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Garmin InReach Mini (original) $249.98

$249.98
$349.99
+3 Deal Score
4,560 Views
Cabela's has the original InReach Mini on sale for 249.98. The InReach Mini 2 (399.99) and Messenger (299.99) offer updated features and better battery life, but the original Mini may be a good value for some at this price.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/g...MDOjaO1EjA
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Created 03-12-2023 at 01:51 PM by timbo80
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$249.98
$349.99

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Joined Nov 2011
L4: Apprentice
> bubble2 364 Posts
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Another-Nocturn
03-13-2023 at 09:19 AM.
03-13-2023 at 09:19 AM.
What "significant" changes would we be missing out on by choosing this over the inreach Mini 2?

Also, can any owners pipe in on the "true cost of ownership"? I know they have month-to-month plans and also allow folks to stop the plan completely for seasonal breaks; but are there additional hidden fees (like re-activation; etc.) buried in the contract that sneak up on you?

(Speaking as a weekend warrior who takes deep desert / Baja trips maybe 1-2 times per year)
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Joined Jun 2019
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> bubble2 3 Posts
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Kit1331
03-13-2023 at 09:57 AM.
03-13-2023 at 09:57 AM.
Cheapest Ive seen it
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Joined Nov 2009
L4: Apprentice
> bubble2 322 Posts
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Old_Snake308
03-13-2023 at 10:18 AM.
03-13-2023 at 10:18 AM.
Quote from Another-Nocturn :
What "significant" changes would we be missing out on by choosing this over the inreach Mini 2?

Also, can any owners pipe in on the "true cost of ownership"? I know they have month-to-month plans and also allow folks to stop the plan completely for seasonal breaks; but are there additional hidden fees (like re-activation; etc.) buried in the contract that sneak up on you?

(Speaking as a weekend warrior who takes deep desert / Baja trips maybe 1-2 times per year)

Nope, pay as you go. For the price it's nice insurance. Two is one, one is none! I have cell, ham, iPhone 14 with sat, but more options the better
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Joined Jun 2019
L2: Beginner
> bubble2 85 Posts
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Original Poster
timbo80
03-13-2023 at 05:36 PM.
03-13-2023 at 05:36 PM.
Quote from Another-Nocturn :
What "significant" changes would we be missing out on by choosing this over the inreach Mini 2?

Also, can any owners pipe in on the "true cost of ownership"? I know they have month-to-month plans and also allow folks to stop the plan completely for seasonal breaks; but are there additional hidden fees (like re-activation; etc.) buried in the contract that sneak up on you?

(Speaking as a weekend warrior who takes deep desert / Baja trips maybe 1-2 times per year)

From my research the main differences are battery life and the original lacks the ability to connect to the Garmin messenger app on your phone.

I too expect to only use a satellite messenger like this a couple times a year. I currently take a small ACR emergency beacon with me on trips (no recurring fees) but I'm not sure how much more life it has left so I'm considering upgrading.

I am favoring the $300 Garmin messenger due to the longer battery life and app integration. Seems worth the extra $50 over this
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Joined Jan 2005
L6: Expert
> bubble2 3,430 Posts
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zettler
03-13-2023 at 05:42 PM.
03-13-2023 at 05:42 PM.
Have you looked at the Garmin In reach Explorer+?
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Joined Jan 2007
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> bubble2 11,649 Posts
MadPup
03-13-2023 at 05:57 PM.
03-13-2023 at 05:57 PM.
Quote from zettler :
Have you looked at the Garmin In reach Explorer+?
I had the 66i. Garmin map devices are horrible. There are 3 or 4 different apps you need to use to get stuff onto and off of them and they are not at all easy to use. My smartphone with OsmAnd (via F-Driod) just blows them away. While I might consider one of these Mini's, I would never again consider anything Garmin with mapping. It's like they haven't advanced one bit in the last 20 years.
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Last edited by MadPup March 13, 2023 at 06:01 PM.
Joined Feb 2004
L5: Journeyman
> bubble2 890 Posts
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gravey
04-12-2023 at 02:33 PM.
04-12-2023 at 02:33 PM.
I'm using and older inreach and honestly we only use it once or twice a year but we use the freedom plan where we pay an annual fee but we can activate for one month only instead of paying year round. Honestly device price and fees may seem costly but if something goes wrong while you are off grid and you have no way out... Your life is worth more than the cost of the device and subscription.

I lost a family member who got stuck and injured while off grid... This would of saved them but lessons learned and I bought one for myself just Incase it happens to me.
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