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Garmin inReach Messenger GPS with Bluetooth

Mfg # 010-02672-00 CDW # 7479592 | UNSPSC 52161518

Quick tech specs

  • Interactive SOS Alerts
  • Flexible Satellite Airtime Plans
  • Safety Charging
  • Check-In Messages
  • Location Sharing
  • Compact Rugged Design
  • On Device Display
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Know your gear

If you’re venturing off the grid, the small, rugged Garmin inReach Messenger GPS goes beyond the limits of cellular networks to keep friends and family in reach with global two-way text messaging. It lets you connect to the ones who matter, even when there’s no cellphone coverage. You can pair your inReach device with the Garmin Messenger app on your compatible smartphone to text via satellite or cellular networks.

This item was discontinued on January 11, 2024

Enhance your purchase

Garmin inReach Messenger GPS with Bluetooth is rated 4.10 out of 5 by 132.
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Battery Life! As a dedicated backpacker often exploring remote areas with our scout troop, the InReach Messenger has proven to be an exceptional upgrade from my previous InReach Mini version 1. The features of the Messenger offer significant advantages, making it a preferred choice for anyone who pairs their device with a smartphone. For those seeking a stand-alone unit, the InReach Mini might be a better fit. Pros: *Superior Battery Life: One of the standout improvements is the significantly better battery life of the InReach Messenger. This enhancement has allowed me to leave my external battery at home, reducing my pack weight slightly. *Faster Messaging: The speed at which messages send and receive on the Messenger is noticeably faster than on the Mini v1. This improvement was a pleasant surprise, and I attribute it to the better antenna on the Messenger. This could be particularly important when hiking in canyons or thick tree cover. *Better App Integration: The new Messenger app is a substantial improvement over the old Earthmate app required for the Mini v1. The ease of use and enhanced functionality of the Messenger app make communication more straightforward. *SOS Feature: Although I have thankfully never had to use it, the SOS feature offers immense peace of mind for both me and the parents of the scouts. Knowing that help is just a button press away in an emergency is reassuring. Cons: Screen Size: My only minor gripe with the InReach Messenger is the screen size. It’s quite small and difficult for me to read without glasses (which I prefer to leave at home on backpacking trips). While this isn't an issue when my phone is operational, it could pose an inconvenience if my phone were to fail. Overall: Despite the small screen size, the benefits of the InReach Messenger far outweigh this minor inconvenience. The enhanced battery life, faster message transmission, and improved app integration make it an excellent choice for backpackers who use their devices in conjunction with a smartphone. For those who prioritize a stand-alone device, the InReach Mini remains a solid option. However, for my needs, the InReach Messenger is the superior choice.
Date published: 2024-05-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Tracking, Good Communication I purchased this after being in an area without cell service for a week and not being able to communicate with family. This is no Starlink, but provides acceptable communication at a (currently) reasonable subscription rate. (Hopefully rates will not rise.) I especially like the tracking capability, available on Garmin’s website, and the ability to receive weather forecasts.
Date published: 2024-06-04T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Technically Excellent I wanted to move from the inReach Mini to the Messenger mainly due to battery life. So far it has worked well and the battery life is as advertised and is working well. The main disappointment is case/mounting options. I wish I had spent more time looking into this lack of options but I just assumed since Garmin has done so well this would have it as well.
Date published: 2024-06-03T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Savior in a Small Package I plan on doing some serious hiking/backpacking this fall and the InReach Messenger really puts my family at ease and makes communication easy in remote locations. I think it a reasonable investment if you plan on being off grid.
Date published: 2024-06-16T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Increased feeling of safety in the back country I really like the inReach Messenger. It is easy to use. I travel a lot outside of cell phone range, especially driving, hiking and bicycling. This allows me to call for help if I need it, and to check in with my wife to let her know everything is okay. She can follow my location throughout my trip. If something were to happen to me, like an injury or crash, I can call for help. Otherwise, it might take a long time for me to be found. The battery lasts for a very long time on a charge.
Date published: 2024-02-26T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works great For the inial test, I put the device in a suitcase and put the suitcase inside my camper during a weekend trip. The device transmitted with no problems through the case and the surrounding vehicle. I expect it will work flawlessly out in the woods.
Date published: 2024-06-10T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Simple and Functional Recently purchased the inReach Messenger and have used it once (so far) on a 7-day rafting/camping trip in a remote area of eastern UT. My initial impressions after one trip are that it's an impressive device with no frills features. I needed a device for two purposes: To receive weather updates when on extended trips in remote areas and to send an SOS in the event of an emergency and I wanted the ability to communicate with loved ones if/when needed. This device is excellent for those purposes. I had no issues receiving detailed and accurate weather updates and sending occasional trip updates via texts using the Messenger App. I decided to purchase the inReach Messenger over the InReach Mini 2 primarily because: (1) The Messenger has a better antenna and faster satellite uplink depending on your location; (2) It has longer battery life, especially when using all of the battery-saving features; (3) It has the option to reverse charge a phone or other small device if needed; and (4) I didn't need a device for navigation. I wanted a simple and robust emergency SOS and communication device. My only complaints are that the Messenger should include a lanyard, the default (free) message options should be expanded with more options (they're okay, but rather vague), and I wish there were more subscription options (e.g., month-to-month is great, but plans where you can pay for an extended period throughout the year would be preferable options too, for example, paying a reduced rate for 3 to 4 months at a time).
Date published: 2024-06-08T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to Use Had to use while camping. Messages to family were received and it’s easy to use! Provided me comfort knowing I could communicate to my loved ones b
Date published: 2024-03-04T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Must have As a cancer patient with diabetes I like that if I ever loose all cell service and need help the messenger will do the job. We lost cell couple years ago in Tx so it does happen. It goes everywhere with me. Takes up no room and has long battery life.
Date published: 2024-03-08T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from 1 week still not working I bought this and have been trying to get it to pair with phone and be operational. Still no luck needs instructions. On line instructions vary.
Date published: 2024-04-01T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Simple safety Great for remote travel to let loved ones track and communicate. Wishing for inreach to be an option in bike computers!
