If the exorbitant cost of the Fenix 8 Pro for LTE and satellite deterred you, this satellite handheld offers backpackers a versatile solution.
What you need to know
– The Garmin InReach Mini 3 is a handheld SOS satellite communicator weighing 4.4 ounces, capable of lasting up to two weeks on a single charge.
– It allows you to send or receive voice clips lasting 30 seconds, text through a 1.9-inch MIP touch display, transmit photos using your phone, or share your LiveTrack location.
– It introduces new features like Voice Commands, multi-band GPS, and a passcode.
– It does not provide cellular connectivity and requires an InReach satellite subscription starting at $7.99/month.
As thrilling as it was when the Fenix 8 Pro integrated LTE and satellite in a compact wearable gadget, its $1,200+ price made it hard to recommend, and its small design restricts aspects like battery longevity. Now, Garmin is unveiling the InReach Mini 3 Plus, an SOS satellite handheld communicator that could serve as a more feasible choice for serious backpackers who venture into areas lacking cellular service.
Unlike previous InReach models such as the Messenger Plus or Mini 2, the InReach Mini 3 Plus features a touch display that covers most of its surface, in addition to the conventional navigation buttons. This enhancement simplifies menu navigation and message sending, a significant improvement over the previous method of tapping through letters individually.
The Mini 3 Plus includes a microphone and speaker, enabling you to send brief voice messages or record voice memos through the device, and listen to responses from loved ones, all via satellite. It can also transmit photos, though you’ll need your phone to take and upload them to the Messenger app.
In contrast, the Fenix 8 Pro is limited to sending text messages, check-ins, and SOS alerts—no photos or voice memos. Additionally, while the InReach Messenger Plus can also send voice memos, it requires phone usage, whereas the Mini 3 Plus remains functional even if your phone battery is depleted.
Garmin employs the mic and speaker for voice commands, allowing you to activate certain functionalities like check-ins or LiveTrack without relying on the touchscreen. We are intrigued to see how effectively this feature operates, considering voice commands can sometimes be inconsistent on Garmin watches.
Like most InReach devices and GPSMAP handhelds, the InReach Mini 3 Plus is equipped with an SOS button that transmits an emergency alert along with your GPS coordinates to a 24/7 Garmin Response team. The new addition is the access to the touchscreen, facilitating easier replies to responders, as well as multi-band GPS frequency for enhanced location accuracy.
It also marks the first InReach device known to have an MIL-STD-810 rating for thermal, shock, and water resistance, featuring an IP67 rating compared to the IPX7 rating of the Messenger Plus and Mini 2. This enhancement should aid in surviving falls, although the display is protected only by “chemically strengthened glass.”
Beyond emergencies, you can utilize the Mini 3 Plus to send LiveTrack location updates to trusted contacts. Garmin claims it can operate for 350 hours (approximately 14 days) with ten-minute check-in intervals, or 95 hours in “performance” mode with more frequent updates.
In terms of additional functionalities beyond satellite messaging, you can synchronize it with the Garmin Explore app, where you can design GPX routes for turn-by-turn navigation. You can also access weather updates or satellite imagery through the app.
The Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus is priced at $499.99, or $449 for a model without photo and voice messaging. If that seems a bit steep, the InReach Mini 2 is available for $150 off with an ongoing Cyber Monday deal, bringing it down to $249; the InReach Messenger Plus is also $150 off if you prefer photo and video messaging using your phone.
