Check out my Garmin Mini Tracking & Topo Maps. I took my new Garmin Mini out to the Great Sand Dune National Park in Colorado this weekend and tested it out more.
It doesn’t seem to matter where I go with this little power packed satellite messenger, it just keeps on performing.
Great Sand Dune National Park Field Test
I made sure I had the maps loaded, battery charged and my contacts updated before leaving the house this morning. It was a magnificent day in Colorado with temperatures reaching near 50 degree around the state.
We were in the extremes south portion of Colorado, a little east of Alamosa. I powered the little power packed satellite messenger on, started the tracking and made sure my Garmin Mini was synced with my iPhone, and made sure my Garmin Mini was connected.
You can see from the first image that is was not connected, but, in this second image, it does connect.
We then set off for the sand dunes.
I tested laying down a photo op icon and sending a message before reaching the river and the sand dunes on the other side.
You will notice that the message icon is not visible and that’s because I forgot to make sure my iPhone and Garmin Mini were connected before leaving the trailhead. You will see in this next photo that it is connected and a message icon is visible.
I laid a waypoint down at the river as a water source and then we headed into the dunes.
We were supposed to follow the red route, which showed up nicely on my Earthmate App, however, my son thought it would be better to take the harder climb up the steepest parts of the sand dunes. That path shows up as the blue arrows. I wouldn’t recommend the blue path unless your in pretty good physical shape or you just like pain.
The Earthmate app works spectacularly and it’s so nice having the larger screen to see the topo map, my route and waypoints.
I mentioned in the previous article that I wasn’t sure how much I would like having to keep my iPhone synced with my Garmin Mini, but I love it, due to the similar day to day use familiarity and large screen.
The day was beautiful, the weather was perfect and the scenery outstanding.
Final Thoughts
The Garmin Mini worked perfectly again, and it has been so nice being able to carry something this small on my pack that can and has saved lives all around the world.
I highly recommend you add this powerful little device to your pack.
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables 2 way text messaging using the 100 percentage global Iridium network (satellite subscription required).Special Feature:Bluetooth.
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required). Display size-0.9 x 0.9 inch
- Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate app and compatible devices
- Optional inReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your inReach Mini or paired device, basic and premium weather packages available
- Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds. Display resolution: 128 x 128 pixels
- NOTICE: 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
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the Garmin inReach Mini by leaving a Comment Below or sending me an Email.
Check out this YouTube video below about how well the Garmin inReach Mini 2 did on tracking.
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Many thanks to you for sharing such an excellent article with us .Garmin mini tracking is very important for travel.I take it with me when I travel in mountainous areas or by sea.It helps me with different directions.When I put the photo open icon on the other side of the ocean sends a message.And it’s connected to my mobile and I see messages through my mobile.After you read this article, everyone will know about using Garmin Mini tracking and how much they will share with you new after using it.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
It’s such a great device that is powerful but I often forget it’s even on my pack. I hope I never have to use the S.O.S. distress call, but I am sure glad it’s there in case I do. The other thing you pointed out is that this device can be used world wide and has no gaps in coverage. Now, that’s reassuring.
Thanks for the comments.
Rick
Thank you so much for sharing an article with us and Garmin Mini is a wonderful device and this device I used during trucking. I moved to Colorado last year and I can’t speak the language of how much this device helped me at the time. The device does a great job of map trucking and I was able to easily track my map with this device. When my iPhone was not working in the sand dunes I was able to track my speed through this device and get to the right place and worry about contacting my family. The day was very nice, the weather was favorable to me and the views were really lovely .The Garmin Mini worked very well and was a great convenience for me to carry this small device easily.
Lastly I would like to say that I ended my trip very nicely and I hope that by reading your article everyone will get to know about this device and gain more knowledge and share their new experience with you soon.
Thank you for your advice and sharing your personal experience. It really helps others see the value in having one of these emergency satellite messengers.
Rick
Hello Rick. It’s nice to see you share your experience using the Garmin Mini Tracking and Topo Map. You had an awesome experience with this small but mighty device which has saved so many lives from all around the world. I love its portability, ruggedity and effectiveness. It’s definitely a must have device that should be in the arsenal of every hiker.
Thank you for your supporting comment. I use to think something like this wasn’t necessary when I was younger, probably because most of us think nothing bad will ever happen to us, but that is just not the right way to think. I have been telling both of my kids that they need to have one of these on their packs but they say the same thing I thought when I was young. However; I believe that as they see, first hand, how easy it is to use and how small it is; they’re going to really enjoy having it, especially when they understand they can text friends on the trail when they don’t have cell service.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Rick