Date published: 2024-03-28T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Learning Curve Required It took me awhile to learn how to use the device. In hindsight, I guess all the information is present in the Quick Start pamphlet and the online manual, but even though I read through those documents ahead of time, it takes fumbling around in the field to realize confusion. Going back to the documents after my fumbling has gotten me straightened out, I believe. I expect I will be pleased with the device from now on.
Date published: 2023-10-11T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Not as intuitive as expected I've owned a DeLorme inReach SE a few years ago, but since I own a Garmin Forerunner watch and Garmin Edge MTB computer, I thought I'd go with Garmin's inReach Messenger this time. The interface is not as intuitive as I'd expect and I'd often spend several minutes getting things set up prior to initiating a hike or a MTB ride. It wasn't clear if my tracking points were being sent to my wife. The DeLorme was much easier to operate and navigate menus. Disappointed.
Date published: 2023-10-11T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to track someone It is easy for designated persons to track me. I did try to send satellite message once and it didn’t go through. Don’t know why not. Another one did go through.
Date published: 2023-09-13T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love the integration with our iPhones Bought this within the last month. So far I'm satisfied. We have been testing the messaging and track features and all looks good. Im a couple of weeks I head out on my motorcycle for Alaska and the Arctic Circle from our Kansas home. This trip is what I purchased this for. I think it will be a game changer for my family's ability to keep up with me and my well being.
Date published: 2023-06-14T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Needs Improvement s How to Information is most often incomplete & inaccurate. Garmin needs to do much better. People spend a lot of money & deserve much better treatment. Not at All UNEDUCATED - BUT Bitterly Disappointed...
Date published: 2023-06-06T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Making a great thing, Greater! As a professional Guide in the Grand Canyon, I have been using the inReach Mini for several seasons and also used it during my section hike completion of the 800 mile Arizona Trail through some of the most remote country the Southwest has to offer. With the new Messenger coming out I wanted something that made messaging easier, while still having the ability to send an SOS in the case of an emergency. The Messenger is noticeably faster, the new larger antenna works great even in the deepest side canyons, switching to the new software platform is a breeze, and the ability to switch between cell service and satellites seamlessly is awesome. I have been using the new Messenger all Guide season and it's worked flawlessly. I even have a velcro mount to keep it on my dash for any vehicle based emergencies when I do not have cell service. If you travel into the Wilderness, adding the Garmin inReach Messenger would be a necessary upgrade to your Backcountry kit to keep in touch with loved ones, handle emergencies, or simply extend the range of your mobile work life. Five stars all the way.
Date published: 2023-05-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Pretty good once I upgraded FW. I was tossed between the InReach Messenger and the InReach Mini 2. Knowing the Messenger used the phone's connectivity when available instead of burning through the Iridium Satellite message time sold it for me. Upon receiving it, it appeared not to work. But after updating the Firmware (requires a PC), things started working great. I took this on a 12 day sailing trip across the Caribbean from Panama to Key West Florida. I paid the activation fee and signed up for the $65 Expedition package since I figured I'd send more than 40 messages. I charged it up fully before we left and then had it drop a pin every 30 minutes. During the 12 days, I sent/received over 140 messages through Iridium. When arriving in Key west, the battery still had over 15% left - not bad for 12 days. I only used it with my phone - I did not use the tiny interface. I would have given it 5 stars except for: 1) it seemed to send and receive duplicate messages on some occasions, 2) Sending a single message to a group of (say) 5 will cost you 5 messages - seems petty, 3) User manual is sadly inadequate - without a google search I would never have figured out how to upgrade the FW.
Date published: 2022-11-28T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great for pilots that need to stay in touch I am a corporate pilot. I fly medium size jets. I wanted to be able to text my wife and company from the air. I was skeptical about it working consistently enough and long lag times. This little box is amazing. It works perfect. Messages are received and sent with hardly any lag time. I place it in the front of the cockpit on the top panel. I’m extremely happy with it!
Date published: 2022-10-13T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Awesome! (One flaw) I just got home from my hunt. This device was awesome. I was able to update my wife and family with daily notifications. The one issue I have is with the quality of the charging cable. Mine is already splitting and I just purchased it. It is very cheap, and I feel it should be a lot more rugged considering this will be used mostly by hunters and backcountry folks. If y’all can fix this problem then I wouldn’t have anything bad to say about it! Overall great product!
Date published: 2022-10-12T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from I was. Expecting be jaw drop with it Talking long time! I have a ZOLEO too but is faster and easy to text anytime and any one! Here I have to look on my contacts then merge into the app! Take almost like a minute to send it! When I have it on before! As soon I’m know will be dead on my phone! I turned on! I have a spot pointing sky clear! And still! But we’ll already pay for it! I was thinking about montana 700 but I’ll get to the iridium extreme!
Date published: 2022-11-24T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Duh, how do you work this thing I still haven't figured out how to tell if the satellites have been acquired. I've tested it twice under circumstances similar to where I plan to need it. More study required.
Date published: 2023-02-19T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Where is the clip? My previous inreach device had a clip on the back of it to easily clip on a backpack. This one does not. Very disappointed. I looked at the battery life only. I should have checked features more closely.
Date published: 2022-12-30T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Everything! I recently switched from the Spot to the Garmin and I could not be any happier. Easy to use and super user friendly. Could not be be happier with the switch.
Date published: 2023-04-22T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Questionable battery but worked well enough Bought this for a big solo trek and wanted to have the piece of mind. The plans were easy enough to sign up for. Tho I do with they sent a "about to renew". I had the bread crumbs set to every 2 hours during the day and 4 hours at night and still the battery only lasted a few days. I did utilize the messaging feature and that seemed to work well with the app. Sometimes the messages had trouble sending despite direct access to blue skies but alas I didn't buy it for seamless cell reception so that wasn't really an issue.
Date published: 2023-03-09T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great features, user friendly. I haven’t bought this very long ago and have only had it out of cell phone range once. It easily picked up the satellite signal, the weather conditions, and my track back. Very impressive so far.
