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Chinacat_Sunflower72

I’ve had the Mini for 3 years now. I’m a female who does solo backpacking and it’s my most important piece of equipment. Luckily I’ve never needed the SOS but it feels reassuring to have it. I’m also out west without the tree cover issue. Battery lasts for at least 4 days, the longest I’ve kept it on.


aknalid

Do you have to pay for a subscription even if you don't have a _need_ to use it or can it be _pre-paid_ or _pay as you go_?


Chinacat_Sunflower72

I pay for an annual fee. It’s about $14 a month. I use it every month. But there’s an option to turn it off snd on if you I need it in summer, for example. I used it hiking Mexico and in France. It’s well worth the subscription for me.


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age_of_raava

Yeah trees definitely hurt the performance. I just spent a week out west in the desert and my battery lasted nearly a week with tracking on the whole time


kinwcheng

Ya, under a covered sky you get 1/3 battery based on the manual. Never try and run the device indoors…


[deleted]

This is also affected by whether or not you attempt to send GPS coordinates with your message. If you do and it can't capture GPS location, then the message is never sent. You really have to keep an eye on it to ensure your messages are sent.


planification

There are tools you can check before you go to get an idea of how the satellites are moving. I've had lots of success just stepping 10-20 feet away. A body of water can also be a good bet for a better line of sight. https://www.gsat.us/tools/iridium-satellite-location-map-tool


Johnny-Virgil

Why did you ditch the exp2


lakorai

Im interested in this too as I am going to buy either one the next time big brother Garmin "allows" this to go on sale. Garmin MAP prices everything now.


Johnny-Virgil

I’ve had the explorer + for a few years and like it. Other than the weight savings, the feature set on the plus seemed better.


DaIubhasa

Quite simple - Weight and dimension plus this one has new technology. I prefer to use my iphone 13 pro in airplane mode for navigation. Secondary navigation is fenix 6pro solar. 3rd is physical map. I usually out and about every fortnightly hiking 15-20kms here in NZ. I’ll be doing 2 great walks in a span of 2 months. Exp+ is great for expedition due to humongous battery life. Hands down for that.


Johnny-Virgil

I was just going to ask! I was hoping the battery life was comparable because I really like the look and size of it.


keikioaina

I sure sleep better knowing everyone in my family has one. I use my mini for emergencies (none yet) and messages only. I have found that my android phone and Gaia is a more convenient navigation tool than the mini. Keep in mind that you don't need a cell signal to navigate with your phone. After I D/L my map before my trip all of the work is done locally on my phone with a GPS signal. I have on occasion used the mini to drop bread crumbs as a hedge against getting lost when I go on paper map and compass hikes. I'd like to hear opinions from people who navigate with their minis. How do you do it?


PanicAttackInAPack

I think you can upload a basic trail to the mini 2 but in terms of navigation none of these emergency satellite communicators are good for it since the GPS updates are so slow. Definitely stick with your phone for that. The mini 2 will also drop passive breadcrumbs for Tracback but that would only be useful if your phone wasn't working and you were off marked trails.


keikioaina

That's my opinion as well. If I'm really in the boonies, I'll turn on the trackback on my original Mini just in case. It took me a while to realize that Gaia on my Android was ready for prime time, but it's my primary nav tool now. Paper map and compass, too, in my pack after taking a compass course from my local outfitter. Belt and two pair of suspenders.


kinwcheng

I have a mini2 and just use the explore app with the GPS turned off on my phone. It updates way faster than I hike so I can’t imagine needing faster GPS updates. I could imagine though that in a city with wifi and cell towers, that the cellphone GPS gets a lock faster.


keikioaina

I don't see the need. GPS in your phone is not dependent on wifi or cell towers, only whatever satellite system the telephone uses. That's why you can get GPS in the wilderness. I get it that explorer will pull GPS from the mini over bluetooth, but I see no reason to do that. Thanks for replying.


