I Tested Garmin’s inReach Mini 3 Plus in the Backcountry—Here’s What Happened

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

I spotted a rare fisher on a remote hiking trail in Minnesota—and instantly texted my wife about it, despite having zero cell service. The message, along with a photo of fresh pawprints, went through thanks to the Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus, a compact satellite communicator built for off-grid adventures.

Moments like that highlight exactly why a device like this matters. Whether you're hiking deep in the backcountry, camping off-grid, or exploring areas without reception, the inReach Mini 3 Plus lets you send messages, share your location, and call for help using a global satellite network.

After testing it on long hikes through the remote stretches of Chengwatana State Forest, I found it’s far more than just a backup to your smartphone—it’s a reliable lifeline when you’re completely off the grid.

What It Is

You might think a handheld GPS like the Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus is a bit superfluous considering most of us have a GPS on our phones. While that’s true, apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and many others still use a cell connection for real-time maps and routing unless you download maps beforehand. While I was hiking at the state forest, I brought the inReach Mini 3 Plus and skipped the phone downloads. Being able to text when you have no coverage is the main benefit. I like how it includes a small carabiner to clip the GPS to a coat or backpack.

Basic functions include navigation with maps and routing, a digital compass, messaging, an SOS and siren, voice recording, and real-time weather reports. A 4.42-ounce waterproof device with a red antenna, the inReach Mini 3 Plus costs $500. The similar inReach Mini 3 costs $450 and has a black antenna, but it’s not capable of sending voice recordings or photos. Both of the handhelds work great, but for $50 more, the Plus model is a smarter buy.

Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Overall Impressions

I wouldn’t want to hike in remote areas where there isn’t cell coverage without something like the Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus. It’s almost comical, but the device looked like the mini-me version of a GPS in my hand, measuring 2.16 inches wide and 3.85 inches long. If you have the latest iPhone you can still text and send an SOS for free using a satellite connection but it’s a bit cumbersome to use and involves a tedious setup process.

I liked the immediacy of grabbing the compact device, typing up a quick message, and trudging ahead on the trail. My other first impression? I could see misplacing the device due to the small size and lightness. Stuffed into a pocket in my camera bag, I barely noticed it was there during my testing.

Key Features

I’ll cover all of the features I tested and mention a few extras, because this is a powerful little GPS that does more than you might think for hiking, camping, or other excursions. I stayed at a remote resort called Nature’s Shores Minnesota that abuts to a state forest and the St. Croix River to make sure all cell towers were nowhere to be found. My plan was to hike for at least 10 miles per hike and rely solely on the Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus for routing and messaging.

For messaging, let me get this off my chest: typing on the small, 1.9 inch screen takes some practice. Fortunately, Garmin does use predictive tech to help form words as you type, but it was still challenging. I ended up using the voice recording feature the most. You select a contact, record an audio clip (up to 30 seconds), and hit send. You can also record voice memos. For example, when I saw that fisher, I recorded personal notes about the when, where, and what.

As for emergency features, I liked that the SOS button is hidden under a hard plastic cap. That means you can’t inadvertently send an SOS alert. I didn’t try this, but if you do send an SOS, it goes to a Garmin emergency response center that runs 24x7. The center will confirm your situation first (the device also sends GPS coordinates with the SOS), but they can dispatch a helicopter or other first responders depending on your condition. I wasn’t a big fan of the siren, though. It’s easy to enable on screen, but a hiking partner could barely hear the whirring alarm from about 500 feet away. I wished it was louder—you can’t adjust the volume.

For navigation, it was almost as though Garmin knows we have massive screens on our phones to show detailed maps, because the inReach Mini 3 Plus maps are not that useful. On one hike, I tried to identify a bridge over the river and all I could see was a blue streak for the water. I feel the Garmin inReach is primarily for messaging and SOS. It’s more of a back-up for routing. That said, you can easily message people that you are starting or finishing a hike, and send your real-time location, so for that awareness alone the inReach Mini 3 Plus is a great GPS.

I loved the weather-related features. The display—about the size of two large postage stamps—might not be the best for texting but it showed a detailed weather map and temps. It might be obvious, but you have to use the inReach outside with a clear view of the sky. I would sometimes try to check the weather before leaving the house, but that doesn’t work.

Battery life is amazing. Garmin says the device will last 95 hours (or 3.5 days) when you use the messaging features. (As mentioned, the 350 hours battery life is only if you do GPS-only 10-minute treks. My test unit lasted three days easily and was still chugging along.

Pros

• Light and compact for long hikes

• Voice recordings let you communicate quickly
• SOS features can literally be a lifesaver

Cons

• Hard to type on the small screen
• Maps are just so-so

Final Verdict

The reason I recommend the Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus (with a few caveats) is that it’s long-lasting, light and portable, easy to use during a hike, and could be a lifesaver if you are in an emergency situation. The screen is so small, it's hard to type text messages, but at least you record a hands-free voice memo and send that over the satellite feed. I do wish the siren was louder, but overall it’s a smart and compact GPS that I’d use for any off-grid hikes.

Why You Should Trust Me

I’ve been testing outdoor gadgets since 2001, and my favorite activities are hiking, camping, sightseeing, and exploring. The Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus is a perfect match for my experience and interests. I’ve hiked in the Austrian Alps, around ocean vistas, and in my home state of Minnesota, racking up countless miles with hiking poles in hand. Lately, I’ve brought along a long-lasting GPS handheld in my pack and not relied on my iPhone at all. Why bother? If this portable handheld gets me out of the house and off my phone it’s a major win.