Garmin's InReach 2024 year in review

[topgun2]

Each year Garmin provides a "year in review" which shows the kinds of activities, places, reasons for users asking for help, etc. for users of the Garmin InReach satellite rescue device.  There a number of these types of devices on the market, but this report by Garmin highlights some of the reasons for using any of these.

The Garmin report can be viewed HERE.

Bill

[Patriot]

That’s a neat review.👍🏻

We have iPhone 14’s with IOS18 operating system and Verizon as our satellite service provider for an emergency SOS off grid.

Our Starlink Mini is also another option we can use when are at our base camp. 

https://www.verizon.com/wireless-devices/smartphones/messages-via-satellite/

https://support.apple.com/en-us/105097

Edited April 26 by Patriot

[John Dorrer]

Our Garmin Explorer is a great safety backup. Never had to use it. At one time when we did off-grid camping, I used it to plot our routes and used it to hike. We would also message our kids. We would set it up so our kids could see where we were at all times.

[topgun2]

In my opinion - if you are going to spend virtually any time in the out of doors and/or where cell phone service can't be guaranteed then (if you can afford it) having one of these satellite communication devices is not a luxury but a necessity.

Most of these can be used for many functions in addition to their SOS feature.  These include: messaging, real time tracking by friends and loved ones, trip planning, "bread crumb trails", weather, etc.

I spend the better part of two months each year in relatively remote places fishing and hiking - usually alone.  Certainly it is comforting to know that I can get help in the event of a medical emergency and I can let my wife know that all is OK.  I must admit however that I never considered many of the uses that are noted in the report above.  In addition, during the hurricane Helene back in October, 2024 we were without telephone and internet for about 5 days (many others had it much worse) and the only communication that we had with the outside world was via our satellite communication device.  We also (now) always carry it with us when going on trips in the event we have a vehicle or other issue.

Bill

p.s.  No, I do not own stock in Garmin nor any other of these companies.😁

[Boudicca908]

1 hour ago, topgun2 said:

many functions in addition to their SOS feature

@topgun2 -- Which Garmin device do you use? Would you buy the same, or see reasons for a different selection?  

I bought the Starlink so that I can make calls in areas without cell service (using phone over wifi) -- BUT I don't leave my Starlink outdoors and I don't leave it on all the time. There was one occasion last year when I wished for cell access and couldn't make it happen.

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, Boudicca908 said:

I bought the Starlink so that I can make calls in areas without cell service (using phone over wifi)

We use WhatsApp Messenger on Starlink for calls to family and for emergencies when off the cell grid. This app is becoming quite popular:
https://www.whatsapp.com/stayconnected

[topgun2]

I use the Garmin InReach Mini.

When I'm out fishing or hiking I simply clip it to the top of my fishing vest or day pack.  When combined with a cell phone (with or without cell service) I can see exactly where I am on a topo map.

Garmin has come out with a never version of mine called the Mini2 - HERE.

There are models that have maps and other features right in the unit but I wanted to be as small and light as possible.

Bill

P.s.  While on the road I use the USB connection and place the Mini on my dash.  Using the maps that Garmin provides plus Google maps my wife and a couple of close friends can not only see where I'm located but they can (using Google maps) see the stream I'm fishing or trail I'm hiking.

Edited April 26 by topgun2
added detail

[Ronbrink]

The Garmin inReach service can be suspended when not in use as a cost saving measure, can be used to summon help to others in dire need at no risk of costs for their emergency/medical response, weather forecasts are available, and they offer very reasonable and affordable SAR plans.

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, topgun2 said:

When I'm out fishing or hiking I simply clip it to the top of my fishing vest or day pack.

Good point. We need to be 100 ft from my truck or carry the Starlink with us which we would not do on the short hikes we walk these days.

Edited April 26 by jd1923

[Ronbrink]

The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is my ‘kitchen pass’ to travel solo! I wear it on my person, to the extent possible, to ensure it is within reach if needed. Pic of me off-trail in remote West Texas in the heat of summer, daytime temps were 100+° during my stay.

[topgun2]

3 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

West Texas in the heat of summer, daytime temps were 100+° during my stay.