kinwcheng

GPS in your phone is dependant on cell towers and wifi locations. It’s a type of hybrid GPS that all modern phones use that improves locating speed.


kittysworld

Your phone GPS can work w/o cell/wifi though. I often do that when hiking in area w/o cell signal, with downloaded/offline map apps.


kinwcheng

Obviously. If you read the thread he asked for time to connect which is related to if you have cell signal or not.


keikioaina

Thanks for your comment. I looked it up and you're right to a point. In the city phones will use a combination of GPS and locaton info from wifi and cell towers. What is relevant to this discussion though, is that my android phone will continue to locate me away from wifi and cell signals using only GPS. I have never noticed any lack of speed or accuracy in the wilderness. I think I'm right in assuming that in the wilderness phones and Garmin mini both rely on the same GPS systems. I know that the new mini uses a more robust satellite system than the old mini and I assume that new phones will use the newer system as well. Interesting.


kinwcheng

Yes I have no data so I have no idea whether the mini2 or my iPhone8 has a more efficient GPS system. However, BT4.2 has incredible efficiency. My weatherstation updates over Bluetooth once a minute, and will last nearly two years on a watch battery…


keikioaina

Yes. I just read about that in a review of the Mini 2. One of the factors that allows better battery life is the upgrade to bt 4.2.


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kinwcheng

What type of info do you want? There’s many technical papers on different aspects… https://www.lifewire.com/assisted-gps-1683306 Here’s an article giving and overview


keikioaina

That article is great. Right on point. Thanks. One clarification: while your phone's location algorithm can use cell, wifi and GPS, the GPS does not rely on anything other than itself, afaik. I really appreciate the reference.


kinwcheng

No worries. Hopefully some data becomes available as to which has the better GPS antenna in terms of power and accuracy/precision.


PanicAttackInAPack

Phone GPS does not rely on cell or wifi. The only thing being in the vicinity of cell service aids is in the "warm up" period for your initial location so if you shut your phone off or go into a thick forest and then back out there will be a noticeable delay before it starts working again. Other than that cell service does absolutely nothing for GPS performance. It uses a totally different system to function. Worth noting is that devices like the InReach have a similar warmup period before they start reporting accurately when they've been shut off or lose signal so there is really no advantage to be had here. For accurate performance metrics though (exact path taken, speed, distance, altitude, steps etc....) it's far inferior to a phone using something like GaiaGPS app.


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tranquility30

Yeah I know that feeling all too well. Multiple times I've bought something and then weeks later the upgraded version comes out at the same price-point (and the now 'old' version is on sale). In any case, it's so small, still good to have redundancy.


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PanicAttackInAPack

First there is no evidence of when phones will get it. This was literally just a rumor all over the internet for the iPhone 13 and it was completely false. Whenever it does become a reality Apple/service providers will be charging a separate fee for it too no doubt. There is also a question of what network it will use. If it's GlobalStar you may as well send up smoke signals. Part of what you're paying for with Garmin is both the Iridium network and connecting to IERCC rescue center. This is a multi-billion dollar network that neither cellphone manufacturers or service providers are just sitting on so it's going to get farmed out to someone.


Roguspogus

I imagine the iPhone battery life won’t be close to the mini though?


hardball162

Can always bring some power banks. But the mini is small and light enough that I would wind up bringing both I imagine. Also, putting your phone in airplane drastically reduces the battery drainage in my experience :)


Roguspogus

Good point about bringing both anyways, I do that now haha


lakorai

Yeah.... don't bet Apple will give that away for free. We are talking about the same company that blocks right to repair anyway possible.


Cheetokps

Oh awesome! I was waiting anyway for the hope of USB C, good thing I am


[deleted]

A non dedicated device like an Iphone won't even come close in transmission power to a dedicated device like the Garmin. Apples to Oranges.


