Garmin inReach Messenger
Providing global 2-way messaging and interactive SOS, the Garmin InReach Messenger satellite communicator keeps you connected with friends and family even when you're out of cell coverage.
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- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables 2-way text messaging even in areas with no cell coverage
- Use the device to check in with contacts, read and reply to their responses with preset messages and even share your GPS location data if you like
- Group messaging via the Garmin Messenger™ smartphone app lets you share your adventures with multiple contacts simultaneously—and have group text chats with friends and family
- Check in with contacts directly by using preset messages that do not count toward your allotted text messages
- You can also send or receive messages by pairing with compatible Garmin handhelds, wearables, marine equipment or other devices
- Device seamlessly switches between Wi-Fi wireless networking and cellular/satellite networks to give you superior connectivity and cost-efficiency for all your communications
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the Garmin IERCC monitoring and coordination center (staffed 24/7) for help in an emergency
- On-device display gives you the ability to confirm that your message has been sent; you'll even see a response that help is on the way in case of emergency
- Internal, rechargeable lithium battery gives up to 28 days of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode—and provides safety charging to help recover a depleted phone
Imported.
A subscription plan is required to send and receive satellite messages on this device. Visit vendor website to shop satellite subscription plans and additional services.
| Best Use | Emergency Preparedness Multisport |
|---|---|
| GPS/Satellite Detectable | Yes |
| Average Battery Life | Up to 4 weeks at 10-minute tracking send interval with full sky view |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Batteries | Rechargeable internal lithium-ion |
| Messaging Capability | 2-Way Messaging |
| SOS Function | Yes |
| Device Integration | Smartphone Integration Watch Integration |
| Location Accuracy | 3 meters |
| Number of Waypoints | 0 |
| Weather Forecast | Yes |
| Altimeter | No |
| Preloaded Map | None |
| Display Size | 1.1 inches |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Water-Resistance Rating | IPX7 |
| Dimensions | 3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches |
| Weight | 4 ounces |
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Perfect safety blanket
This device has worked great so far the gps was dead on , and the tracking was too. It is perfect for my wife as she can see my exact location, mine is set to every two hours it sends her my location. The texting is great too the last trip my side x side broke down probably 15 miles from cell service. I was able to message her via the inreach and it saved a long walk . Messages between us also show my location. It’s definitely a game changer when out solo for multiple days to long hunting trips with zero cellphone signal ..
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Mixed Results so far...
I bought this a month ago and tested it on a recent low-risk family event. I'm using a Galaxy S23 with the Connect, Explore and Messenger apps having full unrestricted permissions. I also have a Fenix 5 plus. During this time, it crashed multiple times and went into a reboot-loop for at least four extended periods. Every reboot and schedule track point then created a new track in Garmin Explore, resulting in over 90 tracks instead of one (see image of broken track). There were additional times when it refused to reconnect with my phone, which required a reboot of the inReach and theoretically also broke up my track. When the inReach was disconnected, there were also multiple times that it received a text message in parallel to my phone, charging me for one of the few allotted messages even though I had already received it via cellular connection. The Garmin Explore app/website also needs a lot of work. The inability to use folders within the library is borderline ludicrous. The lack of ability to create routes is also silly, you have to export them from garmin connect and import them into Explore... seemingly unless you have a device that holds courses (my Fenix) in which case it pulls them "through your wearable." The import as route feature also makes no sense because it reduces course points. Ultimately, you can barely accomplish what you might want to, and these are all essentially free apps so there is no real need to segregate capabilities. The decision to separate courses into routes and waypoints is also illogical (especially with aforementioned lack of folders). The Activities are also hit-or-miss on whether they render on the page (see image) On the Share webpage, the "recent" versus "all" was also confusing for my test users. If I go through all the effort of filtering dates and making a shared library, why modify that with the "recent" button by default, which in my experience filtered everything! On a positive, the battery life was OK. frankly, I noticed that the reboot loop sucked up a big chunk of battery, but I sill ended 11-12 days with about 48% left which is in the range of what's advertised. I could see getting 28 if the device worked properly. Also, I did use a message to coordinate with someone who was in cell phone range while I was not. Nothing serious, but my kids were tired and we were able to truncate a hike with a pickup. All things considered, I like being able to send a text from anywhere, and SOS gives the family piece of mind, but the flaky bluetooth connection and poor app experience really diminish the value.
