Good things come in small packages - Garmin inReach Mini, GPS

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!