Which inReach Device is Right for You?
Note: The following recommendations are suggestions only. Each inReach® device can suite a variety of uses and the best match might depend on other criteria not covered in this article. The following are some of the top survey-reported subscriber activities, but this is not a comprehensive list.
The Garmin inReach product line is growing. Find out which device is right for you based on your favorite activities.
Hiking, Backpacking & Climbing
Are you focused on packing light for fast-paced trips or on navigation features?
Light and Compact
inReach Mini 2
- Basic breadcrumb map only (view detailed maps on Garmin Explore™ app)
- Digital compass
- Battery life up to 14 days (10-minute tracking)
On-Device Maps
GPSMAP® 66i
- On-device maps (TopoActive & Birdseye)
- Altimeter, barometer, 3-axis compass
- Automatic routes for outdoor activities
Interested in pairing with a compatible Garmin adventure watch?
Choose Instinct 2 or fēnix® 7
- View messages and control inReach features from your wrist with the inReach remote widget
Trail Running
inReach Mini 2
- Lightweight at only 3.5 oz
- GPS and compass navigation
- Pairs to compatible Garmin watches to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS from your wrist
Interested in additional fitness data or navigation features?
fēnix 7 Series
- GPS watch combining the best features of our fitness and outdoor watches
Enduro™ 2
- GPS watch with up to 150 hours of battery life and built-in maps
Instinct 2
- Rugged GPS watch built to withstand the toughest environments
Cycling
inReach Mini 2
- Lightweight & easy to fit in jersey pocket or clip to pack
- Pairs to compatible Garmin Edge® cycling computers to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS from your Edge device
Interested in additional cycling features and mapping?
Edge 1040 Solar
- The ultimate GPS bike computer with enhanced features and solar charging
Edge 830
- Performance GPS cycling computer with mapping, insights and touchscreen
Edge 530
- Performance GPS cycling computer with mapping and insights
Hunting & Fishing
What types of weather conditions will you be hunting or fishing in? Do you need on-device topo maps?
Mild Conditions/Limited Mapping
inReach Mini 2
- Basic breadcrumb map only
- View detailed maps on Garmin Explore app
Harsh Conditions/Detailed Mapping
GPSMAP 66i
- TopoActive and Birdseye maps
- Can add maps and charts
- Sun/Moon & Hunt/Fish calendar
Hunting with dogs? Check out Alpha® 200i or Montana 700 series for dog tracking features.
Off-roading & Snowmobiling
Do you have external power? Do you need overlanding features?
External Power/Overlanding Features
Tread® Series
- Dual orientation touchscreen
- 8〞and 10〞models available
- Off-roading specific features
- Customizable navigation (select models)
- Backup camera compatible
Longer Battery Life/Multipurpose Use
Montana 700i or 750i
- Dual orientation for multipurpose use
- Up to 18 hours standalone battery life
- Hunt/Fish specific features
- TopoActive and City Navigator maps
- Powered mounting options available
Skiing, Snowboarding & Snowshoeing
Will you need to navigate or message while wearing gloves?
Ideal for Messaging with App
inReach Mini 2
- Up, down and enter buttons
- Vertical scrolling keyboard
Easier, On-Device Messaging
GPSMAP 66i
- Larger screen and buttons for easier text entry
- Virtual QWERTY keyboard
Looking for additional ski features?
Flying
inReach Mini 2
- Compatible with the Garmin Pilot™ app
- Supported devices for the Leidos Flight Services Adverse Condition Alerting Service (ACAS), Surveillance-Enhanced Search and Rescue (SE-SAR) and Enhanced Special Reporting Services (eSRS)
Do you use the Garmin Pilot app?
Garmin Pilot App
- Puts full-featured navigation, aviation weather, DUAT(S) flight plan filing and electronic flight bag capabilities on your compatible mobile device
- Pair Garmin Pilot with an inReach Mini or inReach Explorer+ to send and receive text messages, use the inReach GPS data and share your trip via MapShare
Boating & Sailing
What type of vessel do you have? Do you have other Garmin marine products?
Paired with Other Products
inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle
- Bundle with mount and power cable
- Pairs with compatible Garmin chartplotters
- inReach Mini dive case available
- inReach Messenger also pairs with compatible chartplotters
Standalone or Paired
GPSMAP 86i or GPSMAP 86sci
- Water-resistant, floating design
- Stream boat data from compatible chartplotters and instruments
- Supports optional BlueChart® g3 charts (preloaded on GPSMAP 86sci)
Kayaking, Canoeing & Rafting
Where will you be paddling? Do you need on-device mapping or navigation features?
Limited Navigation
inReach Mini 2
- Only 3.5 oz
- GPS & compass
- Dive case available
More Frequent Navigation
GPSMAP 66i
- TopoActive & Birdseye
- Ability to add maps
- Searchable points of interests
More Frequent Navigation
GPSMAP 86i/86sci
- Water-resistant, floating design
- Supports optional BlueChart® g3 charts (preloaded on GPSMAP 86sci)
Driving & Motorcycling
What type of vehicle will you be using?
Motorcycle
inReach Messenger & zumo® XT
- Motorcycling specific features & maps
- Handsfree calling (with Garmin Drive™ app)
- Incident notifications
- Pairs with inReach Mini 2
Car/Truck
Montana 700i or 750i
- inReach technology built-in
- Dual orientation for multipurpose use
- Searchable points of interest
- Preloaded City Navigator Maps with turn-by-turn directions
Traveling/Camping/Remote Living
inReach Messenger
- Discrete with a small, lightweight design
- Use Garmin Messenger app for group messaging and automatic switching between Wi-Fi®, cellular and satellite networks for seamless on- or off-grid connectivity
- Share your trip progress with others via MapShare™
Do you use MapShare?
- A web-based map page to allow friends and family to see your trip progress
- Set parameters on what is shown on the map
- Allows map viewers to message your inReach device directly
NOTICE: To access the Iridium satellite network for live tracking and messaging, including SOS capabilities, an active satellite subscription is required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.
