Can You TracBack with the Garmin inReach Mini 2 Without Tracking?
This is the question I set out to answer today on a short hike here in Colorado. My initial opinion was that you would not be able to TracBack, but let’s see what I found out in the Field Test.
TracBack Field Test
I have tested the TracBack feature out several times with the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and you can see those results in the links below.
How to TracBack with the Mini 2 without Paying for Tracking: [CLICK HERE]
Garmin inReach Mini TracBack | Have You Every Been Lost? [CLICK HERE]
However, I set out on this test as “GONexplore” left a comment that he thought you may still be able to TracBack for free if you only turned on the inReach Mini 2 and started hiking. Personally, I thought it wouldn’t work…but I was wrong. Keep reading for what I found out on the Field Test and see the YouTube video below of the actual test.
I started out with my Mini 2 off and made sure I had deleted all of my activities and tracking as I test a lot of satellite communicators in this area.
Next, I turned on the Garmin Mini 2 but did not select anything. I did not track, or navigate by route, and I made sure I had the “Auto Track” off.
I then set off on my short hike. I hiked about 0.23 miles for around 10 minutes through some fresh snow here in Colorado.
After the short hike, I selected “Navigate” and “TracBack” to see if I could TracBack to my starting point.
I was a little shocked, but pleasantly surprised to see what looked like a track to my starting point. It was a straight line with what only looked like one track, but that would be enough if I was lost.
I started off on my TracBack, but I still wasn’t sure this was a true course or if I had forgotten to delete all the activity associated with my Mini 2.
About half-way through the hike back I could tell this was an accurate course as I started getting off the direct line back but I could see from my movement on the screen that it seemed to be the correct destination.
Once I got close to my starting point, I could confirm that the TracBack was working, even though I didn’t have a lot of points in the TracBack navigation.
After reaching my starting point, I could see my tracks on the way back when using TracBack and you can see how much more accurate the display is when you actually use tracking.
Final Thoughts
Well…I was wrong, and the inReach Satellite Communicators can TracBack even if you don’t navigate by a route or start tracking.
You won’t have many tracks to get you back to your starting point, but it should be good enough to do the job.
Check out the YouTube video below of the Field Test.
- Compact, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.)
- Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing
- Share your location with loved ones back home at any time (active satellite subscription required) by using your MapShare page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages
- Get accurate heading information using the digital compass — even when you’re not moving
- Sync with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping, and create waypoints, courses, activities and collections you can sync to your device
- Pair with Garmin devices, such as wearables and handhelds, and use them to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS (active satellite subscription required)
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
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