Date published: 2023-04-16T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Can be useful I purchased the Messenger a month ago for the purpose of emergency notification for my upcoming off-road trip. I signed up for Freedom Safety Plan. It has a useful feature that you can suspend on a monthly basis. I tested the Messenger, and it sent notifications to contacts via satellite network. So, the device works very well. I have not used it in the field so I cannot comment on that. The setup is a bit cumbersome and may be complicated for some users. The advantage of the Messenger is a powerful battery, so it should last in the field. I have some concerns about the way it is set up. The way I understand it is that it will send the message to all contacts at once. Please, correct me if I am wrong, but this seems like a deficiency. I would like to send different messages to selected contacts. I do not know how to setup to send an SOS message if I only need a recovery and do not know where to send it. Please, explain. For these reasons, I give it 4 stars and need more practical experience to upgrade to 5 stars.
Date published: 2023-04-06T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Best features available, but improvements needed Best feature set I could find for lake/marine use in low or no-reception cellular areas. I use primarily to remain in contact with home/work while on the water. Not really useful as a location tracker for many activities due to speed vs. tracking interval limitations, but the SOS is easy to use from unit or connected phone. Requires the most expensive plan with 2 minute intervals for others to monitor your location with reasonably useful accuracy. Reception seems spotty when located near other electronic equipment (Garmin chartplotter/fishfinder). The most frustrating feature is that it stops sending at the selected interval when stationary (resumes only when you change location), which means that contacts can't tell if you stopped for lunch, are in trouble, or the unit has failed, without messaging you. All in all, still worth every penny, but hope they will offer faster intervals for running/skiing/boating/motorsports etc., and allow the unit to transmit when stationary.
Date published: 2022-11-08T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from InReach Messenger Drawbacks So far we are very disappointed with the Messenger. We transitioned from an original Inreach Mini, so we have some valid basis for comparison. The buttons are too difficult to push, the documentation is lacking, and actual "in the field" use is not very intuitive. I wish we had our Mini back.
Date published: 2023-01-19T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Simple to use and works great! I spent alot of time researching the various other messenger devices but the simplicity of the Garmin combined with the reliability of the iridium satellite network was perfect. I gave used it offshore fishing twice and it's done everything I've asked it to do. Minimal delay in messenges. My wife is no longer angry when I return to the dock because she has been updated on our whereabouts throughout the day.
Date published: 2023-01-26T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from don't buy it well, I bought an in reach mini tested it . downloaded app and all instructions. signed up for a yearly contract.everything worked great at home. then went to kodiak island on a two week tent trip. the for 11 out of 14 days we had 40-70 mph winds and winter storms.trapped for almost two weeks and my in reach need an update. witch requires wifi? not sure how the life rescue insurance policy they sold me works but was close to testing that option. don't buy it. don't trust your safety to it. its a toy designed by tech people that can get you killed. how can a device need to be updated by wifi when your in a remote area when the only reason to own it is because theres no wifi. save your money you might not come home alive with this thing!
Date published: 2022-11-15T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Extremely Disappointing I thought the check in messages could be customized prior to a trip. It seems garmin ended this feature in September and now you can only use their 3 presets. I feel like I got robbed as I read prior to purchase you could customize your presets. Extremely disappointed in garmin for going backwards in functionality. Everything else is great about the device.
Date published: 2023-01-13T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great barebones SOS/GPS device I bought this for a splitboarding/camping trip in Tahoe national forest. It was great for keeping in to touch with family, as cell service was spotty at best. I went with the messenger because I already have a fenix 7 sapphire watch, and the integration was seemless.
Date published: 2023-01-17T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love it I bought this a few weeks ago and went out to Joshua Tree Natl Park where I could test it with no cell service. Wife is very happy!
Date published: 2023-05-14T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Very good product I bought this about 2 months ago and have used it hiking about 6 times now. Overall I find it to operate exactly as advertised. Great battery life, lightweight, fairly easy to use after using a few times. For my purpose of having a device to use in an emergency, I am happy with the purchase. Some things that I am not super impressed with are : - I don’t like that you have to send a message to someone so they have a way to reply to you. I would rather the Messenger use my regular phone number so people could text me using my regular phone number. 2- I signed up for the Safety plan. For me using the Messenger for emergencies is the main reason I bought it. However, I do wish the Safety plan offered unlimited tracking so I could turn on tracking and use more of the device features.
Date published: 2023-03-16T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Awesome battery life Used it extensively last weekend. Worked great but had some issues when using it with my fenix 6. Probably will get resolved with the next update
Date published: 2022-10-13T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Product I bought this right before an off road trip and it worked amazing.
Date published: 2022-10-28T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Perfect for boating I’ve used this messenger every week for a month now every time I go fishing off shore. Cell phone coverage is spotty at best off shore and I’m able to check in several times and get weather updates to my phone. I recommend this messenger for the obvious safety reasons.
Date published: 2023-05-24T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Reliable While hiking the Triple Crown in Virginia, my unit performed excellent on the trip. While in my tent, under a canopy of trees with a steady rain, I requested a "weather report". About 15 minutes later I had a weather report. I then set a message home, & again received a response back within 15 minutes. My inReach Messenger performed this way over the next 3 days. Also, I started with an 83% battery. I set my tracking at a 10 minute interval then turned the tracking off each night. At the end of 3 days I had about 62% battery. I had also requested one more weather report & sent about 5 separate messages along with 6 check-ins. Very reliable.
Date published: 2023-05-09T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from So far, so good I came from Bivy. Where I went thru 4 of those units (poor quality gen 1) with their gen 2 model lasted two years. Hoping this Garmin unit will last much longer. Texts send faster with Garmin on average. Great battery capacity.
Date published: 2023-03-09T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great for general aviation We used it on recent cross country from Texas to Ohio in Mooney M20E. I was concerned about Garmin overheating on glareshield but it didn’t (we took it down when not sending/receiving messages). Messages went out in 10-15 seconds and phone alerted me when I got a response which was not immediate, but not an excessive amount of time. I will keep subscription.
