On many hiking or camping trips in Washington, losing cell phone signal and internet connectivity is a familiar experience. It’s often part of the charm—disconnecting from the digital world to enjoy nature. However, on a recent trip to the North Cascades, this typical “off-the-grid” moment disappeared, thanks to a new piece of technology I brought along: the Starlink Mini satellite dish.
The Starlink Mini is a compact, portable satellite internet device designed to deliver high-speed internet access virtually anywhere. About the size of a laptop and weighing just over three pounds, it plugs into a portable battery and communicates with Starlink satellites orbiting 342 miles above the Earth. Unlike traditional Starlink dishes meant for fixed locations, the Mini is optimized for on-the-go use, making it suitable for camping, hiking, RVs, vans, and boats.
I decided to test the Starlink Mini’s capabilities during a three-day stay at my Seattle apartment and then out in the wilderness. At home, the device performed impressively, handling Zoom meetings, streaming live sports, and even online puzzles without a hiccup. The real test, however, came on the mountain trail, where I powered it up as my friends queued for the bathroom at the trailhead.
Setting up the Starlink Mini is remarkably straightforward. The package includes just six items, making it easy to pack and carry. The first step involves downloading the Starlink app via a QR code included with the device. The app guides users through setup, including helping to find an ideal location for the dish by checking for obstructions such as tree branches, telephone poles, or rooftops. A clear view of the sky is crucial for optimal performance since the dish relies on a direct line of sight to the satellites.
While the app encourages seeking a clear spot, the Starlink Mini’s design acknowledges that it likely won’t remain fixed in one place for long. For casual users, minor obstructions are common and expected as the dish moves with you. After selecting a spot, the dish connects to the power supply—via a cable nearly 50 feet long—allowing some flexibility in placement away from the power source.
Once powered on, the Mini takes a few minutes to establish a satellite connection. It can take up to 30 minutes or more to optimize the signal fully, with performance improving the longer it remains in the same location. The app helps fine-tune alignment by guiding the user to rotate the dish to the ideal angle and direction for the best signal.
Mounting options for the Starlink Mini vary. It comes with a pipe adapter and flat mount for stationary setups, but Starlink also offers mounts for vehicles, including removable roof rack options. Third-party accessories are available too, catering to different use cases like camping or boating.
Power supply is a key consideration for those using the Starlink Mini off-grid. The device requires a power source delivering between 65 watts (minimum) and 100 watts (optimal) at 12-48 volts. Without access to conventional power outlets, users can rely on three main options: a vehicle’s auxiliary power outlet (the cigarette lighter socket), a portable power station, or a power bank.
Using a vehicle’s power outlet is often the simplest. Starlink sells a dedicated car adapter for $45, but there are numerous third-party options as well. For example, pairing a high-capacity USB-C car charger with a USB-C to DC power cable can efficiently power the Mini on the road.
Portable power stations are useful for camping scenarios where you want to avoid draining your vehicle’s battery. These generally include AC outlets compatible with the Mini’s power supply but tend to be heavier and more expensive than power banks, making them less ideal for hiking or backpacking.
For lightweight portability and intermittent use, power banks are the best choice. I used an Anker 737 Power Bank, offering 24,000 mAh capacity and 140-watt output. Since the Starlink Mini typically consumes between 25 and 40 watts, this power bank was able to keep the dish running for about four hours at a time. Most power banks require a separate USB-C to DC cable to connect to the Mini, which can be found on Amazon for around $10.
One major limitation is the need for an unobstructed view of the sky. I tested the Mini under various tree canopies near my home, and it failed to establish a connection in all cases. Even partial obstruction led the