The Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator is our best for backpacking navigation and messaging pick, and it scored 87 out of 100 in our testing.
A featherweight two-way satellite messenger with basic navigation, not a full mapping GPS.
A 3.5 ounce satellite communicator that sends and receives messages over the Iridium network and offers SOS and TracBack, so backpackers stay connected far past cell range.
Here's the deal:
We tested it head to head against the other top handheld GPS units, and below we break down how it did on Reception, Ease of Use, Display Quality, Speed, Weight and Size, Versatility, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Table of Contents
- Best For Backpacking Navigation And Messaging
- Our Verdict: Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
- Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
- Should You Buy the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator?
- What Other Handheld GPSs Should You Consider?
- Specifications
- Conclusion: Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
Best For Backpacking Navigation And Messaging
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
- Display: 1.75 in monochrome
- Weight: 3.5 oz
- Battery: up to 14 days, 10-min tracking
- Network: Iridium satellite
- Charging: USB-C
- Water rating: IPX7
- Extras: SOS, TracBack, weather
Bottom Line : A featherweight two-way satellite messenger with basic navigation, not a full mapping GPS.
Pros
- Extremely light at 3.5 oz
- Two-way messaging and interactive SOS
- Battery lasts up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking
- TracBack for retracing routes
Cons
- Monochrome screen with no map detail
- Not a full mapping GPS
- Needs a paired phone for easy typing and maps
Our Verdict: Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
A featherweight two-way satellite messenger with basic navigation, not a full mapping GPS.
A 3.5 ounce satellite communicator that sends and receives messages over the Iridium network and offers SOS and TracBack, so backpackers stay connected far past cell range.
What's the bottom line?
Just 3.5 ounces and about the footprint of a matchbox.
The lightest and smallest device in this group by a wide margin.
The peace of mind from two-way messaging in a 3.5 ounce package is hard to beat on solo trips. Just do not expect to navigate off that tiny black-and-white screen, I pair it with my phone for maps.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Extremely light at 3.5 oz
- Two-way messaging and interactive SOS
- Battery lasts up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking
- TracBack for retracing routes
Reasons to avoid:
- Monochrome screen with no map detail
- Not a full mapping GPS
- Needs a paired phone for easy typing and maps
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator scored 87 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on weight and size and weakest on display quality.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Reception
Uses the global Iridium satellite network for two-way messaging and SOS.
GPS positioning is accurate enough for tracking and TracBack routing.
Not a multi-band mapping receiver, so on-device navigation is basic.
| Reception | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator | 8/10 |
| Category average | 8.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Ease of Use
Small four-button interface for quick messages and SOS.
Pairs with the Garmin Messenger app to type on a phone and view maps.
You might be wondering:
Typing on the device alone is slow, which is why most owners pair a phone.
| Ease of Use | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Display Quality
A 1.75 inch monochrome black-and-white screen, larger than the original Mini.
Clear for text and menus but shows no real map detail.
Not meant for reading topo maps like the GPSMAP units.
| Display Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Speed
Sending a satellite message can take a minute or two under open sky.
GPS fix and tracking updates are prompt.
TracBack routing calculates quickly for retracing your path.
| Speed | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 8/10 |
| Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 7/10 |
Weight and Size
Just 3.5 ounces and about the footprint of a matchbox.
The lightest and smallest device in this group by a wide margin.
| Weight and Size | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator | 10/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Versatility
Two-way messaging, interactive SOS, weather and location sharing.
TracBack helps you retrace your route back to the start.
No topo maps or voice or photo messaging, so it complements rather than replaces a mapping GPS.
| Versatility | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator | 9/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Should You Buy the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator?
A featherweight two-way satellite messenger with basic navigation, not a full mapping GPS.
It is best suited to backpackers who want ultralight messaging and sos over navigation.
Want to know the best part?
The big win: Extremely light at 3.5 oz.
The main compromise: Monochrome screen with no map detail.
We scored it 87 out of 100.
What Other Handheld GPSs Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The Garmin GPSMAP 67 Rugged Multi-Band Handheld is our best handheld gps. The most accurate button GPS Garmin sells, held back only by an aging screen resolution.
The Garmin eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS is our best budget handheld gps. A cheap, light, dependable entry point that trades multi-band accuracy for AA simplicity.
The Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Multi-Band Handheld is our best handheld gps for hunting. Multi-band accuracy in a proven button body, ideal for hunters who need a precise, rugged unit.
Specifications
| Display | 1.75 in monochrome |
| Weight | 3.5 oz |
| Battery | up to 14 days, 10-min tracking |
| Network | Iridium satellite |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Water rating | IPX7 |
| Extras | SOS, TracBack, weather |
Conclusion: Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
After testing it against the other top handheld GPS units, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator earns its place as our best for backpacking navigation and messaging pick.
Its standout strength: Extremely light at 3.5 oz.
So:
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Monochrome screen with no map detail.
If you want backpackers who want ultralight messaging and sos over navigation, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Handheld GPS guide.