Date published: 2023-01-02T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from First inreach device Seems like a good device. Haven't used it much. But the subscription needs to be cheaper. At least maybe a 24-48 hr unlimited message system to familiarize yourself with the device. Only issue i have is with the subscription honestly. I get it uses satellites and stuff, but only 10 messages for a safety plan seems pretty light. Regardless I feel confident in the device. Should have came with some sort of lanyard. Cheap enough to include with a $300 device. 2nd issue. Reverse charging. Who has a USB c to USB c cable just lying around? Not me. Overall, great little device. Happy with the purchase. Display is nice.
Date published: 2022-10-13T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy Easy to use. Excellent satellite reception with the remote function enabled is perfect ad in for my xt zumo
Date published: 2022-11-05T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Retuned it Was hoping for a simple device for navigation purposes, but I found there to be too many third-party apps, each requiring their own username and password for this device to function.
Date published: 2022-10-24T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love the ability to stay connected with family I brought this unit for letting loved one that we are of while in remote hikes. I would have scored the inReach higher if the unit was easier to navigate. Trying to change users in order to allow my son to use it and that involved resetting it back and removing users. Not a "friendly user" set up. I wanted my son's name to show up as the new user and it still shows my name, even if he is the one using it. Which developers would create a simpler way to adding users.
Date published: 2023-03-21T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great product I really like the ability to add satellite coms to my cell phone when needed.
Date published: 2023-04-13T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works great where you don't have a cell signal Bought this a last month for a trip into the North Georgia mountains where there would be spotty to no cell signal or wifi. It worked great for keeping in touch with my family and getting weather updates. Fortunately, I had no need to use the SOS feature but it was good to know it was there if I did need it. I also like the fact that it can reverse charge and charge my phone if needed. I only wish the subscriptions were a bit less expensive. I feel if the 10 message plan was closer to $5-$7 a month it would be a better value.
Date published: 2023-05-25T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Not a fan of app I had an Old but ‘lost’ SE . The Earthlink app is much better . I returned the messenger after activating. Purchased used Explorer SE MAP and very happy
Date published: 2023-03-06T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Only moderately pleased. I use this primarily on a boat for out of cell service communication. While that works well, I was very disappointed that it cannot link with Garmin Explore to view map location on phone. Instead I need to wait until I have cell service to view on MapShare and of course, have my other chart plotters and gps on my phone. I just had hoped it would be more versatile.
Date published: 2023-02-23T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great device. Plans are too expensive Use it when skiing. Quick messages from app work well. Device seems reliable. Service plan is a ripoff
Date published: 2023-04-07T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy for older people Bought this a month ago and with a little direction from my son was able to send out messages myself. Even for non-techy people, this was pretty simple to do as the prompts are easy to understand and intuitive to follow.
Date published: 2023-05-21T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Outstanding Service & Peace of Mind in the Khumbu Here in the Everest reion there are broad patches where no cell comms available. Checking in with contacts in destination villages, family and friends. Most important, having the peace of mind in any situation is invaluable. I'll now have this with me on remote mountain bike and hiking adventures back home in the US.
Date published: 2022-10-19T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great unit but I more out of it First, it shipped incredibly fast from Garmin. Set-up was simple and the App functioned great. I purchased one month of the unlimited plan. I chatted with three people. There were a couple message that were lost in space. My wife had sent a message and it was lost. Adding new contacts must be done when you both have cell reception and LTE (wifi). Battery life is great. I wish they offered a brighter color than black (easy to lose). I was able to get message out with the unit in my RV, but outside they sent faster. I wish they could message from satellite device to satellite device (messenger to messenger or messenger to inReach) but no. Navigating the on-screen menu system is just ok. I was able to see I got a message on my Apple watch but could not reply. I am still confused about the costing… there is a set-up cost of $35 and a monthly charge of $65 (unlimited). You have to call and stop the service plan. It does not automatically stop. If you stop, you pay $5 a month to avoid the $35 set-up charge again? Its not 100% clear. All in all It does its intended job well.
Date published: 2022-10-19T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works as it should. Seems to be working great. It's nice to keep people informed about my whereabouts and that I'm ok.
Date published: 2022-12-18T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great size but missing featues Used the device a few times now. Messaging is good. The weather feature has only worked on my initial attempt. It currently won't pull down a weather report. After several days I will get a notice that the weather report was unsuccessful and I am told I won't be charged. I am just used to seeing "no forecast". As much as I try, it won't fetch a weather report. The Messenger App works well for messaging and device control. I miss that it does not integrate tracking into a map application like Explore. You can view your track on the Explore website (if you are in network coverage) but no integration with the App for offline mapping/tracking. Battery life seems about as promised, based on burn rate for multiday trips. Never attempted to go out to the full 28 days yet. Reverse charging is a neat feature. If the weather worked better and if tracking would integrate with a mobile app, this would be a 5 star product. Just OK for now.
Date published: 2023-01-16T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from 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 ..
Date published: 2023-01-19T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Didn’t work everywhere I was surprised that it didn’t work in mild tree cover in Montana. Even when I was in the open it didn’t work well.
Date published: 2022-11-08T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great safety device when off the grid I have truly enjoyed the new Garmin Messenger. It is very easy to set up and use. I strictly use it when I am miles offshore. It has worked extremely well. It is very nice to be able to reach anyone using satellite texting.
Date published: 2022-10-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Not for the technically challenged. We were given the in Reach Messenger as a Christmas gift by our kids after Hurricane Ian left us unreachable for 4 days. Fortunately, one of our sons set it up for us, otherwise I’d still be trying to figure out how to activate it. Also, the small , one inch or so display will not be easy to navigate. It’s a great emergency device for campers and climbers, etc…who might regularly use it, but not really easy for seniors.
Date published: 2023-01-11T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Ultralight, Excellent Battery Life! You cant beat REI's return policy. I purchased my garmin messenger to replace my bivystick (you have to keep the bivy charged or the battery goes bad). I used the Garmin for the first time three weeks ago. It worked great! The app is really easy to use. I texted and used the weather feature. Exchanging texts with my wife, her in a metro area, and me in the middle of nowhere, she texted me, I responded, and she responded back within a few seconds. I was shocked at how snappy it was. My bivy had a delay of 5-10 minutes. I used my bivy in 2022 to be rescued after being injured on trail. I will never hike without a satellite messenger ever again. I am glad it's a garmin messenger.
