Garmin inReach® Messenger Satellite Communicator, Global Two-Way Messaging

I had wanted this for many, many years, but the price and subscription really held me back. This idea came back after my wife complained about my hiking in areas where there is no cellular signal and was concerned about my safety. I just need a way to text my wife my coordinates and make her feel more comfortable. Most of the time, I hike on well-maintained trails, but sometimes it’s just me hiking alone for hours. I was debating whether to get the Messenger or the inReach Mini 2. After checking the reviews, I think this one fits the bill: it’s cheaper and meets my basic requirements. I don’t need to send videos or voice messages. But the best part is that Garmin offers the Enabled plan, which is very affordable and allows me to subscribe when I need it without paying a reactivation fee after the first time. For sending the message, I use the message app to type the message, no need to fight with the little screen on the device. The construction is good and sturdy, battery last for many trips before recharting. I didn't go into the remote wild area, so the device always picks up the GPS signal even I keep it inside my hiking backpack.

I bought this specifically for fishing trips I take to SE Alaska where we get dropped off at old forest service dry cabins dotted around the Tongass National Forest, 20-30 miles from the nearest town so there's no cell service. This thing worked like a champ in all weather conditions - we didn't have a clear view of the sky, maybe 50% clear coverage from the North and East, the rest being tree coverage, but it was enough where we never had issues sending or receiving messages, or getting weather updates. Longest I think it ever took for a message to get out was about 10 minutes, and that was when it was raining and cloudy. The paired phone app definitely makes it really easy to utilize the device as well, so don't skip that step if you buy one of these. I very much appreciate that Garmin has two different subscription methods - yearly subscription and monthly when you need it. I use the monthly as I only need it a couple times a year, so I just suspend it between usage. Since I use the monthly subscription, it does have a yearly fee involved that the yearly subscription isn't subjected too (something like $35), but compared to $400-500 for a SIM card pre-loaded with minutes on my sat phone that barely works, and where the minutes expire in 6 months, this is a steal! My main complaint is the battery life, in reality if you're sending and receiving a couple dozen texts a day, and it's not perfectly clear skies, expect 2-3 days - this is a very minor gripe as I always come prepared with many methods to recharge my gear. Fortunately, it doesn't eat up much from my battery banks, and it charged just fine with my folding solar panels. Secondly, I haven't figured out a way to charge the device while it's turned off - as soon as I plug it in to charge, it turns on, which often defeats the purpose of what I'm trying to do. Overall, extremely pleased with this purchase, only thing that could make it better is if Garmin teamed up with one of the big satellite companies for better bandwidth so my wife can send me pictures of my dogs over the messenger!

I have had an Insight Messenger for almost two years. I used this in a remote part of Madagascar. It functioned perfectly for what it’s designed to do. It’s not for unlimited texting, but it allows essential communication. A smart phone is necessary to send texts through the Garmin InTouch, and makes it lots easier to read texts that are received. If you exceed allotted number of texts for your plan, the cost is reasonable. I did not require emergency assistance, but knowing it was available was reassuring. I use it regularly for an emergency locator when hiking in the US. The ability to directly communicate with emergency response personnel is an extremely attractive feature. Battery life is great, light weight and small. It doesn’t necessarily require a smart phone for emergencies, but the smart phone makes it much easier to use, more comforting, and generally better.

Yes, this did work for me while I was in the tent in the boundary water canoe area. But I can’t say that it worked perfectly or seamlessly. I would definitely practice before you get out there and make sure you understand how it will work. For example, the messages come in on a different phone number so my wife thought it was someone spamming her at first. Also, it didn’t work as easily as expected, and sometimes I had my iPhone use the passing satellite and sometimes the Garmin. So yes, it was valuable for staying in contact, but it was not a seamless experience as a new user. I did not have to use the SOS feature and that might be all someone really cares about.

