The Garmin Satellite Communicator That’s an ‘Absolute Must’ for Adventurers Is Still $100 Off After Memorial Day
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REI’s Anniversary Sale may have just wrapped up, but some deals on outdoor gear like the Merrell Moab 3 hiking boots and The North Face’s iconic duffel bag are still live and ready to take advantage of just ahead of summer. For those heading out on a thru-hike, a backpacking trip, or even just a day-long excursion, a satellite communicator like Garmin’s inReach Mini 2 is one of the most essential pieces of equipment to take, and thankfully it’s still $100 off even after the close of the sale.
Typically $400, Garmin’s inReach Mini 2 is just $300 right now at REI and is currently the No. 1 bestselling product on the entire site after earning more than 350 five-star ratings from shoppers who call it a “must-have” tool for those who like to venture off into areas without mobile reception. The subscription-based communicator is available in red or black and is an excellent way to keep in touch with family and friends while on extended backpacking trips.
Garmin inReach Mini 2, $300 (was $400) at REI 
Since phone communication relies on network towers built on the ground, it’s easy to lose contact when walking through mountains and trees. Garmin’s inReach Mini 2 uses the Iridium network, which allows you to communicate directly with satellites when cell service is unavailable. The device also has Bluetooth; you can write texts on your phone and send them through the inReach Mini 2. That makes it a great option for giving loved ones peace of mind while you’re in the backcountry.
A standout feature of Garmin’s inReach Mini 2 is TracBack. If you lose your way, you can display a simple map directly on the device, allowing you to make your way back to basecamp. There’s also a built-in compass for easy navigation, and IPX7 waterproofing protects the device in the rain and snow. Plus, it’s immensely compact and weighs just 3.5 ounces, making it a good option for ultralight backpackers.
Shoppers appreciated the comfort this satellite communicator gives their families at home, with one calling it an “essential piece of gear for the backcountry.” They wrote, “I went with the month-to-month plan and only use it when needed. Made it super easy to communicate with my wife back home and give her peace of mind when I would otherwise be unreachable.” Another wrote, “Love the features with this small but mighty device. It is an absolute must in the backcountry. It has basic features but also is fairly advanced when paired with the iPhone. Better to spend the money to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!”
One shopper favorably compared the Garmin inReach Mini 2 to other devices, writing that it “blows the competition out of the water.” They added, “On more than one occasion, I was hiking on a trail and I really needed to get in touch with my family. There was no cell service, but the inReach Mini came through for both sending and receiving texts.” They added, “I used to have a different, larger device. It worked, but it was too heavy for backpacking or even a long hike. The inReach Mini is light enough to wear around the neck with a shoestring lanyard…Because of the low weight, free pre-set messages, Google Map links, and low monthly cost, it’s far better than anything else on the market.”
Garmin’s inReach Mini 2 is a compact Bluetooth-enabled satellite device that includes a compass, a simple map, two-way communication, and an SOS feature, which make it essential for safety in the backcountry. It’s only $100 off until June 16, so act fast.