Date published: 2023-05-14T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Game-changing communication Cell phones were a game changer for cycling, and now the small, lightweight InReach devices are another game changer. I bought the InReach Messenger for cycling in remote areas. Even though I do mostly road rides some are in very remote areas with no cell reception for dozens of miles. Also for planed MTB rides in remote areas. I got the messenger because it is cheaper than the Mini 2 and seems to have all the features I wanted. The battery is also longer-lasting than the Mini models. I was using it one week after purchase on a remote gravel ride when we were clearly going to much later than planned and I was able to text home thru the Messenger App that we would be a couple hours late. I also set up the tracking so my wife could see where we were every 30 minutes if necessary. It is small enough to fit in my cycling jersey pocket and barely notice it is there.(note that it needs a clear view to the sky for tracking to work well. burying it in a pack will not work). I subscribed to the basic Safety plan since I only plan to use it for rare texts, SOS and minimal tracking at this time. The cost of texts and tracking on the Safety plan is so small that it would take about 300 of them to add up the higher "unlimited" subscription plan. Overall it has worked great and gives me assurance I can reach someone if need be no matter where I am. I plan to carry this on car trips as well, just in case...
Date published: 2023-05-03T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from It works great minus the battery I bought this because I get to go on a 3 to 5 day backpacking trip and my wife doesn’t like the idea of me being off grid so boom this awesome new device. It is awesome and communicates well. However after 5 days with it on it was down to 16% battery. I wanted to bring this up since this is a life safety device.
Date published: 2022-10-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from simply to use works great always had coverage was able to text people from the Atlantic
Date published: 2022-12-06T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Seems to work as advertised. I’ve only been able to use it on one hunt but it seem to work great. I was able to let family know where I was at and how I was doing in areas with no cell service. Gave them and me the peace of mind that we were hoping for.
Date published: 2022-10-25T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great little unit We’ve had this a month and have been happy with it. Battery life is great and app is easy to use. It takes a bit to get used to using the messenger without the app but it’s nice that it has that capability. Nice price point too and reasonable subscription options too.
Date published: 2023-04-08T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to set up I have not been in a position to make use of the Messenger.
Date published: 2023-04-20T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Functionality This is a great product. The only issue I have not resolved, is how to allow my wife’s phone to receive the messages. All of my friends and colleagues are able to receive messages. Perhaps she is blocking me?!
Date published: 2022-12-10T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from First thoughts I got this item as soon as I saw on sale. I had most of Garmin IRIDUM messengers, from DeLorme all the way up to Montana 700i. Each has its own plus and minus but in general all those are great devices. This one is amazing piece - size wise and features. The only one feature it was missing and that is why I had to return and go back to Inreach Mini 2 was not being able to record tracks and see those after the trip was done. Not best integration with Garmin Explore app. For some folks who do not care after trip data review should be an issue. I have huge collection of trails I had traveled in the past and any time I travel to new places, I would like to keep those tracks in Explore. Rather than that it is an amazing device.
Date published: 2022-10-21T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Unobtrusive I'm using it as a marine emergency locater. Beyond that, it is a very awkward device. The buttons are too small except using one's thumbnail. The menu is not intuitive. Battery life is long, a positive.
Date published: 2023-09-06T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Companion When Out of Reach The inReach Messenger has all of the features one could want when being out of reach but it also can double as a call for help even when you are in reach. I like the features but now I need to put them to a test on a trail in the mountains. Only complaint is the instructions leave a lot to be desired. There should be a way to test and learn all of the features in a simple way at home.
Date published: 2023-08-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Invaluable in the middle of a tough portage Got this for emergency communications in the backcountry, and had the emergency. Medivac helicopter came straight to our location, and paramedics big supporters of the device. If you're really off-road, this is a great piece of gear.
Date published: 2023-08-25T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great device First experience with a device like this. Took it on a one week remote canoe trip. The app makes it very easy to use and the connection happened quickly. I only used it to check-in and sent messages. After one week there was 93% battery left. I likely only had the unit on a total of 2-3 hours. I like the opportunity to suspend the monthly charges for those months where I am not using it. Highly recommend.
Date published: 2023-08-27T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from 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.
Date published: 2023-08-21T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Excellent battery life I just took this on a 4-day backpacking trip in southern Ohio in Shawnee State Park. It performed flawlessly even in the dense forest. I was most impressed by the battery life. I never turned it off day or night for 5 days, and then put it in the trunk of my car without turning it off for another day and a half on my way home. When I unpacked it still had about 25% charge. We also used it for a critical weather report which we needed to determine if it was a good idea to stay out on the trail another day. Overall, I am very happy I decided to get it.
Date published: 2023-08-19T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great backpacking item My friend and I went on a five day backpacking trip to Michigan's Isle Royale National Park, (no cell service whatsoever). My new messenger worked flawlessly. The blue tooth connected to my phone with no issues. I thought the app was very intuitive and it worked great. We texted a group easily with the phone in airplane mode to conserve the phone's battery. The group reported that they could locate us on the map when we sent our location. Very good overall experience!
Date published: 2023-08-22T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great for messaging and battery life Very easy to use for messaging and battery life. I had an inreach mini V1, but switched to the messenger for two reasons. #1 in shady countries it is not as suspicious looking. The inreach mini can bring some unwanted questioning or confiscation. #2 I wanted an easier messaging experience that used the same messaging app when using wifi, cell data, or satellite. The inreach mini V1 would only send messages via satellite. I also purchased an inreach messenger for my wife, so she can easily communicate with me if something happens. The inreach mini v1 was too complicated. The inreach messenger connects fast to satellites and the messages have been sent and received with no issues using data, Wi-Fi and satellite. The messenger app is user friendly, simple. I do wish it would connect to the Garmin Explore app to at least show your position on the map. Or, it would be great if Garmin would create a page on the Messenger app that showed you your location on a map as well as your location points that you have dropped to share with those tracking you. And in addition to that extra page on the Messenger app, an option to drop and name waypoints along the way. all in all it is an excellent product for messaging, emergencies, and for your people to be able to track you when they need to.
