Garmin inReach Mini GPS Satellite Communicator

There can be same confusion to the terms used to describe features on the InReach. I will try to define each and show its relevance... LOG INTERVAL: This is an internal feature of the InReach that records where you are at repeating intervals of time. You can set the interval. This log is your record of the journey. On the Explorer+ with its internal map these log points will be used to connect a line showing your locations over time as you travel. There is no cost for Log points. TRACKING POINTS: These are a unique and separate set of location recordings that are SENT via satellite and displayed on your MapShare site to let friends and family watch your progress. Since they are transmitted from your InReach in the backcountry via the Iridium satellites they cost you. The subscription plans have options that offer no included tracking points on the lowest cost plan (so you pay 10 cents for each one sent) to unlimited tracking points included with higher priced plans. LOCATION PINGS: A family member ot friend to whom you have given the password for your MapPage site will see a map. If you do not have tracking turned on they can locate your current position by clicking on a LOCATE button. This sends a signal via satellite to your InReach which respons with your location info. It is then displayed on the MapShare map. These location requests cost each time. They are included or not depending on the plan level you are using. WEYPOINTS: These are specific locations that you use to plan a hike. They are not related to your current location but where you would like to be in the future. They are created by you at home on your computer at your unique setup and planning site. So before your trip you create and save a series of weypoints or places that you wish to visit as you travel. Many people will set weypoints for important locations along there expected hike, Such as cross-trail locations, vista overlooks, and resupply locations or overnight huts. Once created they are saved on the Garmin server in your account. When you sync your InReach they are passed and stored within your InReach so they are available off-grid. Weypoints can also be added from the backcountry while hiking. They are available for your navigation on the InReach Explorer+ or on the EarthMate app on your phone connected to any InReach. Newly created weypoints from the trail will automatically be sent FREE to your Garmin account and show on your MapShare site. There is no cost to create and use weypoints. ROUTES: Like weypoints, you may create routes at home from your setup and planning site. On a computer you use a map to define the exact route you wish to follow by clicking on various locations along your intended hike. The system will connect these locations with a line which it calls a route. These routes may be named and saved in your account. Routes may include predefined weypoints but it is not necessary. Routes are synced to your InReach device. They are free. MESSAGES: These are ether text (SMS) or email messages created by you on your trip and sent to anyone. These messages are limited to 160 characters which includes the addresses. Unlike most other satellite message devices, the InReach will also let you receive both text and email messages from anyone. There is a cost for each message sent or received because it uses the Iridium satellites. InReach subscription plans allow a minimum of 10 to an unlimited number of messages each month depending on the plan you choose. So you can control costs, Garmin gives you the ability to limit those who can send you a message by a password to your MapShare site. Any message you send allows for a reply. SOS: This is a special button that you press in a true emergency. It sends your exact location to GEOS, a search and rescue control service. That alone will send help to you. If you are able, GEOS will converse via FREE messages to help your rescue. I hope these definitions help.

Depends on the service, the cheaper plan is $11.95 month for an anual contract or $14.95 / month for the "freedom plan" which you can suspend when you don't use it (for example during winter), although for the freedom plans you will need to pay $25.95 per year to keep the service active. For all intended purposes is like a cellphone plan pre paid or annual contract. More details: https://explore.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/

Based on actual use in Alaska:

The inReach Mini doesn't have a virtual keyboard like the inReach Explorer+ but it does have a vertical scrolling list of letters, numbers, and symbols. This is similar to the interface you see on a Garmin wearable like the Fenix and it lets you send a custom message to one of your contacts or reply to an incoming message. You can also select and send one of your Quick Text replies that you modified before leaving on your trip. Selecting the Quick Text "Got your message, will reply when I get to camp." will save you the time to type a message and still let people know you heard from them. There are also Preset messages that are created ahead of time with specific text and specific recipients. Send "I'm checking in, everything is okay!" to your list of friends and family that are following along. Last option, the inReach Mini pairs via Bluetooth with the Earthmate app on your smartphone to let you use the touchscreen keyboard on that device, just like you do with your other texting apps. This is a good option if the weather is nice enough to take your phone out.

All inReach devices have the ability to send a message to someone's email or SMS number. The recipient does not need a special app, just the ability to receive the message and reply. While I have not hiked in the Adirondack Mountains, I know that we have beta testers in that area and can report lots of successful trips in the White Mountains of NH and the mountains of Maine.