Fantastic battery life, I used it for 8 days in and out of cell coverage at only used 40% of the battery. Can be used without a phone, but using a phone via Bluetooth makes things easier. Garmin has several plans to suit your needs, although you must have some plan active to use the system. Easy to set up contacts. 3 predefined messages (starting, stopping and allos well) and many customizable messages. I did not use the SOS, nor did I attempt to test it, but instructions are provided. I purchased a silicone case and that made it not slide around on my dash. The device signals when too hot or too cold, and I was pleasantly surprised that even a full day in the sun on my dash didn't cause it to complain about the heat. The devices uses your phones BT to access the Internet via it's WiFi or cellular (no Garmin fees) and only uses satellite (Garmin fees) when there is no other option for coverage. Great customer support website. Nice way to share your progress via a amp with anyone. Overall great product.

Works as advertised is perfect for if you're out on the road somewhere and you don't have cell coverage and you break down can preload your information in the garmin website, so they have all your vehicle information and tow companies, name and everything they will hope get you out of a Bind.If people have the messenger app , they can get a hold of you anytime

Ok, this great - but before you get to the review, know this. Both the user and receiver of messages MUST try it all out and simulate the scenarios you want to test. For example. Put you your phone into airplane mode, turn bluetooth on, and try and send and receive messages. Anytime you test this device, make sure your phone is in airplane mode. The garmin messenger WILL use cell service your phone if it is available. This is great as it will save you charges from garmin. The testing is important as you will learn the noises it make when you send and receive messages. You will also learn how much coverage you need, and where the device needs to be to communicate with satellites. The last thing you need to work out is what message mean. For example, when I send a "check in" message, it means I have good cell service now. If I send a "starting" message after my first one of the day it means that I am taking a break. My second "Stop of the day means I am going to sleep. OK the review. You do not need a phone to use it, but it is HIGHLY recommend. I only turn the device on and off, and start and stop tracking on the device. Everything else is done on my phone. You need a pretty good view of the sky to use, but some tree cover is acceptable. It works within in less than 10 seconds with a clear view. The people you want to communicate with will have choice. Garmin messenger OR email and text. Once a person registers with the garmin messenger app, text message will go there, rather than their phone. The battery life is good. I recommend less than 10 min ute tracking, as the battery lasts longer. I keep the device charged every night. The device can be used as a power source for a small amount of power in an emergency. I do not recommend that except in a very critical emergency. Lastly, I have never pressed the SOS button, but I did use it in a serious situation to help me get out safely. It works.

I purchased this device for a trip to a remote island. The instructions are the most unclear I’ve ever read. It asks you to download three apps. Everything is vague. I have no idea when I am sending via satellite or through my phone number. I have no idea if I can text any number out in the middle of nowhere, and I have no idea if I have a unique number or not. None of this is spelled out, and none of the instructions are clear. I would give this negative stars if I could. Garmin needs to do better, I will never purchase another product from them. EDIT: after using this near the Canadian shield, I would rate it lower if I could. This does nothing more than an iPhone can do. No dedicated phone number, no quick messaging, no quick weather reception, a parasitic battery draw. I ended up using my iPhone to text via satellite and it also has SOS service. Save your money and don’t waste it on Garmin products.

Tuve 2 mini inrech y ambos se les termina la batería en 2 o 3 hrs., uno simplemente dejó de funcionar, ya no cubría garantía desafortundadmente. Este le dura, sin problemas 78 hrs continuas, con trak de 10 mins. Esto quiere decir que si lo apagas cada noche, casi una semana sin tener que recargar... Y funciona con una app nueva que es muy facil de usar y mandar mensajes y reccibir. Otra cosa importante es que puedes enviar mensajes y en el caso que tenga Red Celular, se manda por ese medio sin gastar tus mensajes Satelitales. Automaticamente busca cualquier señal y se manda rapido.

Does exactly the job it’s meant to do. Excellent battery life and links very well with app for ease of use. Probably the best value for money of all the satellite communicators (for using in the Uk (unless you want additional features like navigation)

This is a great satellite communicator. I've taken my garmin inreach messenger on a few hikes in the mountains and never had an issue with with not being able to send and receive messages. The S.O.S feature is also an added piece of mind especially when in the mountains or out kayaking. The only downside is the initial expense with the cost of the device and the initial activation cost but the monthly plans are reasonable and can be suspended for no cost. At the end of the day my personal safety and well being was worth the expense.

Thanks - - the device arrived and it is just what I needed.

Funziona molto bene, è una sicurezza impagabile. I piani tariffari sono equi e la batteria infinita