Bob from United States, WA Public Profile

It ticks all the checkboxes that someone looking for such a product would expect: it's very lightweight and short when packed. Just like competitors as TSL or Black Diamond, the 3-piece system works well–as expected, since CAMP is not a brand that disappoints. Favorably compared to other competitors: long handle, handle shape has a stop at the top, height adjustable, packing/carrying case/bag. Ever so slightly less favorable: no fancy strap attachment mechanism (like magnetic ones), snow basket is a tiny bit smaller than others.

Context: I use it exclusively as a safety device for emergencies, not for general tracking or communication. There are a few other comparable products with subtle differences in subscription programs that seem to be a wash — what places this product in another league is Garmin’s backing. But why the Mini and not its bigger brother? I would not take anything but the Mini for alpine adventures for two reasons: 1) being small and lightweight, the Mini is not a nuisance to carry next to your body, within the insulation layer — a better climate for the battery; and 2)though cumbersome, it retains the ability to type/compose messages without the phone app/bluetooth. These features increase reliability. I never explore alone, and one of us carries a PLB for redundancy in the case of failures, separation, or other mishaps. This pair of life saving devices fit in a small pocket and weight less than the lightest crampons — what a time to be alive!

Most mitts with this much insulation and the typical leather or leather-like materials loose all dexterity, which is already limited with mitts. This doesn't and, although the typical sizing is not overly large, it's roomy enough to wear with a mid-weight liner.