Garmin InReach mni 2

[TheQuintessentialMan]

This Garmin Mini 2 has been discussed a few times in other threads but I still have a few questions. For those of you that have it, do you have any buyers remorse? Is there something else you now know that would work better? The main feature is the SOS button, the ability to message from anywhere is the second feature. Navigation is the third (in that order). The wife and I occasionally go off the beaten path in places not SCUBA related (and no good cell service) so the GPS navigation would be a plus. I saw the new messenger but still I'm leaning back towards the mini 2.

Is there anything in the marine bundle that you find necessary or am I better off just putting that money into the waterproof case. I have a MK dive watch/computer; interactivity with the MK is one of the features making the mini 2 more attractive. I have an opportunity to get select Garmin devices through my employer's health program so trying to figure my best option.

Thoughts, concerns?

 

[grumpycat]

I don't think you need the Marine Bundle unless you plan to use it on a boat. I would just by a waterproof case.

If you have a Garmin Descent dive watch or Fenix 8, you should get the Garmin case and mount it on the shoulder of your BCD. You can activate the SOS without removing it from the case.

If you do not plan to get a Garmin dive watch, you can get a Dryfob case. You'll have to remove the InReach from the case to push the SOS button so the inability to transmit from inside the Dryfob isn't an issue.

I don't find the navigation features that useful without a smartphone. The pre-loaded maps aren't that detailed, and the screen is quite small. You would want the larger InReach device for GPS navigation. That said, I do use it for non-diving activities and trust it more than my smart phone. It is far more durable than any smartphone, longer battery life, and you can summon help easily even if injured. Holding a phone up to aim at a satellite with a concussion, shoulder/back/arm injury, or if when you're in extreme pain can be challenging. The InReach can be activated from almost any position if you have at least one usable hand.

 

[gmerick]

The main feature is the SOS button, the ability to message from anywhere is the second feature. Navigation is the third (in that order).

I've been using an InReach mini for several months and several dozen dives. I've not bought a subscription, as I've not gone off the beaten path yet. I will buy it for two upcoming trips (a Leaward Islands LiveAboard and the Belize invasion). Because of no subscription, I have no SOS capability. Likewise with the messaging feature.
My purpose in buying the device is to have a GPS tracker to show where the dive site markers are, and to track where I went under water. I start tracking when I leave shore, and attach the InReach to my marker buoy. After a day of diving, I upload the recorded track into Google Earth, and store an annotated dive map of the days dives.
It is near impossible to do any navigation with the InReach. The display is too small to provide more than a general indication as to an entry point, and there are no mapping capabilities. I use my compass instead.
General impression, I bought a very usable very waterproof GPS tracker that has more than lived up to expectation. I also have an Emergency alert device that can go on dive trips.
Note, that on dive trips, I will not be towing a buoy; the InReach will be attached to my BC. It will remain on all day long to record my track on the surface. It's function on dives will be as a limited PLB.

 

[Intern #1]

I’ve had mine for several years now and have no buyer’s remorse; use it for both scuba and backpacking trips. I have the scuba case and it worked just fine for my dives which were down to about 20m. Also I’ve used it for backcountry / mountain trips when I wanted family to know where I was. Fortunately I’ve never needed the SOS feature but knowing it’s there provides peace of mind.

The ability to text from-to anywhere is one of the more useful aspects of it and I can see why that would be very helpful in a rescue situation. Although, without the smartphone connection (eg if floating at sea after surfacing from a dive) it would be a PITA to type out a message on the tiny screen & menu driven typing. Still, it’s doable. The small screen is much too small for me to use the GPS.

The only downsides are the cost (purchase and the subscriptions, but you can cancel those when your trip is done). Also, not so much a downside but it’s important to understand its limitations which have been discussed here before - namely that using the SOS feature means you are calling out the Big Guns (local coast guard, other major rescue organizations).

 

[Wants2divemore]

My experience with the InReach Mini 2 mirrors everyone else. I've used it with the waterproof Garmin case to 110' and had no problems with it. I've never had to use the SOS feature. I've also used it backpacking to have as an emergency PLB (thankfully it never has been needed) and to send a text message to support crew indicating my return time.

 

[Toasterking]

I used it for backpacking trips and deep woods hikes and loved it.

Then I bought the garmin waterproof case and took it underwater where it flooded on the first dive to 70fsw. I threw it away because it was wrecked but someone said I screwed up by not talking to garmin.

Regardless, I wouldn’t trust that case again.

 

[Nick_Radov]

Then I bought the garmin waterproof case and took it underwater where it flooded on the first dive to 70fsw. I threw it away because it was wrecked but someone said I screwed up by not talking to garmin.

I've used the case to 240ft without leaks. You should have asked Garmin for a warranty replacement.

 

[Toasterking]

I've used the case to 240ft without leaks. You should have asked Garmin for a warranty replacement.

Yeah, after I threw it away it a fit of rage I realized I screwed up and should have talked to Garmin (they were great about replacing my Fenix 7 in a different circumstance).

 

[flymolo]

I think the inreach mini is a great product. I take it diving in the dive case, haven’t had any issues with leaks in the 2 (3?) years I’ve had it.

 

[BruceA78]

I used it for backpacking trips and deep woods hikes and loved it.

Then I bought the garmin waterproof case and took it underwater where it flooded on the first dive to 70fsw. I threw it away because it was wrecked but someone said I screwed up by not talking to garmin.

Regardless, I wouldn’t trust that case again.

I just recently got the garmin inreach mini 2 with the dive case and on my 2nd dive with it down to 80 ft it flooded too, first dive was only a max of 20 ft and it was fine, now my inreach 2 won't power on.