Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
Keep in touch with friends and family beyond cell service and explore with peace of mind knowing you can trigger an SOS message with the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus satellite communicator.
Key Details
- Explore with peace of mind knowing you can trigger an interactive SOS message to Garmin Response for 24/7 coordination of emergency assistance
- Compact SOS satellite communicator enables 2-way text, photo and voice messaging even in areas with no cell coverage
- Requires active subscription (some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Check in with friends and family by using preset phrases that do not count against your monthly allotted text messages, or send custom messages when you have more to say
- Connect your compatible smartphone, and tell them you miss them—or show them the view with voice recordings, photos and group messaging on the Garmin Messenger™ app
- Send text messages with up to 1,600 characters, share photos and send 30 sec. voice messages with friends and family
- Connect with your compatible smartphone using the Garmin Messenger app to share your adventures with multiple contacts simultaneously
- You can also pair with your compatible Garmin watch or handheld device to control inReach® device functions remotely, including texting, location sharing and triggering an SOS
- Rechargeable battery supports up to 25 days of use in 10 min. tracking mode—and provides safety charging to help restore a depleted phone
- Supports up to 120 hrs. with a text message or location sent every 2 min. in low power messaging mode; up to 70 hrs. in performance messaging mode
- Supports up to 600 hrs. with a text message or location sent every 10 min. in low power messaging mode; up to 110 hrs. in performance messaging mode
- Supports up to 250 Media Messages sent on a single battery charge
- Battery stays charged up to 1 year when powered off
- Note: Battery life estimates are with full sky view and can be significantly impacted by obstructions or tree cover
- Optimized inReach® device messaging uses either Wi-Fi or the cellular connection of your phone; seamlessly switches to satellite technology when you go beyond cell service
- Plan your trip, record an activity, and view a course highlight showing how much farther to your destination when paired with the Garmin Exploreâ„¢ app on your compatible phone
- Use the TracBack® navigation feature on the device to navigate back to where you started
- Share your GPS location with friends and family via live tracking, and review your tracking activity on the Garmin Exploreâ„¢ smartphone app
- Rugged and lightweight device is built for adventure with an IPX7 water rating
- inReach satellite communication requires an active subscription plan
- Choose from a variety of flexible plans to best suit your needs (some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
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 |
| 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 | 1.08 inches |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Water-Resistance Rating | IPX7 |
| Dimensions | 3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches |
| Weight | 4 ounces |
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Most Helpful Critical Review
Good means to communicate
There is a one-star review that discusses the inReach as a substitute for mapping skills. This is not what I am using it for. It is a good way to communicate with coworkers and loved ones when one is out of cell range. Examples for me are working out of cell range and the need to inform a coworker of a situation or that I am running late. In my personal life, I sail and may be out of cell range for several days. I can communicate with my spouse to assure her that I am fine and can send her a photo. The content of the one-star review appears to be personal feelings about technology and communication than about the how this product functions. So far, it works well for me.
Insurance
This is a communication device, something the very negative reviewer seems to not have grasped. My wife purchased this for me after I got stuck on a mountain in Costa Rica in foul weather for almost 36hrs, a situation that would not have been prevented nor resolved by a map and compass. If you're stuck, sick, injured, otherwise unable to move, or just downright lost, this can summon help to within about 10 meters. That is its primary purpose; it does more than that, but those things are less important. Should you get good at land navigation? Sure, it's a great skill. Should you trust your life entirely to your ability to read contour lines on a topo map accurately enough to identify your grid position? No! And the answer is definitely NO if there's no way for you to transmit those coordinates to anyone else in the first place.
Works great
I have used it offshore fishing two times - worked well. Battery life is great. I did a bunch of reading before settling on buying this version - I bought it because it would send pics - thats the only difference I remember from the ones that were cheaper. What I did not know is the person receiving the pic via my messenger has to have the garmin app. Knowing that I would have probably opted for the cheaper version. Regardless of cost, cannot believe I have boated for all of the years without it - I am sure its a short term with the falling cost of Star Link but very happy to have it!
Thank you for your review.
Digital versus Analogue
it's TRAGIC, TERRIBLE humans rely on digital means to plot a course. What ever happened to good compass and maps skills? This BATTERY dependent (These devices require charging and you remembering to carry the right charger and cables) digital product lulls you into a very false sense of location. It DOES not work that a way! if you want to safely hike, take some good courses, or many; it takes AND they prey on you to actually buy a subscription for the whole thing. Stupid! It takes practice to be a competent map reader. Knowing analogue skills of map and compass reading, using your human logic will save your bacon and those who rely on you; bringing you home to do this again. This type of "technology" is a lie and will result in horrible situations for humans stupid enough to rely strictly on digital means of navigation. So what if you can send a photo? Send one of you lost!
Device works as expected, account mgmt rough
I purchased the InReach Messenger Plus for a family member. In the first few weeks it has been used to communicate (mostly the basic "I'm OK" check-in) from trails and lakes out of cell range, which was the purpose. The ability to send voice and photo messages will get more use with time. The difficulty is not the device, but the account administration. The website options are limited and it doesn't appear that I can assign the device to the actual user without over-writing my own name as the account owner. So messages come from "me" (my name) when it's actually my family member. I had intended to get another device for others, but I'm not sure how that would work when they are all assigned to my name. I'm the one paying the bills, so I don't want to change the name on the account to reflect the user anywhere except as the device messaging name. More account management functionality would be greatly appreciated.
Sturdy reliable but needs clearer SUPPORT material
Used to summit Mt Williamson from Shepherds Pass. Sent daily check-in messages with GPS position to family under Premium plan & got location and local weather. On/OFF switch is hard to press when conserving battery. Runs down to 66% power after 24 hrs. Unfortunately could not pull ROUTE into Explore app
It works
I bought for when I'm not in cell service, which is quite a lot. I mainly use it for the just in case. I tried the the picture messenger and they are very clear. I wish that it was easier to let other family members use it other than that it works great and sends quick enough.
Well made
Have not used yet, but it seems durable, straightforward to navigate and I like the size of it. I wish there were better case options to connect it to your pack or chest rig, the corner lanyard loop is tiny and only fits very small diameter cordage.
Bad product
I received this product and it will not activate. And have been unable to find any phone numbers or things to get help
Thank you for your review and experience with the inReach Messenger Plus. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Messenger Plus is Great !
I’ve owned MANY Satellite Communications devices in the last 10 years: Spot sat com products (spot 3, spot x), and a number of INREACH sat comm products- explorer+, 750i, mini 2, messenger, and now the messenger plus. I like it! I gave input years ago to Garmin that I’d be interested in a sat comm device that sends pictures and voice memos. You listened! THANK YOU! I’ve basically been downsizing my devices and just bought my MESSENGER in May. When MESSENGER PLUS was released and I saw the functionality you built in- plus allow longer text messages- I bought it. I may be the first purchaser! It works great. While I do not plan to use it a lot, it’s good to have the functionality when I am off the grid- including SOS use if needed. However- you DO need to Make sure receivers of your pics and voice messages have the Explorer software their phones- which is an annoyance. It would be great if Garmin could update the system so anyone can receive the messages! And, reducing the monthly price of premium service would be great too. In Technology, costs come down over time. Cell service is one example. Why not iridium? Thanks again for a solid device for off the grid tracking and communicating! Vinnie the K
Thank you for your review.