Handy Bikepacking Tool
Had an opportunity to test our Inreach Messenger on a 380 Mile Bikepacking trip which in many cases required camping in remote areas with no cell service. The family appreciated the messages that we were able to share about our location and that we were fine for the night. Easy to use and just what we need for our upcoming 2600 mile journey to South America, culminating in Ushuaia, Tierra de Fuego, Argentina.
Thank you for your review. Jenny
Great deal for a excellent product
I bought the Garmin In-Reach prior to my high Sierra deer hunt in D7. It worked flawlessly. The tracking feature let my loved ones know where and when I moved. The 150 texts are plenty for my five day trip. I think I used about 15 or 20 texts. Their added search and rescue insurance is a minimal expense for piece of mind.
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not reliable
I'm not loving this. On three outings where I've used it, it stops tracking my location. One time the unit had completely crashed, and I had to performs a factory reset on it, to get it back working. Multiple times it has lost connection to the phone, and I've had to unpair and re-pair with the phone. NOTE: you can't pair with a phone unless your phone has internet! So if it loses pairing with the phone mid backpacking trip, you're SOL with pairing, until you get out of the back country. After my backpacking trip next week I'll be returning this to REI. Hopefully you take it without the box.
Don't waste the money
I purchased this to track my wife while she hikes. We tested it on a couple of short local hikes in the small hills in April when I purchased it, and it seemed to work as advertised. She hiked Half Dome in Yosemite yesterday, and I was not able to see her location for at least half of the hike, so it would have been worthless if she had an issue. I have been paying $25/month since April and decided to cancel my subscription today, being that the device was useless for our purposes, and I was charged a cancelation fee of $84. I asked customer service to waive the cancelation fee since the device does not work as it is supposed to, and they refused to do so. i will be returning the device to REI today.
Removing features for new users
Garmin has removed the ability to change the preset check in messages, even though the feature was included before and many have been grandfathered in. They are actually making the brilliant business decision of being hostile towards new customers just as cell phones are beginning to have satellite sos features. The device itself seems like it's going to be fine, but the app is clunky and not the most intuitive. That along with Garmin's flippant attitude towards staying relevant and competitive has me recommending that you look elsewhere for your backcountry communication needs.
Excellent battery life and messaging app
The inReach Messenger is a useful upgrade for folks who prioritize messaging (vs. mapping). It has a robust app and excellent battery life. First, the new app is far better at messaging, both in terms of the interface and functionality. It will automatically send messages via whatever communication channels are available. For example, if you're within cell contact, the message won't use a satellite message. Second, the battery life gets quite a boost. I'm seeing around 20 days of battery life with 20-minute pings in real-world conditions. Please note that the new Garmin Messenger app will work with this unit and the inReach Mini v2, but not the Mini v1.
Superior to Increach Mini 2
I am a little baffled as to why Garmin is marketing this as more of a campsite/car camp device. I primarily backpack and mountaineer off trail. If there is a need to SOS I want two things: big battery and big antenna. The messenger handily beats the mini on both counts. That gives my signal more of chance to break through tree cover and over rock walls. The mini has some navigation and interface features, but my watch and phone are my goto devices for that. Also, the mini is four ounces with carabiner. So essentially they weigh the same. The Mini is a great device but I personally don't need the feature set it provides. I need the most capable device for communicating to emergency services or whoever else.
Great peace of mind while out in the backcountry
I bought this device in early Oct of 2022 before our archery black bear season started. Was able to get everything set up fairly easy (I use an android phone if that makes a difference?) Sent out 4 invites to 4 contacts and was able to communicate with everyone. I did notice sometimes the messaging would take a few minutes to send out and probably the same to get a reply back but in all honesty, a late message is way better than no message at all. If you actually need this device, you're going to be waiting for help anyway( hours maybe even an entire day). I was camped out in the mountains of eastern KY where and I absolutely love this thing and recommend it to my family and friends.