GarmininReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Hiking Handheld, Orange - 010-02602-00

I like hiking and camping in remote areas that often don't have cell reception. I have Starlink, but that stays with the car. When I'm out in the back country, possibly days from any cell towers, I like to at least have a way to call for help if needed. The bonus, and why I love this over dedicated PLBs, is that I can get weather forecasts and message family and friends through this via Bluetooth on my phone. The service plans are very reasonably priced, so it doesn't feel prohibitive to use the extra features.I highly recommend this if you spend time in remote areas with no way to get help. Just telling someone where you're going and when you're expected to check back in is the bare minimum safety advice, but that could mean that it will take days before anyone even starts looking, and they won't know exactly where you are. With this, you'll have help on the way almost immediately, and they'll know exactly where to go AND what your situation is because you'll be communicating with Garmin.Even if you never need to use it in an emergency, the messaging and ability to get weather forecasts, along with the peace of mind this gives you, is worth the price.

I have always been a fan of Garmin products. I have used them throughtout myilitary career and in my civilian career.We watched alot of YouTube hikers and did alot of research prior to our hike which is and kept us out of cell service for several days. Several of the seasoned hikers had the Mini clipped to their bags and spike highly of it.You do have to pay for the service. I don't remember which one I subscribed but it allows for limitless check in messages. There are pre-determined messages. You can select the individuals you want to receive the messages when you set up. I would send a message prior to starting my day and another when I was done for the day.You can also send out perusal message and get weather updates.But the sole purpose of the Mini is to be able to call foe emergency services when needed. There is an SOS button. I never pushed it nor did I ever need to so I can't give details about who receives that message. I felt confident having it and my loved were able to track my progress. I would recommend clipping one to your bag before heading out.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:Only way to communicate on my last adventure in Canada and more reliable than satellite options on cell phones. The app connects to my cell phone so I could use that key pad and text easier.

Very reliable in areas without any mobile phone reception. It makes me feel a lot more safe on long solo back country hikes! The breadcrumbs feature is also extremely useful to backtrack to known waypoints. I bring the InReach on every hike. The setup was very easy, but it takes about 24 hours post activation to fully register and provide reliable connectivity.

Great safety device. The waterproof case is an excellent accessory. Just that the device is not very user friendly.

I purchased this as a gift for my daughter, who does a lot of remote camping. She is extremely pleased with it and especially likes the feature that allows her to send me messages notifying me that she has arrived or departed and area.

Takes some time to set up and get comfortable using, but works great.

Excelente!!!