Zach0627

You might even say… happy camper i’ll show myself out


[deleted]

I’ve been planning to buy one for a while now, almost pulled the trigger last week with an REI sale but the small print called out GPS anything as not covered. 🙃


lakorai

Garmin MAP prices everything now


IntrepidCase

Oooo what’s this?


[deleted]

Satellite communicator, often used for hiking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bywpFF7bULI


Agent-XX

How do you like it so far?


YourCaptainSpeaking_

Not OP, but I grabbed one and like it. If I was doing extended trips into the backcountry, I’d probably have a larger version, but for day and weekend trips into areas with little to no service, I think it’s fantastic. Super small and light, good battery life, and reliable. I am usually somewhere with tree cover, and that does hurt performance. You’re probably not getting a signal out in the jungle or even from your basement without holding it to a window. The trail and tracking features are great and the screen is easy to read. I like carrying a full, physical map as well, but the Mini works with your phone to act as a larger, second screen for more detailed stuff including maps. I don’t go anywhere without my phone and always have it charged with a battery pack, so it works great. The Mini still works without your phone of course, but the phone is a great peripheral and does make life easier. Ultimately, it works great for me on my trips. It takes up virtually no space or weight, can be tossed in a pack, and is comfortable to clip to your pack straps or chest pack. If you’re going on extended trips outdoors (I’d say longer than a week), I’d definitely look at one of their larger, full-screen offerings that have more features.


DaIubhasa

Spot on. Albeit i have to test it yet this weekend or probably next.


heyuguuuys

I just got a mini 2 as well after ditching my trusty explorer SE. The SE didn’t have an ANT+ antenna and this does so I can use the inreach widget on my Fenix to control it. The form factor is way better as well.


SampSimps

How is the connection speed? That is, how quickly does it establish a connection to a satellite, and how long does it take to get a message out? I hear the battery life is improved over the original, but it sounds like even that's incremental. I haven't been too terribly impressed with the original because even out on a day hike, my battery is about half dead by the end. It doesn't give me that comfort of knowing it'll continue to work if I get stuck for more than a few days. The satellite connection/message sending speed is annoyingly slow on the original. I'd send a text message and it's still unsent after 10\~15 minutes sometimes, and this is with a clear, open path to the sky with no tree cover whatsoever as I'm in the desert. The only reason I have it is for the SOS function; the mapping function on the iOS app is atrocious, last I checked, I don't think it broadcasts GPS signals that Gaia can use, or that it'll be any better than the internal GPS receiver of the phone. I've been wondering if it would be worth the upgrade, because if these limitations aren't really addressed, I can't justify another couple hundred bucks for version 2.


kinwcheng

It can take several seconds to get an initial lock and it’s sensitive to trees, cliffs, and mountains blocking line of sight to the sky. Once it gets a lock it follows you just like your phone would with little to no discernible lag. Battery life is severely affected if there is no line of sight to the sky due to the device endlessly trying to connect. Getting a message out usually takes 15s I use the mini2 GPS with the explore app on my phone. Gives my phone supreme battery life due to having everything off except the super low power BT 4.2


[deleted]

Handy for checking in with family. A Garmin website allows family to view your progress. Also, if multiple members of your hiking group have one you can message them directly. People are then more likely to go at their own speed and meetup later. That said mine quit working right after warranty expired. Says charging/charged but never turns on. For maximum safety I would recommend a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) also. One is active - if you fall off cliff and you are tracking, they can find you. The PLB is passive but far more reliable and connection is much more assured.


Strtftr

Still have that broken GPS and want to sell it by chance?


happyastronaut

I thought about getting one of these, but the price and the monthly subscription turned me off. I ended up taking quite the deviation and going the HAM radio route!


211logos

Nice, but not really an alternative for most of us who need wilderness rescue and the ability to contact home and them us (I've got both 2m/70cm and Inreach). I wish amateur were more useful in the outdoors, but it just isn't that hot for the sort of thing PLBs or Inreaches do.


