Garmin’s mini satellite communicators are on sale for up to 40 percent off

REI’s annual sales are not starting March 15but that hasn’t stopped Garmin from rolling out discounts on a variety of devices – including its own InReach Mini satellite communicators. Right now, for example, you can hold it Mini 2 to Amazon, REIand Garmin for $249.99 ($150 off) or Mini 3 for $399.99 ($50 off) through the same retailer (Amazon, REIand Garmin). This is the lowest price we’ve seen for the InReach model, which was launched in late December.

As someone who has used the Mini 2 and Mini 3 in the backcountry, I am a big fan of dedicated satellite speakers for cell phones, even those with satellite SOS and messaging support. Both the Mini 2 and Mini 3 are more durable than your average phone, for one thing, and each device has a battery life of several days, which is not the case with phones like the iPhone 17 and Google’s new Pixel phones. They also work in extreme temperatures and let you pull up a weather report, which is great when you’re off the grid and dealing with changing weather conditions.

The main function of the Mini 2 and Mini 3 is the same, however. Two palm-sized satellites link the Iridium network for coverage, allowing you to send text messages, share your location, and trigger SOS alerts in the event of an emergency. The main difference between the last gen model and the Mini 3 is that the latter has a touchscreen display, which makes it easier to navigate the menu and write messages (the Mini 3 Plus it also adds support for pictures and voice messages).

Remember that whatever model you choose, you must register for one of the Garmin InReach Consumer Plans, which. starting at $7.99 per month for the most important system. Each session requires a fee of $39.99 and includes a monthly number of messages; however, if you do, you will have to pay an additional fee for each message (instant tracking always costs extra). Personally, I’ve never found texting limits to be that restrictive – my goal in the backcountry is avoid it more human contact – but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning a long hike in the woods or need constant contact with someone at home.