🥵

[Boudicca908]

On 4/26/2025 at 11:54 AM, topgun2 said:

Garmin has come out with a never version of mine called the Mini2 - HERE.

I ordered the Mini 2 and it was on sale at Amazon for just $300, all the same things 'in the box' as if ordered direct from Garmin. This will give my friends and family some peace of mind (me too) when I'm out hiking and fishing solo. Thanks for all the info! 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PSKG7C3?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_0&th=1

[topgun2]

8 minutes ago, Boudicca908 said:

I ordered the Mini 2 and it was on sale at Amazon for just $300, all the same things 'in the box' as if ordered direct from Garmin. This will give my friends and family some peace of mind (me too) when I'm out hiking and fishing solo. Thanks for all the info! 

You're more than welcome.

Now, there are three things additional you must do:

1 -activate your new Mini 2 by selecting the "Garmin plan" that suits you.

2 - remember to keep it with you when you fish, hike, travel.

3 - remember to turn it on - if you have it "plugged" in to a power supply, it will automatically power off when it it senses that the power supply has been turned off.  For example - I have a USB plug in the truck that I have my Garmin Mini plugged into while I travel.  When I stop at a rest area or gas station or .... and turn the truck off, the Garmin will shut itself off automatically. Then when I get back on the road I have to remember to turn the Garmin back on.  This is not a big deal but you do have to remember to do it or the tracking function will not be tracking you.

Bill

[jd1923]

So what’s it like placing a phone call from this device?

[topgun2]

58 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

So what’s it like placing a phone call from this device?

As far as I know - Garmin does not produce a "satellite phone". 

I can send SOS messages, and, email type messages.  It also maps where I've been and am currently located, shows and store places on a map that I designate, and proposed trails, fishing spots, sight seeing spots, etc.

Bill

p.s.  the mini's primary function is to get assistance to you if you need it by whatever means is necessary.

[Patriot]

On 4/26/2025 at 8:52 AM, Boudicca908 said:

@topgun2 -- Which Garmin device do you use? Would you buy the same, or see reasons for a different selection?  

I bought the Starlink so that I can make calls in areas without cell service (using phone over wifi) -- BUT I don't leave my Starlink outdoors and I don't leave it on all the time. There was one occasion last year when I wished for cell access and couldn't make it happen.

Just curious you mentioned you don’t leave your mini outdoors, are you concerned about theft?  

[Boudicca908]

1 hour ago, Patriot said:

concerned about theft

Yes, that was my primary concern. I know that it won't operate for the thief (or that's what I've read) because it's attached to the account. But a thief might not know that, and it would be a royal pain to try to replace it while traveling.

Fun Fact:  * Starlink delivers by FedEx (unless you live in Alaska or Hawaii)... and the United States Post Office will NOT allow FedEx to drop off for General Delivery *

[Patriot]

1 hour ago, Boudicca908 said:

it would be a royal pain to try to replace it while traveling.

Agreed, if stolen it’s a useless brick to a thief, but a hassle to replace for sure. Good point! 👍🏻Last fall during our 48 day trip out west thankfully, we never had an issue. SL is really becoming a part of RVing. So glad we have it!  

[MAX Burner]

On 4/26/2025 at 7:39 AM, topgun2 said:

In my opinion - if you are going to spend virtually any time in the out of doors and/or where cell phone service can't be guaranteed then (if you can afford it) having one of these satellite communication devices is not a luxury but a necessity.

Bill, Concur 100% -- I've operated in some of the nastiest places imaginable and in terrain rugged enough to give only a few hours of SAT commo time.  Back in '08, I found myself and my colleagues between a couple high passes in the Hindu Kush -- we had to get a sick member of our party out of the area but it wasn't going to be by foot.  We needed MEDEVAC air assets to get him to safety.  Fortunately, timing was good and I was able to contact support via our Iridium SAT phone.  The high terrain (>18k') only allowed a short window of commo -- EVAC arrived in time and all was good.

Can't say enough about having the right kit for the planned adventure you may be contemplating.  'Nuf said.