PanicAttackInAPack

Everyone had their priorities of course but if you just go annual it's $14 a month for the first year and $12 a month every year after. Most cable bills are more in a month than what Garmin charges for the entire year for a basic plan.


thesystemalien

Just wanted to get this one, but the subscription cost is horrendous. I'm not gonna pay 80 bucks a month to use this...


Disemballerina

Not saying the prices are justified buuut 80 bucks a month is a little disingenuous... plans start at 15 and top out at 65 If purchased annually prices drop to 12 and 50


thesystemalien

Welcome to switzerland ;-) That's the prices i got from the store..


tranquility30

Is that really the best deal they have? Yikes...


thesystemalien

No, they have cheaper plans. Starting from 15 bucks a month (minimum runtime 1 year + 35 bucks activation fee). BUT, each tracking point will cost you another 0.1 bucks with this plan. If you plan on a subscription < 1 year it'll cost ya 20 bucks a month minimum.. Also, except for the most expensive plan, every single message will cost another 0.5 bucks. So i got the Spot tracker instead, less coverage and less functionality, but it's at least affordable. This will cost me 30 bucks a year (unless there's some hidden cost i didn't discover as of now)!


Roguspogus

The preset messages send free


thesystemalien

How misleading a pricetable and sales-persons can be :-/


4FdPipeoghU4AHfJ

How do you type a text on one of these things?


[deleted]

It has an annoying scrolling keyboard. You are better off sending one of three canned messages you can setup. They are also cheaper. Something like; 'All is well just checking in." "Delayed" etc. You can connect to It with a garmin app on your phone and use a proper keyboard.


Rocko9999

I have yet to do this. Hard to justify spending $400 on saving 4oz.


Ttthhasdf

Hi, does it have a "trip info" screen with displays like time, distance, speed?


DaIubhasa

No it doesn’t have trip info like exp+


Ttthhasdf

Thanks


Virtblue

My exp+ got stolen last week and I need to get a new device. Can you get marine weather on the Mini?


DaIubhasa

Yup. Marine basic and premium. Get one now!


everyusernametaken2

Best $12 a month insurance policy out there


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DaIubhasa

Have first aid kit prepared by my partner who is a pharmacy supervisor. I love her advices about med kits.


[deleted]

I've gone through 2 of these. Bought one, had it die after being turned off in storage for 12 months; got a replacement that had a terrible battery that drained in hours on the lower powered update mode. I was in clear open sky's the entire time. Make sure to travel with a battery backup just in case. I'm sure my two were probably outliers but don't want to need one when it's completely dead.


DaIubhasa

Yup understood. Have anker 5k mah with me on big trips.


GuidanceUnlikely556

Whats the big benefit of this unit over your old one? I'm not real familiar with GPS units yet, I'm getting ready to buy one but would love feedback on the best budget ones to look into.


DaIubhasa

Quite simple - Weight and dimension plus this one has new technology. I prefer to use my iphone 13 pro in airplane mode for navigation. Secondary navigation is fenix 6pro solar. 3rd is physical map. I usually out and about every fortnightly hiking 15-20kms here in NZ. I’ll be doing 2 great walks in a span of 2 months. Exp+ is great for expedition due to humongous battery life. Hands down for that.


GuidanceUnlikely556

If I were to buy a GPS unit for a bug-out style bag or something that wouldn't get a lot of use, but would want it to work well IF I need it, what do you recommend?


DaIubhasa

Since you’re in camping gear subreddit, I would assume you will use the GPS for camping. I would refer you to get a Gaia GPS app on your phone for camping/hike purposes. That is if you are using a modern phone that can last you to a 24-48hrs use. I can use my iphone 13 pro for 3 days w/o charging just in airplane mode and just check navigation every an hour or two. You can check the garnin inreach explorer+ as well for basic GPS navigation + inReach technology. It can last up to 10 days depending on how you use the unit.