 User Guides. You my click on the images to download the PDFs. A hard copy (on waterproof paper) of the appropriate (inReach Mini or Mini 2) basic features will be included in the travel case. Feel free to take this with you in the backcountry. We replace the hard copies when they become well-loved. If you’d like a hard copy of some of the “advanced” features (tracking, navigation, weather request, etc.) please let us know in advance or just download the PDF and print your own from below.

I’m a compulsive texter, will I be able to keep in touch with all my BFFs while in the backcountry?

There are better communication devices if you’re main interest is two-way communication. For one, this does not have anything that resembles a QWERTY keyboard (physical or on-screen). Text entry is similar to early 2000s flip phones with a somewhat useful “predictive text” feature. Secondly, we charge for each custom outgoing message and any incoming messages.

Preset messages (three, custom pre-defined messages limited to 160 characters) are an option for brief “check-in” messages with friends and family. We limit users to three contacts that can receive the preset messages via SMS (text) or email. These are free to send and also include a GPS coordinates and a map link to your location.

Can I use the device for navigation?

It is not ideal for navigation.The device does have navigation features but we would not recommend using this as your main form of navigation for a couple reasons: If you’re familiar with a traditional GPS devices or even Google Maps and similar you’ll be sorely disappointed and heavy use of the device will drain the battery so it might not have much charge remaining in the case of an emergency.

How long will the battery last?

The original Mini device we indicate a fairly conservative battery life of about 4-5 days with the device “on” all day and “off” at night. The Mini 2 device has better battery life but we don’t have enough experience yet to provide guidance. The devices will come fully charged (+/-).

There are a lot of factors that can impact battery life such as temperature, tree cover, cloud cover, terrane features (mountains, canyon walls, etc.), space invaders (just kidding), whether the device is covered (in a pocket or bag, for instance), usage, etc.

We encourage users to be mindful of the battery and travel with a battery pack other other means of charging the device. In the event of an emergency, where help is significantly delayed, it would be very important to have enough battery life to communicate with rescuers.

Is the device waterproof?

The device carries an IPX7 rating which means it can be submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes. However, we encourage users to transport the device in a zip lock or other weatherproof bag, particularly for watersports usage or in the event of precipitation. Users will be responsible for any weather/water related damage regardless of the original IPX7 rating.

Can I use the device on international adventures?

Maybe. The device generally has global coverage but there may be areas with limited coverage (at the poles, for instance) and some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices. It’s the users responsible to know and follow all applicable laws. Please reach out to us if you’re traveling internationally. Also note that just because there may be coverage does not mean rescue services will be reliable in some areas of the world in the event the SOS is triggered! Review the FAQ on rescue costs.

Who is responsible for rescue costs if I trigger the SOS?

The user will be responsible for all rescue costs! These can be significant in remote areas. We encourage everyone to research regulations for their destination. Yosemite National Park, for instance, has a well-regarded search and rescue group and generally the agency does not charge for services (we encourage you to make a donation to these agencies to keep their services free or low cost!). Other locations, particularly foreign locations, may not be as generous and can even make strong payment demands. Also consider researching your own medical coverage and understand its limitations. We encourage all adventures to carry supplemental rescue and medical insurance.

Garmin inreach mini user guide:

Click on the images to download a PDF.

(See below for Garmin inReach Mini 2)

Garmin inreach mini 2 user guide:

Click on the images to download a PDF.

(See above for Garmin inReach Mini)