Date published: 2023-10-03T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Battery life surprise In general, real happy with the Messenger. However, I charged it to 100% on a Saturday and Tuesday I left on backcountry hike. As I was hiking I looked at battery life and was shocked to see only 32% so 68% reduction in just a few days. I think I figured out the issue which is that it was sitting in the house those days and it could not connect with satellites in which case battery life is much less than advertised. Once in the field, it only went down a few percentage points each day. So just a heads up on that.
Date published: 2023-10-02T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Returning for a New One I used it twice, and it worked fine. However now it won't charge fully, so I'm returning it for a new one. We'll see if it works better.
Date published: 2024-02-14T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Reassuring Ability to keep in touch with friends and family when off grid takes the isolation away without diminishing the wilderness experience! Plus SOS PRN
Date published: 2023-10-31T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works great! InReach Messenger works perfectly well and has reduced my family's anxiety a lot when I am away in the wilderness. This actually allows me to to take more trips into the wilderness and even allows me to go solo. The only thing that's missing are Gatmin recommendations on where and how to tether the Messenger for maximum signal exposure.
Date published: 2023-10-30T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Convenient I purchased the unit 3 weeks ago. Love the size and weight. Easy to use with the app. Acquires satélite quickly. I sold my in reach explorer plus
Date published: 2023-10-17T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Pretty ok Works way better than the first gen mini, but not sure why it doesn’t work with the explor app.
Date published: 2023-10-15T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Tracking - HORRIBLE battery life I set the tracking to 1 hour interval and the battery is exhausted in 1-3 days. I was inside most nights, and I'm sure that's the problem, but there must be a serious software problem. I don't think it's useful as a tracker given this situation.
Date published: 2023-10-14T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Less worry at home! I got this for trail running as there are times when I'm in areas without cell service. Paired with my fenix, I never have to take it out of my pack (in a top exterior pocket). Now there is a lot less anxiety at home because my husband can basically see where I am at all times.
Date published: 2023-10-17T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Simple set up and learning curve I bought one for me and my son about 1mo ago very simple to use, unbelievable battery life
Date published: 2023-11-10T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Painfully non-intuitive instructions The inReach Messenger has 3 places to set things up: the device, the app on your phone, the explore.garmin website. I currently have 9 tabs open on my web browser digging through help pages and the manual. I've been with the chat folks multiple times. There is no step-by-step setup and you have to read everything to figure out which of the 3 places to go to do anything. And -- the instructions are mostly wrong with regards to what you see on the screen and what actions to take. I just found out the engineers write the manuals and online help text and insist that no update is needed. That explains a whole lot. That goodness for well informed live chat!!!
Date published: 2023-11-06T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great device, but who chose the color? The interface with the Messenger app is seamless, unlike my early generation InReach. My only issue is the color. Why make a device that is used for emergencies black and inconspicuous? How about orange or red? Anything but black.
Date published: 2023-11-04T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Setup instructions take a lot for granted Recent purchase but have difficulty getting it set up. Biggest complaint is directions are not clear. For example: One part of the instructions states the device must be in "pair" mode to pair with the phone. I had to search the internet far and wide to find out how to put the device in "pairing" mode. Seems it would have been logical to include instructions about putting the device in "pairing" mode. Hopefully the rest of it will be less difficult.
Date published: 2023-11-07T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Lightweight, fast communicator This is my fourth inReach device. I started with the original Mini, gave it away and got the 66i, gave it to a friend and got the 750i. I loved the 750i for the camera and touchscreen, but it is big and heavy. I was going on a rugged five-night backpacking trip to a remote valley in the Sierras, so I bought and activated the Messnger. I'll keep the 750i and just use it as a handheld navigator. The Messnenger sends and receives messages faster (more promptly) than any inReach I've used. I think it's the antenna design and the transnit power, but I'm not sure. I just know it sends and receives quickly. I used it daily during my trip just to touch base with my wife and the sends seemed to only take seconds. On a few occasions her replies were very quick, limited by her response time not the device. Also, I love the Messenger App on my Android phone. It's well designed and very easy to use to configure the device and to send and receive messages. My favorite inReach ever and highly recommended.
Date published: 2023-10-10T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Frustrating Garmin Messenger displays coordinates but does not allow them to be copied to paste into a nav program, it should be an easy thing to do for a software developer but my guess is that would undermine sales of their InReach mapping devices so they purposely do not include the capability, frustrating and also potentially a limitation that could keep a stranded person from being rescued.
Date published: 2023-10-10T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from First off grid days. I bought the in reach specifically for an elk hunt in north New Mexico in areas above 10,000 feet with no cell service. It worked better than I expected and had great connection and awesome battery life during the entire five day hunt.
Date published: 2023-10-10T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use I bought this primarily for safety and tracking on long motorcycle rides. I found it easy to operate and it integrated well with my Garmin Zumo XT (also my Garmin Instinct watch during hikes). Battery life is great, dropping to 65% after 10 long travel days leaving breadcrumbs every 10 minutes. The only hiccup so far is that the used message count between the device (as read on the Messenger app) and Garmin Explore don't agree. I'm told that the Explore number is accurate.
Date published: 2023-10-05T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Not What I Expected I both this 3 weeks ago for a trip and doesn’t full fill mi expectations. It’s a lot more dificult to use than de inreach Mini. It doesn’t work with garning explore and farming Earthmate, making it only a comunication divise.
Date published: 2023-10-05T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Poor Service We were unable to link this device to my phone which means I was unable to test out the functions prior to the trip the Troop took out into the backcountry. Our Scoutmaster got it linked to his phone, and was able to get a test through - but it went to email, not to text. It's a very confusing device to use. We thought having something use a cell phone would be easier, but it absolutely wasn't. The interface on the device itself is extremely confusing and the manual doesn't help you figure out which button to press when to get something done. To top it off, the online FAQ pages were useless and the support person I got in touch with was rude and extremely unhelpful. And I still cannot get the app on my phone to send me a code - weeks later. A ticket was supposedly created, but that's the last I heard from Garmin.
Date published: 2023-10-24T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Tedious While it does work as advertised, I wish it was easier to use. It reminds me of trying to type an email using an old flip phone and pushing the number buttons multiple times to get the letter you need. Something a bit larger with a screen-keypad like an iPhone would be awesome.
Date published: 2023-10-20T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Garmin Explore I’ve been taking this out boating and we are far out of cell service. There needs to be a way to incorporate it with the Garmin explore app. My buddy was 20 miles away and was messaging with his Montana but I couldn’t tell where exact he was at.
Date published: 2023-10-12T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great unit Setup was fairly easy , unit hooks up with satellite well. No complaints
Date published: 2023-11-02T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great & Lightweight We ended up selling our Garmin Explorer+ so we could buy this more lightweight option. I don’t really need the Mini 2 features like the map & stuff. I really just wanted something for SOS and sending messages to friends/family while backpacking, hiking, climbing, etc. I feel like this was a great choice for what we need!
Date published: 2023-09-20T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Provides Peace of Mind After researching available options, I bought the Messenger for an off-grid trip in northern Maine. I subscribed to the Freedom Safety Plan and purchased SAR insurance. The unit was easy to set up and test and worked seamlessly when utilizing either cell or satellite connections. The audio signal it emits upon sending and receiving messages was a welcome confirmation that I was in contact with my family, letting them know that all was well.
Date published: 2023-09-20T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Simple messenger Great unit for messaging and tracking for friends and family. Small, light, and easy to use while bluetooth to phone. My biggest issue with it is that there is no way to track yourself. Others can see where you are but you cannot. If it was compatible with garmin explorer app or if the garmin messenger app had a MAP tab at the bottom that could show where you were this unit would be perfect. Since it can already track your path and bluetooth to your phone I know it has the capability to show you where you are. GARMIN, please add this feature/capability!
Date published: 2023-09-24T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from love it! I bought this 3 weeks ago for elk hunting (sometimes solo) at high altitude in the Colorado mountains. It has all the features I need in a device like this, messaging, ability to send my location, and SOS of course (and other features I don’t really use). It was an obvious choice for me over the mini 2 with the longer battery time, upgraded antenna and lower price. It has worked great so far for messaging.
Date published: 2023-09-23T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Wish I bought this 10 years ago Makes me Feel so much more secure on the trail as a woman. Definitely 10000% worth it!
Date published: 2023-09-23T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Could use a few improvements When it works, it works well. I have found that there are times when I'm in a plane and it can't seem to maintain a lock on satellites. I don't know if that's due to speed and/or altitude driving the loss. It has plenty of a view of the sky and should be locked on fine. Also, I wish the phone number that it uses to send was fixed and assigned, like it is with their competitors (Zoleo and SpotX). It's irritating that recipients can't put that number into their contacts.
Date published: 2024-02-21T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Garmin nailed this one! I’ve been following developments in many satellite communication devices for several years. The Garmin Messenger definitely caught my attention. The battery life is amazing and the device is easy to use. It pairs easily with my iPhone for texting messages and the security it gave my wife on my last solo hike was easily worth it. REI had a $50 off sale, I couldn’t resist. I slipped it in the top compartment of my backpack and never turned it off. I’ve purchased other Garmin products in the past and they never disappoint. Thanks Garmin!
Date published: 2023-09-29T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from It works great The messenger sent my wife check-in texts even when it was cloudy and snowing. Great for reducing worrying. I don’t consider myself as hiking solo anymore.
Date published: 2024-02-11T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from It works! We particularly appreciate the "find-my-husband" website that logs the device's location in the backcountry every X minutes.
Date published: 2023-11-21T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Perfect Works as advertised! Perfect for those hikes where we cant get cell service and can still reach out if needed.
Date published: 2023-11-24T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from so far, so good I've captured satellites, sent and received messages under tree cover and sometime with the device in my pocket.
Date published: 2023-11-25T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Battery life ! Short battery life , last only about a day. Poor satellite signal.
Date published: 2023-12-13T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from It will not connect to my phone I have tried but this will not connect to my phone. I am going to call Garmin and see if they can help me fix the problem. So far, I am not impressed with it.
Date published: 2023-12-11T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Exceeded all expectations Took the messenger on trip to coastal islands without good cell coverage. Messaging was quicker than I expected, tracking was good, and the battery life is amazing. On all the time, tracking for 5 days at 10 minute intervals, about 15 total messages, and battery was at 69% at the end of the trip.
Date published: 2023-12-09T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Perfect size The size is great. Perfect for just throwing in a bag or pocket for the possible need. The app is user friendly.
Date published: 2023-12-11T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Fine so far Seems to be working fine. However had to give everyone that follows a password to access location. Not as simple as I expected.
Date published: 2024-01-07T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy To Use! Got this for my husband because he goes out of cell phone service often and he is not very tech-savvy. He loves the app & finds it very easy to use. Love it!
Date published: 2024-01-08T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Not sure I just purchased and activated. I haven't had opportunities to actually use it yet. I am however having trouble with Messenger app not synching with my contacts on Samsung phone. Messenger app says I need to do upgrade to recieve all features but won't let me do an upgrade. The device indicates that all updates are up to date
Date published: 2023-12-30T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Worth it Helpful, tough device that creates peace of mind. Best part is easy to access phone support I needed to understand Mapshare
Date published: 2024-01-17T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The Unit Is Great. The App Is Not! I'm very happy with my inReach Messenger. Performs well. The Messenger app is easy to download, but not easy to get functioning. I had to download it, uninstall it, and install it again, 7 or 8 times. At setup, it just kept saying it needed an Update. The update wouldn't work, and kept telling me to Try Again. And again. And again. And again. I even had a Garmin representative helping me for almost 30 minutes, and it still wouldn't work. I've read a lot of reviews that state they also had this problem. I own several Garmin products. So, I finally decided to try using Garmin Express on my laptop to get it going. It worked. A direct USB connection to my computer fixed it. That's an awful lot to have to go through just to get everything working. But, if this helps someone else, we're good. Now that everything is working, I'm completely happy with it.
Date published: 2024-01-17T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from First Impressions Good Too early for meaningful comment, but have used the InReach Messenger on a couple test outings. Day on Bull Island and century ride in spotty cell coverage. Only using it as a basic check-in device. Long term plan is to use phone to text pics to folks when in service, check-in with IRM whenever we take a break whether in cell service or not, between check-in points let them refer the posted route, and of course use the IRM if emergency. The device did great on test outings! Very small and easy to stow in a safe spot. Don’t need to touch it because can operate through phone. Run phone on Airplane Mode to preserve batt until it needs to control the IRM. While on Airplane Mode can also take pics and navigate via RideWithGPS downloaded file. Am looking forward to working with the InReach Messenger more!
Date published: 2024-01-10T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Chromebook style architecture To me the Messenger design is somewhat like a Chromebook. It requires a cloud data link for track recording functionality. And that data stream means you would want a mid-range or high-end data plan. I've previously owned both the inReach Mini and the inReach Mini 2. I decided to upgrade to the inReach Messenger based on the 2x battery life. Most of my outings are day hikes, but I do an occasional weeklong backpack. A typical comment I've seen is that the Messenger's longer battery life allows you to record a seven-day trek route on a single charge. That is a compelling. I pay for the monthly 'Safety' plan, $12.95/month. That plan has a per track point fee. Fortunately, the inReach Mini 2 has a setting (Send Interval: off) to disable data upload and just save recorded track points on the device for later transfer at home. I was very surprised to find out that the Messenger does not have that option. If you record a track point, it uploads. No choice. The 'Recreation' $24.95/month and 'Expedition' $49.95/month plans do not charge for uploading track points. So, if you have one of those plans the Messenger could be a very good match to your needs. But it was not a good match for me.
Date published: 2023-12-07T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Performed flawlessly Just purchased my inReach Messenger before a seven day float trip down the Main Salmon in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Started out by charging it to 100% about four days before I left and turning it off. When I turned it on the first night, the battery had dropped (while turned off) to 92%. This concerned me a lot, but over the course of the next seven days, using it morning and night to check the weather (and send about a dozen or so texts total), the battery only dropped down to 82%. Odd that it lost so much charge while turned off, but using it seemed to support the battery life claim. Meanwhile, the unit had no problem finding satellites, even in some deep parts of the river canyon. Messages sent and received without any problems. And the companion app on the phone made it all super easy and painless. Very happy with this device!
Date published: 2023-09-19T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Safety device I need this to be able to get help if I am in a remote area with no cell service, which I frequently am. Also a good device to have on long road trips in case help is needed. Lacking on tracking on the website
Date published: 2023-11-14T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Pretty Cool! My husband got this for me so he could stay in touch with me when I am hunting in remote areas of Montana where there is no cell service. It gives him great peace of mind that he can text me and reach me, or vice versa, if needed. There is also a powerful SOS feature on the device in the event you ever find yourself in serious trouble and need help.
Date published: 2023-11-14T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Product I bought for a hunt that I was going on out of state and it came in handy multiple time to be able to communicate
Date published: 2023-12-01T00:00:00-05:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Peace of Mind Loved ones can track your location. You can push the SOS button to pop smoke in an emergency. And - if you feel the need to text while out in the trail - you can messages if you’re homesick.
Date published: 2024-03-18T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Small size, excellent battery life Used last week for a trip. Turned it on, and it had 82% battery. Left it on, with 10 minute tracking, and a week later, it was down to 56%. The compact, flat shape makes it easy to set up on your dashboard or similar. Mine is mounted to a panel on the dash of my 4Runner with a velcro strap, so it's easy to remove when needed. The phone app works well for sending and receiving messages (just remember that it also sends over cell data if you have a cell signal). The SOS button is accessible behind a small cover, so no chance of accidentally hitting it while the Messenger is in use or in the top flap of a backpack. Definitely a good piece of kit for an overlander or someone looking for something smaller than the InReach Mini, GPSMap, or older Explorer+
Date published: 2024-03-18T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great features and battery life I purchased this for a 10 day motorcycle trip around Arizona, and I was very happy with it. I had tried other devices in the past, and this has been the only one that met my expectations. Loved that my family to "follow" me during the trip, and knowing that I was protected in the remote areas without a cell signal was a great piece of mind. I'd highly recommend this if you travel knowing cell signals will be dicey.
Date published: 2024-04-12T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from So far so good! I bought this device for my trip to Arizona. I luckily didn’t need to use the SOS features, but I loved the security it gave me. My family was able to follow me throughout the day via the tracking features. I had used the Spot in the past and never got it to work properly, but the Messager work as expected. I’m very satisfied with my purchase!
Date published: 2024-04-08T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Safety net I hike alone sometimes there is no cell service I'm able to keep in touch with my family now. I notice a lot of hikers are Also using the garmin devices. Simple easy to use.
Date published: 2024-05-01T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Garmin Inreach Messenger Received our inreach messengers. Got it in 2 days. Charged it, set up and bought a faraday bag for them. Incase of a "solar flare".
Date published: 2024-03-23T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works well once set up Everything works as advertised. The only strange bit (unless I just missed something) was setting up contacts I wanted to include in my check-ins and tracking. I was the default recipient which didn't make much sense. Once I figured that out, everything went fine. Definitely check everything with a friend BEFORE you head out.
Date published: 2024-04-19T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Poor battery life, mediocre reception Battery sucks! only lasts 2 days on average Reception is just ok. Lots of waiting, failed to send about a quarter of the time Overall, I'm not impressed
Date published: 2024-04-19T00:00:00-04:00
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Fantástico dispositivo me encanto!! es rápido y efectivo, un poco difícil la programación pero una vez hecha es una bala.. funciona perfecto
Date published: 2024-04-26T00:00:00-04:00

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